KENT — Young jazz musicians had the opportunity to hear what their future education might be like from 10 different college representatives Wednesday evening.
The Litchfield Jazz Camp hosted its fourth annual College Night as part of the camp at the Kent School. Representatives from colleges that specialize in music each shared brief information about their institutions.
Although all had music programs, everything from large universities to small private conservatories were present.
Each college rep was asked to speak on a specific topic related to college. William Macirowski of the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University encouraged the students to consider where their school of choice was located geographically.
"Think about where you want to work after college," he suggested, explaining that the contacts and connections that are made in college are important to finding a first job and where a musician lives after graduating.
When Christan Cassidy of the Manhattan School of Music shared a typical day of students in her school, she said they spend about three hours per day practicing and four hours in classes. In the evening, most gather after dinner to play and perform.
"There's just constant jamming every night," she said. Most student then finish out the evening by going to see shows or performing themselves, she said.
Many of the schools represented require applicants to audition, in addition to submitting a traditional application. Malcolm Lynn Baker of the Lamont Music School at the University of Denver encouraged students to practice their auditions in front of others.
"It will be the scariest, most artificial moment of your life," he warned.
He also urged them to understand the requirements of each school's audition. Baker suggested sending the music school a resume, bio and headshot photograph so they can get to know the applicant better before the audition.
Students asked a few questions about college admissions such as how important SAT and ACT testing is. The reps held their thumbs up or down and most were up. A similar reaction was given to whether a minimum grade point average is required.
Following the panel discussion, students streamed into the cafeteria to talk to the representatives one-on-one and gather up literature.
Schools also included Berklee College of Music, Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, The Hartt School at the University of Hartford, New England Conservatory, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, SUNY Purchase and Western Connecticut State University.
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