Summer Programs - Discussion

<p>Would anyone consider songs from "Starting Here, Starting Now" very overdone as audition songs? I really would like to use "Today Is the First Day of the Rest of My Life" for my Interlochen audition, but I am wondering if it's overused...any thoughts?</p>

<p>aspiringactress1:</p>

<p>I can't say whether that piece is overused for Interlochen, but in twelve years no one has used that song for Otterbein. In fact, we rarely hear anything from "Starting Here, Starting Now." "Today" is an interesting piece, and I think you should go ahead and use it. I just caution you to tell the story, and don't get caught up in "showing off" your belt voice. If you tell the story, it will be there for you.</p>

<p>Hope this helps.</p>

<p>Yes, it definitely does help, thank you so much. Great advice!</p>

<p>My D went to CMU Pre-college last summer and loved it. It is an intensive 6 weeks, but from what I can tell, well worth it. It also is not cheap, but we saw it as well worth it--you genuinely get a taste of what it is like studying MT in college, and what you have to look forward to. So for you parents, event if your child decides after this program that MT isn't for them--it's a lot less than spending a year of college and then deciding. And if you want to stick with it, you are really prepared for auditioning. Courses my D took: Auditioning, acting, voice, jazz, ballet, drama literature, improv, directing. At the end of the 6 weeks, everyone auditions. Rarely, do they take anyone at that time for MT. But many are invited to come back and audition again. And the professors really take time in writing critical, constructive evaluations. Hope this helps re CMU.</p>

<p>CMU PreCollege</p>

<p>My D attended this program last year. It was a very maturing experience for her. She entered her senior year with much more confidence in her abilities. And one of the biggest advantages that we never anticipated is that she looks forward to her college auditions as a way to meet up with her CMU friends. I would recommend it.</p>

<p>CalifMom,</p>

<p>If you have any questions about the Syracuse Summer MT program, I am a pretty good source. I attended this summer and had an absolutely amazing time. I am actually no longer pursuing an MT major, because of some realizations I had while I was there, but I have gotten to do things this year in my high school (performance wise) that I would never have been able to do last year. </p>

<p>Basically, the program was 6-weeks long and all of our classes were held at Syracuse Stage, which is an equity theater. We had five classes that we took through out the week (three a day) in groups of about 10 students (there were 30 or so in the program), which included MT Performance (kind of a group voice performance class), MT Ensemble ( a dance-esque class, where we learned performance pieces that we ended up doing as a group at the final show), Stage Combat, Acting, and Production/Make-up. All of the teachers were amazing, and we got a lot of one on one time. Our acting teacher regularly stayed after hours and had times when we could come in individually to work on our scenes and monologues with him. Also, an added bonus if your s/d is going into their senior year, you can audition at the end of your time there for the MT/Acting programs at Syracuse. My friend, who auditioned this summer, actually just found out she got in early decision! Also, you get 6 college drama credits for your work there. Overall it was one of the best times of my life. I learned a ton and made lifelong friends. I also think if I had been auditioning now, I would be extremely well-prepared. If you have any other questions feel free to email me! I love talking about it (as is pretty evident ;) Hope this helps a little.</p>

<p>Amanda</p>

<p>How many are accepted into UMich's MT summer workshop? I am considering looking into this program since Cap21 isn't an option anymore because of housing issues. </p>

<p>-Nick</p>

<p>Hi Nick,</p>

<p>I am auditioning for UMich's MT workshop. I believe that they accept around 20 kids. At least, that is my impression of how many they accept, according to the picture and information on their website.</p>

<p>~Kate</p>

<p>falloffstage,</p>

<p>I checked the website for this program (you can check it out at <a href="http://www.music.umich.edu/resources/myo/mpulse/index.html%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://www.music.umich.edu/resources/myo/mpulse/index.html&lt;/a> , if you haven't already) but didn't see any reference to the number of students they accept. I would call the UMich School of Music and see if they can help you. My recollection is that the program is not huge - my guess is maybe between 30 and 60 kids, but it is just that, a guess.</p>

<p>I've only heard good things about the program and if it is anything like the BFA program, you are in for a treat - a highly professional AND nurturing program with great faculty. And if you have serious interest in going to UMich for the BFA program, working really hard with Brent Wagner (the Dept Chair) for a few weeks might help your chances.</p>

