Klarinet Archive - Posting 000679.txt from 1999/02

From: "Mark A. Bradley" <markb@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Competition of players of various States
Date: Wed, 17 Feb 1999 00:56:32 -0500

Well I couldn't help but follow along with this discussion so I thought
I'd throw in a little information.

Here in New York, the state is divided into different Zones. For the
area all-state festival which includes players of a particular zone,
entry into the group is decided upon an audition. This is where things
are a bit different between zones. Here in Zone 6, in far northeastern
New York, every clarinetist who auditioned, made it into the band (there
was no orchestra). Even seating was loosely decided upon since I know
there must have been plenty players behind me who either had a terribly
bad audition or I am a little better than I make myself out to be
(hopefully the latter one!). Compare this to any of the zones around
Long Island and New York City, and there will be considerably more
competition. Arguably, the skill level in these zones will be higher as
well, since there are so many more resources available in New York City,
population 7 million, than Plattsburgh, NY, population 30,000 (the
largest city in Northern New York).

Entry into the Conference All-State bands and orchestras is decided at
the solo adjudication festival which includes judging of all-state
auditions and regular solos. To audition for All-State, every player in
the state must perform one of the Level 6 solos from the list as well as
scales, sight reading, etc. Here it is a little bit less random than
Area All-State. Naturally, more players from Long Island, New York
City, Buffalo, and Albany areas will make it into the groups than
players from the Chazy metropolitain area (grand total of 4,000 souls).
The reason is of course there are more people in these areas. The
question comes then how fair is it really, since not everyone is judged
by the same judge. Competition is relative, overall I think in New York
State it is a bit high especially when hundreds or thousands are
auditioning for the same spots in the Conference. Competition between
zones is also great since a sole player in Zone 6 has a lot to deal with
when there are maybe a hundred or so from a single other zone for the
same spot.

NYSSMA is rather fair when it comes to entry into the Conference, since
judges are not biased in terms demographics. Someone from Zone 6 will
be judged by someone in Zone 6. What you're up against is rather equal
throughout the state, since it does not matter where you live and
audition, you will have the same number of people up against you. I
shouldn't say against you, but when you see how some act when they don't
get in maybe I should say it like that.

Basically, in New York competition might look like it is biased towards
where one lives but I think that may be because the population in this
state is so unequally distributed that there are simply more people
auditioning in other zones and it is natural for them to have more
players to be selected. Whether or not one area has better players
depends upon a lot of things, such as how far one is willing to drive to
get to a lesson. ;-) Montréal is extremely close to Zone 6 yet I don't
know a single person here who takes a lesson in the city, although there
are many teachers available I am sure.

I have been interested in how other states' honor band selections work.
In May I am auditioning the Poulenc Sonata at Level 6 for the Conference
so wish me luck! Lets hope this sole clarinetist in Zone 6 can put up a
fight! ;-)

Mark A. Bradley
Chazy, NY

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unsubscribe from Klarinet, e-mail: klarinet-unsubscribe@-----.org
Subscribe to the Digest: klarinet-digest-subscribe@-----.org
Additional commands: klarinet-help@-----.org
Other problems: klarinet-owner@-----.org

   
     Copyright © Woodwind.Org, Inc. All Rights Reserved    Privacy Policy    Contact charette@woodwind.org