<p>Just returned from moving our son into BoCo and the parent orientation. Here are a few observations and insights from orientation:</p>
<ul>
<li>in a parent meeting when they asked where we were from, there were more west coast parents than other regions, followed by east coast; there were also a nice mix of international. There are 65 MTs. </li>
<li>love their mission statement: to educate exceptional performing artists for careers that enrich and transform the human experience using skills, creativity and courage nourished in a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of musicians, dancers and actors.<br></li>
<li>the director of the MTs handled some difficult (stage parent) types expertly, reminding everyone BoCo’s purpose is for each individual to develop his or her unique talents. He emphasized the focus on developing an ensemble that supports each individual. When asked about exposure to casting agents, etc., he reiterated that there was plenty of opportunities during the senior year, but not before, as BoCo did not believe “typing” earlier was helpful to the developing artist.<br></li>
<li>their goal is for students upon graduation to represent the strength of the program, from both a talent perspective but also a professionalism perspective. After an audition, even if the student is not the best fit for that part, they want the casting director to recognize favorably that that was a BoCo alum. </li>
<li>the program is rigorous. Orientation itself is 10 days, with placements for tap, ballet, piano, writing samples, auditions for the fall productions, and generally getting to know the school and classmates. Today, our son’s orientation schedule goes from 9am to 9pm, with an Oklahoma audition at 10pm. </li>
<li>once classes start, they basically run from 8:30 am to about 5pm, 5 days per week, with rehearsals for shows running in the evening until 11pm, and at least one day on the weekend. Freshman are divided into 5 core groups, so while there are 65 freshman MTs, they go through their classes in a small group of 15-17. The cores change each year. </li>
<li>while BoCo is a small school, student services are there to support each student to be successful. Free counseling sessions (up to 12), a new Director of Wellness, a nutrition counselor (eating disorders are a problem), free access to a physical therapist and massage therapist are all available. I found each of these department directors and especially the head of student services (who has been there 26 years) impressive. </li>
<li>where everyone knows your name…this truly impressed me! By the end of the weekend, the administration, including the President, were addressing our kids and us parents by name!</li>
<li>dorms are old, tight, small, and lack amenities of the newer dorms on large campuses, but they do have charm. The dorms are converted brownstones on The Fenway, and most have 4 to 5 to a room. Our son’s room has a fireplace (non-working), high ceilings, beautiful old crown moldings, a bay window, and a private bathroom (which is rare), but the room is stuffed with furniture and there is no air conditioning. It’s fine, and of course, what matters most are the roommates, and his seem great (a MT, a Vocal Perf, and a contemporary ballet). It’s a 5-10 minute walk to Northeastern Univ for the cafe and gym. Any 2 points on the BoCo campus are within about 250 yards. </li>
</ul>
<p>We left excited for our son. BoCo seems to be a caring, supportive place for each student to develop his or her individual artistry.</p>