<p>Hi,
I'm asking this for a friend of my daughters. My daughter has planned on Music school for either performance or education, I think forever, as some of you know. She's a Freshmen in high school. </p>
<p>She met a girl from a neighboring school through her various musical endeavors. This girl is a very talented French Horn player and has a lot of honors in this regard, Conference All-State this year I believe or maybe alternate. So although we don't know her all that well, we know some talent is there.</p>
<p>This girl is a junior in HS I believe. It never crossed her mind that she could major in music education or performance, as her family had convinced her it was not practical. When she met my daughter and others (including teachers) that recognized her potential, it was like a whole new world opened up for her-- she can only see herself doing music in some capacity.</p>
<p>Her parents have told her she has two choices: the state U (with a pretty good reputation that offers a BA in Music) or the community college (Onondaga in Syracuse, NY) that offers an AAS degree in Music and has an articulation agreement with Buffalo State for music education. Also, some OCC graduates have transferred to top music programs like NEC and MSM, but I don't think OCC's specialty is French horn. This girl is almost leaning the OCC way as it has a good reputation for Music as far as community colleges go, and transferring either guaranteed to Buffalo State or into a performance program elsewhere if possible. Her parents seem to be ok with that, which is a little odd because they're only letting her apply
to these two schools, which she should easily get into both. She's thinking their thinking if she goes the two year route, she'll "get music out of her system" and pursue something else. She's thinking she could gain sone independence, earn some money, and apply to other music schools after 2 years. On the other hand, the state school offering the BA wouldn't prepare her for teaching (but she could go the MAT route) and isn't known for it's
performance French Horn teacher, although she could find a good teacher nearby, maybe.</p>
<p>I think one reason they insist on these two schools is that she can live at home and go to OCC and live with an Aunt and go to the state U. They will pay the rest, really that's all they
will pay for college although they aren't low income. This girl is actually fine with this, just wants to know which is the better choice. Music is tough enough, for sure, but she's trying to make the best of her situation.</p>
<p>The OCC program is excellent and has a fabulous reputation. She could also transfer to Fredonia and several other SUNY schools. We are very familiar with the program as my daughter has been their guest Jazz Bassist for the last three semesters. There are many teachers there who will help guide her along her way. </p>
<p>I’m not really sure what you are asking but the OCC program is well respected and a financially sound choice, esp. If the student is in the top 10% of her graduating class.</p>
<p>This girl is under the impression that OCC is good for Piano, Flute, percussion and maybe jazz. As a French Horn player she’s wondering whether she would be getting a decent education on her instrument. And if it really is possible to transfer to a music Ed or Performance school from OCC. </p>
<p>Like I said, her only other choice is a SUNY school that only offers a BA. Then she would have to find an excellent French Horn teacher and decide whether or not to peruse a MAT or a Master’s in performance.</p>
<p>In my opinion, from speaking with her, I believe she is leaning heavily toward OCC but never considered a two year school before. Are there enough performance opportunities on her instrument? Will she be prepared if she transfers? As an AAS degree program, would she be prepared to take on the last two years of a B.M.? </p>
<p>Do you know or where she could find stats on people that start out in the OCC music program?</p>
<p>Forgot to ask in my last post, you said “especially if she’s in the top 10% of her class”. Is there a special scholarship program or something? I know she has excellent SAT scores, but that’s all I know.</p>
<p>Although I think it’s nice of you to help, I think this child and her parents need to do this on their own. Nothing wrong with your guidance just the college thing is really personal to a family and they need to have a hand in the process. OCC is a really good school for unsure kids. Who is teaching horn there? It’s probably who ever lost their job with the Syracuse Symphony. My suggestion would be to tell this child to get some lessons at OCC and check out their concerts. Also, please don’t gauge anything on a conference All State spot. Tell her to be evaluated by an actual teacher who is qualified to make the judgement on college readiness. My son was alternate this year but did end up going, and he’s has been granted auditions at both Curtis and Eastman. I think conference all state gives many kids a false sense of ability. Good luck to this kid.</p>
<p>The French horn prof at OCC is Ilze Brink-Button. She is pretty well known and studied with Jack Covert. She is also the French horn prof at Cornell. You might want to do, or encouraged this young lady to do, some research before anyone counts OCC out. There are many performances opportunities at OCC, just like at any other college. People come from across the country to start at OCC for music, believe it or not. As to scholarship opportunities, there are many at OCC. Again, search the web or contact them. Also, if this student is a SCSD student there is always “Say Yes” as an option.</p>
<p>As to conference all state, it is just a numbers game. If you get a 98-100 you get recommended, but after that it is luck of the draw. It is a nice perk, esp. If your school pays for it like ours does, but more eligible kids don’t get in than do simply because each region needs to be represented.</p>