<p>Hi I was wondering if anyone might be able to tell me a little bit about Tufts and Music. Specifically, I would like information about choral ensembles and instrumental ensembles (flute). Are they thriving? Do they tour? Are they of a fairly high quality? Would someone who particpated heavily in both vocal and instrumental ensembles in high school be happy at Tufts? </p>
<p>My daughter is an All-State flutist and All-East vocalist and could at least consider auditioning at Conservatories. But she has chosen to not go the conservatory route, but would like to continue participating at a high level. Is this possible at Tufts?</p>
<p>We visited Tufts and have seen the new Performing Arts Center and have read about the various ensembles on the website. We're looking for more "insider info."</p>
<p>Thanks for any information you can provide. </p>
<p>CollegeMom08</p>
<p>Choral ensembles at Tufts are certainly thriving and they do tour. Someone who loves both vocal and instrumental music will love Tufts, which has invested heavily in its music facilities (state-of-the-art) and department. </p>
<p>If your daughter is a conservatory-level musician but doesn't want to continuea the conservatory level, Tufts seems like a good fit for her. A top-notch music program but also a great place to get a well-rounded academic experience.</p>
<p>She can also consider the dual program with SMFA.</p>
<p>And yes, both the wind and orchestral ensembles tour.</p>
<p>Primeminister, I think you mean the dual program with the NEC. (SMFA is for fine arts -- NEC is the conservatory).</p>
<p>Oh yes, thanks for the correction.</p>
<p>Tufts' music program is great now and is growing so every year it has been getting better and better. Now that we have the wonderful new facility/hall, we're beginning to figure out ways to most efficiently utilize it and the administration is very open to student suggestions.</p>
<p>Having been in the choirs, I can attest to the fact that they are very professional and fun. They tour every other year, usually in Europe (last year in Spain and two years before that in Italy). </p>
<p>Personally, I study classical voice here and sing opera. I don't know if opera interests your daughter at all, but just in case I want to mention that beginning this year, we will have a fully staged opera production every year, which is very exciting. </p>
<p>Your daughter will find that there are many ways in which she can be involved in music at Tufts and I think that it's a great choice if she doesn't want to go the conservatory route. I actually auditioned for and was accepted at NEC but decided to forgo the dual-degree program; I couldn't be happier with my decision and plan to pursue a career in opera, so I definitely feel that I'm getting enough musical education and experience here at Tufts.</p>
<p>I wish your daughter the best of luck with her decision!</p>
<p>I'm in the Chamber Singers and was in the Chorale, and really love the choral singing programs at Tufts. We do really challenging and beautiful repertoire, have multiple concerts, and tour every other year.</p>
<p>My friend is in the flute ensemble and she really loves it, and is very talented. I haven't heard them perform, though. </p>
<p>A friend of mine from Chamber Singers recently graduated and is take some time to prepare for auditioning to conservatories, so if your daughter wishes to do conservatories post-graduation she should be fine. I think it's a great environment for people who want to stay committed to their music. </p>
<p>Also, if you're in an ensemble for a semester, you're eligible for scholarships for two semesters' worth of private lessons. My voice lessons cost 200 instead of 600 as a result. This should be applicable to flute ensemble too.</p>
<p>Ever since they removed Malka as the orchestra director, the vast talent pool will finally be able to accomplish more without being held back anymore. Despite the incompetence that was conducting the past orchestra, the people still enjoyed the experience; it's what you put into it.</p>