<p>Hi, I'm a complete newb so sorry if this is a redundant subject. I have dds who are dedicated musicians. They are rising 6th and 5th graders. One plays Alto Sax and one plays Tuba/Sousaphone. They absolutely love it, they practice on their own without prompting and are really passionate. They have perfect NYSSMA scores, are All County and now want to join youth orchestras if they can. The Sax player is also in chorus.Their music teacher has told both have rare talent and it should be attended to. My question is, can you tell me if there are any BS's with great music programs? Just lurking here, I feel like SPS may be a contender? Also, they are top of their class both love learning, top grades, extremely high OLSAT scores and in the gifted program. We are in NY burbs in public...the HS might be a little sketchy so we are looking into private and BS. Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>@fashionella,
I think that SPS and Andover have the best overall music programs. SPS has a dynamite choir, and they’re recordings are amazing. Andover has a giant program, a lot of talented kids, and a ridiculous amount of music theory/history/appreciation classes. Also, St. Mark’s appears to have an awesome music program. Their chorus seems awesome, and they have private lessons during the day for many instruments. </p>
<p>Another awesome thing about Andover and St. Mark’s is that they are really close to Boston and Cambridge. In Boston, there are a lot of great opportunities for high school musicians. One great program, is run through New England Conservatory called NEC Prep. Here’s a link: [Preparatory</a> School | New England Conservatory](<a href=“The College | New England Conservatory”>Prep Homepage | New England Conservatory)</p>
<p>The NEC Prep website is pretty bad, but you can call them and talk to them on the phone. They’re really nice. Also, they have really great financial assistance. One of my friends just got $1500 in assistance for a semester!</p>
<p>For your daughter who sings, she should consider Boston City Singers. I’m not in this program, but I know people who are, and they’ve loved it. Here’s a link: [Boston</a> City Singers - About Us](<a href=“http://bostoncitysingers.org/]Boston”>http://bostoncitysingers.org/)</p>
<p>In Cambridge, there is also Longy. I don’t know much about this program, but they have stuff for highschoolers. Here’s a link: [Longy</a> School of Music of Bard College](<a href=“http://www.longy.edu/prep_studies/prep_general.htm]Longy”>http://www.longy.edu/prep_studies/prep_general.htm)</p>
<p>Hope this helps. Send me a PM if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>WOW, thank you for the quick and detailed response! I really appreciate it. From my research here, it doesn’t appear that these schools require auditions. Is it standard to submit links to performances or recordings? Do they “google” these kids who are applying? LOL. Anyway, we are a ways away from applying so just doing some preliminary research. Being from NY and needing FA would probably lessen chances of getting into a BS but one never knows. Frankly, I may not fit the “parent profile” as I don’t assert pressure on my kids and don’t want them overscheduled for the sake of admissions to BS or College. If they ask and really really want a lesson, then we will do it. But I see a lot of parents with unhappy kids who don’t like the activities they are in. I want my kids to learn for the sake of learning and play music/sport bc they love it. I think the rest falls into place. I think I may be a minority if CC is any indication.</p>
<p>A few points: I would see if the Alto sax player feels like migrating to Tenor as I think there is more demand for that in more advanced groups. The Alto is IMO, a bit of a 3/4 scale instrument (and yes, I played one back in the day) for youth…</p>
<p>In terms of schools with good music programs, I recall thinking Groton had a strong program — but it has fewer students so you might not get the numbers you’d see at a larger school like SPS, Choate, or Andover.</p>
<p>Note that all of the schools will generally have a handful of truly virtuoso players…but I think the larger schools will have more of a critical mass and can support more groups.</p>
<p>In terms of submitting vids or links, that SHOULD be done if your child is truly a standout. I think most schools ask for CDs/DVDs in advance of the other application materials…but maybe not for links to vids/audio…though I could be wrong.</p>
<p>I think the more unique the instrument, the bigger the possible “hook” an instrument is for a candidate…there are a a bazillion violinists (and viola players) who also have great scores and grades. But Tuba/Sousaphone? Not so much, I’d think.</p>
<p>FWIW, St. Andrew’s in Delaware (full disclosure that I’m a biased parent of in incoming 2015 ;-)) offers a Choral Scholars program, where you have performance/theory classes that count towards your art requirement. And they are one of thew few schools that has a written commitment to need blind admissions.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.standrews-de.org/arts/choral-music-and-voice/index.aspx[/url]”>http://www.standrews-de.org/arts/choral-music-and-voice/index.aspx</a></p>
<p>I’d recommend looking into Choate! We have an amazing music program and our orchestra is arguably one of the best high school orchestra on the east coast. They tour Europe every year and are playing at Carnegie Hall this coming year. We also have the Arts Concentration program where students apply to take special music classes as well as devote a huge portion of their day to their art. Seniors have the chance to showcase their art at the end of senior year and truly love being in ArtsCon. you can apply to ArtsCon at the end of freshman year and of you are accepted you begin in the fall of your sophomore year. You can apply at any time for the following year. It’s a very competitive program and one of the most popular at Choate! Look at the Paul Mellon Arts Center website for more information.</p>
<p>To Fashionella:</p>
<p>I pretty much have the same situation as your children. In fact, I attend an awesome music school in NYC so I was wondering about that as well, especially because I don’t do sports. I’m applying to Andover, Exeter, Milton, and a few others. Because the first two boarding schools have such high endowments, I was going to ask them if I could attend NEC on Saturdays or something (well, Exeter has Saturday classes, so perhaps only Andover) if I am admitted. Milton has a GREAT music program–they also have jazz. </p>
<p>So just PM me if you would like to discuss more about music and boarding schools. 
