@bigdjp - It certainly sounds like a great summer program. And, you’re right, would be wonderful for @percussionboymo’s S. Just thought it’s helpful for others to know it’s an instate program, only. The percussion programs I’ve heard about all seem to be for college age students. Chosen Vale. So Si. What do you think of Interlochen’s Percussion Seminar, or BUTI?
Thank you bigdjp; My son had been interested in the Percussion Seminar that was run by Alan Abel at Boyer, typically held in mid June. I had inquired about it two years ago and got him permission to audit it in between Regents tests, however we ultimately felt like it was just too much at that time of year. Last year they took a hiatus and we are waiting to see if the seminar comes back this year since he is in AP and IB classes so does not have Regents tests to take. I believe that Don Liuzzi and Chris Deviney are part of it too.
I personally believe high school level percussion intensives are for students getting to know college professors. You should attend an intensive with teachers you are interested in studying with in college. NYSSSA school of orchestral studies will give your son a good chance to experience what it will be like as an actual college music student. No where as intense but more or a simulation than a specific percussion camp.
Spirit manager Sons friend enjoyed BUTI in high school and enjoyed working with the Boston Percussion section. No experience with Interlocken. As I have stated, I believe high school level camps are for becoming known before auditions. It definitely worked in our situation.
Percussionboymo
Good luck. Let me know if I can help!!!
Bigdjp, are you aware of any changes happening at Boyer? I emailed Philip O’Banion to find out if the Alan Abel Percussion Orchestral Seminar would be back this year after taking a hiatus for 2016. he responded that he was not sure yet as there have been some personnel changes. With the specific focus on orchestral percussion, and faculty that included Don Liuzzi, Christopher Deviney, She-e Wu, and of course Philip O’Banion and Alan Abel, this was a seminar that my son was most excited about participating in!
Hi! I’m a first-year at Oberlin pursuing percussion performance. I read that your son does not want to look at Oberlin, but I really think he should come out to look at the school! From what you have been describing, Oberlin seems like a really good fit for him if he’d like to pursue a double degree. The percussion teacher here, Mike Rosen, is absolutely fantastic, very welcoming, understanding, and really cares about the students in the studio. He likes to keep the percussion studio small but it allows him to really get to know us on a personal level and gives us more opportunities to perform. We are also really close and are like a family. Oberlin encourages and takes pride in their double degree program so it’s not hard to do both at all. Plus, there have been many percussionists that successfully graduated from Oberlin with their double degree program. The great thing about Mike Rosen is that he understands that everyone has different interests in terms of academics but pushes you to play at your highest level possible. He knows and respects that not everyone will continue pursuing percussion for life (because of differing interests students might have or because their other degree might take them a different route) but he still continues to teach his students at his highest level. I think your son should reconsider Oberlin, because it sounds like this is what he might be looking for! If you contact Rosen, he will probably be willing to set up a trial lesson for your son if he visits here! All in all, I absolutely love it here, the conservatory has a very supportive and warm atmosphere.
girlofpercussion; thank you so much for your input! I have always thought that Oberlin sounded as if it offered exactly what my son wants in an environment that would work very well for him. He has no interest in being anywhere except Boston, California, or the City so I never pushed it. However, we have gotten him to be willing to visit Bard, Peabody and Mason Gross this February break so I just may push a visit to Oberlin, maybe during his April break if it is convenient for Oberlin…
I am so glad to hear that you are enjoying your experience there; it sounds like the perfect fit for you!
If he does decide to visit here, let me know if there’s anything I can do to help!
Thank you so much for all your input: I read him your original post to me and he said, “THAT sounds perfect! Why does it have to be in Ohio?!” I think I have gotten him interested in the program enough, with your help, to actually get him there for a tour. In addition, Oberlin has a summer seminar that Mike Rosen runs and we were already considering it for this summer!