Want to get in?

            Long Beach, Calif. – The Bob ColeConservatory of Music is the California State University, Long Beach’s music department and it is not easy to be a part of it.

            Every year, around 400 students audition hoping to join the department, but only about 100 of the students accomplish that feat. “We have one of the top music departments on the west coast, of course it’s not going to be easy” said John Carnahan, the conservatory’s director.

            The California budget crisis is only making it more difficult for those who want to be part of the program. The crisis has caused the government to direct all the schools in the California State University system to not accept any admission applications for the spring semester for any enrollment category. This leaves students only one audition a year to try to get into the program.

            Auditions for the 2013 fall semester were throughout the month of February, and only 25 percent of those who tried out got in, according to John Carnahan. I was unable to reach a student who was successful in their tryout but for more questions, you can contact the conservatory at 562-985-4781 or contact them by email at music@csulb.edu