<p>Alo. I'm thinking of things to stick in my "why Swarthmore" essay (by the way, does this have to be huge?), and something I didn't really have the chance to look into while I visited was the music program. I'm a bit of a band geek and I'd like to pursue that in college. What's the music program at Swarthmore like? How expansive is it? Is it only for the I'm-so-crazy-good-because-I've-been-practicing-since-I-was-three people, or are there some less elite ensembles?</p>
<p>Thaaanks.</p>
<p>There are definitely less elite ensembles for band instruments. The Wind Ensemble is open to all, and they also had a little concert last week for chamber groups of wind instruments which were put together after the wind ensemble concert several weeks ago. There is also a jazz band and an orchestra, which are by audition. What instrument do you play and what type of music do you like to play?</p>
<p>I play clarinet. I'm involved with the wind ensemble, orchestra, and pit band in my school right now; jazz band's not much of an option for me at this point. :P</p>
<p>You can definitely join the wind ensemble and the chamber groups if you go to Swarthmore and also try out for the orchestra. The wind ensemble rehearses once a week in the evening, and they performed quite an extensive concert a few weeks ago.</p>