<p>NMR-
I'm new to this. ;-)
How do I PM you??
MJ</p>
<p>NMR -
My daughter was a MT at pre-college with Kaylagirl (hi Kayla) and she could not have had a better experience. I have asked her many times since then if she felt she gained valuable experience there and if she thought it was worth it. She most undoubtedly said yes! </p>
<p>Her classes were in directing (the elective she signed up for), Drama Lit, Acting, Singing, Jazz, Ballet, Tap (workshop that ran a few weeks that she signed up for), Auditioning and Styles (a classical Shakespeare class). She was mixed with various acting students as well. Her singing teacher, Drama Lit, Styles, Auditioning and I believe Acting, we all on the CMU faculty. Her dance teachers were from Point Park Univ and my daughter thought were particularly wonderul...especially the ballet teacher. </p>
<p>The only thing she did not find valuable were the additional voice lessons. It really all depends on who you get as a teacher. She was not as impressed with hers and felt that she didn't get too much out of that. </p>
<p>Her classes ran from 9-5 or 9-6 each weekday with additional classes to sign up for in the evenings. That is when she did tap and there were lots of different workshops. There was also a Boal acting group that got to sign up and they took class in the evenings two days a week for the whole 6 weeks. </p>
<p>The kids also got to see some student and faculty written and directed works and did have work to do! They did have 6 books they were required to purchase: Hamlet, A Streetcar Named Desire, Oedipus Rex, Auditioning and I cannot honestly remember what else, but they did have work associated with those books. </p>
<p>The dance classes were divided by level which was determined the 2nd day there. </p>
<p>Anything else I can answer?...just let me know!</p>
<p>Hello everyone!</p>
<pre><code> I'm brand new to CC, but i am so excited to see that CMU's Pre-College program seems to be absolutely fantastic. I am in the process of submitting an application (just waiting for my teacher rec's and then i'll send it all!) I have a couple questions however:
</code></pre>
<ol>
<li><p>As far as the activities/drama resume, is there any format i should follow?</p></li>
<li><p>I LOVE musical theatre and have already sent the online application for that program, I was just wondering though, my strengths have alway been at acting and singing.....i just started taking dance this year and am slowly getting better. I'm definitely working on it....but i'm just wondering if i am going to feel TOTALLY out of place and inexperienced?</p></li>
<li><p>Are the extra voice lessons worth my time? i read one post that said they were not but i just wanted to know if anyone else had experience with that particular facet of the program?</p></li>
<li><p>If i send in my application within the next two weeks (before Valentine's Day)....will there still be any spots left?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks so much!!</p>
<p>Kaylagurl,</p>
<p>This is Nick from Kentucky's mom (from Pre-C). He was excited to
hear I'd run into you here & said to tell you hi & break a leg for your
audition!</p>
<p>hii...oh wow, tell him I say hi for me, and thenk him so much for the good luck.aww, its so good to hear from him....tell him i say break a leg too!!..:-)</p>
<p>and Dramagal i guess it all really depends on who you get...i had an insane transformation with my voice while i was there...i went from being told to not to musical theatre as a career atall....to after my audition being told to come and audition at chicago unifieds for the school...i guess it all really depends...i absolutely loved my voice teacher...i actually just talked ot her last week on the phone...her name is claudia benack, and she is amazing...not afraid to tell you straight out, and she helped me so much with my voice...with everything really... in my opinion i think it really helps...but its not necessary it you feel comfortable with your voice etc. i went there havin no trainign atall...so i really wanted a private voice teacher and it turned out helping me so much...
