Klarinet Archive - Posting 000209.txt from 1995/05

From: Lisa Gartrell Yeo <ux403@-----.CA>
Subj: Buffet Competition
Date: Fri, 5 May 1995 13:49:45 -0400

I thought I would share my experience at this year's Buffet comeptition,
which was held at DePaul University, Chicago.
First of all, the level of playing was extremely high. There were 12
finalists (the first round was by tape). People came from all over the
States (I think I was the only Canadian). Everyone seemed to be older
ie. closer to 30 than 20, although I could be wrong, and this meant
mature clarinet playing.
The repertoire was John Ireland Fantasy Sonata, Debussy Premiere
Rhapsodie, and an unaccompanied piece of your choice. We were only
able to play the first half of the Ireland, but performed all of the
other tow pieces. Judges were: Lawrie Bloom, Julie Reid
DeRoche, Jon Manasse, and I'm afraid I forgot the other fellow's name
(can anyone help me on this?).
The winner was a superb player from Spain, Ivan Garcia, who studies
in LA with Gilad (Sp?). I was fortunate to have played second, so was
able to hear everyone after me. Second place went to Andrew Gacy, who plays
in the New Jersey Symphony. There was no third place awarded.

My only complaint was that we received no feedback from the judges;
comment sheets would have been nice. I had a great lesson with
Lawrie Bloom later so I got some helpful comments from him.
I would highly recommend this competition; it was a great experience
for me!

Lisa Gartrell Yeo
Victoria, BC