Klarinet Archive - Posting 000703.txt from 2001/03

From: "Antoine T. Clark" <antoine@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] College Students/Orchestra Discussion
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 01:04:11 -0500

Hi all I am a grad student and I have noticed that I don't see a lot of
clarinetist my age talking on the list. If this is a wrong assumption I am
sorry. But I rarely see topics that deal with the things that I am facing in
grad school. For example learning excerpts. This is just an observation and
I know I could write things on the list that I am concerned about. I am just
curious how many of the clarinetist on this list are college students
whether undergrad or graduate level? When my former teacher introduced me to
this list I was eager to write and read all the posts. Over the years my
time to write has lessen but I continue to watch the list and when I feel I
can write about something that I fell strongly about I do. But recently I
feel some topics have been played out.
I want to discuss things like auditon experiences and ideas about
excerpts and what other experiences you are enjoying or dreading in your
reaching the goal to become a proffesional musician. I am kind of bored of
topics like that of reeds and mouthpieces. Please don't take this wrong
clarinet community I just want to hear more about orchestral stuff and solo
rep. And if there is a list that is all about that please direct me.

I know there are some orchestral players on the list so I want to get
your understanding on what I am about to discuss. Recently I went to Chicago
and I auditioned for the Civic Orchestra there. This was my first big
orchestral audition. The rep was not too hard. I had to play the second mvt.
of the Stravinsky three pieces, Don Juan, Mendelssohn 4 Last mvt, and
Beethoven second (second mvt). The audition went well and I felt that the
experience was positive and it was a big step for me learning to audition
well. I knew I didn't win it but I did not embarrass myself. My teacher
prepared me well for the audition.
Ok now that I have given you some background info on the situation I
will try to explain what I don't understand. For those who have had
orchestral experience and have taken many auditions please explain to me
what a panel looks for other than the obvious things? Basically I am asking
is there only one true way to playing a given excerpt? By this I mean should
there be a universal way to playing a piece whereby whoever is judging me
should be able to juxtapose my playing to the standard way that it should
go? And of course I understand that you would adhere to the markings by the
composer. For example, I know you would take Beethoven literally with
dynamics.
When I hear a recording of a piece by different orchestras I see that
there is sometimes a different style demonstrated by the player. Of course
every teacher has a set way of teaching a solo piece or excerpt and it would
be wise for me to listen to different examples of that piece or excerpt
being perform. But how I am to know what makes my playing of the excerpt
stick out in the audition in a good way? Assuming that I have a great tone,
wonderful tonguing, excellent phrasing, projection, great technique ect.,
does the panel listen for the cookie cutter obvious in playing the excerpt
or something more? Or is it just that, assuming I have all these wonder
attributes about my playing is that what will make me the best candidate for
the job. I think I am sometimes confused with the roll of the excerpts. Are
they tools to demonstrate my playing or are they strict examples of
symphonic music in which I am to play until I find someone who likes the way
I play them? I know that this is a lot to ask but starting grad school and
being bombarded by so many excerpts has lead me to ask these questions.
Thank you for your opinion in advance!

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