Grad schools?

[Eulipion2]

Hello,
I'm about a year from college graduation (please, no 6th year! :shock: ) with a B.A. in music performance, and I'm really looking hard for grad schools. I think I want to go somewhere between Philadelphia and Boston, so I'm pretty much looking at East Coast, with a good, diverse music scene, and an especially good jazz scene, so probably a big city. I'm just getting overwhelmed by all the really great schools/reputations out there, and I need some help clearing the clutter. Anyone care to offer some suggestions, recommendations? I'm looking at the region between Philly and Boston, but would be open to schools from other areas.
Thanks

[Eulipion2]

Okay, perhaps my question was a little (very) broad...I'll just ask some specifics about areas and a few different schools. I've been hearing some good things about Temple lately. Has anyone had any experience with the professors, classical and jazz, from Temple, and how easy/difficult is it to find decent gigs in that area? I'm also considering somewhere in Boston...what would be my best bet? NEC, BU, Boston Conservatory?
Thanks

[JS]

Eulipion2,
If you're thinking of going to the Philly area, check out UArts for grad school - very strong program, and it's a one year program. The sax professors at UArts make you study both classical and jazz (een though the degree is in Jazz Studies) - you'll get a good butt-kickin'! :D
The scene is pretty good in Philly, but like any other city, you have to carve out a niche and make your own scene.
-JS

[Brian Leacock]

I might suggest looking south, but I have a bias. UM has an exceptional jazz program (one of the best...and in a great area with lots of gigs). Gary Green is there, and I've heard directly from him that he is pushing hard to get Dale Underwood down there. Jazz with Keller, Classical with Underwood.....Miami is the place to be...

I will always push for FSU, of course, because Patrick Meighan is THE man. What an incredible teacher - you're sure to learn from him (3 of the 4 saxophonists in the Rascher Quartet are his pupils). The Jazz scene is definitely under development, but Leon Anderson, recently declared the new director of the program, has been bringing in all sorts of contacts. Scotty Barnhart - Basie Orchestra - just bought a house here, and Marcus Roberts is coming on as an artist in residence next year. As a graduate, you would undoubtedly get lots of attention and plenty of opportunities to gig with these pros.

good luck in your quest!