I have been told that a lot of schools are going to a no-chair policy? ( no first chair, second, etc.) Is this real??!!!??

Yes. I know that for years schools like Northwestern have gone to a pool group. So, you get put in a pool and as your pool comes up you roate in. This gives you experience at all parts and all groups.

ie: first semester you would play 1st with the wind ensemble, 2nd semester you would play 2nd with orchestra, 3rd semester you will play 3rd with wind ensenble, 4th semester you play 4th with orchestra. Etc. you get rotated to all groups and all positions.

The theory is that all positions are just as important; and more importantly the chance of any given individual graduating and getting a 1st chair position in any major group is unlikely. So, you are prepared for all positions to be a well rounded player.

I guess I've been out of the loop for a while...