 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Ted Donaldson
Date: 2002-08-01 18:15
Well, I'm trying out (Well not technically, because it's a community band, and he just wants to see how good I am.) for my community band, and I was wondering if there was anything I could do that would sort of wow him, of course I will be on bass, but I was jsut wondering if anyone had any ideas. I have somewhere in the area of a month to prepare.
Ted Donaldson
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Author: Eileen
Date: 2002-08-01 18:42
An important quality for any community group is committment. Convey the attitude that you are willing to keep a high rate of attendance at rehearsal and that you will practice your parts. Too many "good" players blow off reharsal, don't practice and screw up at the performance. I'm sure that you will do well!
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Author: David Spiegelthal
Date: 2002-08-01 18:55
Ted,
Virtuosic technique is secondary on bass clarinet, as most of the community band parts you'll encounter range from easy to ridiculously easy in terms of notes --- focus on TONE! We bass clarinetists are paid the "big bucks" (haha) for the unique, characteristic, deep dark sound of a properly-played bass clarinet--concentrate on that aspect of your playing, and make sure you can achieve that round, centered sound at all dynamic levels, from the quietest whisper up to forte. Very few community band bass clarinetists have "the sound", much less at all dynamic levels --- if you can achieve and maintain that sound, especially at quiet dynamic levels (where most bass players just produce breath sounds and/or 'buzz') then when you go to audition, all you'll have to do is warm up on a few scales and you'll get the gig.
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Author: Mark
Date: 2002-08-01 19:28
Ted,
One of my many gigs is a regular post as concertmaster in a community band, so I have the opportunity (or curse, depending on the player) to audition and recommend regularly. I would advise the following:
1. Practice your sightreading -- if the band has regular concerts, you'll probably be plowing through a lot of literature, so being able to play on the fly is important.
2. Pitch -- can't emphasize this enough. Particularly on bass, make sure you are in tune with yourself across intervals and octaves. Practice with a tuner. Then be prepared to adjust to whatever random pitch the oboe or first clarinet decides to give on rehearsal day (always an adventure).
3. Dynamics -- as Mr. Spiegenthal said above, play dynamics. Too many bass clars are either played too timidly, or too obnoxiously, but with no range.
4. Timbre -- it goes without saying that a beautiful sound goes a long way.
All in all, though, don't pull your hair out. Most community bands are just looking for two magical C's -- competence and commitment. If you can get around on the horn and blend nicely with the ensemble, and as Eileen said, will commit to show up for rehearsals and not just dresses and performances, you're in.
Relax and enjoy!
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Author: Willie
Date: 2002-08-02 21:44
I second what Mark stated about sight reading. Most community bands have folders with dozens of pieces in them, some not played in a while. The conductors are notorious for making last minute changes in the program (sometimes during the actual concert) and you will find yourself staring at stuff you,ve never seen before. Even more fun when have to transpose. Just keep an open mind and realize that some of the folks are just getting back to playing and some may be retired professionals. Have fun!
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Author: David
Date: 2002-08-02 22:47
Wow. Here you'd be a rarity and any band would rip your arm off to get a bass clarinet.
If you really want to wow the director, casually offer to cover (out of the goodness of your heart) an absent Euph part.
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Author: Mike Harrelson
Date: 2002-08-03 01:38
One thing that may "wow" him is something very simple and easy. Get there early and be warmed up and ready to play a little ahead of time. This goes for the audition and the rehersals. This will show that you are responsible and serious. We have a couple of eight graders in our community band and not only is it a great experience for them it has made a couple of adults practice more - "you can't have a kid outplay you, can you?" One of our members said "that eight grader has raised the curve of the 3rd trumpet section!" Good Luck, I know you'll enjoy it.
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