I'm new to the list and one reason I joined was to reap the benefits of your experiences in the audition process.
I've recently received an audition list that includes Rachmaninoff "2nd Symph Solo" among other things (Clarinet opening). I have a couple of questions, I'm suspicious that they meant Rachmaninoff Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No 2 In C Minor, Op. 18: II. Adagio Sostenuto because it's a better piece for auditions. What do you think clarinetists?
Also, more generally, do boards provide music or can and should we use our own that we're familiar with anyway? What if I bring only excerpts and they want something not in my music, then read theirs?
Thanks a lot!
Joel

Hi Joel,

I'm a flute player, not a clarinetist; but my orchestra just played Rachmaninov's 2nd Symphony and the principal clarinetist told me the slow movement opening is a standard excerpt and he has to play it for auditions all the time. So they probably knew what they were doing. Can't hurt to check though.

Also - at auditions it's standard to have a music stand ready onstage, with the sheet music for the excerpts for that round. Some people prefer to read from their own parts; most orchestras allow that, but not all. Again, can't hurt to check.

You should probably know both those excerpts, although the Symphony No. 2 is probably asked more frequently. I am a bassoonist and I have sat on several Principal Clarinet auditions so I speak from experience. You should probably expect to read their music as it may include different markings from your own...this will help you perform the work as the committee would like to hear it.

Excellent advice all. Thanks

I am a trumpet player preparing for several college auditions. I have had quite the time trying to find Respighi's Pines of Rome for trumpet. If anyone could help me it would be greatly appreciated.

Pines should be in any excerpt book even though the music is rental only. I believe that the orchestra who you are auditioning for must provide any "rental only" excerpts.

DHP
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