<p>Does anyone have any recommendations for a fairly small LAC that has a really great symphony orchestra and jazz band, but also attracts athletic types? We've checked out the Claremont colleges, but aren't familiar with music programs elsewhere, except for Lawrence University.</p>
<p>Williams! TWO symphony orchestras (one semi-professional), jazz band, fine faculty (much larger than Pomona's), the Paul Whiteman collection, alma mater of Stephen Sondheim, and VERY athletic (much, much more so than the Claremont colleges or Lawrence.)</p>
<p>Thanks, Mini. I've heard of William's excellent academic reputation, but wouldn't have thought of it (we're in California) without your input about the orchestras and sports. We'll definitely take a look.</p>
<p>Oberlin would fit the bill.</p>
<p>Oberlin attracts the "athletic types?"</p>
<p>How about Bucknell?</p>
<p>"Thanks, Mini. I've heard of William's excellent academic reputation, but wouldn't have thought of it (we're in California) without your input about the orchestras and sports. We'll definitely take a look."</p>
<p>They've won the Sears trophy for best Division III athletic school six out of the past seven years. Between the sports and music, I don't know of any place that will come close.</p>
<p>You should also look at St. Olaf in MN. They, too, have 2 orchestras and I believe they are pretty good in sports. I am not sure about jazz, but they are a very strong music school.</p>
<p>Bucknell's orchestra is essentially a community orchestra, in my understanding.
Carnegie Mellon isn't an LAC, but it could work. Swarthmore has a fine music department, though small.</p>
<p>not every college gets their choir reviewed in the New York Times. . . <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/10/arts/music/10olaf.html?%5B/url%5D">http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/10/arts/music/10olaf.html?</a></p>