<p>I have learned so much from this forum in the past year, and just wanted to publically thank those of you who have given advice, sent p.m.'s and shared info with us. I first learned of CC from a dedicated educator at our local PA high school where my D was NOT a student. I called to ask where the kids from there go to pursue MT, and was referred here.</p>
<p>When we started I had never heard of many of the schools on the East Coast, except the few the college counselor we paid had heard of. The BIG LIST was therefore my first piece of the puzzle. So thank you to those who created that invaluable encyclopedia, and continue to add to it as needed. (Thank you Dr. John!)</p>
<p>I had never heard of Unified Auditions before CC. So thanks to Dr John for continuing to update that information every year, as well as disseminate info about Otterbein (if you are new to this forum, it is a program that deserves a serious look!)
We got excellent advice to prepare for auditions from many people. If you are new here, use the search button to look for discussions from the past couple of years regarding songs and monologues, and especially the "Do Not Use List". Thanks to the regular contributors who have shared professional advice on those discussions, including CoachC , Mary Anna, and SuzieVT.</p>
<p>When it was time for auditions, again this community supported each other, and I felt like we were all in this together.</p>
<p>As acceptances, and rejections came, and the various kids announced what they were doing it was wonderful to celebrate with those who got positive news, and watch the other kids figure out what their alternative plans were. When it came time to make a decision for my D, I again enlisted the help of some of the experts here who made a suggestion for her, which she came to accept as the best choice for her. (Yes, she will eb attending a school I had never heard of before CC, so thanks again!)</p>
<p>Now as I prepare myself for an empty nest, I am still enlisting the help of this community with pms to other CC parents. Today I got a really nice pm from someone who helped me once again. </p>
<p>It seems like there has been a lot of bad stuff in the news lately, and it's nice to celebrate good things for a change. So here's to you wonderful members of CC who have helped us so much in the past year. I plan to stay around, and add something when I can. Those of you who are just starting, enjoy every minute with your kids. This year will speed by, and before you know it you will be buying extra-long sheets, and wondering where the time went. </p>
<p>If you are just getting organized, please read the FAQ, and use the search engine to find discussions, ask lots of questions, and share what you know. There is only room for a list of 30 schools at the top of the page, but there are many more programs to learn about. If everyone who visits those schools, or has a child attending them adds some info, this database will continue to be meaningful and helpful</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>Diana</p>