Klarinet Archive - Posting 000854.txt from 1998/08

From: gerhardt@-----. Gerhardt)
Subj: Re: [kl] Bad Audition (on bass clarinet)
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998 01:05:38 -0400

On Aug 27, 11:03pm, Roger Garrett wrote:

> I guess I would ask you how many times you have auditioned people and been
> "honest" without being asked for an opinion?

When I have auditioned people and have heard something, say, surprising, I
imagine that I appeared somewhat surprised; if I've heard a performance that
I liked, I imagine that I looked pleased; and if I have disliked a performance,
I may have looked ready for the next auditioner.

If I ever sit for an audition and feel so much disdain for a performance that
it could possibly be seen on my face, I think I must ask myself if I should be
there in the first place.

Whatever my physical reactions, they'll be equally reflected in my comments
(should it be possible to offer them), and all reactions will be in the most
respectful, sympathetic, and yet, honest manner that I am personally capable of.

> I believe that the person meant DURING THE AUDITION......

Probably, and I agree that one must be non-committal towards the PERFORMER, but
it is not possible to be so towards the performer's playing style. An
adjudicator has biases towards certain playing practices that he (or she) must
naturally employ during the audition. He may consider a "bright" tone to be an
undeveloped tone, or he may completely disagree with a style of staccato at a
particular spot. This is what makes certain judges more attractive than
others; an organization will employ an individual to act as an adjudicator
when they think that the individual's standards (and biases) are in agreement
with theirs.

When or IF those preferences are revealed to the performer is the other matter.

--
Scott M. Gerhardt <gerhardt@-----.com>
5F 55 E8 3E AA 08 68 9A 58 CA 7C B1 B4 BE 24 B6

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