<p>Hello, I plan on recording a solo for the Harvard supplement, but here's my question. Basically, I am a great percussionist, but I am not limited to one instrument. I feel as though the only way for someone to see my musical ability is to hear me play on a multitude of percussion instruments. I want to record myself on concert snare, timpani, xylophone, and marching tenors. </p>
<p>So, am I allowed to send in a recording of four solos placed on the same CD, and designate what instruments I am playing? Or is it only limited to one instrument?</p>
<p>My impression is that supplemental materials are not bound by any specific rules. If you feel a medley is the best way to demonstrate your talent - I wouldn’t think admissions would have a problem with it.</p>
<p>I’m a percussionist as well, and I had the same idea. I think, to be realistic, solo snare and timpani pieces aren’t as exciting to listen to (for the average listener), and so depending on who will actually be reviewing your arts supplement I’d lean toward excluding them. If you feel that they are truly necessary and can hold attention, then go for it. For the xylophone piece: are you referring to a Green-type rag or is this a full-blown 4-mallet marimba work? If it’s the latter, then I would make that the focus of your recording, because I know that those take substantial preparation that tends to show.</p>
<p>I would try to keep your entire recording (of however many instruments you wish to play) to a total of 10 minutes or less. It is my understanding that performance CDs are sent to the music department for evaluation, so select and perform appropriately.</p>
<p>Hey everyone, I am a 20 year old student finishing my last year in high school in Norway. I want to get your opinions on whether or not I would be eligible to get into an ivy league college in the US. I am from Iceland and I learned Norwegian in 4 months in 2009 and then the first half of 2010 I lived in Iceland. In 2010 i went to high school in Norway and started second year there. I got the highest average in my class which consists of ethnic Norwegians despite the fact that I did not master the language so well and had only known it for a short time. I had around 80% average last year and I believe i can get my grades up to 90-95% average this year(note: it is extremely difficult to get 100% average and almost no student ever gets that in any school). I am the CFO of the graduation board at my school and a part of the student council. Im also a part of a political right wing party in my city. I moved to Norway in 2009 because my country almost went bankrupt and my family lost most of its money and there jobs. Do I stand a chance? Im thinking about a bachelor/masters in the US. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance to those who bother to read this and reply.</p>
<p>We called admissions to ask about how long a CD should be. We asked if they would prefer a cue for the three best minutes to listen to, and they really seemed to like that idea. I would just call the office and ask your question. They are very friendly and appreciate questions.
ps this was some years ago and our kid is a senior there now</p>
<p>My xylophone piece is not on marimba…that’s why I said ‘xylophone’ piece. Anyways, it has a fast tempo, 3/8 time signature, and weird key signatures with dynamics as well. So, it’s not complicated but it’s difficult. </p>
<p>And also, snare and timpani pieces are very good indicators of a good musician. It reveals control over technique, tone, dynamics and tempo; and a real musician can tell the difference between a tense player and a relaxed player solely through sound. </p>
<p>It’s not about how exciting the piece is…none of my district audition pieces have been exciting. It’s about revealing your strengths as a player…</p>
<p>haha i was just checking. in my experience many percussionists call the marimba a xylophone for familiarity, because few people outside of the percussion field or latin america know what it is</p>
<p>and i simply said the other bit in case it would be an adcom listening to it. i wasn’t sure, so don’t feel like i’m stepping on your toes. I’m well aware of the musicianship involved in playing both of those instruments; i was just being realistic in those terms.</p>
It’s a good thing too because I’ve been working hard on my keyboard piece…</p>