<p>DS wants to major in music. His primary instrument is tuba, plays several other instruments incl. piano, but probably not up to the level where he could audition on any of the others. We don't know if he is accomplished enough to make it into a conservatory, nor are we sure he needs that environment since he does not want to major in performance. He says he'd like to be a music writer/critic, so probably a double major with English/journalism would be ideal. My H and I are not musically inclined and have no idea what schools might have good programs/instructors in tuba and low brass as well as opportunities for double majors. We have seen numerous threads re music and double majors, but it looks like mostly they are vocal or string majors - not too many tubas out there!</p>
<p>Academically, he's in pretty good shape - it's the music aspect that's making it a little complicated. Any help/tips/suggestions would be appreciated!</p>
<p>If he doesn't want a major in performance, then perhaps the journalism/english aspect might be your prime focus in looking for schools. A Music Management degree may make sense as well, taking as many journalism electives as possible. Some schools allow you the option of a dual degree, in either 4 or 5 years. If you can place a weight on what is the more important component it might prove helpful in offering some possibilities.</p>
<p>As a tubamom also, I feel compelled to post, though I don't know how much I have to offer!
Since your son does NOT want to major in performance, I think he wouldn't want to focus on conservatories. Therefore, no need to determine if he has attained the playing level sought by the admissions folk at those places.</p>
<p>Sounds like a University setting with a music school or even smaller schools with good music depts would welcome your son. What geographic area are you looking for? Is financial aid part of the equation?</p>
<p>Our son is a third year music ed major (tuba). He will probably aim for a performance masters after undergrad. He sounds a bit like your son as he has very strong verbal/writing talents as well. But there was not ever any doubt he would major in music.</p>
<p>Please feel free to PM me if you'd like.
Best of luck to your son; he will find his place!</p>
<p>There are a lot of schools out there that would meet your S's basic requirements. To narrow down the focus, decide someof the questions musicmom lists -- size of school (does he want to march?), geographic location, money issues. </p>
<p>There are large state schools with great football teams and marching bands that have viable music programs plus the opportunity to double major and/or explore. There are smaller schools that would love to have a tuba player, since low brass are so often sought after by the bigger schools. High academic stats and a solid ability on tuba could easily turn into some nice merit money -- except at the schools that don't offer merit at all. So decide how important that will be.</p>
<p>Let us know the details and we'll help you look!</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses!<br>
Here're some further details about tubaboy:
He loves marching band - will be starting his fourth year of it in a few weeks - his school has won state champ in its class and was 2nd last year.
He would not qualify for much (if any) financial aid - I think our combined salaries are probably too high by financial aid standards.
We'd like for him to stay east of the Mississippi, to save $$ on travel, but he said he doesn't have a geographic preference. We do have some concerns about him getting a little lost in the shuffle in a giant school like UT Austin, Penn State, etc.<br>
He really likes music history and theory, reads everything about music and composers he can get his hands on, as well as taking every class available at his school. He also writes music using finale. He originally wanted to major in composition, but he found the audition requirements daunting. This music journalism thing is a fairly new development. He would prefer to major, not minor, in music. His academics, incl SATs, are pretty solid and he may be a NMSF - depends on state cutoff.<br>
We really appreciate the help!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/marching/college-band-faq/%5B/url%5D">http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/marching/college-band-faq/</a>
Sudler trophy recipients:
1982 University of Michigan
1983 University of Illinois
1984 The Ohio State University
1985 Florida A&M University
1986 University of Texas at Austin
1987 University of Oklahoma
1988 Michigan State University
1989 Kansas University
1990 University of Iowa
1991 Arizona State University
1992 Northwestern University
1993 University of California at Los Angeles
1994 James Madison University
1995 Purdue University
1996 University of Nebraska
1997 West Virginia University
1998 University of Massachusetts
1999 Texas Tech University
2000 University of Georgia
2001 Texas A&M University</p>
<p>Because I'm in Georgia, let me point out that UGA has a great music program, a great football program, and is also well-known for it's journalism program, too.</p>
<p>One of those writers mentioned is a graduate of Indiana University Of Pennsylvania. I checked their website, and they have a marching band, a theory and composition major, a BA and a BFA in music, a journalism major, etc. They have an interesting looking Honors program your S would probably qualify for:</p>
<p>
[quote]
Featured in Donald Asher’s Cool Colleges for the Hyper-Intelligent, IUP’s Robert E. Cook Honors College provides an academic and residential environment in which the university’s most talented students, regardless of their majors, can live and work together and benefit from ongoing close interaction with some of IUP’s most respected faculty members. The Honors College is open to students of any major.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>And I've always been a fan of University of Michigan. Great school. Great music program.</p>
<p>I remember that former Connecticut College tubist when she was eight years old, running around our neighborhood with water guns. She was part of a terrific group of kids my son grew up with. We loved watching her turn into an excellent tuba player and she certainly was an inspiration to our son.<br>
So, I am sure Connecticut can challenge high level students, knowing the results in this case at least.
