thomashooten

PG

You make an excellent point.
First of all, I am not talking about equipement. Although, sometimes
this could be a factor. During my development I generally believed that I was the ingredient that needed changing.

I believe that you are correct to question (to some degree) what group you are auditioning for. I think you understand that whether it be for the Marine band or anyone else, you should be a clean player with a good sound, intonation, time, and musciality. Actually, for the Marine band and other military groups, the audition music usually is suited to what they play. Meaning that you don't have to worry about playing a march like an orchestral piece. Just be flexible in many different styles.

It has been my experience that this burn or "red" sound that I'm talking about should be used very little, if at all during the audition process. Please keep in mind that everyone is different, and that is how I have had to adjust my personal approach. I use this sound only in very loud tutti sections of the orchestral literature WHILE performing in the orchestra. I think generally, it is not something you would want to do when on stage alone during an audition. But of course, play FF with a very exciting sound and PP when the music calls for it. I'm ONLY talking about EXTREME loud playing.

Thanks,
Tom