<p>Although I am abroad now, I usually play the viola in the Pomona College Orchestra so I can try to answer your question. I was probably in a similar position as you when I came to Pomona. There are two orchestras in the Claremont Colleges, the Pomona one and the Claremont one which consists of people from the other four colleges. Pomona’s is generally recognized as the better one - we even pull in people from the other schools who want a more serious orchestra. That being said, our orchestra is good, particularly for a small, liberal arts college, but it isn’t going to be anything like an all-state symphony orchestra. I would probably compare it to my all-suburban orchestra back at home. There are a lot of talented people in it, but I think the problem is that many people don’t have the time to practice as much as they should. It is still a serious orchestra, and we play some great pieces, and I like the conductor, but it really depends on what you’re looking for. We always have two programs per semester and two performances per program, and we rehearse and perform in a very nice music hall (Little Bridges), which is better than one of the larger private universities I was deciding between. If you are unsatisfied with the orchestra, there is always the option to get involved in chamber groups with some really talented musicians, which you can get credit for as well.</p>
<p>If you don’t mind me asking, what instrument do you play? I kind of assumed that you were a strings player, but if you aren’t, that opens up a few more options in terms of ensemble groups that you can join.</p>