 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2006-06-29 00:37
Just had my mit-term evaluation (here it's called an "F1"). For those who don't know, I joined the army as a clarinet player and have been in training since (currently at the Army School of Music located on Little Creek Amphibious Naval Base, VA).
They score you on a 4.0 scale. A prepared solo weighs in at %40, scales at %10, and sightreading at %50.
I got a 2.95, which is 0.05 short of the coveted 3.0 which would allow me to participate in special bands such as one in germany, fort mcpherson colorado, and others. So instead of leaving after three months, I'm going to stay the full six and see if I can get that 3.0.
For those that might want to know, I played the third movement of the Poulenc Sonatas for my prepared solo. It was a 3.0 level piece, and I had isolated mistakes in it, but probably because I took it a little quicker than the marked tempo and only had about two weeks to work it up.
For the next solo (my final, or "F2"), my teacher suggested five pieces. I can play the first movement of "Set for Clarinet" by Martino (this is a bit higher level than the others and might be out of my reach), the third movement of Stravinsky's pieces for solo clarinet, the first movement of the spohr concerto, the first movement of the nielson concerto, or flight of the bumblebee (NOT Robert Spring style!!!!)
Any suggestions? I'm leaning towards the third movement of stravinsky, the spohr, or flight of the bumblebee.
Just an update and question since I haven't been on in a while (been busy here in VA. Since I'm heading to Iraq when I graduate, I figured I'd spend the time I have left in the states either practicing, or enjoying the beach!
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Bob Phillips
Date: 2006-06-29 00:45
Alexi,
Looks to me like its past time for you to update your bulleting board tag line: you are no longer an amateur!
Good luck.
Why Iraq?
Bob Phillips
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2006-06-29 01:28
I guess it is time to update it. "Professional in training" or something of the like. At least until I finally meet my unit and start playing in their gigs.
As to Iraq, as per my contract, I'm going to 25th ID band (Schofield Barracks, Hawaii). 25th ID is deploying to Iraq, and the band leaves early August. So upon graduation, I'll inproccess in Hawaii, then get sent to kuwait, and then meet my band in Iraq. And after about a year, I'll be back in hawaii.
Alexi
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-06-29 01:44
Oh I have good suggestions.
Part of the issue is that the Army scores music "by-the-numbers." So you need to do a solo that is higher than a 3.0 if you plan on making any mistakes. Also ANY piece that is mixed meter, plays better for the adjudicators such as the Three Pieces or the Suttermeister Capriccio.
Now, for more strategy, the sighting reading level pieces they pick for you will start higher if you blow the doors off your scales (no matter what any one tells you). So, play ALL your scales as fast as possible (without errors of course). Shoot for 16ths at 160 or better if you can. With the Three Pieces (play all pieces - that's only 5 minutes!!!) and fast scales your sight reading will start at a higher level and they will just deduct from there, hence a better score.
Iraq???? Are you with the 4th Infantry? My stint with them was just in the deserts of Texas - all pawn shops and live lingerie shows. I think you lucked out.
............Paul Aviles
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Author: sfalexi
Date: 2006-06-29 01:52
I'm with 25th ID. I know 4th ID is going there in October, but 25th leaves a little earlier.
I realize (now) about picking a harder solo just in case I make any mistakes. I had a The Poulenc that I played is rated at 3.0 and so I got about a 2.95 on it.
Scales, well my scales quite frankly suck. But I'm working on them. Trying to get them at least at 16ths = 120.
Luckily for me, sight-reading is one of my strongest attributes. I sight-read almost at the same level as my prepared solo piece. But I need to work on sight-reading marches (since it's the ARMY band and I'm going to be given marches to sight-read).
Well, I have quite a while before my second audition, and plenty of time to work up a piece. I'm thinking it'll probably be stravinsky. Tough, but I think I think I can work it up.
US Army Japan Band
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Author: Paul Aviles
Date: 2006-06-29 02:01
Alexi,
As long as the sight reading is strong, you're golden. I was never that skilled in that department.
Good luck in Iraq. There are some very good people in the 25th. Once the desert time is over then you'll have plenty of time on the beach :-)
Good luck, and welcome to the Army. There really is a lot of good music happening around the field.
.........Paul Aviles
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Author: hrvanbeek
Date: 2006-06-29 10:18
Congrats, that's a great F1 score! Good luck on your F2; you'll do great!
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Author: punkinn
Date: 2006-06-29 18:49
I can't for the life of me remember what I played for my F2; it may very well have been the Rondo from K622; but my F1 was Cavallini's Adagio & Tarantella. I stayed the whole six months, and really enjoyed my time at the SOM. Some very good memories for me. 
Kind regards and good luck to you!
Nancy Revelle (SOM grad 1980)
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Author: vjoet
Date: 2006-06-29 19:51
Alex,
I was stationed at the Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. This was back in 79, 80. I do hope they have upgraded the facilities. Back then, they were exceptionally poor. (I was a 91C, hospital medic, not in the band.)
It sounds like you're doing great, and will have an excellent career both in the Army and when you get out. You make us proud that one of the BB's own is doing so well. :-)
vJoe
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Author: Cuisleannach
Date: 2006-06-30 01:19
They did upgrade the barracks when I was there in I think 95 or 96. I know because I helped upgrade them while waiting to class up. If I remember correctly I played the Sutermeister for my F1 (and I was an early grad). I don't remember what my score was but I played the Poulend III on my entrance audition. I could've graduated then but in the Navy you've gotta pass on your minor as well, and I hadn't touched a sax in years.
Best of luck!
-Randy
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Author: BobD
Date: 2006-06-30 13:28
Good to hear from you again, Alexi. I admire your spirit.....don't give up. Good Luck, bob
Bob Draznik
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