I’d be happy to talk about what I know with you.</p>
<p>Your DDs are young so you have some time to make sure music stays their passion. If it does, consider a perfroming arts school such as Walnut Hill in Natick, MA. Very intense music and good training for conservatories. The more academic BS’s have strong music programs, but rarely send kids to the conservatories that could lead to a career in the arts.</p>
<p>@fashionella,
Yes, your kids definitely should. I know it helps a lot in terms of admissions. Also, get started preparing for those ASAP. I didn’t send mine in until right before applications were due, and it was pretty hectic. Start preparing a piece/pieces in the fall, record them in November, send them in early/mid December. Contact schools about different ways of sending in CD’s. Some schools accept them only online, others will only take CD’s. You should probably find that out before the application process gets too hectic, so maybe early September.</p>
<p>
To be honest, I’m not sure. If you’re kid mentions that he performed at some really nice concert, the music dept. might search for it on Youtube. I heard that the admission offices at some school “google” applicants; though most of the time nothing really comes up. They might find an applicant’s Facebook, but to be honest, they probably won’t take the time to look at it, or really care what they’ve posted, unless it’s really bad.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention in my above post Groton and Choate. Though I personally did not get a good impression from Choate, they have a fantastic music program. They’re orchestra has toured internationally, they actually perform real music (not “Pirates of the Caribbean”), and there are plenty of opportunities to form your own group. Though, I have heard that socially at Choate, kids who are deemed “artsy” are kind of outcasts…</p>
<p>Groton’s music dept. is fantastic. If you haven’t heard their choir, you must. They are amazing. Also, they have a pretty flexible schedule when it comes to fitting in music lessons in your day. Since your kids are rising 5th and 6th graders, I’d recommend they apply for Groton for the 8th grade (2nd Form). It would be good experience, and if they don’t get in, they will have a leg up when they apply for ninth grade.</p>
<p>Another music dept. which I think is really great is Deerfield’s. They got a new music director, and it seems that he’s doing an amazing job. The Chorus performed the Faure Requiem, which is a pretty challenging piece of music. It seems that the department is growing, and they are going to re-do the Deerfield music wing. By the time your daughters get their, it should definitely be done. You should seriously consider Deerfield.</p>
<p>A final note: the above poster did make a good point. Relatively few grads from BS go off to conservatories. If you think your kids will be professionals, or they have that level of interest, they should look into a few Arts Concentration boarding schools. I have the highest opinion of Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Here’s a link to it’s website: [Arts</a> Academy High School | Interlochen Center for the Arts](<a href=“http://academy.interlochen.org/]Arts”>http://academy.interlochen.org/)</p>
<p>Good luck in your search.</p>
<p>@ifax- I could not disagree more with your statement that at Choate the music kids are ‘outcasts.’ If anything they are among some of the most well known students in the school. Also, there is no just ‘musical’ group due to the fact that that students at Choate aren’t just part of one EC. Students in the music program are also extremely talented in other areas (athletics, community service, other art forms, etc). When the PMAC has events such as plays, concerts and recitals featuring Choate students, the auditorium sells out. For example, this past winter when we put on the play Frankenstein, it sold out 2 out of the 4 nights that it was showing and almost sold out on the third night as well. I know personally I went twice. When you get a part in a play or find out that your chorus is performing somewhere special you can expect to be congratulated and supported by all your peers. Even just having a solo in one of the a Capella groups at school meeting is a big deal because the whole school is there and we love seeing our friends do what they do best in a positive atmosphere. Being part of the theater group, one of the many A Capella groups, orchestra or other groups is one of the most fun and not outcasted in the least things at Choate.</p>
<p>The Rivers School (Weston, MA), has a fabulous music program, rivaling Walnut Hill’s music program. Students can take beyond the normal amount of private lessons and go onto several co-curricular music programs to train with professionals. It’s really top-notch there, but it’s a day school.</p>
<p>maybe Oberlin</p>
