 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-07 00:57
The Sneezy.Org 1st Summer Clarinet Competition is now open. Complete information is listed at http://www.sneezy.org/Competition/ .
The basics:
Eligibility:
This competition is open to clarinetists of any age that are not currently employed as full-time members of a professional symphony orchestra, full-time professional teachers, or under major artist management. In other words: students, amateurs, members of community orchestras are all welcome and encouraged to try out. If you have any question at all in regard to whether or not you're eligible, please contact me at competition@sneezy.org.
Repertoire:
From Rose 32 Etudes: #26 in C min. Allegro furioso - starts on the note c below the staff
Andante from "La Forza Del Destino" by Giuseppe Verdi (music reprinted by permission from Ben Armato and available for free at the above URL)
"The Devil's Dance" from "A Soldier's Tale" by Stravinsky (music reprinted by permission from JB Linear Music and available for free at the above URL)
1st Movement of Hauntings by Anthony Wakefield (music reprinted by permission from Anthony Wakefield and available for free at the above URL)
Application fee:
$10.00 U.S. in U.S. currency.
Judging:
The judges are Forest Aten of the Dallas Opera and Gregory Smith of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Entry by MP3 recordings uploaded to Sneezy.Org is encouraged!
Deadline:
23:59:59 UTC. Sept 30, 2001
Prizes:
Too numerous to list - check the URL.
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Mark C.
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Author: Stefano
Date: 2001-06-07 14:14
Dear Mark,
the whole idea of holding this Sneezy.Org 1st Summer Clarinet Competition is great. Expecially because is devoted to amateurs and students around the world.
Also the way everything has been well organised is fantastic.
My only disappointment is about the required repertoire: I can immagine that the Judges must not be submerged by thousands of MP3 files, and also pre-selection is a problem... but frankly, the repertoire requested is not really for amateurs, but rather for "retired/upgrowing professionals" and the like.
In my view is not a matter of hitting the notes, but how you can play this repertoire musically.
If the purpouse of the competition is to find the next unrevealed clarinet genius, you are right and I am totally wrong.
But I am of the view that a clarinet genius can be found also while he/she plays "twinkle little star".
So... why making it so difficult?
Maybe next year you may consider something more reachable by the average amateur (or having more than one category of amateurs).
PS.
I know that term "amateur" absolutely does imply being less capable... but on the other hand, in real life...
Respecfully and cordially Yours.
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Author: Mark Charette, Webmaster
Date: 2001-06-07 14:49
Stefano,
We selected the repertoire to be in the range of a very good High School student (towards 18 years old) and above, though I'm positive (through my own experiences) that some students much younger can have a very good chance of winning this. All of the pieces require musicality and not just "hitting the notes", though hitting the notes is of course part of any competition. You do a disservice to the judges to think otherwise.
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Author: joseph o'kelly
Date: 2001-06-07 15:09
I'm 17 years old and feel this music is well in my reach. I know I will have no problem playing this music musically and expressivly for the audition. I have played much harder music than this.
I think these are some neat selections.
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Author: Stefano
Date: 2001-06-07 15:31
Mark,
It was not my intention to do a disservice to the Judges. I truly apologise if I did.
It was never my intention, or desire, to win this competition, even if I had the ability (which I do not have, anyway).
I am sincerely almost sure -and I am no prophet- that a bright young and deserving clarinet student will win. And I truly hope that this will be the outcome.
My desire was simply to participate (when I read "amateur" I had the idea of belonging to the category; but now I understand I should practice more).
When I mentioned "hitting the right notes" I was referring to myself, being able to play these notes, but not the music (I do not know if I made this concept clear; I could use some analogies, but only upon request: otherwise I become even more boring than what I already sound).
My point was simple: I believe that there are a number of "old" guys (including me) who would like to participate (maybe for the mere sake of recording yourself) and do not expect to ever win.
However, if the "music" is too difficult for us, it will never be nice to listen to our MP3 recording, and it will be too embarassing to send it out.
I though that maybe others share my view. It might be the case that instead of being the first critic of myself, I am simply a lousy player: so none will miss my interpretation.
Again, it was not and it is not a critic to the competition or you. Ever.
Just my proposal for you to eventually consider next time.
Sincerely
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Author: Mark Charette, Webmaster
Date: 2001-06-07 15:35
Stefano,
I understand what you're saying in one sense, but I'm confused in another. Could you give me an example of what you're saying? I have some other ideas for competitions in the future, and I'm open to suggestions.
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Author: Linus Travelli
Date: 2001-06-07 16:32
HEY!!!!!!!!!!
You should have two competitions!!!
a beginner/intermediate division and a more advanced one!!!!!!
so that beginners can participate too.
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Author: William
Date: 2001-06-07 16:39
Linus: What's that old saying about, "opening a can of.........?" By the way, how's Snoopy these days....and Lucy, Shroeder,etc? Ya, I know.....just miss the old gang, thats all. :>) Good suggestion, though. Good luck.
