<p>I read on collegeboard that 8% of Carleton's students are visual/performance arts majors. Can anyone elaborate on this statistic? Specifically:
-Is that number geared more towards the drama/film/photo spectrum or the music spectrum?
-How are Carleton's music facilities, teachers, programs, reputations and anything else music-related?
-Would it be a good school for someone looking to minor in music performance?
Just for a bit of background, I'm looking to major in a science (most likely chemistry) while minoring in music, because it's a passion of mine that I don't want to abandon in college. Carleton seems like the perfect match in every aspect... but only if its music program is up to par.
Thanks! =)</p>
<p>OK, I'll try to help. I looked over the last few years and it seems that the bulk of performance arts type majors are Studio Art. Last year there were 5 music majors and 1 theater (4 theater in '07). Studio Art seems to run 17-18 majors in a class. With the new Arts center (planned to open Fall o 2011) I imagine there will be an increase in majors in all the arts. Carleton doesn't have "minors," many students double major.</p>
<p>With respect to the music specifically, there are many more doing music than the number of majors would suggest. Students interested in performance will find many opportunities including: the Orchestra, the Symphony Band, the Jazz Ensemble, the African Drum Ensemble, the Mbira & Karimba Ensembles, Chamber Music groups, a handbell choir and a pep band. Choral groups include the Carleton Choir, Chamber Singers, Community Choir, and several small groups focussed on specific styles (gospel, rennaissance, etc). There are also half a dozen a capella groups. In addition, many students perform in junior and senior recitals, mixed student recitals, chamber ensembles, student bands and musical theater performances.</p>
<p>The music department has a dozen or so regular faculty, several dozen individual instrument teachers, and many guest artists.</p>
<p>Our son is a current freshman and is also interested in music (as well as just about everything else - hence, the LAC decision). During the decision process, he made appointments ahead of time to interview with music department faculty (both instrumental and vocal) and tour the music facilities (including performance spaces). He always did a quick count of practice rooms and types of pianos - quickly eliminated some schools this way. He also verified that there would be informal student music groups available - acapella, jazz ensembles, etc. His dad and I really wondered about Carleton as his first choice - especially in terms of music. We think his reasoning was that he would get more attention from the department at Carleton than at some other colleges. We'll see!</p>