<p>Hi, I am a freshman In high school seriously thinking about applying to yale senior year. I have straight A's, I'm legacy, hispanic, and am really passionate about music. I have gotten really far with jazz alto saxophone and have a achieved a number of awards this year. I am aware that yale does have a jazz ensemble but do they have a formal jazz program and instructors? I am practically in love with the school and I don't plan on being a musician but jazz is not something I would want to leave behind as I graduate high school. New York isn't too far from new haven, so I could always go to New York and check out the jazz scene there but is that too much of a burden? I know I've got time but just not quite sure what to do here. Thanks.</p>
<p>I have to say that the jazz scene at Yale is not extremely strong. The Jazz Ensemble is good, but it has not been able to fill its ranks with undergraduates this year, because of a lack of interest. There are other informal opportunities to pay jazz–and, of course, you could play sax in the Concert Band and Marching Band.</p>
<p>Or start your own jazz combo…</p>
<p>However, as you said, you have plenty of time to be thinking about this. Things can change a lot in 3-4 years–check back again then to see what the jazz scene at Yale looks like. Not to mention your interests might evolve and change over this span of years as well and you might have other colleges in mind by that time (which you definitely should, because as you know Yale is a highly selective school). Good for you for starting to think about this so early though!</p>
<p>Clarimom is right–I missed that you are a freshman. Things like this can change a lot in a couple of years.</p>