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Author: Mark Charette, Webmaster
Date: 2001-06-07 16:46
I purposely did not do this at this time because the definitions of those are way too broad. Think about it - is a beginner determined by age, by how many years they've played, are they restarting clarinet at an older age, or what?
The categorizations are difficult at best. Most people don't have to think of all these things ;^) I particularly don't like age categorizations.
If this competition works out there'll be more. We have one in mind where we give you the rope to hang yourself (figuratively, of course!) and anyone at any level can enter and be competitive, even someone who's only been playing for a year or two. But the entry would be really non-traditional and would put a huge burden on the judges, so we kept it "safe" for the first try.
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Author: Stefano
Date: 2001-06-07 17:15
Mark,
Probably the repertoire for the selection of "students" cannot be different from the one you have well and carefully selected. I agree.
Maybe, to select "amateurs" it should be used a different repertoire. Maybe there should be a separate contest.
It is like playing a PRO-AM Golf Tournament.
You clearly see those who are in reality the good players... but the amateurs still get a chance to be head-to-head with the pros, with the handicap.
In a music playing contest, certain repertoire can be the handicap (e.g. selecting music with easier keys; easier notes range; easier tempo).
I delight myself when I play the Air on G string by Bach; although I know that I can make it always better... and that anyone may tell the difference when the tune is played by a pro or simply by a young conservatoire student. Still, I respect my interpretation.
Other repertoire may be like climbing the Himalaya for most; like having a golf driving contest with a lake in front of the tee: there is no chance but to get embarassed... if you do not even get to pass the lake.
I have once read an article about teaching music to adults, and how the whole approach must be totally different from that of teaching to young students. It was stated that, generally, adults are unfortunatelly tought to play for a very long time only few pieces of repertoire of medium difficulty, because this is more rewarding, and because, after all, an adult has the means to handle this task with practice.
The consequence, apparently, is that while being able to care for the details and "pretend" to play well certain pieces, the adult does not develop those skills that may allow the same to really improve, like kids do naturally.
I know that many young students may consider the Adagio, and the whole Mozart Clarinet Concerto, as "easy". That is probably because from a technical point of view the same is well within their standard, which every year of college is put forward.
The Devil's Dance is definitely repertoire for conservatory exams. You cannot really get it through with only basic skills.
And let me say, it should be this way: because this is what it is required from young student who will be in the future professional musicians.
The "problem" with many adult amateurs is that they have nice basic skills and like to do (or adapt to do) few pieces very well, rather than having a long term learning plan (which includes always playing a lot of difficult pieces).
If you take 50 clarinet conservatory students, 18 years old: they all should handle The Devil's Dance or Mozart to a certain similar standard.
If you take 50 adult clarinet amateurs out of this list, you will hardly find a standardized level of ability.
Probably, only 10 out of 50 will have a standard similar to the 18 years old folks.
At this point, I realise that if I had to make a choice, I would make your choice.
The good thing is that at least one "amateur" will work hard try to get better for next time.
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-07 17:41
Stefano, I think you might like what we're planning for the next competition assuming this one breaks even.
Remember to visit & thank all the sponsors of this event - as you can see if you visit the Competition page, there's a lot of interest in this and I am continuing to receive more support from other companies.
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Author: Katfish
Date: 2001-06-07 18:24
Is the high F in measure nine of Devil's Dance a mistake? Should it be an F#?
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Author: Tracey
Date: 2001-06-07 19:53
Hi,
Just a small question: are we required to have piano accompinament?
Thanks.
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Author: Tracey
Date: 2001-06-07 19:55
Whoops, nevermind, saw it on the competition page. Sorry.
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Author: jerry
Date: 2001-06-07 23:13
Well, Mark.
You've done it again! Although I won't get to compete (I visited the competition page -- what's all those funny, peculiar marks all over the five horizontal lines? also above and below, hmmm, strange), I think that you, et al, deserve a big hip! hip!.......... for the effort so far. I know it takes a lot of effort to do something like this, even if you don't have afull tim job. So, hats off to you and I'm sure all will have a good time -- I know I will.
A big drum roll for Mark (or would that be a clarinet roll?). Or is that "role"?
~ jerry
Sill in Clarinet Boot Camp
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Author: clarinet713
Date: 2001-06-07 23:59
I agree with Jerry-this is a great thing to be doing and must be a load of work-Mark I think you are doing a wonderful job in organizing this! Thank you!
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Author: Tim2
Date: 2001-06-08 01:56
I just printed the competion music. Looks like a good bunch of music. I am glad that it has been spoken about not just playing the notes, but making the music. What a good thing. I hope you are impressed with the caliber of music making on the tapes, cds....
Thanks, Mark
PS: We would all like to know about the high "F" in the "Devil's Dance".
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Author: mw
Date: 2001-06-08 05:18
Will the winning places' MP3's be made available for playing or download? mw
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2001-06-08 12:48
"Your recording of the competition repertoire presented on the Competition Winners Page on Sneezy.Org " (from the prize list)
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