 The Clarinet BBoard
|
Author: gregbaker112@gmail.com
Date: 2015-09-27 05:21
I am on 2 sub/extras lists here in the Twin Cities, a Wind Ensemble and a Symphony Orchestra.
At the present time, this is all I have going. I am actively seeking out auditions but as yet have not found anything steady.
In terms of my day to day practicing, here is what I am doing:
1. First of all, I have been following the websites and Facebook feeds for each ensemble, and what parts I can get off of IMSLP, I have been practicing and listening to.
2. Second, I have tried in my practicing to stick purely to the fundamentals; Baermann 3, Rose Etudes, Cavallini, etc.
Am I missing anything? My concern is that with my lack of performance experience, I may have bitten off more than I can chew. How does one go about preparing for music you have no access to? Should I ask someone for practice copies of the music, or just stick with the basics as I am now??
Any help is much appreciated. Thanks.
Greg Baker
gregbaker112@gmail.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: JHowell
Date: 2015-09-28 08:02
I think you're missing a chamber group. Form a quintet, or trio, or something; develop a gig book, hook up with a contractor who hires for weddings or spring for a bridal show spot, find places to perform, make demo recordings and try to get on chamber music series. Practicing is all well and good, but it's not performing. If I have some time off, I practice every day and still feel out of shape and out of sorts when I go back to work. It certainly doesn't hurt to practice all the music your sub list groups play just in case you get called, but you might as well put your energy toward making a few bucks.
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Sylvain
Date: 2015-09-29 06:58
Hi Greg,
I was a regular sub in many amateur groups for a while, before I finally made it into a group as a regular player. My recommendation is to fine tune your sight reading chops. This means:
- Scales, scales, scales.
- Rhythm exercises
- Sight reading exercises
If you get called.
- Try to get the sheet music from the librarian of the group or the regular player ahead of time.
- Listen to a recording of the piece. Pretty much everything is on youtube these days
- If you don't have time to prepare the whole thing, identify and focus first on any exposed solo bits then move to the tutti sections.
--
Sylvain Bouix <sbouix@gmail.com>
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: johng ★2017
Date: 2015-09-29 18:08
I also made a nice playing career being a sub for a number of organizations, along with having one or two more permanent playing positions. It took a while to get there, so patience and perseverance is required. It sounds like your approach, along with Sylvain's is right. I would add this: when you are called, be pleased with whatever part you are asked to play, be early to rehearsals, make sure your part is prepared....or that your sight reading is excellent, and that you are alert and enthusiastic without trying to show up the regular players. As you progress, you may need to accept playing gigs you might not really want, but turning down too many can damage your local reputation....word gets around. For me, the quasi sub life was very good and I played in most of the organizations in my area at one time or another, getting to know lots of great fellow musicians.
John Gibson, Founder of JB Linear Music, www.music4woodwinds.com
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2015-09-29 20:24
Are you looking for paid gigs or volunteer gigs? And can you tell us a little more about your musical background and training?
Best regards,
jnk
Post Edited (2015-09-29 20:25)
|
|
Reply To Message
|
|
The Clarinet Pages
|
 |
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg){kind=small}
