 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2003-12-17 20:46
I'm a freshman music major. I'd like to enter my school's concerto competition (with the Mozart). I'm pretty sure I wouldn't win because of the other people in the competition. I'd like to enter it mostly for the experience, to give me something to do over winter break and to show my orchestra conductor that I'm a hard worker. A friend of mine, another freshman music major, was going to enter as well but her teacher told her that she should wait another year when she would be able to play her concerto better. Should I wait until next year too or is there no harm in doing this for the experience, even if it means playing the same concerto in a few years, this time aiming to win? Am I doing any harm to my future chances by playing it this year?
I can play the concerto fairly well, I just know I'll be able to play it better in three years. I already have a partial scholarship to pay for my lessons.
Thanks,
Micaela
(still recovering from the midnight Return of the King showing)
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2003-12-17 21:01
I see no reason why not to enter it. You say there's no repurcussions for not winning. And yes it'll give you experience. And if you want to enter with the concerto, by all means go ahead. If you can get a recording (video preferably) of yourself at the competition that'd be great. Then, in three years, you can play it again as a senior, record it again, then play(watch) them back to back to yourself and marvel at how much your stage presence and technique/musicality has improved.
I myself asked for special permission to participate in juries next semester even though I won't be taking lessons through the school. I asked politely because I want the experience of playing in front of people and every time you do it, it gets less and less nerve-wracking. Same situation. I won't win anything. I won't even get a grade. It's just for some fun and experience.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: LeWhite
Date: 2003-12-17 22:58
Definitely enter for the experience. Of course you won't make it through if you believe that there are better and more desserving players up there, however, if you persistently audition, the panel will know you're serious and by the time you are in your final year, you may just get through!
I'm doing the same for my concerto competition here - auditioning for experience, with the Finzi Concerto because I simply love it!
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Author: kenbear
Date: 2003-12-17 23:58
Many years ago, a friend was urged by his teacher to do an audition for 2nd chair clarinet in a professional orchestra. The teacher said that my friend would be doing the audition "for experience" only, as there was a bunch of hot shots auditioning and one of them was bound to get the job.
My friend was very surprised to be called for the second round.
And shocked to win the audition.
So, beware!!!!
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Author: msroboto
Date: 2003-12-18 02:17
Now that's what not feeling the pressure can do for you!!!!
How cool.
I guess I should add ... I guess it pays to be prepared no matter what because no amount of coolness will really win the competition.
Post Edited (2003-12-18 03:16)
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Author: contragirl
Date: 2003-12-18 02:21
LOL! My friend was a freshman last year, his teacher told him not to enter the concerto competition... he did anyway and made it to the finals. This year he is in the orchestra, which is the highest group you can get into.
So do it! No harm in trying.
--Contragirl
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Author: Meri
Date: 2003-12-18 19:03
I tell my students that the main reason I have them do auditions, competitions and exams is for the feedback, and if they happen to do well, it happens. My students have so far all done well at them. The feedback I get from the adjudicators has often proven to be useful; it has provided ideas of what I could work on with particular students, or at least gives them a chance to hear what I've been talking about from someone besides myself.
I'm taking the same approach to my National Youth Orchestra of Canada audition next month...only doing it for the feedback. If I happen to get in, it happens. Took that approach when I did the audition to play in Toronto's Cabaret production, that "if I don't get in, it's not the end of the world". (I did get the gig)
Although I only tried that laid-back approach because of my former teacher...I guess it works for me. Certainly, it makes me feel a lot less nervous.
Meri
"There is a difference between being flat and sounding in tune, and being in tune but sounding flat. The first I can live with; the second I cannot."
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Author: Micaela
Date: 2003-12-20 03:27
Thanks for your advice. Since I've already signed up, it would be rather embarassing to withdraw. I'm glad this isn't a stupid decision! I'm also glad that I'll be spending my winter break with Mozart as well as with Tolstoy (urg, Russian Lit next semester). I don't think we'll need finals as there will be under 10 people in the competition (hey, it's a small school) but so far I'm the only one who isn't a junior or senior.
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