Band as a Hook?

Applying to College
1

<p>I am asking about this in advance for S2 who plays piano and saxaphone. His band teacher really needs someone to play trombone, tuba, french horn. Everyone wants clarinet, flute and sax. Band teacher says trombone got him into a great college with average grades and that he got the chance to be part of a travelling band, win contests etc because there was very little competition for his instrument. </p>

<p>My son is young enough to change instruments and will not pursue music as a career as far as I know. He likes the comradery of playing with a band and I think its just a hobby.</p>

<p>However, my son is not a great athlete (although he enjoys that too). Anything to report on applying to music program with successful music audition with a likely intent to move to liberal arts.</p>

2

<p>Band cannot be a strong hook. Hook has to be something that stands out, and being in band does not stand out.
Example of a hook might be..an Asian applying to US college from somewhere in Africa...or something like...a popular movie star applying to college...etc.
or even being able to speak 5 different language fluentley..</p>

3

<p>Actually, a few instruments really will help his chances, but clarinet, flute, and sax aren't any of them ... at least, not always.</p>

<p>The most in-demand instruments in college are French horn, harp, oboe, double bass, and bassoon are almost always in demand. After that, it depends on what instruments a particular school needs that particular year. I heard an Ivy League ad. officer tell an audience that, one year, trombones were in great demand because all their trombonists were graduating. It was a good year to be a trombonist applying to that school. The next year was a terrible year to be a trombonist applying, because they already had all the trombonists they needed.</p>

4

<p>A hook is (IME) usually something that a student doesn't really have control over. An EC/ hobby like band is not considered a hook, because a LOT of students have it. A hook is something that is very, very unique- more unique than playing nearly any one instrument can be.</p>

5

<p>Carpe:</p>

<p>Sorry, you are wrong. A "hook" is anything that makes an ad. officer WANT to let you and hope that you have the necessary academic achievements to qualify. Are you seriously suggesting that Division 1 athletes don't have a hook?</p>

6

<p>Folks who have an amazing talent that they develop to the highest level have hooks. It might be music, art, writing, dance, theater, sports, scientific research, etc. Most of us are either not that gifted in the first place or do not put in the time and effort to develop a talent to that level. Therefore, hooks are fairly rare.</p>

7

<p>It may not necessarily be an admissions hook, but depending on the particular school, it may well be worth a few music scholarship bucks at a school with a smaller music program particularly for someone who can double on the tuba as well as trombone.</p>

<p>At the major music schools with strong auditioned based band programs, it will only be worth its weight against the auditioning pool of applicants.</p>

8

<p>Maybe "hook" is to strong a word, how about a "boost"? His band instructor did mention oboe and basoon as being the best of the best because they are always in demand.</p>

<p>I think that my son might put in the time and effort to develop talent with a unique instrument. He has been through the process with his older brother and sees how difficult it is for a good smart kid who does well to set themself apart.</p>

9

<p>Sure it's a boost, and if he produces any recordings or plays at Carnegie Hall, it can be a hook. Of course, it's unlikely this will ever happen. I would say that oboe and bassoon are good bets. Plus, they sound cool and not annoying.</p>

<p>I play viola at a decent level, and I hope that it can help me in ECs, where I'm somewhat weak, but that's pretty unlikely, especially considering that the supply of violas is pretty high compared to the demand (though not nearly as high as the "typical" instruments). I still play anyway, just because I like it.</p>

10

<p>Actually some colleges (like USC and UCLA) considered band a strong hook. Funny enough 6 students in the past 3 years who got into those schools were in band. </p>

<p>What looks the best in high school is if your son becomes a drum major. A very vital leadership role.</p>

11

<p>Bassoon is a sweet instrument. My son played bassoon and sax in high school (and yes, he played at Carnegie Hall, too).</p>

<p>I don't think playing bassoon is as much of a hook as some people think.</p>

12

<p>FresnoMom--</p>

<p>I not sure about that--once interviewers learned that my daughter played bassoon, that was all they wanted to talk about. Double reed players are always in demand.</p>

13

<p>MADad</p>

<p>Congrats to your daughter! Is she still playing bassoon?</p>

14

<p>I think a band related hook could either be playing a rare instrument, making All-State Band, or going to a National Parade (like Rose Parade, I went in 2006 =] great fun).</p>

