Klarinet Archive - Posting 000151.txt from 1994/11

From: Donald Oehler <dloehler@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Audition advice wanted
Date: Wed, 9 Nov 1994 07:57:46 -0500

On Tue, 8 Nov 1994, Michiya Nishino wrote:

> Hello!
>
> In two weeks, the clarinet studio class here at the University of Texas at
> Austin will be holding a mock orchestral audition. The repertoire is as
> follows:
>
> Beethoven Symphony No. 4
> Schubert Symphony No. 8
> Sibelius Symphony No. 1
> Kodaly Dances of Galanta
> Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6
>
> I'd appreciate advice on auditioning--either specifically for these
> pieces or about orchestral auditioning in general. Thanks!!
>
> Michiya Nishino
> Freshman, UT Austin
>
Dear Michiya;
Some years ago, when I was a student in New York, I had a roommate
whose instrument was flute. His ambition was to be in an orchestra,
nothing else. Well, he left his flute by his bedside and when he woke in
the morn before even getting his feet of the floor he sat up in bed, reached
for his flute and launched into one of the most difficult orchestral
passages.
This insanity went on for several years and guess what, he now has a
position in a major orchestra and I still listen for Ravel at six in the
morning!
Just as with a very difficult passage, one, I believe, must practice
and practice auditions. Unfortunately, I also think it is one of the
most uninspiring musical efforts we have to put up with and certainly
not the best way to select a musician.
Study the full scores very carefully!

Good luck.
D. Oehler