Klarinet Archive - Posting 000329.txt from 2002/01

From: "Robert" <LetsReason@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Had too much of Robert? LOL
Date: Sat, 12 Jan 2002 16:52:41 -0500

>From Jay Niepoetter: <<I've been quiet throughout this whole "Robert and the
Marine Band Audition" thread. Some the information past about the Marine
Band has been truthful, other information has been way off base. I couldn't
let this one slide. The Marine Band provides all instruments and reeds you
need. Yes, that is right, we get free reeds. If anyone has questions about
the band I will be happy to clear up any misconceptions.>>

It doesn't sound like you are directing it at me, but I just wanted to make
sure I hadn't said anything falsely. I hope not. I had no idea that the
band provided those kinds of things. That is wonderful. {:-D More reason
to make the audition!

>From Alexander Brash: <<I have to agree completely; this simply isn't long
enough. I'm not near any practicing facilities for 9 hours out of my day,
and when I get home I still force myself to do at least 3. On weekends 6 is
the MINIMUM. I fail classes, tests, get in trouble with peers from school
because I'm practicing instead of doing homework, but that is what it
takes.>>

While I agree wholeheartedly that 1.5 hours a day is not enough for
preparation for that audition for me, I hope you are not applying the next
description of "what it takes" to everyone and you may very well not be. I
believe that the 5 to 6 hours a day routine is good and needed primarily for
the "getting there stages". I do not believe that Anthony Pay (I use him
because he is a recognized successful performing artist on this list) needs
to practice 5 to 6 hours a day to *continue* at his level of playing. The
specific amount of time will vary, but my guess is that three (3) hours a
day is closer to maintainence levels for most professionals with a standard
repertoire they perform. Some, even less than that. Again, I am talking
about practicing, not the gig and not necessarily the rehearsal time in the
orchestra. I play more than 1.5 hours a day if I include rehearsals and
performances, but I was practicing, by myself for that long each day.
Usually 40 minutes or so on warm-up exercises, scales and sightreading and
50 minutes on specific issues whether they be ensemble music, solo
literature, or, in this case, audition music. With that routine, I can
still play the standard literature that I had prepared before without too
much issue. The only piece I screwed up on was the one I had never prepared
before this audition.

Failing classes, tests and getting in trouble with anyone should not be the
result of a good, profitable and rigid practice routine, IMHO. And it
should not be an excuse against being a good and profitable friend or
citizen either. If it is, then maybe I don't want to here you performing
music written with the emotional content of a Brahms, Weber or Wagner. I
can have my computer do that job perfectly 99% of the time.

I could be wrong, but that is my opinion. I'd love to hear other opinions.

>From Ed Wojtowicz:

> Third...the only mention, and there was a mention of this, was that "all
> excerpts are for Bb clarinet". There was no other mention of requirement
> for Bb or A or C triple sharp clarinet.

I think we call that one the E-flat clarinet! ;-)

Now that is FUNNY! I did not intentionally write the enharmonic! (Of course
you recognized that, hence, the humor in your remark.) I was just making up
a name. LMAO! Thanks.

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