<p>My son just got back from "Accepted Student Preview Day" at Westminster Choir College. It was a wonderful, informative, and even fun day for our family. (The incoming students were even able to rehearse with the freshman choir! They sounded amazing-- especially for sight reading!) The faculty seems great, the vocal performance program is rigorous, but I think his last concern, that he couldn't really pinpoint, is the social/political/religious feel of the campus. He's very liberal-minded, and does not have much of a religious affiliation. He would be fine with students of different backgrounds, but he also doesn't want to attend a school where he would feel like an outcast. Any advice out there from Westminster students, grads, or even those in the know. Thanks!</p>
<p>I live just down the road from Westminster Choir College and know many of the students, faculty, graduates and have spent a lot of time on the campus as the Westminster Conservatory is there (where my son studied for a couple of years in their Young Artist program).</p>
<p>The campus is truly diverse in terms of religious affiliations, political viewpoints, life styles, background, etc. It is true that there is a campus emphasis on sacred music and many students are hired by local churches as vocalists and organists; that does impart a slight Sunday flavor to the atmosphere, but the general student body is quite diverse and friendly.</p>
<p>May I suggest that you PM BeezMom? Her D attends WCC and she can give you some first hand info.
I know kids from varied backgrounds and religions who attend WCC and have never heard about any area of conflict and of course, the town of Princeton is a fun place to be. The only nod to “religion”, if you will, is that the choral ensembles do sing sacred as well as secular works, and they all participate in the special chapel services throughout the year.</p>