<p>nycm - I may have given you some of this information on another thread. We attended another excellent Vassar orchestra concert last evening. The orchestra conductor a Vassar is outstanding. Everyone loves him and I get ‘goosebumps’ every orchestra concert. There is always one of those surprise and incredible musical moments. Be sure to visit Vassar in your travels and go to an orchestra rehearsal. As I have said before, we are thrilled with the experience S1 and S2 are having at Vassar especially in the music department. Lessons are on campus.</p>
<p>A good friend attends Swarthmore and has had a great musical experience there also - orchestra and chamber music. I think she needed to travel to Philadelphia for lessons though. </p>
<p>I have heard good things about the Brandeis music department - small and friendly. I have not heard the orchestra.</p>
<p>Also think about Wesleyan, Bard, Hamilton (yes - we were surprised - the orchestra was all students and really good) and Skidmore for LACs. I have heard all the orchestras over the past 5 years or so. Amherst has the 5 college consortium opportunities (UMASS) but I have not hear their orchestra. The Tufts music building is newer and we visited on a sunny Friday afternoon and many people were practicing - have not heard the orchestra. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. PM me with any questions.</p>