Klarinet Archive - Posting 000979.txt from 1998/04

From: dap@-----. Paprocki)
Subj: Re: Orchestra auditions
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 19:19:42 -0400

Jonathan,
It would be nice if we clarinetist could do something about the
audition process but to be honest we can't. Most orchestras (full time
that is) have the audition process spelled out to the letter in their
master aggreement with the orchestra's management. This covers how many
people they will hear, how the committee is made up, how many days the
audition will be, what vote does the committee have and what vote does the
conductor have.
Here is a list of what will get you invited (my opinion and from
talking to other orchestra members)
1) be playing full time in an orchestra
2) have a number of years in as a substitute with a major orchestra
3) study with the players or principal clarinet where you are auditioning
4) study with some of the big guns in the orchestral world (they do have weight)
5) make the finals or semi finals in some auditions (have this on your resume)
6) come from the name schools (Eastman, Manhattan, Juilliard, Curtis)
7) Know the personal manager - I should say it helps if the Per. Mgr. knows
your playing.
8) Just show up. Be polite and ask if you can be heard - you takes your chances.

All the above assumes that you CAN play the whole audition list.

The biggest thing is have some experience in a professional
orchestra either subbing or full time. Jonathan have you done any
orchestra auditions? From your suprise it sounds like you haven't - don't
take offense. Also, winning the audition and actually playing in the
orchestra are two TOTALLY different things. Some players are great
audition takers but can't play in a section or get along with people. Some
players are great in the orchestra but don't have the nerves of steel for
the audition process.

Dan

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Daniel A. Paprocki

Instructor of Clarinet & Music, Malone College
Adjunct Professor of Clarinet, Kent State University - Stark Campus

dap@-----.net
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