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RE: To become good auditioner?

Author: IAD
Date: 2001-09-09 21:35

I'm taking this question as being the person who is auditioning.

The first step in a successful audition is preparation. Once you have the basic of the scales and pieces, work on refinement. Make sure your scales are played with and even tempo and the same tone quality throughout the entire range of the instrument. In your pieces, concentrate on making sure your rhythms are correct, your tempo consistent, and good dynamics. For sight reading, I feel the main difference between people is dynamics. The majority of the people you are against will be able to get the most notes and rhythms, but most often the fortes and pianos are lost because people are so concerned with playing the right notes and rhythms. You will really distinguish between yourself and others by putting the whole package together. Sight reading does not have to be limited to just clarinet books. Play trumpet, flute, piano parts, etc. Just get plenty of experience doing it, tape your performance, and play it back so you can hear how you are doing.

The second step is simply experience. I was really inconsistent until about my junior year in high school. The reason for this, was I would simply give into the pressure because I had not been in the situation too many times. When I was in my junior year, I became the principal clarinetist in my school's band, and being in the position to play solos, etc. The new responsibilities I faced forced me to get stronger mentally, and work harder in my practice sessions so I would be prepared. I tried all sorts of wierd things like pretending my right hand E key was broken, and had to work my way around it and played parts a 1/2 step lower simulating playing the key of A to put myself in 'uncomfortable' situations. This really boosted my mental strength in auditions, and I started hitting all parts of the auditions, and competitions. These are my two pieces of advice for becoming a good auditioner.

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