 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: pete
Date: 2002-11-26 11:06
Dear all
could any American clarinet players help me. Im an English clarinetist an have been invited to audition for principle clarinet with the Louisville Orchestra and I just wondering if anyone who has experience auditioning for pro orchestras there could give me a lowdown on how the Americans do it?
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-11-26 14:46
The last audition I played was behind a screen to conceal identities of those playing. As many of us were well known, we could not play any warm up notes or say anything--just walk out, be announced ("The candidate is in the room and has XXX instruments") sit down and play. I auditioned on A, Bb and Eb playing the usual routine--required solo (usually Mozart 1st movt) and the specified excerpts.
Other auditions have been "live", no screen--it all depends on the particular orhestras auditioning practice. My present symphony position was acquired as a result of being called to sight-read a concert for a clarinetist who became suddenly ill--they simply invited me to join for the following season with no formal audition. As far as I know, there are no "national" USA set rules for auditions--so, like in your Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared" (and good luck, BTW)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Robert
Date: 2002-11-26 15:41
William, you said that they would announce "The candidate is in the room and has XXX instruments". Does "XXX instruments" refer to the size of clarinet (eg. B-flat, A, etc.) or do they actually mention which brand you play (eg. Buffet, Leblanc, etc.)??
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: William
Date: 2002-11-27 00:08
No brand names are mentioned (at least, not in my auditions), just the size (Bb, A, Eb, C, etc.) Therefore, "XXX" refered to size, not brand name. Rest assured that you will be safe with your Acme mail-order set of resonites (or whatever you play upon).
I failed to mention that at my last audition, I was asked to fill out a questionaire regarding playing experiance (who, when and how long), education, prominent teachers, awards and competions you have won, etc. Yet, it was held behind a screen to protect my identity (RIGHT!!!) At least, they tried.
Also, for the required excerpts, I have always found it desirable to bring my own copys and parts with my own markings--thereby having to read a copy with someone else's (often illegable and sometimes confusing) markings making a "tense" situation even moreso.
Again, hope this helps clarify how we "Yanks" do it. It would be nice to hear you play sometime. Best of Luck and enjoy your visit on this side of the pond.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: d dow
Date: 2002-11-27 17:30
Different orchestras have different policies concerning the audition procedure. After application they will contact you as to the music you are to play, plus a required set of pieces which you are expected to play(ie MOzart Clarinet concerto) out side of the orchestra repetory.
some orchestras prefer the screen and number system- so you may be 8969794-@ and then they call you in. they listen and ask you maybe to play a couple of things at faster or slower tempi, and then you will go into a hall way and or room and wait. the panel amy not announce the winner on the day of the audition and or ask for everyone to re-audition again if they didn't like anything.
As to you own preparation, you should make sure you have a good set of reeds, all of the hard licks up to snuff and a good book for the boring intervals that go along with this sort of thing. If you are traveling abroad you may want to buy some reeds that are acclimatized to the area at a local music shop....
If you are in USA I would say you should tune to 440 on the button and watch out if they comment on sharpness or what have you.... I would also say that you should expect to be in a hotel and therefore make sure you find a place you can get adequate practice in...if you know your parts well and sound great then have fun and best of luck!!!
Siincerely
David Dow
Symphony NB
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
