Klarinet Archive - Posting 001339.txt from 1998/04

From: Roger Garrett <rgarrett@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: About to do a 2nd clarinet audition
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 19:28:58 -0400

On Thu, 23 Apr 1998, Bafra wrote:
> I am about to do a 2nd clarinet audition and they of course ask excerpts for
> both 1st and second clarinets. This is my first 2nd clarinet audition and I
> was wondering how it usually works at the time of the audition?!? Does the
> audition panel hear only 1st clarinet excerpts in the first round and then
> hear 2nd clarinet excerpts in the 2nd round or they want to hear both
> clarinets' excerpts in the first round? Or do they "make" you play with the
> 1st player the 2nd clarinet excerpts after the first round or in the finals? I
> am clueless so if anyone feels like giving me their opinion, go ahead! and I
> am all ears!

Elizabeth,

It really depends on what group you are auditioning for. Some orchestra
personnel managers will even let you know what they plan to hear for each
round (not specific works, but the order of instruments, etc.).....it
would be worth calling and hoping they will tell you.

For the jobs I have either auditioned for or auditioned people, the first
round consisted of a solo work (they usually ask for Mozart and one
other...either their choice or your's), 1st clarinet solos from the
excerpts, and a few "surprise passages" from the excerpts.....surprise
passages being non-solo passages that are difficult but somewhat exposed
or with another instrument (for example, some of the harder technical work
from Dances of Galanta or Sheherezade). If the person makes it through the
bank of 1st clarinet music without a "thank you" (which means bye bye),
you get to play the next set - probably, in this case, 2nd clarinet music
that has been listed. Some auditions ask for Eb clarinet as well....if
this is the case, be prepared to be heard first on Bb or A - probably a
solo followed by Eb excerpts, Bb excerpts, etc......but again....it really
depends on the orchestra and what they have listed.

Have lots of reeds in all strengths........those blasted rooms
are never the way you want them to be.....and even if you get in the room
in advance, it will change when they put that massive screen up (I've seen
them the length of the room covered by heavy canvas...geez).

Good luck to you!

Roger Garrett
IWU