Posted by Alan Herold on April 16, 2003 at 20:36:43:
In Reply to: Euphonium Auditions posted by Guy on April 15, 2003 at 13:56:49:
Here's a few things-
Practice scales. Finger patterns are learned there.
Use a metronome about half of the time.
Pick solos that are "special." Don't play stuff that any euph player can play... pick something that'll "wow" them one way or another. Curnow's Rhapsody and Beautiful Colorado are not special for a high school player. Those should be standard rep. Galliard Sonatas can be considered "special" while not being too technically difficult to play. There is A LOT of music to be made there, and if you pull that off, it's more impressive than a theme and variations type of piece.
Tune those upper Eb's and F's.
Record yourself at least twice a year. This recording is for your files. You will find that there are times when you are playing REALLY well each year/semester. These are times when you should make a recording just in case an audition comes up. You will have a stockpile of recordings of your playing that will include some great performances and some not so great. Not only are these useful for a taped audition, but you can hear your progress over the years (and give yourself a kick in the arse if needed!).