The Pomona College Orchestra recruits accomplished student musicians regardless of their intended major. Most students in the orchestra, including many first-chair players, are majoring in something other than music.
Additional consideration in the admissions process is given to applicants who submit a supplement that demonstrates a high proficiency in music and articulates a commitment to participate in Pomona’s large curricular music ensembles.
If you are considering applying to Pomona, and anticipate that you will want your achievement and trajectory in orchestral music to be evaluated carefully by the orchestra conductor and included as part of the assessment of your overall application, send an email to elindholm@pomona.edu, including
- where you live and where you are in your high-school career
- a brief summary of your orchestral experience
- a brief perspective on how you would see your continued music studies meshing with your overall Pomona experience
- a sample of your solo playing, as either an attachment or a link to something like YouTube
This introductory sample does not replace the need for a formal supplement once you apply, although the music you submit in the formal supplement can have some overlap with what you share in the introductory sample. Pomona does not have a live audition process for prospective students. Please be advised that no merit scholarships are available.
The orchestra wants you! Getting into Pomona is difficult and requires a bit of luck, but the conductor is in year-round contact with the Admissions office and makes sure that especially promising musicians, regardless of intended major, get full consideration.