audition help?

Question

i play clarinet in a symphony. and auditions for seats are coming up. (for those who do not know what im talking about. i mean seats as in a competition for the first seat....as in whos the best)
i have really strict parents and they really want me to get first seat. i agree with them. i really have no reason not to get first. my parents have bought me the best quality instrument. but still......im so frustrated. i noticed that recently...ive kinda fallen out of clarinet. i dont feel the same feeling when i play anymore. i feel like ive lost a part of me. i feel so ashamed cause i know i shouldnt feel this way. . the audition peice is not very hard at first. but if u analyze it closely, there r some small things that make a BIG difference. and....its so hard to llearn. everytime i go over it it seems like im not improving. no, i cant quit now. i trie to listen to other clarinet players in hopes that it will inspire me. but, it just makes me feel pathetic what can i do?

Answer 1

Hard work is never wasted.

You've posed two questions - one is how to win that audition, and the other is what to do about feeling uninspired.

As for the first part, "play clean and get to the pretty notes" - Charlie Parker. Find some way to put your own "stamp" on the music, and express yourself. Listen to recordings of the piece so you can get some more ideas, and that will set you apart from the rest. Record yourself periodically and you will hear the improvement.

As for the second part, you should try going to a different teacher, or taking a masterclass, or even just listening to some really awesome music that inspires you. I'm a classical player, but nothing inspires me more than listening to some burning jazz. I was in the 3rd year of my music degree when I felt like you feel, and I went to a week-long flute camp that gave me enough inspiration to continue through to the end of my 4 year degree, just because it was a different teacher with a contagious passion for music.

Answer 2

First thing's first...it's okay to NOT be principal. Principals have A LOT of responsibility. Not only do they have to know their music cold, but they're also in charge of the rest of the section. Plus, they don't really get the chance to play the amazing harmony parts...that's where a lot of the REALLY good stuff is. Just because someone plays a harmony part doesn't mean that they're a bad player. You simply wouldn't have a true orchestra or any type of ensemble if there weren't people playing harmony.

In addition, the principal player in a professional ensemble may not be "the best" person in the section...they simply won the audition for that open spot. Unlike college and youth ensemble auditions, professional orchestras only hold auditions for the spots that are open (if any) and pick the best contestant from there.

I've honestly been in a VERY similar situation compared to yours. It sounds like you've hit that "wall" that every musician hits at some point in their careers. I hit that wall when I was preparing for my senior flute recital in college. Thankfully, my parents never pushed me either way, but I had pushed myself so much that I just didn't know when to simply back off. It was TERRIBLE! I cried in just about every lesson with my flute teacher and accompanist that semester. I thought about literally quitting music and even getting rid of my flute (a professional line powell), dropping out of school, etc. It sucked big time.

Have you tried taking a break from your clarinet recently? Like not taking it out of the case for several days? If not, I'd highly recommend it...do something that does give you enjoyment for a change. This may help with your clarinet stress level. Everyone needs a chance to "recharge one's batteries" now and then, which may mean to put the instrument up for a few days.

Also, don't aim for absolute perfection in your practice...perfection doesn't exist as what's considered "perfect" in one person's mind may not be considered "perfect" in someone elses. As musicians, we tend to aim sooooooo much on the technical stuff that we lose the overall feeling of just playing music to just be musical.

In terms of your parents, it's really sad to hear that they only want you to be principal. I would tell them on how stressed out it's making you. Just because you get a "lower chair" does NOT mean that you are a bad player. Conductors have ears and they need to take into consideration the balance of the overall section. Maybe you have a nice chalameau register that can easily fill out a 3rd clarinet part, or a very clear middle register that's needed for a 2nd part. When I was playing in the university wind ensemble, I sometimes doubled on the second flute part (when not playing picc) because of my VERY strong lower register. You might want to tell your parents this as aparently, they have a very misconcieved idea that the "best" players always play first clarinet.

If you do play a harmony part, play your part out and be proud!

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Cool I play the Clarinet too!I don't like it anymore too.But whatever makes u happy u should do it, no matter what ur parents say.But, on the other hand, u should play it too because it's good to have an instrument talent.So, my responds is that u shouldn't have to do it.It's what u want to do!I bet ur parents will understand.If they don't, don't let them stop u of what want to do.