Klarinet Archive - Posting 000689.txt from 1996/01

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.US>
Subj: Re: I have a Grad. School Audition
Date: Wed, 31 Jan 1996 07:28:09 -0500

Sarah,
First, good luck, you'll do fine. Now, on with preparing. I cut
down my coffee intake slowly the week or so before. You don't want any
caffeine to add to any nervousness. Try to do some dress auditions. Play
your program non-stop for a friend or family member. They don't have to
comment. You just need a body to be present so that you are comfortable
playing in front of people. Before playing take some slow (8 count in - 8
out) deep breaths. When nervous, players will tend to rush and breath in
shallow breathes. Hold back on your tempos.
I've done grad auditions , pro orchestra auditions, and listened to
my student's juries. The main things that a professor will listen for are
accurate rhythm, good intonation, clean articulation, clean (not
necessarily fast) technique, and most important of all, musical phrasing -
are you "just playing the notes" or communicating a musical thought. Know
your scales, 3rds, and arpeggios!! Don't go for the "killer tempos". I'm
more impressed in even technique than speed. Most professors will be aware
that the auditionees will be nervous and they do take that into
consideration.
The other thing that some students forget is that you are also
evaluating the school, program, and professor. Are they someone that you
would feel comfortable studying with? How is the studio? Is the orchestra
good (strings)? It's great having a good teacher but if you also want good
orchestra experience check out everything.
Professor Mead is a fine teacher and friend of mine say hi. Good Luck!

Dan Paprocki

>Hi Everybody. I am in need of some suggestions. I have a Grad. School
>audition at the University of Iowa on Friday and I was hoping I could
>get some tips on controlling nerves. I'm also curious as to what sorts
>of things professors are looking for in their incoming clarinet graduate
>students. Also, if anybody has just completed an audition process any
>advice would be greatly appreciated also. Thanks for anybody's help.
>Sarah Woody. K379%nemomus@-----.edu

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Daniel A. Paprocki
dap@-----.us

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