Hi my child got accepted into both the cello workshop and the young orchestra program. We applied for both programs because we didn’t know how difficult each program are to get accepted. We need to choose one program because we can’t afford to send him to both programs. Which programs would you suggest?
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The young artist program…that’s the orchestra program, right?
It’s very good and your kid will get a lot of practice on a lot of different repertoire.
Our kid did attend both the workshop and wind ensemble his first year…that was suggested as a way to ease into the ensemble program. But if you can only do one…do the orchestra…in my opinion.
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It does seem like the YAO is the more difficult to get into and a better ‘get’. But obviously longer and more expensive. If I could choose one it would be the orchestra.
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Hi have you applied for scholarship money - I think that comes out next week? They are quite good sums so may help? If choosing - the workshops are fantastic for technical work on specific instruments as well as some nice performance opportunities; the longer ensemble programmes do have lessons included but less time on technical work as so much rehearsal and chamber work to fit in. So i would chose on the basis of your young persons priorities this year - do they want two week of intense largely but not entirely solo work in preparing for auditions etc or an excellent (but very tiring) orchestral Summer?
@TXartSearch i dont think that is the case for all instruments - some of the workshops are very oversubscribed
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It also depends on what your child wants to work on. Ours wanted to work on solo works/college audition stuff so did not do the orchestra.
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D23 did both flute workshop and orchestra programs one summer, she applied for a scholarship and was able to attend two programs. You may also be able to negotiate it a little bit, many festivals offer scholarships and then you have an opportunity to appeal financial aid/award. Something to consider - if your kid is thinking about BU, Cello instructor may be able to waive the prescreen audition for Boston University. Little perk. Plus your kid can get a good feel for that studio’s vibe and get sample lessons with the workshop instructor and guest instructors. Saves you resources - money and time during the busy audition season.
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My 16 year old horn playing son is accepted to the two week horn workshop and waitlisted for the YAWE. Does anyone have a sense of how many are waitlisted each year?
A friend in his youth orchestra said that the 2 week workshop is not really worth it for the cost, that it’s ‘basically pay for play’ and they let in ‘close to everyone that’s any good’.
This was disheartening to him obviously. We knew that it was somewhat less selective because obviously the ensembles can only take a small number of horns.
Anyone done the 2 week? Especially as a brass instrument? Is it dozens of kids?
Not sure if I should cross post this. Seems like it’s tough to pull back the curtain on how these things work.
Well maybe Horn is different but DD’s workshops have been fantastic and I think usually 10-12 players in each; quite a few players leave after the workshops to go to other things such as NYO. Others stay on for YAWE and YAO. Do check the faculty for your DS’s instrument though as that will give you a good sense of things. RE waiting lists - they do move but not much i think; there are last minute drop outs or illnesses which mean there are late spaces incl sometimes YAWE players esp brass Are asked to stay for the final part of YAO if they can.
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My S was accepted to the 2 week workshop for a wind last year at basically the last minute and decided not to go. The other kids that were accepted were among the best at his instrument in HS in the country. I don’t know anything about brass.
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I appreciate the insights. If there are only a dozen or so then it’s certainly selective. There have to be many, many more applicants.
I’ve learned not to necessarily listen to one person’s bad experience if they are in the overwhelming minority.
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Well not every setting suits everyone - DD is going back for her third year so i guess she is rather biased!
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Yup. My son may not be Juilliard bound but he is high level and he did not get into buti and had a wonderful experience at Kinhaven. He even had a great experience at New England music camps chamber program. All of the programs that have your kid playing 4-8 hours a day will increase their level
My daughter was similarly accepted to the flute workshop and waitlisted for the wind ensemble two years ago and then waitlisted for YAO last summer. I highly recommend calling the BUTI office to ask about the waitlist. They were very helpful in letting us know my daughter’s position on the waitlist, when they expected responses and possibly when there might be movement on her particular waitlist.
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My daughter was waitlisted for the wind ensemble last year and was ultimately offered a spot. She couldn’t do the 2 week workshop because high school didn’t get out in time. She thought the level of play was very good and she really enjoyed her time there - not only the instruction but the access to Tanglewood and so many free concerts and events.
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It depends on your focus. YAO is more prestigious and it’s only during YAO that the typical “magical nights at Tanglewood” happen when BSO performs. However, YAO is mainly orchestra with a few chamber works. If you want more time for solo work and practice especially if you’re going into senior year and auditions, I’d choose a different program totally and not do either of these.
Hi not this year as the dates are different - the Workshops are running through 4th July plus Opening Night (BSO, Hilary Hahn) so the workshops will have some amazing concerts to watch and get the full Tanglewood experience.
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My trumpet playing son said it was not “dozens”. He recalls it being about 12-15 kids and felt it was really well done, and worth doing. He did this before being in the Wind Ensemble. He wanted wind ensemble as a brass player to get the maximum amount of playing time. Plus, he got to work with a fabulous conductor and that was one of the reasons he applied.
Anyway…back to the workshop…my kid liked it. Only did it the first summer he was at BUTI.
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