<p>I had heard that Holy Cross had a small but strong music program. We visited for a Monday night orchestra rehearsal and found the the chamber orchestra was rehearsing Beethoven's Eroica (the whole thing) for their concert on Wednesday. The conductor told us that he needed 'ringers' to fill in gaps in flutes (yes flutes) oboes clarinets etc. The ringers would be at the dress rehearsal Tuesday. He said he wanted to give the students a full orchestra experience even though they are the size of a chamber orchestra. Anyway, I did not know what to expect but after the first 5 measures, I knew that I would be staying for the full 1.5 hour rehearsal - they were excellent. The acoustics in Brooks concert Hall are phenomenal = it was so pleasing to the ears. The conductor was extremely musical and the musicians were playing their parts flawlessly. </p>
<p>So I felt I had to write to this forum and start a thread just to let everyone know that Holy Cross in Worcester, Ma (I think a top 30 LAC now) has real music happening there. I spoke with the senior bassoon player and she says she is a music major and has loved her experience there. There are a lot of double majors also. So those of you looking for a strong LAC with a very small but strong music department should really take a close look. They need the basics like flutes oboes and clarinets - I know hard to believe but that is what is happening there.</p>
<p>It is also exciting when you are surprised by excellent musicality and I found that at Holy Cross. I just wanted everyone to know that sometimes looking beyond the obvious choices is a good idea. So those of you who want to double major in something and music , this may be a good alternative to consider and visit.</p>