<p>Thank you, musicprnt! You have helped validate the decision my DS made to attend a program where the cost was somewhat higher than some of the alternatives. My DS said many of the things you have when discussing his desire to attend Juilliard rather than the other university based programs he had available. He felt that the level of the full orchestra, as well as the rapport with the teacher, and the possibility for networking was greater there. He is also the type of kid who feels motivated by strong “competition”. The presence of great players in his instrument pushes him to be better, so being the big fish in a small pond is not ideal for him. He felt that Juilliard would have the best orchestra, taking all instruments into account, not simply the strength of his section. If he did not play a wind instrument, perhaps this would be less critical, but knowing he would rarely play solo work, he felt this was important.</p>