Klarinet Archive - Posting 000007.txt from 1996/11

From: "Daniel A. Paprocki" <dap@-----.us>
Subj: Re: What to do with myself
Date: Fri, 1 Nov 1996 11:18:15 -0500

Sydney,
I "think" I'm the most qualified on the list to answer your
question. Before everyone's flames - My background: I have two bachelor
degrees - BSME in Mechanical Engineering and a BM in clarinet performance.
My first degree took 8 years because of switching from engineering to music
to engineering. While an engineering major I studied with Russ Dagon
(principal Milwaukee Sym) and played in various chamber groups, orchestras,
and bands in Milwaukee. Given the choice of practicing or studying for an
exam, well I'll let you guess what I did (remember 8 years?). I always
loved playing the clarinet and that was my priority. After getting the
engineering degree, I worked designing software and doing computer
consulting for 5 years.
I tried to apply to Northwestern for a masters degree in clarinet.
I felt my playing was acceptable to get in. NU said that unless I had a
bachelor in music, they weren't interested. You really need the 2 or 3
years of music theory and music history (amoung other things) in order to
do a music grad degree.
In 1985 I returned to the U of Wisconsin for a BM in clarinet.
After that I was admitted into the DMA program at Ohio State University (if
your audition is real good you don't need a Masters). Presently I'm ABD (1
recital and document left) on my DMA, I teach part time at two small
colleges in Canton, I sub on clarinet and bass clarinet with the Akron
Symphony, Canton Symphony, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the Pittsburgh
Symphony Orchestra. I forgot, this weekend I'm up in Erie with the Erie
Philharmonic. This all might sound impressive but all my part time jobs
don't equal a full time income. I have a wife that's fully employeed
(although as a college professor not a doctor or lawyer) and is very
understanding about my career and income. You have to LOVE music and be
very dedicated.
As for doing orchestra auditions, I would suggest that you study
with a full time orchestral clarinetist in your area. Check the
International Musician (union paper) for audition notices, send for the
audition list, work it up and go to the audition. Some auditions will turn
you down with your letter (I've been turned down), while other orchestras
will let anyone come to the audition. Go to an audition that is close by
so it doesn't cost too much. Check out your (and my) competition. How do
you stack up (and be honest)? Orchestras want the best person and it
doesn't matter if they have a degree or not. Two friends of mine don't
have degrees - Ricardo Morales at the Met and Marina Sturm, pricipal in New
Zealand - but they have chops to burn!!!

Remember you have to LOVE it.

Dan

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Daniel A. Paprocki
Instructor of Clarinet
Malone College
dap@-----.us

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