Now,we can follow her exploits online at tubanews.com. We love it.</p>
<p>Hey tubamom- from another mother of a tuba player, I would like for your son to meet Skip Gray at the University of Kentucky. Skip is past president of the International Tuba/Euphonium Assoc. My son met him this past fall when UK hosted a masterclass featuring Gene Pokorney (Chicago Symphony). Skip has kept in touch with DS and offered thoughtful advice. DS took a lesson just last week from the Prof. at Juilliard and he mentioned Skip as being an outstanding professional in the field. Ohio University also has an outstanding journalism program and a well known marching band. Both schools have reasonable tuition and great $$ incentives for good students. Skip Gray has a neat resume online that details accomplishments of students. PM me if you have any questions.</p>
<p>besides the fact that you would like him to stay east of the Mississippi,Tubaboy is SCREAMING Arizona State U to me.
Check out their Tuba studio
NMF scholarship
SunDevil Marching Band
Journalism possibilities
Facilities,setting
check it out.keep an open mind about the location/size</p>
<p>"Ohio University also has an outstanding journalism program and a well known marching band."</p>
<p>Do you mean Ohio University or Ohio State University? Ohio <em>State</em> University's marching band is much loved by Buckeye fans around the world, and it's always an honor to be the sousaphone that dots the "i" in Script Ohio. Two of my siblings were members of OSU's marching band for 5 seasons each. With 5 season eligibility, they both planned their studies to graduate after fall quarter of their 5th season just so they could be in the marching band. One played baritone and one played horn. The tryout/audition process is pretty strenuous and those who wish to be marching band members need to be both athletic and constantly on top of their game with their marching maneuvers and their playing.</p>
<p>Well, we do love the OSU Band but the OU marching band is fantastic as well. They were featured in the last Macy's Parade if you remember. We have several friends who march currently and they love it. OSU tryouts are pretty competitive from what I know. Not sure how well tuba studio is thought of.</p>
<p>I agree with Momnipotent. The 110 Marching Men (that's what they called the Ohio University marching band back in the day when I was there) is one outstanding band. And the journalism department is also very good.</p>
<p>cathymee- my son really wants to meet Sam Pilafian at ASU. I think he is going out at the end of the school year. Arizona is too far from Ohio, don't you think?</p>
<p>thumper!- just got off phone with DD at Boston U. ---she is geeked up to watch her first Boston Marathon on Monday/and miss class as well. She "retired" from the pep band because of too many commitments. She is going to work for BU over the summer. Glad DS got into Tanglewood so that I have 2 reasons to go visit!</p>
<p>momnipotent: I learn something new everyday- even having grown up as a native Ohioan! I have been away for many, many years and for a good share of them lived overseas so I got out of the habit of watching the Macy's parade. I think I've seen it twice in the last twenty years. Sad that I've lost that piece of American culture in my life, huh? </p>
<p>I don't know anything about the tuba studio, either, but was just tagging onto the marching band thought.</p>
<p>Sam Pilafian is a tuba name that I keep hearing from our son.
It might make Arizona seem closer to NJ than it is for him.
Funny how my mind is clogged up with tuba stuff from son.....no wonder I can't find my car keys!</p>
<p>well, Arizona wasnt too far from NY when D went there LOL
once you're on the plane, its a breeze.Phoenix airport is easy to use and the Tempe campus is no more than 10 minutes away from it.
seriously, the tuba studio is first rate and should be considered,as should the other facilities,performance venues ,etc.
D was enthralled first time she saw the practice rooms..they actually have windows and views of palm trees,cactus plants,etc.</p>