<p>I'm not majoring in music, but would love to play in a symphonic orchestra in college. Can I do this at Princeton? 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>There is a vibrant community of classical musicians and composers at Princeton. The orchestra is excellent and includes musicians with pretty impressive backgrounds. I have heard some students report that despite being in all-state orchestras at home, they were not accepted. <a href="http://www.princeton.edu/%7Epuo/%5B/url%5D">http://www.princeton.edu/~puo/</a> If you play in some of the ensembles -- I would assume, although I don't know for sure, that the orchestra is one of these -- you can get free private lessons. </p>
<p>If you are seriously interested, try to visit, attend a rehearsal or performance, and contact the music department about sending in a tape and resume. </p>
<p>Financial aid is based on need.</p>
<p>You won't get a scholarship cause they do not give any whatsoever. Their orchestra is very good.</p>
<p>They are not <em>that</em> desperate for violas. Actually, they're not desperate for violas at all.</p>
<p>I know last year (when trying to fill the class of '08) they (the orchestra) were looking for a bassoonist, because my friend was contacted. That didn't guarantee her admission or scholarship money though. It just meant that when she got into Pton, they were willing to offer her a spot in the orchestra. She ended up not applying because she wanted a conservatory style education. I'm sure that void is filled by now, though. And no, I'm not a bassoonist.</p>