<p>My son is currently a Sophomore in HS and got in to Interlochen & Brevard for piano. Any thoughts on which program is better vis-a-vis overall reputation; more individual attention; performance opportunities; electives offered, etc.? Any insight would be helpful.</p>
<p>I would like to put a plug in for the Brevard Summer music program. I apologize that I was hesitant to reveal this previously due to the clarinet world being relatively small. I would highly reccommend this program especially for wind players. Most of the faculty is very stable and has been going out there for years. The environment is focused on learning rather than competition. For winds, the students rotate between the orchestra and band. Everyone auditions on the first day, and seating assignments vary. The more advanced you are, the more times you play principal. The evening concerts are free and D loved them. There are plenty of opportunities for chamber and individual practice. The repertoire is challenging. The daily schedule is set up to mimic a typical college schedule with theory and history classes in the morning and ensemble rehearsals in the afternoon. My D loved her roomates and they all bonded immediately. The social atmosphere is definitely one of friendship and support. Almost all of her roomates and friends have gotten into the big name music programs. The staff is very friendly and patient and they know what they are doing. Only down side that I can think of is that it rained every afternoon, and the accomodations were in cabins, not dorms, but neither of these things seemed to bother D or her friends. D got to know her teachers very well and this relationship, I believe, led to a successful outcome for her college search. When she came home she was definitely a better player and she was energized about her decision to pursue music.</p>