15

<p>All four of my kids played piano since kindergarten and a band instrument since 6th grade. I don't think band or piano or whatever is a "hook" ulnless you are at an amazing level. BUT, I do think that this shows an interest or passion and a commitment over a number of years (depth vs. breadth). And that is important in the admissions process, at all schools. Marching band (no credit, just considered an EC) around here is a HUGE commitment (15 hrs/week summer, with two 80 hour weeks during band camp, 30-40 hours/week during marching season). This is like having a full time job while attending school and I can't believe that it would not be a consideration in the admissions process, regardless of the instrument.</p>

16

<p>Note to all: Whether band is a hook or not depends on how much a given college thinks it needs the skills. Remember that a college is not just classrooms. There are bands, orchestras, vocal groups, debate teams, theater groups, etc. that need to restock every year. A college is a community of varying talents, and some of those talents leave every year.</p>

<p>If you have demonstrated great skill in an area of need, it is generally a hook.</p>

17

<p>FresnoMom--</p>

<p>Though she is not a music major, daughter is playing bassoon in the school's wind ensemble.</p>

18

<p>There really is no such thing as a hook for all you people scurrying around for them. There is no sure "100% Acceptance rate" for people w/ 1 specific quality.</p>

<p>There are only things that "raise" your chances of admission. I'm sure Clinton's daughter, if she had applied everywhere, would have met w/ rejection at at least a few places (and this is about the best hook possible in college admissions). Small things that are common like trombone or music only add as an EC, but do not qualify as a hook. Intel, Siemens, Davidsons, being national/international president of something, all aren't hooks, because you CAN still be met w/ rejection. Same w/ URM double legacy, or recruited athlete status. You can still meet rejection, which disqualifies all of them as a hook.</p>

<p>Basically, to answer the question posted by the OP; No. There are no hooks.</p>

19

<p>Yep. D was All State Orchestra (viola), played in 3 Orchestras. It wasnt a hook per se, and she had NO intention of being a Viola Performance major let alone music major. She was offered a music scholarship, which is really a small stipend of a few grand a year, just to play in the college Orchestra. Had she wanted to be a music major it would have dramatically altered WHERE she applied and and HOW she would have applied. All that being said, being a standout in any instrument (All County, All State, Youth Orchestra etc) is a strong indication of self motivation, resolve, determination, passion, focus, loyalty, talent etc that admissions officers do look for in all applicants. Being a relatively obscure instrument can help sometimes. I suggest you call the colleges, speak with the music department and orchestra director and see what instruments they are usually in high demand for. When it comes time to apply do it again, and if its important to your S to go there, make your decisions accordingly....but be sure to determine if being a music major is required or essential to play and/or get scholarship money.</p>

<p>Its tough on kids who have many interests and are good at several things. They have to decide on one or two majors.</p>

<p>Some kids prefer Orchestra to Marching Band. OR vice versa. Different kind of music. Different environment and different expectations and time demands. Good luck.</p>

20

<p>And yet more bad information from RootBeer. When will it ever end?</p>

<p>According to Chuck Hughes, former Sr. Admissions Officer at Harvard and author of "What it really takes to get into the Ivy League," there are DEFINITELY hooks. He even uses that terminology, along with "tips" and "tags."</p>

<p>Some of the obvious hooks are being a recruited athlete, a top, recruited musician, a national/international science fair winner, etc. Most often, these people are bombarded with recruiting calls, even from such places as Harvard. They will almost certainly gain admission unless their academic profile is simply awful. </p>

<p>Hughes goes on to give some examples of highly regarded national and regional/state "hooks" (his terminology, which I will trust much more than RootBeer's). These include such things as:</p>

<p>National-level hooks include high office in the following:</p>

<p>Boys and Girls Nation; Boys and Girls State; statewide student government associations; Future Farmers of America national president; </p>

<p>National level hooks also include the following:</p>

<p>Parcipation in US Senate Youth Program; US Senate Page School; National Concerto Competition; Grammy High School Jazz Ensemble; as well as top awards in NFL and CFL national debate tournaments, being a dancer in the Nutcracker for the National Ballet; Being first chair in the National Youth Symphony Orchestra; having television, film, and/or B'way credits; national winner of the Wendy's Heisman Award; being a Bronfman Youth Scholar.</p>

<p>Regional/state level recognition (which is still significant) goes to such things as being a class officer, best delegate award at Model UN, All-State Band/Choir/etc., NCTE award winner, etc.</p>