We have lots of experience with the Vassar orchestra. Eduardo Navega the conductor is just awesome and both S1 and S2 have had excellent experiences with the orchestra. The music is at or close to conservatory level. S1 turned down a conservatory to attend Vassar so he could double major. Please visit Vassar and the other schools on your list (lalalemma and SpiritManager gave a great listing above) when their orchestra is in rehearsal or performing so you can ‘hear’ for yourself. You will know immediately if it is the school you want to attend. S1 knew in less than 5 minutes while listening to the orchestra rehearsal. A good friend also really enjoyed her experiences with the Swarthmore orchestra during her four years there. Additionally, Cornell (yes - we did not know this) has an excellent orchestra with only 5 music majors - they performed Mahler’s Fifth twice - once last fall and once in their winter break trip to Ireland. I think you should visit by and hear them sometime if you want a larger school.