On Jan. 21, DePauw University's School of Music will host its Audition Day for the Class of 2017.
Students from all over the globe come to DePauw to audition for the School of Music, in search of the next chapter of their lives.
Whether the focus is voice, or instrument, the students work hard for their seats in the school.
Some students come to auditions unsure about choosing the School of Music, but in some cases, students are amazed because the program fulfills or possibly exceeds expectations.
"I honestly never considered the School of Music until I visited for my audition, and I was only doing so because my teacher is a DePauw Alum. However, as soon as I saw the school and met some of the faculty, I knew without a doubt that I wanted to go to DePauw. I expected a high-level program with an exceptional voice faculty, and that has been my experience," said Melanie Case, a Junior Vocal Performance Major.
On Wednesday, January 9, 2013 Mark McCoy, Dean of the School of Music was interviewed about what goes on during the Audition Day, what is expected of students, along with some statistics from auditions.
"There are around 200 people apply to the School of Music per year," McCoy said. "Of those 200, about 120 usually audition, 70 to 90 students are admitted, and approximately 40 to 50 matriculate."
The Audition Day is not just a one day event, however. One day prior to audition day, the students arrive and an event is hosted, where they will get to see performances and have dinner, with current students and faculty members as a way to gain networking skills and connections.
McCoy was then asked about the level of support that students will receive upon being accepted into the School of Music. "Our students have a host of opportunities that they avail themselves to." The opportunities that the music students have, range from student teaching, to study abroad opportunities in the desired musical scope.
Kevin Smith, a Sophomore Saxophone Performance major, had this to say about the opportunities that have been presented to him: "I have been blessed. My professor has worked with me quite a bit on developing network opportunities with other graduate school professors for job opportunities. He's got us performing at different universities throughout the Midwest. He has a study abroad program where I'm working with professors across the world, so I'll be in France next year. It helps that we have a personal professional right there-all the time-at our school."