Klarinet Archive - Posting 000304.txt from 2003/03

From: "Keith" <100012.1302@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] The amateur's dilemma
Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2003 07:10:11 -0500

If you are *determined*, you can find performance opportunities. I have
just returned to the UK from spending 7 years in Denver, Colorado. On
going there I was very busy with work, and unsuccessful in the couple of
auditions I tried for community orchestras - and there are few
vacancies, since you basically have to shoot someone to make a vacancy.
But after getting my playing back in shape with an adult woodwind
chamber music course, and getting to know a local clarinettist through
this list, things happened. We started to meet with a few others that
she knew for chamber music; another oboeist came on the course and
during a conversation there we decided to found a new community symphony
orchestra in a newly-founded city south of Denver. We started ensembles
within the orchestra to play for local events and raise money for the
orchestra. Now three years later, the orchestra is flourishing: we
recently played Dvorak Cello concerto with Thomas Heinrich of the
Colorado symphony; the ensemble group has so many invitations that it
is turning work down (and hint: do wind octets, there is a marvellous
repertoire, they get played rarely by professionals as the economics
don't work out well, and the power of the group is such that you can
play in quite a large venue); and I'm now running the chamber music
workshop in Santa Fe. I'm not a professional, nor as good as one, but
this shows how you can make your chances at any level.

Now I'm back in the UK (Warwick) and starting again - anyone got a slot
for a bass/soprano/eefer/and, shortly, basset horn player, before I
start another orchestra?

Keith

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Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 15:22:36 -0600
From: "Diane Karius" <Dkarius@-----.edu>
Subject: Re: [kl] The amateur's dilemma

I'll add another reason for the community band - very often, there's at
least one person there who is playing in other groups and can point you
in those directions. I found out about an audition-only group (mix of
professional and "accomplished amateur") through some friends of mine in
another community band. The audition-only group is one of the most
musically rewarding I've ever played in (and far better a group than I
ever imagined I'd be able to play with).

Another suggestion (should you be so crazy): Start taking lessons
again. It's another connection in.

Diane K.
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