<p>Does anyone have any insight about the music departments at top liberal arts colleges? I am particularly interested in the strength and caliber of their orchestras, but really, any information would be helpful. Thanks!</p>
<p>Furman has an outstanding Symphony.</p>
<p>The definition of a “good orchestra” is contingent to a large degree upon your own musical ability, training, and within the context of your question, what you expect from either a participatory or listening experience. </p>
<p>A number of prior threads from the music major forum:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/634244-college-orchestras.html?highlight=orchestras[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/634244-college-orchestras.html?highlight=orchestras</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/446104-youth-orchestras-community-orchestras-include-college-players.html?highlight=orchestras[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/446104-youth-orchestras-community-orchestras-include-college-players.html?highlight=orchestras</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/444579-strong-orchestras-liberal-arts-schools.html?highlight=orchestras[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/444579-strong-orchestras-liberal-arts-schools.html?highlight=orchestras</a>
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/375252-how-do-college-orchestras-work.html?highlight=orchestras[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/music-major/375252-how-do-college-orchestras-work.html?highlight=orchestras</a></p>
<p>[Rhodes</a> College | Rhodes Orchestra](<a href=“http://www.rhodes.edu/academics/5059.asp]Rhodes”>http://www.rhodes.edu/academics/5059.asp)</p>
<p>Check out Bard College.</p>
<p>St. Olaf has an excellent orchestra.</p>
<p>The Vassar College orchestra is excellent also. Music is very strong at Vassar.</p>
<p>Williams has an excellent professional-level orchestra, open to students with the requisite talent.</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses!</p>
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<p>This is true. I realize now that I should have been more specific regarding my level of experience…</p>
<p>First off, I am a college freshman looking to transfer to a small liberal arts college for Spring '11 admission. After my experience this past year, I have decided that the large university setting is not for me. Granted, it has its advantages. I play the violin, and in the fall, I auditioned for the school’s symphony orchestra and was appointed assistant concertmaster, and then concertmaster for the present semester (the orchestra is pretty good–there are many talented individuals, as a large school would allow, but the director doesn’t really provide the structure and discipline needed to harness this talent. No matter, I am still grateful that I was able to play in a large ensemble).</p>
<p>I have been playing the violin for 12 years, as well as the piano for 11, and have continued private lessons for both instruments with members of the music faculty. Before college, I participated in a variety of youth orchestras throughout the years, including symphonies and smaller, string-only ensembles. Additionally, my high school has a well-respected music program, and the chamber orchestra, for which I served as concertmaster in my senior year, was invited to play at the National Orchestra Competition last year. I completed yearly evaluations (NYSSMA anyone?) until I was a junior and participated in the 2008 NY All-State Festival. Additionally, I spent two summers in the School of Orchestral Studies, a division of the New York State Summer School of the Arts.</p>
<p>Needless to say, music has always been a very large part of my life, and I can’t imagine letting it go in any way. I’ve actually been considering majoring in music for some time now. However, I do have many interests, and so I think a liberal arts college is best suited for my desired educational experience.</p>
<p>While I think I have high standards in regards to “a good symphony orchestra,” I have lessened my expectations and am open to many opportunities.</p>
<p>Lawrence University in Appleton, Wi has a fantastic orchestra. Does the big sound of 19th century era pieces very well as well as smaller pieces done by a chamber orchestra.</p>
<p>I’ve actually been reading up on Lawrence, and it sounds like a great place. The truth is though that my primarily limitation is geography. I’m from New York, and I’d like to stay relatively close to the East Coast. I would consider going as far west as Ohio and as south as North Carolina, maybe South Carolina, but that’s about it.</p>
<p>You say you’re in NY and would be willing to go as far as SC? but not WI? I don’t really think WI is any farther than SC is from most of NY. So I second the idea that Lawrence is a school you should look at closer. Maybe Oberlin as well. I’d also second St. Olaf, if distance weren’t a factor.</p>
<p>And it may seem off the wall and not at all comparable to the other schools that have been listed, but if cost is a factor, you might want to look at SUNY-Fredonia since they are one of the better SUNY-colleges for music. Fredonia has a full fledged School of Music (not just a music department). Fredonia it is also much, much smaller than the SUNY University Centers. So Fredonia would have at least some of the feel of a LAC.</p>