Klarinet Archive - Posting 000072.txt from 2007/11

From: "Benjamin Maas" <benmaas@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Audition CDs
Date: Wed, 14 Nov 2007 02:39:19 -0500

I record a lot of these for people about this time of year (done 3 or 4 so
far for various auditions and probably will do another 4 or 5 by the time it
is all done).

My impression is that you should have decent quality, but studio-grade isn't
totally necessary. The purpose of these recordings is to weed out the folks
that shouldn't waste their time auditioning. If you play well, it will come
through regardless. Now, if this is your only audition tape, I would
suggest having the best quality possible. You don't want to give anybody a
reason not to take you.

The important thing is to get a relatively decent microphone position. This
will affect the sound more than anything. A bad mic in the wrong place will
give you a bad sound (ie stay away from the bell). Also, make sure that the
recording is completely flat/plain. No EQ. No dynamic compression, etc...

I know there are a bunch of Minidisc recorders out there that have
compression built in to remove all dynamic contrast. Not exactly something
that you want to do on an acoustic music recording.

--Ben

Benjamin Maas
Fifth Circle Audio
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.fifthcircle.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Lori Wallach
> Subject: [kl] Audition CDs
>
> Hello all,
>
> I have just recently found this list and have been enjoying
> reading all the great clarinet wisdom!
>
> I have a question that I wonder if anyone has experience
> with: I'm applying for the graduate clarinet program at
> Manhattan School of Music, and they require a "pre-screen" CD
> to be sent with the application.
>
> My inclination is to record my pieces at home with PC
> recording software, but I'm wondering if I'll be competing
> with studio-quality CDs...Has anyone done this sort of thing,
> either for Manhattan School or any other conservatory?
>
> Thanks much for any advice!
> Lori Wallach

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