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How do you get your foot in the door when auditioning for professional orchestras? Who can I contact to get information on auditions and music material? How can I start composing my own music? What are good websites or applications when trying to make a musical score?
I play clarinet for my school band and am currently learning Alto Saxophone. I have minimal experience in Oboe but I am planning or picking it up again as well.
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Robbin’s Answer
Being able to play multiple woodwind instruments is an incredible skill! Joining a community orchestra or wind ensemble is a fantastic way to gain experience and explore a variety of orchestral and band music. Also, consider learning different clarinets in various pitches, not just the one you play in your school band. For example, orchestras often use the A clarinet. You could also ask your band director about playing the bass clarinet or the Eb clarinet if your band performs pieces featuring these instruments.
You might be surprised to learn that different countries use various clarinet fingering systems. In the U.S.A., the Boehm system is commonly used. Once you've mastered the alto saxophone, why not try your hand at tenor, soprano, and bass saxophones? To further your musical education, consider studying composition and theory at a music school or college. Keep in mind that some colleges may require you to major or double major in music to take these courses.
Remember, your private music teacher, band director, and orchestra director are there to help you grow. Don't hesitate to ask them for guidance and support on your musical journey!
Look into summer music programs for students.
Prepare a piece for your auditions. It can take a year or more to learn a new piece that you can play for a music program or college audition.
Become very disciplined about practicing. Develop a schedule that works with your other activities, but allows you to put in sufficient time for study.
You might be surprised to learn that different countries use various clarinet fingering systems. In the U.S.A., the Boehm system is commonly used. Once you've mastered the alto saxophone, why not try your hand at tenor, soprano, and bass saxophones? To further your musical education, consider studying composition and theory at a music school or college. Keep in mind that some colleges may require you to major or double major in music to take these courses.
Remember, your private music teacher, band director, and orchestra director are there to help you grow. Don't hesitate to ask them for guidance and support on your musical journey!
Robbin recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for the advice.
Meghanne
Updated
Jared’s Answer
It may be a great idea to stay connected to the staff at your school or previous band instructors.
Some teachers still perform and may have their on bands they play with. Do some research on that.
Also, utilize LinkedIn and type in keywords to discover people, companies, schools and programs to help you progress.
Good luck 😌
Some teachers still perform and may have their on bands they play with. Do some research on that.
Also, utilize LinkedIn and type in keywords to discover people, companies, schools and programs to help you progress.
Good luck 😌
Updated
david’s Answer
Interesting questions. Getting into an orchestra can be challenging. One possibility is to look for local groups looking for new members. If you live in Patterson, NJ, there is a musicians guild that may be able to give you advice. Their website is at http://www.local16-248afm.org/index.html I do suggest you write to them. I wish you well.
Thanks for the advice.
Meghanne