<p>For my D and, I’m certain, most other high school musicians who want to “do it right”, time becomes a scarce resource and needs to be allocated according to what provides the best return on investment.</p>
<p>While it is impressive that your child performs in multiple ensembles, she will need some academic rigor in her classes if she wants to impress colleges so she should leave room in her schedule for the time that honors and AP classes require.</p>
<p>Further, you say “We are also considering starting piano lessons in the fall as well, since we’ve received many suggestions stating that this will make the path & transition to majoring in performance better.” You are absolutely correct that she will be in a much better position with some piano background, both in terms of proficiency on that instrument itself and the music theory one absorbs simply from learning to play it. </p>
<p>I would consider cutting back to one or two ensembles and diversifying her musical range more.</p>
<p>What I failed to mention originally is that the music program at the HS DD attends is more than likely the least (or one of the least) challenging in Northern Ohio. In essence it is a football band and after football season ends a few obligatory concerts are held. My D must be in it to be in the ensembles outside of the HS, but heck where else in the country can a kid go and watch movies in band class while the band teachers are busy with other things. One teacher even conducts with a blackberry in his hand (and no I am not kidding on that statement). It is a source of frustration for us, but not much can be done to change it. There is a jazz band at the HS also, but she has been told “no flutes allowed”. I wonder what they would say if she showed up with her yamaha ewi system.</p>
<p>So having said all that we all came to the conclusion that sticking with her current group, the CYWS and adding in the recent (and much hoped for) acceptance to the COYO was the right recipe for the future.</p>
<p>cheers
JD</p>