<p>How is the music program, specifically the orchestra? Thanks!</p>
<p>bump(10char)</p>
<p>Hi, I'm a parent of an admitted student.</p>
<p>We went there for the Arts Scholarship auditions. We were just for the day, but it is my impression that the music department is there for students who want to continue their studies in college, but probably not major in it. </p>
<p>The facilities are old, and a bit inadequate. They have plans to build a better facility, but the economy is getting in the way.</p>
<p>The string kids at the audition seemed excellent, although I only heard them through an office door, while waiting for my son's audition. </p>
<p>The website lists only one string ensemble, which meets once a week.
From the site: "The repertoire in this group varies, depending on the number of musicians and the instrumentation available." and "The ensemble has also broken down into duos or trios, as the right combination of instruments has become available." </p>
<p>So, my perspective is that HWS is not a music school, but it is a school with music. It seems like a nice balance.</p>
<p>Thanks, pageturner. That was my hunch from doing a little online research. Sounds like it could work as one of our options - D swings from “intense music necessary at all times” to “well, I’d like to keep music in my life somehow” depending on the phase of the moon or something equally mysterious. Keeps us on our toes!</p>