so i hope that helped...if there are any more questions feel free to ask!</p>
<p>and hi kaysmom...i talked to kailie the other day, she sounds like shes doing really well with all her auditions...and we hope to meet up in NYC :-)</p>
<p>thanks kaylagurl! Oh and do you know the answers to any of the other questions i asked in my previous post? (resume format, difference in dancing skills, or the program filling up?)</p>
<p>thanks so much!</p>
<p>ok, no problem! </p>
<p>1) UMM..the activities resume.., since I went there with no previous training, i really ahd anothing to list..buti put my dance stuff...i would say, do it like a normal resume...there is not reallya format, they just want to see what youve done...</p>
<p>2)There were alot of people with no dance training and it was fine.., all that happen is that we have a dance placement test the 2nd day we are there..and they put you in classes - beginner, intermediate,advanced...but dont worry about not haveing the training..the teachers are so nice that they help you alot and everybody is so supportive.</p>
<p>3)i think i answered this already..lol</p>
<p>4) I actually sent in my application ata the end of march (dont do that..lol) because i was hoping on going to the NYU one...and then found out i didnt get inthat...so i applied to CMU...and about a week later found out that i got in to go...i think you sending it after valentines day is a really good bet...i dont think many spots will be taken up...</p>
<p>Im realy excited that your going...its a really great program..i wish i could go back every summer...your going to have a great time!</p>
<p>Hello! My d is attending the CMU precollege this summer. She was accepted into their music (flute) program, not MT...but this thread is so active, I thought I would post here! I was wondering if you would share any advise on what to bring...room needs...ect. I guess I am asking for a " I wish I had" list!! My older d just returned home from her first year at college....so we have all sorts of college dorm room things to bring!!!!! Your imput would be greatly appreciated! She is so excited to go since it was her top summer program choice! I have read some of your previous posts, and it seems it is a wonderful place to be. I will miss her tremendously, but am very proud of her acceptance.</p>
<p>Ok, you experienced precollege peeps out there, another few questions from the inquisitive NMR:</p>
<ul>
<li>How much spending money did you or your kids bring to precollege? </li>
<li>Did any of you use PlaidCash, and did it work well? Would you recommend it?</li>
<li>Are there bank machines/ATM machines near the dorm/campus that students can use?</li>
</ul>
<p>Trying to figure out the best way to equip our D with the $$ she will need and the best, safest and easiest way to do that. I recall someone saying (somewhere upthread) that the PlaidCash thing offered by CMU wasn't too good. </p>
<p>Any advice, suggestions and words o' wisdom are, as always, appreciated. </p>
<p>NMR</p>
<p>Hi NotMamaRose!!
I also heard the plaid cash card is a little risky...only because if you do not use it, it is gone. So, here is what we are doing...I did put a small amount on the plaid card for vending machines and laundry...ect. (I think 50.00 is what we put on there.) In the handbook they state a bank, PCU I believe, is the oncampus bank. You can even open an account online. I am planning on doing that so we can then deposit money if she needs it. Still not sure how much without really knowing the cost for the weekend trips, food, ect. My husband really wants us to go the "old fashioned" route of the travelers checks instead of cash. He feels that is the safest route to go. I believe she will have an atm card. So much to think about...just like going off to college!<br>
My d is counting the days until June 30...she is going for their school of music pre-college program. (older d is my mt girl! She is home for the summer working and making money for her sophomore year at college!!) Hopefully someone who has gone through pre-college will post. I would love to know of anything they wish they would have had or done while they were there!</p>
<p>Thanks, notfromme. What you say makes sense. I was having a "more blonde than usual" day yesterday and could not, for the life of me (shades of Thoroughly Modern Millie here!) find anything in the handbook that talked about money or the bank or anything. Is it in the big handbook that they sent? Re: PlaidCa$h: they use their CMU ID to get access to that right? At the risk of seeming even dumber than I already seem, do the kids withdraw money from the PlaidCa$h system for laundry, etc., or do they insert their IDs into, say, the laundromat machines and the money is deducted from the account? I know that they have a system like that at the college where I work. Guess I better go back and look at that handbook again .... :) :)</p>
<p>Hi notfromme and NMR--my d went to CMU pre-college last year. we did not use Plaid cash at all. And we were very glad about that since many had problems with it and it is true you need to use all of it--no refunds. We got d. an extra ATM card on our home account and that way she could access money if she needed it. We gave her about $150 in cash when we left. We also got her a Visa gift card with $150 on it, it is used wherever they take visa and acts like a credit card-This was easier than travelers checks. I also know some kids had their own credit card. D. really seemed to managed her money well--most expenditures were for food-take out, restaurants on weekend, groceries and an occasional shopping trip. She was so busy with the program that she really didn't have much time to go on a spending spree (which is a good thing :)). Also as an FYI-There is a PNC Bank on campus with an ATM machine-on Orientation day they are open to help set up accounts and ATM cards thru PNC. As for Laundry, I will check with d. but I remember giving her a roll of quarters to start-the rest of the time she figured it out on her own. That is the good thing about the whole experience it really gets these kids to become independent and ready to be on their own. It was a valuable experience. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.</p>
<p>Thanks, mtsmom. Good advice, all! And yes, part of the value of this experience is having them figure some of this stuff out for themselves! Bring on the independence, I say!</p>
<p>Thank you so much mtsmom!! I have made so many calls to Carnegie about EVERYTHING!! And I even have a college student!! Should be easier for me, right??? I guess it is because this is my "baby"....
