<p>One of the factors in our D's decision-making process is the ability to play in an ensemble and continue with instrumental instruction. (Woodwind player.) She is not a conservatory kid but plays in two ensembles at her current school and studies privately. Does anyone have first-hand knowledge about music at these schools? Obviously we will ask to speak to music department teachers at revisits but trying to fill in a spread sheet before we go.</p>
<p>Exeter has a way to go in music. It has a music building and great singing programs but the Academy knows that it is has serious space needs for all of the arts. There is a plan that is soon to be implemented to build a large new arts building-- and not sure of exactly when that would come on line–but even then for instrumental music it still will not be enough–for example the Christmas concert has to be held at the local public high school bc there is nowhere on campus to have the orchestra play to an audience–and the present plans for the new building will not rectify this.</p>
<p>Hotchkiss has the best music program and a brand new Elfers Hall. You can PM hotchkiss parent toombs61 and student Bearcatprep.</p>
<p>My daughter is an third year 11th grader at Andover. Like yours, she plays a woodwind and is not a conservatory musician. She’s fairly good though, and loves to play. The music program at Andover has been fantastic for her. She plays in the concert band and in a smaller ensemble band and takes lessons weekly. This Friday, she leaves with a group from the music department to travel to Spain where they will have several concerts. The school picks up the travel tab in accordance with your financial aid award, so if you are on a full-ride scholarship, you go to Spain for free. The music faculty are all wonderful instructors who have provided an enriching musical experience for my daughter. It’s a great fit for kids like ours who will never be music majors, but who enjoy the music and like to play with other talented musicians. While there are certainly come conservatory-bound kids in the program, most are not. Most Andover musicians are simply smart, accomplished kids who love to play and who play well.</p>
<p>When visiting Milton over a year ago, we were impressed with the music program. They have several performing groups, including an orchestra and a chamber ensemble, and we were impressed by the music department chair, Don Dregalla. We sat in on a rehearsal, and liked his interaction with the students and his teaching approach. If a student wants to continue with private instruction, there is easy access to wonderful teachers in the Boston metro, and advanced students have the opportunity to audition for and participate in Boston area youth ensembles.</p>
<p>^ Also, Milton has teachers at the academy that offer private music lessons. I’m not sure how much it costs though.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses particularly MrsWeasley as the situation you describe sounds very much like my daughter’s current situation and it is reassuring to know that she wouldn’t have to give that up. I don’t care that much about the performance space. (The last concert at my daughter’s school was held in the cafeteria.) I care that she continue to have the opportunity to study and perform.</p>
<p>The music teachers at Exeter are excellent (also by and large from Boston) --but the question–and this I don’t know–is whether the problem with the facilities discourage other excellent instrumentalists from attending. That you need to discuss with people at revisit day.</p>
<p>FWIW, Hotchkiss is the only school of these where individual music instruction is included with tuition. The others charge for private lessons. Exeter pro-rates it for FA families; don’t know about PA… perhaps another parent can weigh in?</p>
<p>I am sure that any of those schools could provide a good music experience for your child. </p>
<p>My only direct knowledge about the music program is at Andover, where my daughter participated for 4 years in orchestra, band, and chamber music. Two or three of those years Andover had some kids accepted at Julliard, though I think they chose to go elsewhere. Most of the musicians weren’t at that level of course, but it meant some great soloists and leaders within the group. Plenty of opportunities for kids to play at an appropriate level and then move up to the more advanced ensemble when ready (the website describes the various ensembles). Great teachers come to campus to give private lessons organized and billed through the school. And a fair number of kids went into Boston via train or carpool once a week at the weekend to play in the New England Conservatory youth orchestra. The orchestra Conductor, James Orent, is a violinist and occasional conductor of the Boston Pops, so the level of professionalism is high. </p>
<p>One other thing: the music rehearsals are in the evening and so do not conflict with sports practice. Plenty of musicians are also on sports teams (even varsity). I don’t know if that is the same at the other schools. It’s nice to have the option because the sports teams are great fun.</p>
<p>At Andover, I’m pretty sure the fee for lessons is added onto our tuition bill, but I don’t know if it’s pro-rated based on FA. Never really thought about it.</p>
<p>Since we also have a musician, and are a FA family, we asked at all the schools we visited (last year’s cycle). As far as I recall, PEA was the only one that pro-rated, based on FA % and Hotchkiss was the only one where lessons were included in tuition. The others all had additional fees for private instruction.</p>
<p>Perhaps someone else has other info?</p>
<p>AT Milton, you request a music teacher via Dr. Dragella and the cost is pro-rated based on the % of FA you are receiving. Lessons are offered on campus usually during one of the student’s free periods. Some instructors are associated with Milton, others are not. My D plays cello (also not a conservatory kid) and is extremely happy with her instructor, who my D says is “very insipring”. </p>
<p>In terms of opprotunties the school offers, Milton has an orchestra, chamber orchestra, chamber singers, lots of jazz groups and opportunities for students to from ensembles if they are interested. Orchestra, jazz ensemble, chamber singers, etc are all courses worth 1/2 credit. Since rehersals are part of the regularly scheduled class day they do not interfere with sports, extra-curricular activities, or study time in the evening. There are no auditions for the regular orchestra and auditions for the chamber orchestra are held in the spring and fall. Next year the chamber orchestra will be travelling to Ireland during Spring break (they tour every other year). I believe the cost is pro-rated based on %FA.</p>
<p>The advantage Milton has over the other schools you mention is the proximity to Boston. Students can very easily go into Boston (only 8 miles away) to attend concerts, etc and the school brings a good number of musicians, conductors, etc to campus. My daughter walked into orchestra last week and found a group called “the Yale 20 cello group”. The group performed during the orchestra rehersal period and answered questions. </p>
<p>During re-visit I would not only talk with the music teachers but also with students who are in the various groups. Perhaps your D’s student guide for the day will be in one of the musical groups.</p>