<p>If you are studying at a music school in NY, at Choate you can travel into the city every weekend for your studies. You can mak special arrangements to go every weekend. You can’t do this at every boarding school. Also, the Arts Concentration program produces some of the best musicians from boarding schools. We have people that go on to study at Julliard from the Arts Concentration. Arts kids are celebrated. For example, I play an instrument in the chamber orchestra but I kind of fly under the radar. Only my closest friends and people that see me at the PMAC know that I play. One day at dinner, a girl that I had not had very much previous interaction with complimented me on my playing–she had seen me in a concert. This is an example of how interconnected the community is. Furthermore, which other boarding school boasts a building as impressive as the Paul Mellon Arts Center? And as a musician, the faculty’s commitment and dedication is equally impressive as the building. Choate recognizes that students may have other interests besides the arts. Unlike most boarding schools, they do not force you to choose between the arts and music. You can see a varsity football player on the stage. You can see s track runner sit at the piano and play Chopin. There is no separation or characterization of people being “outcasts” because there are so many people that dually participate in arts with sports or something else. So when we as students see that people we thought we "knew have this completely other side to them, that they sing, or dance or play and instrument, we get excited. @ifax I’m sorry you’ve been misinformed.</p>
<p>Oh cool thanks for that. I thought Wesdover (or something like that–another BS) was the only one who did something with a music school in NY.</p>
<p>Realistically, none of us parents or students is very familiar with the programs of more than one school except for parents with multiple kids in multiple schools.</p>
<p>That having been said, we are delighted and highly impressed with Exeter’s music program. Like one of your kids, our son played sax in his Middle School band for 4 years, in his MS jazz band for 2 years, and also sang in the MS chorus for 4 years - in addition to being at the top of his class academically. Now he plays in the Concert Band at Exeter and takes private instrument lessons there too - and he loves the quality of instruction/leadership and the amazing talents of his fellow students. </p>
<p>We’ve been to many performances by the various ensembles at Exeter and the quality of their play really blows us away. Without exception, the Exeter music ensembles are superb and generally comparable to professional performances. Really! Definitely worth a look for you!</p>
<p>You all contributed a lot to the conversation. I will look into all you posted. Thank you again. My kids are not the type to care about what others think. My 11 year old proudly prefers to shop at vintage/thrift stores, she listens to Steely Dan and Cake, and the same with my 10 year old. They tend to be leaders without trying. I think that as long as they do what they love the chips usually fall in a good place. Anyone who refers to another as an “outcast” is part of the problem. I would take a pretty hard line if any of my kids referred to anyone as such. </p>
<p>Again great info, I guess they should just keep doing what they are doing for the time being.</p>
<p>hi, if you talking about classical music, most top schools are great programs, whether you are talking about exeter andover hotchkiss, choate milton etc etc. But if you are talking about performance art overall (from classical music to jazz to theatre, etc), most people would say milton is head and shoulder above the rest</p>
<p>my advise is this, every school has its personality. some such as exeter has great writing program and music program, but at its heart is more a science/math school; same for lawrenceville which has a whole building just for east asian studies, but at its heart is also a science school.
the flip side, milton may pitch that it is getting new science building and trying to build up, but at its heart is its liberal art and performance art programs.<br>
so if you compare milton and exeter’s music programs, both are very very strong, but performance art is milton’s soul. similarly for writing</p>
<p>hi, if you talking about classical music, most top schools are great programs, whether you are talking about exeter andover hotchkiss, choate milton etc etc. But if you are talking about performance art overall (from classical music to jazz to theatre, etc), most people would say milton is head and shoulder above the rest</p>
<p>my advise is this, every school has its personality. some such as exeter has great writing program and music program, but at its heart is more a science/math school; same for lawrenceville which has a whole building just for east asian studies, but at its heart is also a science school.
the flip side, milton may pitch that it is getting new science building and trying to build up, but at its heart is its liberal art and performance art programs.<br>
so if you compare milton and exeter’s music programs, both are very very strong, but performance art is milton’s soul. similarly for writing</p>
<p>following on the soul of the schools theme - one thing that we noticed was that the schools differed in how they dealt with the issue of “are you good already or trying to get good”. </p>
<p>Some schools seem to be more open to the novice player or singer - give them pretty quick/immediate access to the ensembles, for example. Others less so - we’ll take you into choir after you’ve spent a year preparing in our intro to music class. Neither approach is bad or good - but you should ask specific questions based on your child’s specific experience level to make sure that what you think is going to happen does happen.</p>
<p>fashionella, your daughters have time to mature. Some boarding schools specialize in the performing arts. Most offer musical opportunities and instruction. I think at this point you really don’t know if your daughters want to become professional musicians. If that is their ambition, they should attend high schools structured around music–which are known as pre-professional arts schools.</p>
<p>As you live near New York, you should investigate local opportunities.</p>