Governors's School for the Arts

[tubazach07]

Hey tubadude definltey go for the Governor's school program. I am from pennsylvania and it was the best experiance I have ever had with a summer program. I attended this program in the summer before my junior year and it was that school that made me want to become a proffesional tuba player. Govenor's school opened up my mind not only to music but also to the other art forms which made me a better musician and performer. Plus all of the other people you meet there become life long friends. I am in my freshman year in college and i still keep in touch with them. If I hadn't gone to governor's school I would not be attending the Cleveland Institute of Music. You learn soo much there. In PA only one tuba player is picked each year so yes it is very selective. I HIGHLY ENGCOURAGE you to tryout for this program you will not regret it. Good luck and let me know if you get in.
Zach PGSA 05

[scouterbill]

Talk to students that have been through your particular program. Know what you’re getting into and have realistic expectations. The horn player in our quintet attended the Governor’s School here in North Carolina. She did improve as a player simply by being able to play for several hours each day. The only instruction was during the Orchestra rehearsal. The only individual instruction took place if you were having trouble with a particular passage. There was no instruction in theory, literature, history, or playing fundamentals. The Orchestral literature was limited to 20th Century composers emphasizing only those that composed outside the realm of traditional tonalities. Of course John Cage was included. There was no Copeland, Gershwin, Bernstein, Holst, or any other truly wonderful 20th century composers that could actually write a melody and then harmonize it. Of course there was no mention of band or wind ensemble. And she was introduced to the notion that real musicians use a bow with their instuments. It was a good experience for her, but I feel an opportunity was missed to really make an impact in the lives of young musicians.
I'm sure the programs vary in each state. Find out what is happening in yours before you commit.

[Carroll]

Tennessee has Governor's schools in many disciplines. The kids are sequestered at the University and go to classes just like college students do (or, perhaps, like college students should). The faculty bring in guest lecturers and performers and the students have theory, history, pedagogy and private instruction classes daily. There are numerous solo and chamber ensemble opportunities, as well as the large band and orchestra situations.

I have had students participate in Music, Visual Arts, Teaching Arts, Medical Arts and Engineering in the past. All have raved about the experience. There are also Dance and Theatre schools. Associated schools are Agriculture, Humanities, International Studies, IT LEadership, Manufacturing, Sciences, Tennessee Heritage.

http://www.mtsu.edu/~gschool/