Klarinet Archive - Posting 001203.txt from 1998/03

From: bkinlein <bkinlein@-----.com>
Subj: Re: 1997 Baltimore S.O. 2nd clar audition
Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 04:11:55 -0500

Bafra wrote:
>
> I just want to say that I WANT TO PLAY 2ND CLARINET "IN LIFE"!
>
> I love playing second and it is very different from the "first" job... I've
> done both and I enjoy so much more playing second... Takes different people
> for different "job".
>
> Also, for the thing about why they ask 1st clarinet parts in 2nd clarinet
> auditions, I don't know because one can play 1st clarinet ecxerpts like a god
> /ess and suck as a second or vice/versa... or everything's being well
> played... I don't know... really...
>
> My 2 cents,
> Elizabeth

I had the pleasure of being in the audience for an informal discussion
by the woodwind players of the Baltimore Symphony regarding their
background, musical education, etc. This took place just two weeks
after the new second clarinetest joined the BSO.

The talk eventually got around to a discussion of the audition/hiring
process. As Roger Garrett already pointed out, the 2nd has to be
prepared to assume the ist role at nay time. People do take vacations
and other situations mayu arise where the principal cannot attend a
concert/series.

I don't remember the exact numbers but there were about 400 applications
submitted for the position; over 100 were invited to the live audition.
(How would you like to listen to over 100 clarinetests (sp?) playing the
same selections?)

Anthow a winner was finally selected. He is expected to be able and
prepared to assume the 1st chair. Also, he will likely become the 1st
chair upon the retirement of the current first chair who, I believe,
just assumed that role upon the retirement of Gordon Miller. I don't
know how long Gordon held that position, but well remember that he was
with the BSO while a partner with John Melick (former principal
trombonest) in a music store venture when I was taking trombone lessons
from John; I was 16 then, I'm 60 now.

The store still operates as Gordon Miller Music. As a matter of
interest I stopped in earlier this evening, figuring that they must have
a great selection of instruments, music and accessories for the
clarinetest. If so, none was in evidence - lots of guitars,
synthesizers, drums, amplifiers, mixers, etc.

I'm not sure if this added anything, but it seemed approproate since I
had just today visited the store.
Bart Kinlein

   
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