Hi! I was in band for seven years and played horn, but my college really does not offer a great band program- and I am nervous about auditions- so I have not played for a couple of months. I really miss being able to make music with other people, considering I did it for so long and was pretty decent at it. Is transferring a good idea?? Or are there any other alternative ideas I can consider? I think I have realized how much music truly means to me and I need to be able to be a part of a musical community again, but I have no clue how due to the lack of a music program my university offers. Thanks for any help/advice I genuinely appreciate it.
First off, you have another post asking if you shoudl transfer so you can study Korean. http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/2105187-is-transferring-worth-it.html#latest Are you looking for reasons/excuses for people on CC to tell you it is the right choice to transfer?
Transferring can be difficult – if you are happy at school, have friends and are doing well academically etc. I would think long and hard about leaving. The grass is not always greener on the other side. A few things to keep in mind:
–Transfer students often do not get good financial aid if that is an issue.
–Many friendships are formed freshman year when everyone is seeking out new relationships-- it can be hard to break in socially as a transfer student.
–You would be new to a school when most of your peers are already in a familiar routine.
–Not every class at your current college may transfer over to the new school.
Now as to the band – if you are nervous about auditions why don’t you email or meet with the band director and find out what the story is? At some colleges the auditions are simply to see that a person can play with some level of competence and to determine seating positions. If necessary you can practice and even take some lessons on campus the rest of this semester and over the winter break and audition in the spring. Additionally, there may be other ways to play music at college – have you checked to see if there is a pep band, if there is a pit orchestra that plays for musicals and things along those lines?
Exactly as @happy1 said, go see the people in charge of music programs and find out what is available. There may be small ensembles. There may also be a community band opportunity.