Christy, I live in Richmond, know and work with many of the music faculty members at UR. I also know St. Olaf. If music is your major area of interest and concentration you should go to St. Olaf. The program is much better rounded and there are more performance majors there. UR is a wonderful school. Their choral director is absolutely top flight and is himself a wonderful singer. The faculty is great, but music isn't nearly as important to the life of UR as it is to St. Olaf. UR has the Shanghai Quartet in residence, presents world-class musicians in master classes and concerts, but if you want to perform lots you'll probably be happier at St.Olaf. Personally, I prefer Virginia weather to that of Minnesota. I taught in MN. for 5 years so I have experience. I like the history and cultural milieu of Richmond, but then, I teach at the OTHER university in town and we have more performances and performing opportunities than I can ever hope to attend. If you have any specific questions I can help you with I'll be glad to reply via private e-mail. regards, Cindy Donnell Cynthia Donnell Coordinator of Voice Performance Department of Music Virginia Commonwealth University 922 Park Ave. Box 842004 Richmond, VA 23284-2004 I have been a lurker for a few months, but I now need the help of those on this list. I need to make my college decision extremely soon (April 21) and I am torn. I am between the University of Richmond and St. Olaf. I still need to visit the University of Rochester, but I would have to absolutely have to fall in love with it to go there, which will probably not happen. Thus, I am between the other two. I am interested in Chemistry and music, and all of these schools have their ups and downs. University of Richmond has given me more money, so they would be $2,500 cheaper every year, plus it would have lower travel expenses than St. Olaf. St. Olaf also has many requirements, and I don't know how difficult it would be to double major. Other students do it, but I don't know if it is in these areas. Chemistry has labs, music has lessons and musical groups; so these two areas will be very time demanding. Unfortunately I just enjoy too much. I would also love to continue drama and viola if I have time. I think I would probably have more time for these activities if I go to Richmond, but I'm not sure if it is worth it since St. Olaf has such a good music program and probably slightly better chemistry as well. I might have a more enjoyable experience at Richmond, unless I am going to worry about whether I would have had a better education at St. Olaf. I also suppose I am worried that I don't know enough about the music program at the University of Richmond, especially the vocal program. Right now I am trying to weigh the pros and cons. If anyone can give me and information or useful opinions about these schools or ways to research them more in depth, I would greatly appreciate it. Christy To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: vocalist-temporary-unsubscribe@onelist.com
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