 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-01-27 20:08
My teacher really wants me to learn the Finzi Concerto and use the second movement for my All-State (NY) audition piece. The Finzi's gorgeous and I'd love to learn it but I'm worried it won't make a good audition piece because it's not flashy. Is this true? Or will the judges be thrilled to hear something a little more musical? My teacher also suggested the Messager Solo de Concours and the Marty First Fantasie; would these be better choices? I'm 15 and this is my first attempt at All State. Because New York is enormous I have very little chance at getting in so maybe I shouldn't worry so much.
Thanks,
Micaela
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Author: Chris
Date: 2001-01-27 21:33
I think that a judge would rather hear a well played piece which is "musical" (with clean entrances, clear articulation, accurate dynamics, played in-tune) than a technically "flashy" piece. This is assuming that what you mean by "flashy" is something which is faster than you personally can technically handle, with sloppy articulation, no dynamics, etc.
But, I'm not from NY state, and therefore I don't know what the judging criteria are for making All-State.
I'd go with your teacher, since s/he is taking responsibility for your success in this matter, and has a plan in mind for you.
Chris
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Author: Sara
Date: 2001-01-28 02:09
I agree completely, its not what you play- its how you play it. Thats what really counts.
Sara
Oh and I would go ahead and try out, you never know unless you try. My freachmen year, I didn't try out because I autamatically asummed I wouldn't make it. The next year I went, and made not only region but call backs for all state as well. You should at least, that way later on you won't regret not going.
LOL~
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Author: Gene Wie
Date: 2001-01-28 07:52
If you make the "gorgeous" Finzi concerto sound just that, then there's not going to be any question about your musicality or technical skills. Moving one's fingers fast (to achieve something "flashy") is not indicative of any specific ability to make music.
A Weber (or Rossini, or Messager, whatever) piece played simply for the speed will be the musical equivalent of an airplane plummeting to the earth at terminal velocity.
Sure, it might be somewhat entertaining to watch, but it's not going to inspire anyone in any positive way.
At least, I hope not. =)
So go learn that Finzi concert, and have fun! Good luck on your All State audition!
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeester
Date: 2001-01-28 10:09
Micaela,
I would go for the solo de concours, because :
1) This piece was designed for contests (and auditions)
2) 90 % of the music judges on earth are jurks and have no musical sense at all (and like little fingers that go fast).
3) Do you wanna play a 25 minutes piece (Finzi) just for an audition
4) It would be ashame not playing the whole Finzi concerto with the orchestra.
5) You can put musicality in the solo de concours.
Anyway... .I wish you good luck for this All State thing you're talking about.. (what is it actually ? )
Best wishes
DAniel
(Geneva, Switzerland)
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2001-01-28 14:26
Thank you for all your responses.
"This is assuming that what you mean by "flashy" is something which is faster than you personally can technically handle, with sloppy articulation, no dynamics, etc." Sorry if I wasn't quite clear. I meant should I go with a piece like the Messager because it would have more "judge appeal." I think I could play it without all that much stuggle. I wasn't old enough to audition for All-State last year- in New York you have to be in tenth grade. I played the Weber Concerto No. 1 for the NYSSMA solo festival last year- which doubles as All-State auditions- and the Weber #1's not considered hard enough for All-State. Normally I'd just get both but the Finzi costs $27 and the Messager $24 (in 16 Grand Solos) so I wanted to be sure first.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-01-29 00:46
I think if you over analyze what you think judges will like you're going to get into trouble. Play music at the right level and play it well - anything more and you're asking for it ... since you have no idea what any particular judge is looking for at any particular moment.
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Author: Julia Meyer
Date: 2001-01-29 17:57
Hmmm...I'm from NY also. ITs really hard to get into ALL-STATE, but its worth the effor ti fits important to you. Besides, it gives you experience in playing infront of other people. I'm trying to remember what I've played...
my freshman year (not old enough to do all-state), I played the Weber Concertino which was a level 5 at the time....but apparantly it is now moved up to a 6. (darn, I missed my chance at playng for all-state!)
my sophmore year I played Mozart Concerto
my junior year I played the Marty Fantasie.
The concertino is a good bet....because it shows a lot technically, and also musically. And its in sections, so its not so awkward when they cut you off (because they most likely will)
But basically, just play whatever you want to...don't worry so much about what the judge will want.
Good luck!
Julia
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Author: lynn
Date: 2001-01-31 13:11
Your gut instinct is absolutely right. I think that you need to choose audition pieces to suit the audition. Meaning if you get Joe the Tuba player as your judge, yes, that person will certainly be listening for fast fingers. They won't know any better. (For the most part, anyway.) Mind you, these are **band directors** listening to the students, and they don't always use specialists/performers on a given instrument to listen to the solos!!!!!! I have judged many of these festivals, and judged instruments that I don't play many a time.
I'd suggest learning the Finzi for the joy of it. And using the Messager for your auditio (it's more difficult than the Concertino so it should be a grade higher, right?). An audition is an Audition, it isn't something where you are putting on the performance for the experience of playing the entire piece. Judges are looking for certain things: we have score sheets with places for Tone Quality, Tonal Accuracy, Technical Ability, Intonation, Musicality, and Articulation.
So for example, say that you play a gorgeous piece, and you ace it. However, since you don't have really any technical passages in the piece you chose to play, you end up with low scores on the Technical Ability section, along with probably Articulation, which brings your total down. Try to find something to use that you could get high scores on ALL the sections.
Personally, I like the first movement of the Finzi (the ending is Really flashy, LOL), but the problem is most directors don't know it, and Joe the Tuba Player won't know about the 6 flats.......so it's one of those that they can be fooled by and give you an undeserved low score. Not worth the risk.
Is there a list online somewhere of the solos and their ratings/levels that the state uses?
Good luck to you, whatever you choose!
Lynn
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