As I look at the previous post it occurs to me that I've lowered the expectation regarding entrance into a post secondary setting. This was not the intent. The expectation should remain that playing at your highest level will be the most beneficial to all involved. You should learn all 12 major scales and as many forms of the minor as possible, learn to play the blues in several keys, learn three solos at an advanced level of mastery. The reality is that what I see, as the program gains speed, is more a population that exhibits more interest and less polished technique. Living with that causes little sleep loss, kids who are truly interested will always be welcome in my studio (no matter the grade or ability level).
Getting a performance based scholarship from the school will be more difficult as time passes and the culture of the music program becomes more rounded. The goal is to raise the bar so that next year's incoming freshmen are challenging the studio's current membership. Eventually this will subside, as the current crop is working at that high level of mastery, and the kids coming in will need to be patient and hone their playing skills to make the more advanced ensembles or play juries that result in outstanding marks.
For the present; show up, work your daily routines and spend time practicing. Get better, that's a tide that will lift all boats.
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