The Sound of America Honor Band

College Majors Music Major
1

<p>Is this anything worth considering for the summer? My daughter will have turned 16 and it is a 23 day concert tour of Europe. Is it reputable and safe? </p>

<p>For those of you that know anything about this:</p>

<p>--Is there a learning component to it, or just touring Europe playing average level music concerts? </p>

<p>--Is the experience worth the price? ($6400)</p>

<p>--DD has never been away from home alone for more then a weekend, is there a friendly, welcoming environment and good staff?</p>

<p>--Why does the pamphlet say to apply, pay the application fee, and than wait for them to
send you a CD to audition on? Is this a first come/first serve thing or an auditioned group?</p>

<p>So just stay closer to home and attend a NY music program or is this worth it? The idea of touring Europe sounds great, but she wants to learn this summer to. (Musically, not just about Europe) Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I’d send her to the New York State Summer School for the arts orchestra camp with the Philadelphia orchestra. Saratoga Springs at Skidmore. My son attended 2 summers as did a lot of the kids in Syracuse Youth Orchestra. NYSSSA.org Auditions are up and running so you need to look into it quick. West Genny is usually an audition site.</p>

3

<p>What instrument does she play and at what level? Is she interested in band or orchestra?
I looked at the SOA’s web site and am not a fan of the 15-20 age requirement- that’s a wide age span for such a large group living together. The list of music seems to hint that it’s a religious based program?</p>

4

<p>Thanks bigdjp, I’ll look that up.</p>

5

<p>Mezzo’sMama-- She plays Oboe NYSSMA level 6 since 8th grade (in 10th now), I guess advanced intermediate (?) and was just sent with info about it for band home from school today. She plays in band and orchestra regularly. I don’t know if it’s religious based, I do know they play in a lot of Catholic venues while in Europe. Obviously, we need to look more into this, I just thought all you experts might know. :wink: My daughter hasn’t even turned 16 yet, so yeah, the age difference does kind of bother me to.</p>

6

<p>For oboe, I’d recommend going to BUTI Tanglewood’s 2-week oboe workshop, with John Ferillo and Bob Sheena.</p>

7

<p>Another option would be Baldwin Wallace Conservatory Summer Intensive. There are some great teachers for the woodwinds and valuable contacts.</p>

8

<p>woodwinds–
That was her first choice but it starts June 15th and school isn’t over with yet.</p>

9

<p>My daughter’s school wasn’t out either. She worked ahead and left school one week early every year of high school.</p>