Klarinet Archive - Posting 000248.txt from 2002/01

From: CassildaYhtill@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Seeking Last Words of Advice
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 08:22:12 -0500

"Robert" <LetsReason@-----.com> wrote,
>My audition is the day after tomorrow for the
>Marine Band in D.C. [snip] What I need now, as
>my stomach is literally quivering with nervousness just
>thinking about it, is some last minute words of advice
>for Friday.

>The notes and music should be there.
[snip]
>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.

You said the most important thing, which is "The notes and the music should
be there." You prepared. You can't control who the other contestants are or
what they do so it doesn't matter how many of them there are or how good they
are. The only thing you can control is how you play, so that is the thing to
concentrate on.

I know it is unrealistic to say just forget about all the other people. You
all be looking at each other and sizing each other up. Can't help that. I
don't think there is any way to avoid wasting some energy on nervousness.
But try to put your energy into where it counts, concentrate on your music
and that includes your clarinet which is speaking out as a part of you.

Also this may sound off topic but I think it helps to make a point to be
gracious to the other competitors. Be a good sport. Funny but thinking about
making it more pleasant for other people make it better for me too, I feel
more relaxed instead of all tense up. Other people respond to kindness
usually and it is catching. Just make the audition experience easier on
everybody.

Also sometimes if judges lurk around where they can see how the group of
contestants act (as a group) they will notice someone who is not a good team
player (acting arrogant etc.), not a good way to get notice! They want
someone who act like a human being and fit in. They ask "Is this someone I
want to work with?" They all been there, themselves and they know everybody
is nervous and probably sympathize with it. So if nervousness shows a
little, no big thing.

Maybe clarinet players should say break a reed instead of break a leg!

Cass Hill

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