Klarinet Archive - Posting 001285.txt from 1998/04

From: "Craig E. Countryman" <cegc@-----.net>
Subj: Re: Auditions
Date: Wed, 22 Apr 1998 23:40:20 -0400

Hard Reed wrote:

> Sorry, Craig -- it may be gross, but, if anything, it's an understatement.
> Preparation and schooling and what one feel they deserves has absolutely
> nothing at all to do with talent and competence, does it. I'm a pretty decent
> skier, too, but did you see me flying down the mountain in Nagano?
>
> "I just find it surprising that a major symphony cannot attract 200-300
> clarinetists."

First, I omitted the word qualified from this so it should read "....200-300
qualified clarinetists..."

> Well...we have no problem attracting them!
>
> Most people are unqualified for very simple reasons: they don't come close to
> meeting the basic standards of playing in an ensemble. If you can't play in
> rhythm or play in tune, it really doesn't matter how fast you can wiggle your
> fingers, does it?
>

You are telling me that people show up at a symphony audition unable to play in
tune or in rhythm. I find this hard to believe. They may not all be "qualified"
but I think they are well beyond the beginning stages of playing.
-----------------------------------------------------
Craig Countryman
cegc@-----.net
www.sneezy.org/clarinet/YPP/Craig.html
Present Project: Weber's Concertino, Op.26
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