<p>I'm not majoring in music, but would love to play in a symphonic orchestra in college. Can I do this at Columbia? How is their symphonic or chamber orchestra(s), and are they lacking violas so much that I might get a scholarship just for playing?</p>
<p>I play viola too! :)</p>
<p>Yeah, you can still join the University Orchestra even without majoring in music. Not sure about chamber, but the Bach Society Orchestra is currently in need of violas.</p>
<p>I am an Oboe player and will be attending Columbia in the fall. The classical music scene and the amount of playing groups on campus really attracted me to the school. With over 100 performing groups on campus, there is no shortage of musical ability. Almost 1/2 of the kids I have met from the class of '09 play some sort of instrument. </p>
<p>I am pretty sure any of the groups are available for audition to students either majoring or not majoring in music. The University Orchestra I have heard is pretty damn good because there are a decent amount of players who are doing the 3-2 Julliard combined program as well as some very talented campus musicians. </p>
<p>The Ivy League schools do not give any merit scholarships and only base scholarships on demonstrated financial aid. </p>
<p>NYC has the best music scene anywhere in the nation for whatever music one enjoys and the ability to hear world class orchestras and philharmonics is an indispensible asset that Columbia, NYU and all of the other NYC schools have. It is truly a remarkable atmosphere for music.</p>
<p>One thing that was a little disappointing (to me, although it may be a plus to others) was that the main Columbia Symphony Orchestra is not an extracurricular but a class itself that awards 1 or 2 credits.</p>
<p>I'm curious about why that is disappointing.</p>
<p>Probably because that's one more class to make a grade and work super hard in ... sounds like the Columbia orchestra is not something to take lightly, and would be difficult to maintain for a premed student, which I'm going to be. Are any of these high-academic caliber schools in need of violas for a fledgeling orchestra?</p>
<p>If you're serious about music, you don't want to go to a school that lacks a lot of musical involvement. Don't go looking for a fledgling orchestra or you'll be steering yourself towards frustration. Go to the websites for the various orchestras at Columbia and look at the hours and decide if it's manageable for you. There are links under Academic Departments > Music. But if you're not gonna work hard in orchestra, then please don't go (so that you don't cause ME frustration).</p>