Klarinet Archive - Posting 000996.txt from 1998/04

From: Jacqueline Eastwood <eastwooj@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Symphony auditions
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 1998 19:19:59 -0400

On Fri, 17 Apr 1998, Hard Reed wrote:

> There have been a lot of general statements -- many bitter, many accurate --
> concerning auditioning for symphony orchestras.
>
<SNIP>

> And what do we hear? Well...it has been my experience that less than 10% of
> those auditioning have any business whatsoever in being there in the first
> place. Most have serious deficiencies in the basic fundamentals of pitch and
> rhythm, let alone any musical qualities to consider! However, we will listen
> to them play a full audition. If someone goes as far as spending their money
> to attend an audition, we'll, at least, give them the coutesy of playing a
> full audition, no matter how unqualified we feel they are.
>
> Larry Liberson
> hardreed@-----.com
>
Thanks, Mr. Liberson, for a very informative post. In the past five
years, I've had to come to terms with the fact that I simply am not
qualified to take major symphony auditions. I did go to a few in the
early 1990's and spent TONS of money on airfare, etc., but due to some
pretty traumatic injuries to my right elbow, I cannot sit and practice
Daphnis day after day for hours upon end like I would need to! The
experience of going to the auditions helped me to realize exactly what was
required of an auditionee, and although I had some nice comments, esp. on
my Eb playing, I had to face reality. Even for a "minor" orchestra (i.e.,
not full-time), they still want to hear Daphnis, Capriccio, Firebird, etc.
I don't believe I will ever have the technique to nail these because I
have this minor aversion to CRIPPLING PAIN! (Pardon my shouting!)

So I for one appreciated having the opportunity to be heard and
considered, and came to my own conclusion instead of becoming bitter and
cycnical towards audition committees. For now, anyway, I've found a
performance niche which doesn't require a lot of blazing technique, and I
love what I'm doing (the pit is like a whole different world!)

For what it's worth......

Jacqueline Eastwood
University of Arizona/Arizona Opera Orchestra
eastwooj@-----.edu