In general, college string players don’t like opera assignments. There are many more rehearsals than for orchestral concerts, the rep is not (for their purposes) that interesting, they play in a pit, etc. On the other hand, jobs in opera orchestras tend to pay well.
@Mezzo’sMama, I think it was a good experience for him. He said the music was ‘boring’ but he never complained about doing it. I know he liked working with the conductor. I watched the livestream on both Friday and Saturday and was blown away by how professional it was. Plus they had subtitles and live commentary so that really helped me understand what was going on. Had never heard of Alcina but it was really good. Crazy to think that even back in the 1750s they were writing about love triangles and magic.
@glassharmonica, yes you are likely right. Given the size of IU they actually have 2 casts for each opera which, for the orchestra, means rehearsing with both. However, the extra rehearsals were just the one week so that isn’t too bad. Each orchestra (there are 5) takes a turn with a different opera throughout the year so they really can’t complain. All part of being a musician and a good opportunity to collaborate with the vocalists.
My jazz guitarist son was “refused” by McGill, according to Minerva login on Feb 8th. Somehow, “declined” sounds kinder - those Canadians are harsh!
Oh no, sorry to hear that @drummergirl. You are right that it is an interesting choice of words to use but please know that we (Canadians) aren’t normally harsh. Wishing you all the best with your son’s other auditions.
Thank you BCVIOLINMOM! I have always considered Canadians a mellow group. Refused is kinder than Rejected, I guess. The Brits would probably say Rebuffed.
Yes, I was also thinking thank goodness they didn’t say rejected. Generally we are thought of as too polite - maybe some people are trying to alter this preconception - lol.
sorry for late reply: yes my son received an email from McGill
I think my son must be one of the few who wants to play in pit orchestras. But he is a huge opera fan.
@cellomom6- my daughter thanks your son, and so do I! We need those sturdy souls who can make beautiful music from the pit and play dress rehearsals at 10:30 AM and be back there playing a performance again at 8 PM.
Just got into UM frost 02/24/15, I’m wondering which thread to post this to though??
@OperaAdri- it goes in the “Acceptances & Final Decisions” thread, naturally! The procedure is to post exactly what you did here, over there and I will include it in the master list, but since I’ve just caught this, I’ll take care of it now!
Ok, will do! Sorry I just didn’t know what it was called. Thanks @Mezzo’sMama !
Wondering if someone can clarify something for me. My D contacted UMich and was told that there is no pre-screen for UG voice and yet we see a couple references of people passing their pre-screens at UM for UG Voice. What are we missing?
.Admission requirements change, that’s why it’s always best to call the school.
@momzhood - I checked U Mich will not be prescreening Vocal Performance candidates this year ( for the 2016-2017 school year). I’m seeing this with other schools too, and I think it’s a wise choice because young singers do not always come across well on recordings and there is a lot to be gained by seeing/hearing them in person.
As musica adivised, always check for current requirements and if you have questions, call the school directly- they don’t mind a bit!
I’ll be starting a new Pre-screen Thread a bit later on in the fall.
My D recorded her pre-screen for Miami-Frost and is sending it out this week! New School and Colorado-Denver on her list also have pre-screens.