<p>Stringkeymom - I know you and your son agonized over the which college to choose. I’m so glad for you both that Yale seems to have been a good choice!</p>
<p>Stringkeymom: You mention that your son is taking private music lessons for credit. The Music Department requires undergrad students who take lessons for credit to concurrently take Music Theory. I thought the rule was hard-and-fast, but it sounds like there must be some flexibility. How is your son able to take for-credit lessons without theory?</p>
<p>I am not sure how to express this, but I am comforted this morning by the presence of other Eli moms (and dads) on this thread. While we only know each other on this board, it is reassuring to check in with each other during this very difficult time. I know all of us are just heartbroken about Annie Le and at the same time concerned for our own children - not so much for their physical safety, but for how horrible this must be for them. I know I will continue to pray for Annie Le’s loved ones and for the swift resolution of this unimaginable crime.</p>
<p>It’s an unspeakable tragedy. I can’t think of much more than the private horror this is for the young woman’s family and her fiance, but yes, it’s an emotional blow to the university community, too.</p>
<p>worknprogress: My sentiments exactly - coming to this thread is a comfort as I confront this despicable crime and the wrenching pain it has caused Annie Le’s family, friends, fellow Yale students, and even complete strangers like myself. My heart goes out to her family and fiance. Whatever loss I was feeling about my S leaving home seems nonsensical now, in light of their loss.</p>
<p>WJB–</p>
<p>I think you are correct on the Music Theory/Music lessons for credit pre-req. My S is in Music Theory but feels like taking lessons for credit may be too much with his current classes. That .5 can be very hard and a lot of time if they do juries. He graduated from a conservatory based high school, too so its a little disappointing. He is considering private lesson twice a month to keep, but it is extra $. Do you know if this is a good option?</p>
<p>I pm’ed you, ncsamom.</p>
<p>wjb: You are correct. Students who want to take private lessons for credit must take the Music department theory placement examinations, on the basis of which they are placed in a theory course which they must take concurrently with their lessons, or they are placed out of the theory requirement. </p>
<p>About the private lessons: I believe many teachers at Yale are open and friendly to this option. I am sure if interested students contacted the chair or DUS of the Music Department, they would receive helpful recommendations.</p>
<p>Yalemom: We are officially loving Yale! (It was a very tough decision, but from the moment we saw the cheering upperclassmen eager to move my son in, we never looked back.) I will write on the music major forum about my son’s musical experiences so far.</p>
<p>The campus news today was very distressing and sobering. I was moved by the way the campus drew together for a candlelight vigil, and by the fact that prayers for the family of Annie Le were passed to students in emails through their appropriate campus religious group affiliations. </p>
<p>I know all the parents and students on this forum are united in our sympathies for the Le family and our sorrow over this tragic nightmare.</p>
<p>I visited my kids at Yale last week with some out of town family and happened upon a YSO rehearsal. They sound fabulous! Anyone going to Parents’ Weekend should definitely check out the concerts. There will be the official ones by the YSO, the Glee Club, and the Concert Band, but other groups will also be playing. Also, if you are going to be there on Friday, definitely attend a lecture or two!</p>
<p>Here are links to musical events this weekend:<br>
[Hear</a> some songs this Family weekend The Yale Herald](<a href=“yaleherald.com”>yaleherald.com)</p>
<p>The Yale community just received an e-mail about the death of a Yale undergrad, whose roommates found him unresponsive this morning. The message, from the Dean, says there was no foul play, but gives no indication of the cause of death. So tragic and troubling.</p>
<p>So sad. There’s a little more about this in the YDN: [Yale</a> Daily News - BRANFORD SOPHOMORE DIES; CAUSE UNKNOWN](<a href=“http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/university-news/2009/11/01/branford-sophomore-found-unresponsive/]Yale”>http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/university-news/2009/11/01/branford-sophomore-found-unresponsive/)</p>
<p>Just read the email and the link to the YDN. So very sad.</p>
<p>The YDN article mentions administrative concerns over alcohol and drug use on campus. Apparently, several students were hospitalized after last week’s Safety Dance. I just spoke with my son, who confirms that Halloween is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year on campus. </p>
<p>Obviously, we don’t know what caused this young man’s death. Still, I wonder, how do we get through to our kids that binge drinking is perilous? What motivates them to do it? College students, even the best and the brightest of them, don’t seem to realize they’re not invincible.</p>
<p>My daughter is inconsolable tonight. He was a friend, and simply an outstanding student and member of the Yale community. My heart goes out to his family.</p>
<p>Oh, Riverrunner, this is when it is so hard to be away from our kids. I can’t imagine how devastated your daughter must be right now. I know how close kids are in the same residential college, they can become more like siblings than just friends. It sounds like Narcisse was a remarkable guy with charisma and talent to spare. </p>
<p>I am sure you would just like to be with your daughter for a couple of hours to hold her and wrap her in your love. </p>
<p>My DD called me yesterday before we got the email and all I could think of was how would his family ever cope with their grief. </p>
<p>My prayers are with his family and his friends who will never really get over this loss.</p>
<p>riverrunner, my heart goes out to your D. YDN has a wonderful tribute [Yale</a> Daily News - Peers remember Narcisse '12 fondly](<a href=“http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/university-news/2009/11/02/peers-remember-narcisse-12-fondly/]Yale”>http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/university-news/2009/11/02/peers-remember-narcisse-12-fondly/).
My D didn’t know him but they have mutual friends. I’m sure the whole Yale community is devastated by his death. Our prayers and condolences to his family and friends.</p>
<p>Just curious - do we have a mother of a JE freshman here? Met one on Saturday before the Game and afterwards I wondered is she happened to be a CC mom.</p>
<p>I’m the father of a JE freshman…you might have met us. My wife was the one who left her cellphone in the Porta-Potty.</p>
<p>As in, “You do know that’s not a phone booth?”</p>
<p>Pleased to meet you, M/M Hunt!</p>