Re: Re: teens auditioning in pro orchestras


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Posted by It would... on May 13, 2003 at 22:28:15:

In Reply to: Re: teens auditioning in pro orchestras posted by Matt Higgins on May 13, 2003 at 21:01:02:

...be interesting to be able to hear the winning auditions of the "wonderboys" (term used with respect) of 20-25 years ago. I'm willing to bet that they weren't the perfect auditions that it seems are being required to win a job these days. 50-60 years ago, if you had a good characteristic sound, and knew enough of the literature to be able to play a few excerpts, you could get a major orchestra (not the great full time jobs they are today)job by playing for a few minutes in the conductor's hotel or dressing room. 25 years ago, I'll bet you could land a job by having the best sound that day, not missing too many notes, maybe having an F tuba, and playing the list with a good sense of style. Nowadays, for a big job, there will be 5-10 players there that on their best day could play all the excerpts (as well as the great majority of known literature) with an amazing sound, perfectly in tune, note perfectly, with a great sense of style, on both CC and F. Hopefully one of those players will have his lucky day, and the committee (or music director) will then give the job to that person, who's sound and style fits best with their section and orchestra. Or NOT, as evidenced by today's Cleveland principal trombone audition! When you feel that you meet the criteria above, then go for it, command your instrument, and TAKE the job. Otherwise, don't just do it "for the experience."


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