<p>I'm a pretty serious musician myself and, though I am not looking to major in music, am looking for a good orchestra/ensemble to join. Can anyone tell me about the Claremont College Orchestra or the orchestra at neighboring schools (i.e. Pomona or Scripps)?</p>
<p>The Claremont Concert Orchestra is comprised of students from CMC, Scripps, Pitzer, HMC, CGU, and members of the community. It rehearses in Garrison Theater at Scripps. Pomona has its own orchestra, but students from the other 4Cs can audition for spots. I would say (as a member of the Claremont Orchestra) that the Pomona orchestra is "better" in that their students seem to be more dedicated and they have longer rehearsals (approx. 4 hours a week) and seemingly better music. The Claremont Orchestra rehearses on Mondays from 7:30-10. We are a decent ensemble, but there is a lack of orchestra "community" (my HS orchestra was very close, so it was a shift). In terms of skill, there are people at all different levels, but you must audition for a space (it's definitely not that competitive for strings, but maybe slightly more for winds/brass/percussion). There are also a number of chamber groups and quartets that you can get involved with as well (or instead).</p>
<p>oh and this might sound like a stupid question, but is there a spot for a drum set in an orchestra?</p>