Klarinet Archive - Posting 000249.txt from 2002/01

From: Tski1128@-----.com
Subj: RE: [kl] Seeking Last Words of Advice
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 09:34:27 -0500

Ah a marine band Audition, I took one twenty years ago on a whirl wind week of three auditions. In three consecutive days I auditioned for the Navy band, the Marine Band and the Army Field Band. I was accepted in two out of Three. The one I didn't make was the Navy band, I didn't make the final round and this guy told me "your staccato is too short," The day before the guys at the marine band said I had a great staccato. So you always have to remember it's just somebody's opinion.
I remember the Marine band auditions had a ton of sight reading on it, with lots of bad manuscript. I've been told that part hasn't changed much. The best piece of advice I got for my audition was, "Count to Fifteen before playing the sight-reading." Just read through it without playing it first. Make them wait, keep your cool. play it slow if you're don't think you can make the tempo. The name of the tune is poise! Don't let the audition process change your game.
This might sound like it might seem obvious, Have a clean haircut, wear a coat and tie. This band puts a lot of value in how you look. If you are heavy you will be at a disadvantage to someone who is fit. Since the Marine band doesn't do basic training they tend not to cut slack on the weight thing. You "ll be introduced to people, for god's sake. Look them in the eyes when you meet them. Unless the audition starts at noon, If I lived 55 miles away I would come in tonight and stay somewhere outside the beltway. I wouldn't want to take a chance on D.C rush hr. traffic.

Good Luck Tom Puwalski, former Principal Clarinetist and soloist for the U.S Army Field Band, author of the Clarinetists Guide to Klezmer, and clarinetist with Washington's hottest Klezmer Band, Lox&Vodka
Check out WWW.LOXVODKA.Com

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