The info for the bank account is in the student handbook they sent. It is in the back, I believe under the parents information. I was told they can use the plaid card for vending and laundry.....and a variety of stores. But, I am still just a little wary of it, so we put a small amount on it for her. We will do the PNC bank account with an atm card for her. That way, just incase she needs more money, we can deposit it in the account here.....just like our college student!!!! (I do know how to do that, unfortunately!!! :D )
D is counting down the days.<br>
Any suggestions on what time we should arrive on June 30? We live about 4 1/2 hours away and are planning on driving up that morning. Just wondering if we should drive the night before and get there first thing to move in......</p>
<p>notfromme, we live about 5+ hours away and are driving in the night before. I have a "thing" about being on time (I get very stressed out if I have to rush around), so this made sense for us. Maybe we will actually meet! :)</p>
<p>HI notfromme--I know what you mean about sending your "baby" off-My d is the last one to leave the nest --but I still act like I never did the college thing before. We live about 6 hours from CMU, we arrived the night before and got there at the start of check in--it really was less stressful, d was well rested and it was easy to get a luggage cart to transport all the stuff up to the dorm room. I did know someone who left our area that day-got caught in traffic and never arrived to around 4--and was stressed to the max!! Your D is going to have a great summer!! Feel free to PM anytime!!</p>
<p>Yes, the reality that my "baby" will be considered a junior in a week is unbelievable!! Next year we will be starting the college search process for her. Although, she does already have a few favorites in mind!!<br>
I have one fear about driving up that morning...getting caught up in traffic on the infamous PA turnpike!!! I think it would be wise to go up the night before so we can get her settled in her room then off to all of the informational meetings!! Since we do have a college student, younger d will use her dorm micro fridge and other items we have for dorm rooms. She was approved to have an air conditioner in her room due to allergies, so we will need to get one to match their requirements. So, we will have a lot to move, not to mention ALL of her items of importance!!! We are thinking that a laptop may be needed also. (one thing we will NOT let her "borrow" from older d!!) What do you think? Of course, I want her to have one just to keep in touch!!!! We are lucky she is a flautist...her two flutes and two piccolos do not take up much room!!!! <em>sigh</em>...going to miss my little flute playing, barn girl....we spend our summers with the horses, I 'hang out' in the barn while she rides. Her love of music has taken over!! Which is wonderful...we are very blessed!! Well.....enough babbling......
Thank you for your wonderful suggestions and help!! If you think of anything else, we would love to hear it!!!!!!!</p>
<p>notfromme-d took laptop with her-it kept her connected to her friends back home giving her the best of both worlds and she also used it for assignments. It is not necessary to bring one since there are computer labs are available, so I wouldn't go out and purchase one just for this. Nice to get approve for a.c. daughter had 3 fans and it still was hot. Happy packing--the start of the summer will be here before you know it!!:)</p>
<p>Ok, you experienced precollege parents and students, another NMR question fo the day:</p>
<ul>
<li>It says in the student handbook that students are likely to need some textbooks, etc. Is it possible to find out, in advance, what books they need and buy them online at, say Amazon? If so, how can I find out what they need to get? I hate to continuously bother the folks at CMU precollege ....</li>
</ul>
<p>Ahhhh NMR....</p>
<p>Go ahead and call them!! They practically know my voice by now!!!!! My guess it that it is up to the instructors as to what books and materials they use. So, you would just about have to "bother" them!! Really, they do not seem to mind at all. I had to contact them frequently because of scholarships, and then with my million questions!!! :D D is counting down the days. She has everything planned out....hope she has a fantastic time and is not let down.</p>