HornBoy

Hi Manny,

Let me start by saying I am a great admirer of your attitude towards music and your fellow musicians as well as the generous nature with which you handle your standing in the musical community. I have gained plenty of knowledge from reading many of your previous posts so thank you.

I am 25 years old, started playing when I was 11 and am not currently studying under anyone. I like to think I'm a pretty good trumpet player - I was very good for my age when i got out of school, studied at University for 2 years then decided i didn't need a degree and travelled the world for a few years without my horn.

I have been back on it for about a year (between 0.5 and 4 hours a day) now and I am starting to get a few gigs here and there again. I believe I am almost at the standard where I would like to start auditioning for orchestral positions.

I would like to know what, if anything specific, I should be studying in the way of orchestral excerpts/concerto's etc. that will hold me in good stead come audition time. Examples of orch excerpt books that you would reccommend would be a great help.

Thanks in advance,

Simon

Manny Laureano

Simon,

Forgive me that I put your post aside to answer later. It got away from me, I'm sorry.

It's a very general question you ask. There are a set of very standard orchestral works and included excerpts that you should be familiar with. Things like the leonore overture calls, Petrushka and the like. There's a ton of that sort of stuff. But what i wanted to say is that your basic playing needs to be top drawer if you wish to be successful in this business. You must be comfortable playing a solo with an ensemble and have several styles under your belt, classic and popular.

You must have unusual endurance and better-than-average upper register. Sight reading is a plus or a strong practice ethic if you're not a great reader. Multiple tonguing is important to have smooth and quick so your playing is supple.

You see what I mean. Your basic playing needs to be above average in all respects, that's what gets hired.

If you have some really specific questions I hope to be of better help to you.

Please write again soon and have a Fosters for me!

ML

Jimi Michiel

I met an Australian a few years ago and said something to the same effect. He kind of looked at me for a few seconds and then said "What the #%^ is a Fosters?"

trumpjosh

It's funny how every country has their Miller/Bud/Coors (Molson/Heiniken/Kirin/etc.). That's interesting, though. Maybe it's export only?

HornBoy

Hi Manny,

Thanks for the reply, I was expecting a delay due to time differences anyway, so I didn't even notice that I had been shelved! It was a very general question however, you did answer it very well. From your answer I am assuming you are saying that orch excerpts should not be my major concern? Instead I should be concentrating on all aspects (multiple tounging, endurance, sight reading etc.) I'm sure i will have more specific questions in future, but thank you for your advice so far.

I'll have a beer for you, but I doubt it will be a Foster's! I don't know one Australian who would drink Foster's by choice, we just brew it to sell to you guys!

Cheers,

Simon

David_N

Hey

just if u were interested but the west australian symphony orchestra have auditions for tutti trumpet on the 12th of June but applications close 3rd of May. http://www.waso.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=28

HornBoy

Hey Dave,

Thanks for the info, might have to have a look at that one. Appreciate your help mate.

Simon

Manny Laureano

Ha! I knew you'd say that! I know, there are some wonderful Aussie beers. A lot of "across the ponders" wouldn't believe there are some terrific American beers but they're made in micro breweries and very good. One of my favorite Domestic brews, which I haven't had in years, is one called "Bigfoot" by a company called Sierra Nevada.

ML

HornBoy

The same deal here really, the very best beers are from micro breweries also. A lot of really good Australian beer comes out of Tasmania which many people find hard to believe. One to try which you may be able to find is Coopers pale ale out of South Australia, its a naturally brewed beer with no preservatives (goes a little easier on your head the next day!).

trumpjosh

They don't have that in the frozen north? Too bad, it is a good one.