Phew! Audition season is finally over here at the UO, which means: first free weekend in months for the music admissions staff! I think I’m going to start by checking out the Sarah Chang concert with Eugene Symphony and then going to the Duke Ellington Birthday Celebration at the School of Music and Dance this Sunday. But catching up on sleep might prevail..
Back to admissions, we've had a record number of applications this year and are finally wrapping up all the music school decisions for Fall 2011. Most of our letters have gone out by now and scholarship decisions should be going out next week. Just as a reminder, there are two very important dates to keep in mind as you're deciding on the next four years of your life.
REMEMBER: Most colleges and universities follow the National Candidate's Reply Date, so you should have until:
May 1st if you're an undergraduate student (freshman, transfer)
OR
April 15th if you're a graduate (Master's, Doctoral) student
to decide where you’re going to go. No college should pressure you for a decision before that date (unless you applied as an early decision applicant).
If you're an undergraduate student, you still have more than two months to weigh all your options, compare financial packages, visit the schools on your list or ask any last minute questions from the admissions staff or the faculty. Also, many schools will be hosting senior receptions or having visitor days (at UO we call them Duck Days) during this time of the year. These are great opportunities for any last minute questions or one last talk to a current student or an admissions counselor.
Caitlin Hutchison is our new Admissions Assistant here at SOMD (School of Music and Dance) and she and I would be happy to answer any of your questions. We've been there, we know you have some hard decisions to make and we'd love to help you sort it all out.
On lighter note, I've had the pleasure of talking to some of our students this past weekend who participated in the Eugene Opera production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "Mikado". Scott Carroll and Marco Valerio were performing alongside 2010 Tony Award nominee Christiane Noll and opera star Kurt Olds as part of the University of Oregon and Eugene Opera apprenticeship program. Scott is a 3rd year vocal music education major and Marco is a history and humanities double major in the Honors College with a minor in music here at the UO. They are part of the Eugene Opera Chorus and Apprenticeship program. Marco is also part of the Artist mentor program with Eugene Opera, in which he performs in schools and around the community. I got a chance to chat with Scott and Marco at intermission. Check it out!
Did you have to audition for the program?
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| Scott Carroll and Marco Valerio |
Marco: Yes, you have to audition for the Apprenticeship program.
Can you describe what you do in the program?
Marco: As part of the Eugene Opera apprenticeship program, we understudy roles and as part of the artist mentor program we go out into the community and perform in elementary schools, banquets, abridged productions or opera scenes. We're basically the face of the opera in the larger community.
What is it like being in a professional opera production?
Scott: It's been wonderful developing relationships with principals.
Marco: Yeah, we've had coaching sessions with some of the principals, and they've been very helpful. We’re constantly observing them and picking up a lot of things.
Would you recommend for students to participate in the mentorship program?
Marco: Definitely, they should get involved. It's a great opportunity to get real experience. We have an opera program at the UO, but this is the real thing!
Sounds like a great way to get your foot in the door, have real experience and start making connections for life after college... Look out for Marco and Scott at UO Opera production of "Senile Madness" on April 29th at UO Campus and on April 30th at the White Stag building in Portland. Please go to our Events page for more information. I know I will be there!
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