Klarinet Archive - Posting 000237.txt from 2002/01

From: "David B. Niethamer" <dnietham@-----.edu>
Subj: Re: [kl] Seeking Last Words of Advice
Date: Wed, 9 Jan 2002 23:10:26 -0500

on 1/9/2002 8:06 PM, Robert wrote:

>I was told by someone
>that when they auditioned there were a couple dozen others. I was under the
>impression that there would be a hundred or more. Anyone know the span of
>competence I might find? Anyone know of the place, just a hint to ease my
>mind? Is the audition on a stage, in a closet or in a backwards chair?
>Does it all happen at once or do they have you play the excerpts here and
>the Mozart there? Can you sit, or must you stand? Do they make you
>double-tongue, or play with one hand? Will they ask what set-up I use?
>Will I have to endure torture or metronome abuse? How long will it take;
>will it take much time?

Well, it's late Wednesday night, and you're leaving for the audition
early Friday. But tomorrow, try to find a copy of "Audition Success" by
Don Greene. Read it instead of beating your lip to a pulp one more time.

IMO, you are not auditioning against "worthy adversaries" (I believe that
was the phrase). You are trying to represent the music and your playing
in what Don Greene refers to as an "optimal" manner. Notice I didn't say
perfect. Find a key word or phrase for each piece to help you focus on
the piece as you play it, not on the room, the other auditionees, etc.

Once you have represented the music and yourself as well as you can on
that day, the rest of it is in the hands of the conductor. Notice, I
didn't say "in God's hands" - conductors only *think* they're god!
(Certain amount of irony here, given one of your recent posts on this
subject, Robert!)

Go for it, and break a leg!

David

David Niethamer
Principal Clarinet, Richmond Symphony
dnietham@-----.edu
http://members.aol.com/dbnclar1/

---------------------------------------------------------------------