<p>Our son is a very serious musician, plays multiple instruments, though piano is his main passion, who wants to attend boarding school. We are on the East Coast so many schools are nearby. So far we've heard good things about the music program at Choate from various people, and we are scheduled to visit, but really don't know much about any others. Many schools say they have strong music but it's difficult to tell without any inside knowledge. He needs a place where he can at least practice nearly everyday, have excellent instruction and opportunities to perform. Ideally the school would have a real music program where likeminded musical kids can also meet and bond. That said, he is also a strong academic student and only 13 so we don't want to limit his potential interest with a arts-only school. All thoughts appreciated! Thanks in advance. </p>
<p>Choate is excellent; close family friends work there, and their children have done extremely well by the school. The arts programs are renowned. Less than half the size of Choate, I’d recommend St. Andrew’s School in Delaware. The music program is very good for having just 300 all-boarding students, which makes for distinct differences from Choate. One of my children is in orchestra and jazz ensemble, the other spent last year in the Choral Scholars. Both have the benefit of outside instructors for private lessons, in addition to school rehearsals, all in the newer O’Brien Arts Center. </p>
<p>Concord combines rigorous academics with a very strong arts program. Private lessons are offered in any instrument. The school has a chamber orchestra and other classical ensembles as well as jazz and pop ensembles. Classical musicians work with the professional ensemble in residence, the Walden Chamber Players. There are opportunities to perform in concerts and recitals as well as in theatre productions. Students can elect a program that provides a solid foundation for a college music major or entrance to a conservatory.</p>
<p>Thanks for these insights. We are planning to visit Concord, too. St. Andrew’s sounds great, but is a little far away for us. We are looking for a school that’s not too far away. Any other suggestions appreciated. </p>
<p>You should look at Hotchkiss too, it has a very strong music program. The music center, especially Elfers Hall, is absolutely spectacular – perfect acoustics and a stunning view down to the lake and the southern Berkshires. The music director is supposed to be very strong, and attracts some incredibly talented kids. We saw performances this past weekend (Parents Weekend) that just blew us away, especially by the chamber orchestra. The school also often has musicians in residence for a semester or year, plus a really great concert series that attracts some talented musicians from symponies all over the country. The school makes the performance hall available to the community as well, and thus draws from a very strong community of artists in Litchfield County. The music director also takes a group of kids to Florence every summer for an amazing arts program. </p>
<p>Although you say you are trying to stick to East Coast, I would not cross off these two schools (and yes, I did read the part where you say you don’t want to limit his interest by sending him to an “arts only” school):</p>
<p>Idyllwild (California)
<a href=“http://www.idyllwildarts.org/page.cfm?p=643”>http://www.idyllwildarts.org/page.cfm?p=643</a></p>
<p>Interlochen (Michigan)
<a href=“Music Majors at Interlochen Arts Academy | Boarding Arts High School”>http://academy.interlochen.org/music-major</a></p>
<p>St. Andrew’s does have an exceptional music program, don’t be so quick to cross it off your list. Basis NYC being home base, it is no further away than most New England boarding schools, if not closer. Recommend visiting their website where you can listen to performances. It’s also well known for it’s academics and college placement.</p>
<p>Thanks again to all the advice. We’re going to add Hotchkiss to our list of plaes to visit. Definitely will check out the St. Andrew’s site tonight. I have hear amazing things about Interlochen and Idyllwild but for a young 9th grader I just don’t think our family is ready for that much distance. Who knows, maybe as a 10th grader? </p>
<p>Look at Deerfield as well. They just opened a new arts center with a beautiful new auditorium, art gallery, dance studios, new theater and amazing concert hall. All practice rooms now have new Steinways and a Steinway model D is in the concert hall. They have two orchestras, one of which is by audition only and is traveling this year for a concert tour in Asia, along with one of the choral groups. Several students attend the New England Conservatory Prep program on Saturdays and do well in various concerto competitions. There is a chamber music class that is a regular class and meets daily; one quartet is planning on entering the Fischoff Competition-- yet there is plenty of opportunity for musicians of all levels of accomplishment and experience. Orchestra, chamber orchestra, a Capella groups, and chorus all meet at times that do not conflict with sports. There is, however, a music exemption that can be used to have time to practice rather than signing up for a sport, and “service” (playing in nursing homes, local food kitchens, etc) is encouraged. There are many opportunities to perform, both individually and in groups, and master classes and concerts by visiting musicians are scheduled throughout the year in the new concert hall. The head of the chamber music class is a fine pianist. </p>
<p>One piece of advice: don’t just meet the music directors at the various schools when you visit (although you should do this-- and play for them or send them a DVD). Once you’ve narrowed your list of schools, ask to attend a chamber class or concert. It can be quite eye-opening to really compare different programs and hear what is going on, rather than just reading about it on paper. Besides, if your child is a musician, it’s a great way to see what the other kids are like and see how at home your son or daughter will feel. If you live in New England, that shouldn’t be hard to do. We did that, and, once my son started school last year, he already felt like he had a home. </p>
<p>Berkshire School opened their new arts center this year as well. Lots of talented musicians there.</p>
<p>I would add Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) to the list as well. Rhodes Art Center (2008) is a spectacular facility and having just attended Parent’s weekend with a “performing arts on parade” program, I can tell you that i was blown away by all of the musical performances. They also have a stage band which is pretty cool. Additionally, Ron Smith who is in charge of the Jazz and stage band programs is nominated for a Teaching in Excellence Grammy this year.</p>
<p>I would also look into Milton. The kids are able to attend The New England Conservatory of Music. I would also recommend Deerfield Academy too. I believe they are trying to grow there music program and are looking for talent. It could be a “hook” for you. </p>
<p>Adding Deerfield to our list. I’m a little shocked by how tough these schools are to get into, but we’ll visit and see. He Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Looking into Milton now. I had no idea it has any kind of music focus. Thanks so much!</p>
<p>And will check out NMH and Berkshire, too. Thanks again!</p>
<p>This is excellent advice. We were planning to have him play if possible and then follow up with a DVD, but this is a great idea!</p>
<p>I would like to share with you the following: My child was a student of a conservatory since a very young age. Her Saturdays were a grand total of *8hrs at conservatory with performances to boot. Now in boarding school… Field Hockey, Swim Team and Track and Field is all she wants to talk about. Although, she is on the school Orch. it is not in the forefront as it once was. My advice is to find a well rounded school curriculum and find the overall good fit. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Interlochen. I am parent of an alum. Best decision we ever made.</p>
<p>I’ll let you all know what he’s thinking after we’ve finished all the tours. Thanks!</p>