<p>Does anybody know how good the orchestra is at vassar? I played viola in a decent school orchestra for 3 years (played violin for 4 years before switching to viola). Is the orchestra filled with super musical genius? Oh, and should I send in the music supplement? Or do only the amazing players send in those? I'm afraid it might hurt me because I'm just "average"</p>
<p>I played french horn in the orchestra many years ago and loved every minute of it. I was good at the time, alternate to all state, that kind of thing, most of kids were good to exceptional. Viola is such a sought after instrument that I bet they would be very excited to have you at Vassar. I would send in the supplement. It is definitely not reserved for the super gifted. Webcast</a> - Music Department - Vassar College has a webcast of the orch performing. I really enjoyed musical performance at Vassar. I sang with the choir, madrigals and played in orchestra and was not a music major. Have fun.</p>
<p>I would send it in. Can't hurt.</p>
<p>The orchestra is by audition but there are other groups that do not require auditions and you can take lessons by for and not for credit...though they do cost $500 per semester. The teachers, check the music department website for information on the teachers, are usually part-time faculty who are performing artists.</p>
<p>Based on my daughter's current experience as an Oboe player I would expect there to be some really stellar viola players at Vassar. She likes to play but is not a star on another instrument that is relatively rare and says there are 3-4 really great oboe players there but she still has found opportuntiies to play. I will say the competition in flutes, her other instrument before a switch 3 years ago, is much tougher.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>