<p>Well I sing and play the piano. I plan on joining chorus and continuing piano. I also play the cello, but that'd be hard to record. Should I send the schools I'm applying for sample CDs of me singing/playing? This is my first time applying to boarding schools, so thanks!</p>
<p>Only if you are a truly EXCEPTIONAL musician-- i.e. prodigy. Then I would send a video, not just a sound recording.</p>
<p>You should. Some schools ask URLs for youtube, vimeo, etc., so check with individual schools.</p>
<p>Hopefully this will be your last time for BS application ;)</p>
<p>Only record instruments on which you have proficiency, and that you are interested in playing in boarding school. Our dd is a highly accomplished young musician, but she was only 12 when we were doing recordings. Boarding schools don’t expect you to be a fully formed person or completely professional in your skills and interests upon application or even on arrival ;-)). If your video shows your current level, at your best, of course, and someone watching it can see your talent, passion, etc., it is worth sharing—assuming your best won’t send viewers/listeners running for the hills ;-).</p>
<p>And yes, videos are preferable. We sent CD’s AND links to uploaded video on a private Vimeo channel. But we were rather belt-and-suspenders about the whole process…</p>
<p>For a conventional b.s. (not a specialty performing arts school), if you are really outstanding, then send a video or youtube. If you just participate, then mention the activity on your list of EC’s. </p>
<p>I advise doing the same for any EC.</p>
<p>If you take music seriously, i’d recommend sending a CD or link to a youtube performance. It can really help the application.</p>
<p>FYI
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1274915-sending-instrumental-cds.html?[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-admissions/1274915-sending-instrumental-cds.html?</a></p>
<p>I think GMT is setting the bar a little too high for B.S. students. St. Paul’s is not a performing arts school but still takes arts rather seriously, and here’s what it say on its admissions web page: </p>
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<p>This was consistent with what’s typically asked during preliminary rounds of regional student music competitions or youth orchestra selection. Sometime you do see a prodigy – say, Sarah Chang – on such venues, but most of the times participants are just “serious” student musicians. By “serious,” I mean those students who participate in selective school music programs, take private lessons (desirably at least for a few years) and may consider music as important part of their lives regardless of professional pursuit.</p>
<p>So, if you plan on singing and piano at B.S., by all means, submit samples of your performance. The worst thing that could happen to your application is, in case your performance is not up to their standard, it will be heard once and ignored. No harms. And the upside is much greater!!</p>
<p>That’s true - but I agree with the others that “only if you’re really strong.” I’ve vetted a number of student supplements and although everyone should be proud of their accomplishments, I was sometimes dismayed that the students (or parents) couldn’t tell the difference between “nice” and “adequate” versus gifted.</p>
<p>If the school asks for supplemental material - send it. If not, really ask yourself will this help my application, or hurt it. One way to judge is to look online for videos of their existing students and ask if you meet those standards.</p>