Klarinet Archive - Posting 000122.txt from 1996/08

From: Marylou G Verano <savorygrrl@-----.COM>
Subj: Re: CBDNA Stories & Auditions
Date: Tue, 6 Aug 1996 14:49:15 -0400

Dearest ANNA...

I know what you mean about being shaken by an individual. Last year, we
were auditioned in alphabetical order and I was right after a boy named
Sam Torrisi -- who happened to be first chair in County Honor Band that
year. He attended Interlochen last year, as well... I just found out
recently after going to a college-fundraiser concert for him!

This year, I was awarded first chair in my county, and was shaken that I
beat Sam. After the concert I kicked myself in the head for not "being
as good as Sam," etc etc etc. Now I look back and all of that is crock.
Everyone has their own style, and most of the time, auditions don't tell
exactly "who's better than who" -- things can swing one way or another,
but elite musicians will always be "up there" with each other. :)

Judges all have different opinions. A good player can have a really bad
day, a not-so-good player can have a really-good day. It's an honor just
to be included in a group such as All-State itself...

The county experience also got me more acquainted with Sam, and I got to
know him as a person, instead of this "big clarinet god in the sky."
That, in itself , was a rewarding experience.

Usually, if I am intimidated by an individual, I try to put them on a
human level now... as I did with Sam. (Sam, if you're out there, whoo
baby, I love you heh heh.)

I'm going to be a senior in high school this fall, and I am from Suisun
City, CA. I study off-and-on with David Slagle, who played in the Air
Force Band in Blue. However, I am focusing more on tutoring at the
moment. I teach six kids from one of the local elementary schools, and
most of them are very enthusiastic and opinionated -- which makes
everything great. :)

Did you make any close friends at CBDA? Are you still in touch with any
of them?

Sincerely,

Marylou Verano
savorygrrl@-----.com