Sotto Voce

Today James McClarty became the newest trumpet player for "The President's Own" Marine Band!! He currently lives in Dallas, TX and plays with the Las Colinas Symphony. I went to high school with James and can assure you he is the real deal (as if my recommendation carries more weight than the Marine Band's committee!) Anyway, Congratulations James and let's hope more people retire!

ROGERIO

Sotto,

Thanks... See if you can get him to post his audition experience with us here on the TM.

Rogerio

As a foot note, Pat was sharing some of his Marine Band experiences with us a few nights ago... he had us laughing so hard... what a hoot he is... and "toot" too... oh, I'm so witty it makes me sick... LOL

Sotto Voce

Well, if it will help, I'll offer my experience (although short!) to anyone interested.

We arrived at around 7:15 am at the Marine Barracks Monday morning. Registration began at 7:30 and we were given audition numbers based on our registration order. We were then escorted by members of the band (trumpet players actually) to a main warm-up room. Approximately 8:30 am the first 10 players were given their own private rooms to warm-up in and at 9:00 the audition began. One by one they would usher us to the private practice rooms and then on to one bigger private area immediately before our individual auditions.
For my particular audition I played through 4 of the 6 preliminary excepts before the dreaded, "Thank you!" came from behind the screen. The room we played in was huge and sounded great to me. I'm pretty sure it is the main rehearsal hall for the band. Coincidentally, James said he only played through 4 excerpts before he was told to stop as well.
After every 5-10 auditions, the committee would decide who to advance and one of the men running the audition would let us know as a group who was advancing and then would kindly thank the rest of us for our time and efforts. As far as the rest of the audition process, I don't know because I didn't advance! I know there is an interview to be sure you are qualified to be a part of the military and have no physical limitations. I am pretty sure the second and third rounds are basically the same. Play well and you advance!
Overall it was a very good experience. A well-run audition with helpful people and great players. I am guessing around 70-80 people auditioned, but I'm not sure.
What I'm taking from this is: (based on testimony from players in the band and my own experience)
* The committee is looking for a great sound and solid fundamentals. Don't freak out if you make a mistake.
* The committee is looking for a sound that will match the existing players and blend well with the section. It doesn't mean you are a bad player if you don't advance. I hope!
* A friend in the Air Force band (in DC) took over 30 auditions (8 for the Marine Band alone) before winning the Air Force job. Don't give up!

Anyway, hope this helps. And I hope the Marines don't come looking for me for giving away all their secrets!!

Eclipsehornplayer

Great Story!

Time to work on "Hail to the Chief" eh?

ROGERIO

Thanks Sotto,

Didn't catch that you took the audition also or else I would have just asked for your experiences up front.

Many, many moons ago I took an Air Force audition and advanced one round.... before the "thank you for coming".

I was glad to hear they used a private warm up room prior to sending you in to the wolfs (LOL). In my experience I had to warm up in the main room hearing Petroushka and Bach's Magnificat over and over again... and me slowly being Psyched-out by better talent...

Happy to hear you are not letting your roots get to deep in Texas. You have the talent to do and be wherever you want! Good luck my friend.

Rogerio

Sotto Voce

Thanks Rog,

I'll be sending my tape and resume to The Pershing's Own, soon. Hopefully, I'll be invited to audition for them as well.

I'll keep you posted,

-Eric

Vulgano Brother

They'll make you go through basic training if you get the gig, though!

Sotto Voce

Yeah, I know, but it's still a great gig. One of my dream jobs is to play in the Army Herald Trumpets and I noticed that many of the higher ranking players in the Ceremonial Brass also play in the Herald Trumpets. Lots of pros and cons to each military group, but all are very demanding ensembles with a high profile.

Any advice is always welcome. There are a lot of great players here who have taken this audition before, I'm sure.

-Eric

averagejoe

I'd just like to give 2 additional props from the audition: First, a friend of mine, Hollie Lifshey, was in the finals. She plays principal trumpet in the Macon, GA Symphony (beating me in the finals to win the job!). She is an incredible player in her own right.

Second, I'd like to give a hats-off to Marie Speziale -- from what I understand, 3 of the 4 finalists are either current or former students (including Hollie), so this is quite a testimonial to her teaching!

Eric -- Hollie has taken numerous military auditions, and she told me that it was very helpful for her to get some coaching this time around from a couple of former Marine Band trumpeters (Tom Hooten, new Principal in Atlanta Symphony, and his wife -- can't remember her name right now). If you know any former "Premier Band" trumpeters, I would recommend doing the same.

Paul Poovey

wilcox96

I know you were just having some fun... but just wanted to say the band is really something special and they certainly play much more than HTTC. If you get a chance to see them on tour or in DC, please do so. It is well worth the trip. Great concert band literature..... and an excellent group of musicians.

Anyway...congrats to the audition winner.