Music Department Ensemble Survey-Results View

Jazz Small Group Z

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• An Undergraduate

Civil and Environmental Engineering

2026

• University Website

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Is a part of my social life on campus

I think it's a great opportunity to meet other musicians and grow together. The faculty are also very helpful.

Sinfonia

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Chemical and Biological Engineering

2024

• University Website
• Teacher

No

No

• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is part of why I chose to come to Princeton University

Ruth Ochs (our conductor) has been so incredible and understanding with students. She truly has a passion for music and wishes to share her knowledge and love with her ensemble. I have gained a deeper appreciation for music of which I hope to continue during graduate school.

Sinfonia

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• An Undergraduate

Computer Science – B.S.E.

2026

• Family Member
• Friend
• Teacher

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Is a part of my social life on campus

enjoyment from making music with others

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Civil and Environmental Engineering

sophomore

• University Website
• Friend

No

No

• Improves my mental health

continued choral skills and leadership skills

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• An Undergraduate

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

2026

• Music Department Social Media
• Music Department Website
• Audition Materials
• University Website

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus

I’ve gained an incredible connection to musical theatre repertoire, the theater and music theater program, as well as the music department. And Solon is the absolute best!!

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021
• Spring 2021
• Fall 2020

• An Undergraduate

Economics

2024

• Teacher

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus
• Is helping me prepare for my career

Solon is a fantastic leader/conductor. I give him the highest endorsement. He has taught me so much about musicality and has helped me grow as a composer and artist through one-on-one conversation about my work.

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• An Undergraduate

Mathematics

2026

• Printed Poster

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus

Solon has had us all gather up in a circle multiple times and just had us contemplate stuff like what does our ideal future world look like. He is mentoring kids, and telling us we can create the future.

Princeton University Orchestra (PUO)

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Architecture

2027

• University Website

Yes

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is part of why I chose to come to Princeton University

It’s hard for me to point to a specific aspect, since being in PUO has been such a part of my Princeton experience— but I’ll try my best! I think being in PUO really helps me find balance in an otherwise busy and intense academic life. In rehearsal, I get to set the rest of my life aside for a bit and commit myself to the music. After rehearsals, I find myself recharged and with a renewed spirit. This season ended with Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius, which was an especially rewarding experience. I don’t really know how to put words to it, it just really felt magical. It’s certainly a performance I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

Early Music Princeton (EMP)

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022

• An Undergraduate

Computer Science – A.B.

2025

• Teacher

No

No

• Is required for my degree program

Sight reading skills

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023

• An Undergraduate

Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

2026

• Music Department Website
• Audition Materials

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus

Confidence in singing and performing
Community and friends
Deeper knowledge of musical theater
On stage performing opportunities

Have loved being in playhouse and sharing love for musical theatre AND singing! It’s been a big space for me to grow as a performer from where I started freshman year. I’ve met so many new friends in this group, through rehearsal and from small chamber Winter’s Tale, and the community is really welcoming and friendly.

Glee Club

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• An Undergraduate

Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

2026

• Music Department Website

Yes

No

• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is part of why I chose to come to Princeton University

Sight-reading, improved ear for pitch, tone, blend

Princeton University Orchestra (PUO)

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Civil and Environmental Engineering

2026

• Music Department Website
• University Website

Yes

Yes

Touring has been a key part of why I continued to do orchestra this year. Last year, before going on tour, I did not feel close ties to PUO because I was unable to form close friendships with the musicians; there was no time for socialization. Because of tour, I did make some close friends, which encouraged me to continue orchestra this year (despite no tour).

I think seeing the impact of our music on audiences that we typically would be unable to reach--namely, those outside of the US--is more meaningful. To visit unfamiliar countries and experience new cultures even as we shared the universal language of music was incredibly rewarding, and it was a special part of the PUO experience last year.

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is part of why I chose to come to Princeton University

I learn how to manage different priorities in my life (i.e., academic and extracurricular). I gain a forced break in my day where I concentrate on something non-academic and creative, so that it lights up different parts of my brain that I may have forgotten how to use. I also get to see my friends (and make new ones) and eat dinner with them after rehearsal.

Glee Club

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• An Undergraduate

Other

2025

• Audition Materials
• Teacher

Yes

Yes

Yes - though touring opportunities do not influence my decision to join a group, I have found that touring has improved community and that performances on tour have been some of my fondest memories.

All tours are extremely valuable in terms of building community, and I am grateful for tours to all locations, but international tours provide members with exposure to new languages and cultures, which is incredibly personally rewarding.

I wish that Glee had had the funds to cover more meals - I and various other people had difficulty paying for meals for a week.

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus
• Is helping me prepare for my career
• Is required for my degree program

I have gained a wonderful community of musicians and friends!

Glee Club

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• An Undergraduate

Music

2027

• Music Department Website
• Teacher

Yes

No

I think touring is a very cool aspect of being a part of a music group. As a person who isn't planning on studying abroad, I really look forward to the opportunity.

