Read my short note to Harvard

Colleges and Universities A-Z Harvard University
1

<p>I played a piano piece for Solo and Ensemble and made state. I've decided to send all my colleges (not just Harvard) a short note explaining the accomplishment. I don't know whether I should include more (our Orchestra director's number for confirmation, etc.), and whether some proof is required (is it?). Please help!</p>

<pre><code> Dear Admissions Committee,

I recently participated in the 5A district Solo & Ensemble music competition in Houston on 2/7/06.  I’m happy to inform you that I received the highest possible rating (1-Superior) in piano, and will be participating in State competition in June.  The piece I performed was the Op. 42 Waltz by Frederic Chopin.

</code></pre>

2

<p>Is it really that difficult to get a 1 rating? For solo/ensemble here it's a piece of cake to get 1 at both district and state.. I'm not sure how much that will help. But who knows, go for it.</p>

3

<p>It's my first time doing it, and I haven't played very long, so I was hoping it would quantify whatever "potential" i have.</p>

4

<p>Do you have a tape or CD of the performance? If so, send that, too.</p>

5

<p>how do you send those things?</p>

<p>Do you email them or use regular mail?</p>

6

<p>reg mail bro i bet</p>

7

<p>i want to send somethign too.</p>

<p>so should i use regular mail or email or fax?</p>

8

<p>can anyone tell me??/</p>

<p>its really important =[</p>

9

<p>I think regular mail would be fine.</p>

10

<p>I would mail it so that they have a hard copy to place in your file. I don't know though.</p>

11

<p>Chopin's Waltzes are truly great pieces but are considered insignificant works and are not viewed as difficult. Perhaps a Ballade or Scherzo would have been better.</p>

12

<p>Well as long as he made State, I think it's impressive.</p>

13

<p>would regular mail get there in time for the admissions officers to read it?</p>

14

<p>Yes (ten characters)</p>

15

<p>I'm just saying maybe you shouldn't say that you played a Waltz. It is impressive that you made "State," but perhaps you should rather say "I performed music by Chopin."</p>

<p>Just an idear.</p>

16

<p>Gawd...you're really going to hate me on this one. I'm also in the 5A division in Pasadena and Solo & Ensemble 1 is nothing to yell home about. My school (with a pitiful choir program) had 18 superiors this year. I think this would definitely count as one of those petty awards...</p>

17

<p>ouch..........</p>

18

<p>yeah. 1's at districts really aren't that impressive.</p>

19

<p>harvard is FULL of musicians and the admissions officers there def. know what you're talking about if you just list things in your resume. </p>

<p>and dont even bother sending in a tape or cd. they get thousands every year and i have a feeling you wont really stand out against other piano players that apply to harvard</p>

20

<p>OP, achieving state level at anything is a notable achievement, so go ahead and report it. Do it in a brief e-mail to the admissions office (you have written it very well already) and ask that it be placed in your file. My D did this when she made State in voice.</p>