DLP08

Hey TM! Need your help!

The following are the requirements for my audition on February the 9th for Florida State University:

1. All major scales and arpeggios
2. Goedicke: Concert Etude
3. Charlier: Etude no. 2 from Trancendental Etudes
4. Two orchestral excerpts of contrasting styles.

Major scales? No problem.

Truthfully, I have never even heard the Goedicke and Charlier, but I am going shopping for them tomorrow.

The question I have is about the two excerpts. What exactly do you think they're looking for? I mean, as far as being prepared in 1 month, I have Arbans version of Venice down pretty well, a nice bit of the Arbans characteristic studies, and other various solo pieces...but is that what they really mean by orchestral excerpts? Also, does contrasting styles HAVE to be simple as slow and fast, or can they both be kind of technical and fast?

For example, if the Venice variation and characteristic studies would work as 2 pieces, would they even be contrasting?

Just a bit lost to be honest, and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

David.

mchs3d

I too have an audition like this coming up. I believe that the orchestral exerpts are such things as the introduction to "Mahler #5", Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition" and certain exerpts from pieces like "Scheherezade" and Shostakovich's "Concerto for Trumpet, Piano and Strings." Also, the Charlier Etude book is a tad expensive ($50 min, brand new) but it is a great resource. If they are requiring you to play it at the live audition, you should definitely get an original. Sometimes they don't like copies. Good luck!

Jimi Michiel

David,

Orchestral excerpts are just that--short excerpts from the trumpet parts of major orchestral works. Solo's won't work as orchestral excerpts. When you go to the music store, ask if they have any "excerpt books" for trumpet. These are collections of excerpts that would be ok to use on your audition.

I'm guessing that you only have a Bb trumpet. That's ok--but realize that many excerpts are not written for trumpet in Bb. To play these excerpts, you'll either need to learn to transpose or get a different keyed trumpet. My advice to you would be to look for excerpts that are already in Bb or are easy to transpose. Here are a few you might consider--

Beethoven - Leonore Overture #2, Ives - America Variations, Gerswhin -Piano Concerto (especially good if you like jazz), Shostakovich - Concerto for Trumpet and Piano, Mahler - Symphony No. 5 (opening), Respighi-Pines of Rome (off stage solo) (the Respighi is written for trumpet in C, but VERY easy to transpose)

You're probably going to freak out when you get your first excerpt book. Don't worry, we all did. Phil Smith has said in interviews that he didn't know much (or anything at all) about orchestral excerpts when he was accepted at Juilliard; until that point he had only played in brass bands. Now he's one of the most respected orchestral trumpet players in the world.

Ask your private teacher (if you have one) for help with this. You could also email the professor at FSU. Whatever you do, work your butt off for the next month and go in as prepared as you can be. Good luck!

-Jimi

Vulgano Brother

Orchestral excerpts are basically the most exposed and important parts of major works for orchestra. "Orchestral Excerpts for Trumpet," published by International in several volumes is the "Arban's" of excerpt books, although there are other fine publications. Usually they will contain a wide variety of styles. Pick out a couple that look easy, then listen to the pieces a bunch of times to know how your part fits in. Be sure to transpose as needed, don't feel too bad if you have to write some of the fingerings in (just about everyone does, but won't admit it.)

Work hard and have fun!

jcstites

I am guessing from your post that you do not have a private instructor.

Are you in the Tallahassee area? I am a master's student and teaching assistant at FSU, so if you need some help and lessons, let me know.

If you do already have a teacher, please go talk to them about what to play asap!

DLP08

Bummer that my solo pieces won't cut it for this audition. But it is all good. I live in an area with a nice music store that can help me with finding these books. I appreciate all the responses, and will give you an update tonight when I find what I am looking for.

JCSTITES: I live a bit farther north of Tallahassee as of now, but I do plan to be living on campus this next coming year. My audition is live, so hey, I might even see you there Thanks for the offer!

Anyways, you are correct. I currently do not have a teacher, but I HAVE taken lessons before. I don't want to give away my location area simply to avoid trying to "bash" on the teachers here. Let's just say I've run through a good bit of them, and the benefit was not too great. It seemed like they didn't care much. One thought making a sandwich for himself and having me sell his rap CDs was actually considered my lesson time that I paid for, while the other refused to work on Venice with me because she has other things to do than to work it up herself and I should pick something easier. Though I did have a sit in with Scotty Barnhart on the FSU campus and he helped a great deal...but up here where I am, I am afraid I am on my own till FSU :)

DLP08

DLP08

Having a tough time finding that one, to be honest. A link, perhaps?

ROGERIO

Jimi,

Great reply. We need more of you on this forum! Good example on how to reply to a young player.


DLP08,

I've PM'ed you. Please read.

Rogerio

Hardnut

I have a great book called "Practical Studies and Orchestral Extracts for the Trumpet" arranged and selected by Frank R. Moore but by the looks of things its out of print now - did a quick search with no results :(

You could try to get the Charlier online: Theo Charlier: 36 Etudes Transcendantes (Trumpet solo) at Musicroom.com - Sheet Music & Songbooks I'd do a couple of searches to make sure that you get it sent to you as quickly as possible.

The Goedicke concert etude is a great piece - you should really enjoy playing it!

Best of luck, sorry not to have been more help,

Chris.