I think touring internationally and domestically offer different benefits. I prefer international tours, but I think it's all cool.

• Improves my mental health
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus
• Is helping me prepare for my career
• Is part of why I chose to come to Princeton University

I love singing in choir with other people. I think it makes me a better singer and I love having a consistent outlet in my life for making music. I also love working with Gabriel.

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Religion

2024

• Friend

No

No

• Improves my mental health
• Is a part of my social life on campus

I enjoyed singing with Playhouse this semester. I had the opportunity to learn some fun new music and meet some great people!

Princeton University Orchestra (PUO)

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Not Decided/Undeclared

2027

• University Website
• Teacher

Yes

No

• Is a part of my social life on campus
• Other:

Is for fun/ musical experience

I gain the experience of playing with a group of really excellent musicians, which I won't get outside of college.

Last complaint: The conducting. Maestro Pratt is an excellent conductor with many many years of top quality orchestras under his belt. However, even conductors have their peak, and Maestro Pratt's is behind him. He fails to bring life and energy to the orchestra, frequently conducts the beat wrong and then is confused by why we messed up, and lets a lot of pretty major problems slide. In addition, perhaps he has held the orchestra's respect in the past, but now he has very poor control over us, which was contrasted when Professor Crouch took over conducting for Elgar, and immediately held much more repect. I don't want to be mean, but I think it's important for the music department at Princeton to know that a majority of students in the orchestra are not impressed with Pratt's conducting, and feel like the orchestra is not reaching its full potential under his baton, and I think he needs to recognize that he has had a wonderful career, but that it is time to pass on the baton.

Glee Club

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• An Undergraduate

Physics

2025

• Other (Please specify)

Gabriel Crouch emailed me, since I submitted a singing portfolio when I applied to Princeton.

Yes

Yes

Absolutely! I have made my first close friendships at Princeton during our tour at Charleston my freshman Spring. Some of the people I bonded with then have since become my closest friends. The tour in the Balkans my sophomore Spring made me so much better of a musician and made me much more familiar with most of the people in the choir.

Touring internationally has a different flavor to it, since one cannot just disappear off into the night as easily when one is abroad. This makes international tours better opportunities to establish many week connections with most of the people in the choir, as opposed to domestic tours being better for small-group adventures.

Singing-wise, they are also different, since there are not as many beautiful places in the US where a university choir can sing compared to let's say Europe with thousands of old churches in the most beautiful locales.

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Is a part of my social life on campus
• Is part of why I chose to come to Princeton University

I gain an ability to create music with other people who are equally passionate about it, a sense of community, opportunity to create and foster friendships, a stimulating hobby, travel opportunities and frankly mental health regulation.

Princeton University Orchestra (PUO)

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• An Undergraduate

Music

2027

• Audition Materials
• University Website

Yes

No

• Is a part of my identity
• Is helping me prepare for my career

I gained more insight on pieces of works and not well-known composers, which is a vital exposure to have.

Chamber Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Music

2027

• Audition Materials

I Don't Know

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity

I learned a lot about singing (how the change in the vowel (via different mouth shape) can actually fix intonation issues, etc.) as well as leadership skills from Gabriel. I absolutely love singing in this choir.

Playhouse Choir

• Spring 2024

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Computer Science – B.S.E.

2027

• University Website
• Family Member
• Friend

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my social life on campus

I have met a bunch of wonderful people through this ensemble. It has also pushed me to grow as a singer, singing with an ensemble for the first time in a while.

Glee Club

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Music

2027

• Audition Materials

Yes

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity

The sense of family in the Glee Club is quite exceptional. I got to see the magical power that music has of bringing people together.

Sinfonia

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• An Undergraduate

History

2025

• Audition Materials
• University Website

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my social life on campus

I have gained a stress reliever, a community I can rely on, and time in my week in which I am devoted to something non-selfish, which I appreciate.

Princeton University Orchestra (PUO)

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• Other:

Not Decided/Undeclared

N/A

• Friend

Yes

No

• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life

I am motivated to play more, and enjoy being surrounded by this music multiple times a week.

Sinfonia

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023

• I’ve never taken studio lessons

• An Undergraduate

Not Decided/Undeclared

2027

• Music Department Social Media
• Audition Materials

No

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity

Being part of an ensemble and playing music with others is an incredibly important part of my identity. By participating in Sinfonia, I gain a sense of fulfillment and an opportunity to continue playing and performing classical music.

Chamber Choir

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022

• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2022

• A Graduate Student

Sociology

N/A

• Friend

Yes

No

• Gives me a sense of belonging
• Improves my mental health
• Creates meaning in my life
• Is a part of my identity
• Is a part of my social life on campus

Chamber choir has been on of the greatest joys of my time at Princeton. I could not imagine my PhD without it. Gabriel is an inspiring musician and educator, and having attended two other universities, it is not lost on my that what we have here is unique and rare.