<p>Good Luck!</p>

<p>My son has participated in the UM Summer Program for the past two years. The number accepted has been about 20. Good luck, and I may see you there with my son.</p>

<p>vocaldad</p>

<p>See? So much for my guesses! Thanks Vocaldad. </p>

<p>Vocaldad,
With only 20 people, it sounds like there must be a lot of personal attention given to each student. Could you maybe elaborate on the specifics of the program and what makes it worthwhile going back multiple summers?</p>

<p>There was an article this past fall on the front page of the UM website about the changes that are taking place with this summer program now that it has moved onto the UM campus and is not part of the Michigan All States program. I think last summer might have been the first year it was on campus. But I thought I remembered the article saying they were looking to broaden the program, to heighten its visibility and scope. So maybe they will increase the number of students they take - maybe not. Still worth a call to the department I think.</p>

<p>Theatermom:</p>

<p>The first year my son did the program, it was part of All-State and was at Interlochen. Last year it was at the UM campus and had out of state students. It is a great program, although, at two weeks, is much shorter than many of the other programs. The students work hard and pretty long hours. They do get a fair amount of attention given the size of the program (at least for the last two years). </p>

<p>The reasons my son originally went, has gone back, and hopes to go back again, are: 1. We are from Michigan and it was a great start for him to go to such a Program (he was an incoming high school freshman his first year); 2. UM is his number 1 choice for an MT Program after he finishes high school in 2007; 3. The Program packs alot into a short time and he gets to work with great teachers (not the least of which is, of course, Brent Wagner); and a distant 4th and 5th: 4. He has high school soccer (another passion) tryouts beginning about August 1st each year and needs to prepare for and attend those; and 5. The cost of the program is reasonable (that's a reason for me, as a parent, more than my son, who couldn't care less as long as we are willing and able to pay).</p>

<p>The Program finishes with a "showcase performance" built around a different theme each year. The students do many group numbers with most members getting solos as part of the show (some featured more than others, but almost all getting to showcase something). The showcase incorporates singing, dancing (including a great tap dance number last year), some acting, and a lot of fun. I doubt that much more could be cramed into just two weeks. </p>

<p>If I think of anything else, I'll post again. Please feel free to ask specific questions and I'll try to respond as best I can.</p>

<p>vocaldad</p>

<p>UM summer program takes around 20 students, as you all say, but I wanted to add that they also took out of state students in previous years, at least back as far as 1999. I remember reading about 4 or 5 from out of state each year.</p>

<p>FYI - I spoke to NYU today and you are right that the dorms close before the end of the program. However, they told me that the last 3 days are visit days for parents so if they plan to come for that then you could stay where they stay. Otherwise you can also check out renting a room at a boarding house for the last three days. It is an inexpensive alternative.</p>

<p>Hello all! I am new to this site and I would appreciate any responses. My D is auditioning for the CAP21 Pre-College program and is also going to apply for the Tisch Summer Program as well. Has anyone compared the two? I know that the CAP21 program requires and audition and the other does not. The Tisch Program is shorter but provides housing and supervision. I talked with the CAP 21 director and he told me that most instructors teach in both programs and the coursework is very similar except Tisch is a couple of weeks shorter. What other summer programs would you recommend as a back up?</p>

<p>NOCCAmom -</p>

<p>I sent you a private e-mail - but wanted to make sure you get it. </p>

<p>My daughter went to the program last summer. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions (in case you don't get my message)</p>

<p>janeNW</p>

<p>I'm another mom new to this site. Let me first say thanks to all for the info posted on this site. My d is applying to the U of Mich summer MT program. Any suggestions? Thanks.</p>

<p>Does anyone have a S/D that has attended the NHSI program? I'd appreciate some info. It's expensive and I wonder if the training is worth the expense.</p>

<p>I would recommend you post on the Northwestern message board. There are two posters that have responded to questions I've asked about NHSI on that board who went last year. One told me to PM her with any questions- her user name is crypticism if you'd like to contact her. I have not gone yet, but plan to attend this year if accepted. I have heard nothing but good things about it.</p>

<p>How many audition typically for the UMich Summer Program? Anyone else auditioning here? </p>

<p>-Nick</p>