Lafayette or Holy Cross??

Colleges and Universities A-Z Lafayette College
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<p>Right now I'm desperately trying to decide between these schools. Yesterday I visited Holy Cross. I loved the campus, and I'm sure academically, it's great. The only problem was the music department left something to be desired. Furthermore, where I asked to speak with a professor or music teacher of some sort, they set me up with a secretary. Luckily, a student was nice enough to stop by and help me out. It was still a little weird that no professor at all could take two minutes to answer a few easy questions- instead I got stuck with a worker who really didn't know much about what I was interested in.</p>

<p>Tomorrow, I leave to visit Lafayette. I think that this school would be about the same academic level, and that socially, the two are comparable as well; however, from what I understand, the music department here is much better. Where Holy Cross's largest ensemble is a chamber orchestra, Lafayette has many ensembles including a concert band that I'm very interested in.</p>

<p>Overall, I just want to know if anyone at all has any input. I'm looking into psychology/neuroscience. Is one program much better than another, and I'm just not aware of it? Did I get the wrong impression of either school's music program? I would seriously seriously appreciate any help anyone could give</p>

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<p>My son is VERY happy at Lafayette and is in the concert and pep bands. He is a casual (for fun) instrumentalist but is glad to be able to continue his musical involvement without having to make a major commitment. </p>

<p>The pep band does football and basketball games and is less regimented compared to a marching band. Pep band participants show up on campus before regular orientation for a few days of band camp. My son made many of his first good friends at Lafayette through that experience. </p>

<p>The concert band rehearses twice a week, I believe, and performs two concerts a year. I believe the current concert band director’s contract was not renewed for next year (as a result of budget issues which are affecting all schools) and they will be switching to a part-time director for next year. There is also, I believe, a jazz ensemble.</p>

<p>If you want me to put you in touch with my son, send me an e-mail. Do let us know what you decide.</p>

<p>P.S. We found the Laf admissions office to be VERY accommodating about putting my son in touch with profs in his areas of interest. He was able to meet with the head of his intended major. If you are able to do so, call the school in advance of showing up and they may be able to arrange for you to meet with a music prof.</p>