wiseone2

Things you must have down, or don't waste everyone's time.

1-Equipment- Bb, C, D/Eb, Piccolo. Today's U.S. orchestras sometimes use rotary valved trumpets. It is important to know ALL these instruments. Trumpets in F, G are optional. Some players like to use a flugelhorn for the Mahler Third posthorn solo.

2-Repertoire- It is really important to do your homework. Knowing the repertoire of today is crucial. Beethoven, Bach and Brahms are staples, know them cold. There are some chop-busting Beethoven Symphonies. Strauss, Bruckner and Mahler works are considered "musts" these days. Resphigi's on stage and off stage parts must be under your fingers.
Stravinsky is a wild card.
The Firebird is probably the easiest Stravinsky you will see at an audition. The Song of the Nightingale will bite you if you don't know it The Bartok Concerto is a must.
Don't neglect looking at the whole piece, not just that high lick in the Finale.
Some auditions throw in Copland, Gershwin and I had one throw"On the Trail' at me. Shostakovich is an audition favorite. Watch out for the Piano Concerto, and know as many of his symphonies as you can.

3-Solo stuff- Today's orchestras like soloist stuff on auditions. Be prepared for ANYTHING!

You should have all of this stuff down before you even think about auditioning for a professional orchestra.

Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

rowuk

also have your transpositions down - on each of the horns.
A, Bb, C, D, Eb, E, F are very common.

__________________
Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

Joe DiMonte

Wow !
Words of the WISE for those seeking a professional and successful career in
music.
Thanks for your candor and not coddling those who have grown accustomed to being pampered.
Return of 'the HOOK' or Chuck Berris of the Gong Show is what this Nation needs to weed out mediocrity on our bandstands.
AMATEUR HOUR is High School level !

__________________
"Clark Terry - C.T.,as his friends call him,is not only a master of the trumpet and flugelhorn,but a master musician and a leader to the manor born." - Dan Morgenstern.

Aspiring Trumpeter

Wilmer,

I just want to say that I really appreciate the way you put the facts out there. You don't "beat around the bush" or any of that stuff. As someone who aspires to play in a pro orchestra someday, I want to thank you.

Matt

Shihan7

Mr. Wise,
Thank you for your wisdom. I am a 45 year old college student who wants to go pro. I will be laying this on my teacher. I will also be practicing like a mad man. I am just beginning to play legit charts and it is kicking my butt. Thank you again,
Mike
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

VINTAGEBRASS

Mr. Wise,

I was just wondering how often you would use the Eb in an orchestral setting? All of the players I have ever talked to suggest that an Eb is only really used on a few selections of the solo repertoire. Thanks in advance for you advise.

wiseone2

The D trumpet part on Le Sacre du Printemps lies well on the Eb, so does that pesky "Chocolat" solo in the Nutcracker. How about the sixteenth note solo in Capriccio Italien? It works. Some like the high lick in the Bartok on the Eb.
William Vacchiano suggested playing the "Quiet City" on the Eb. Sam Krauss loved to play around with the higher horns. He played Wagner's "Venusburgmusik" on an E trumpet he made from a Besson F trumpet.
The Eb can be a gig saver
Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

ROGERIO

Wilmer,

What is your take (experience) on the larger belled 4 valve Eb's for orchestral use?

Thanks,

Rogerio

wiseone2

I can't comment, I haven't ever used the instrument. It seems to be a popular instrument in Europe.
Wilmer

__________________
Be sure Brain is engaged before putting Mouthpiece in gear.
S.Suark 1951

ecarroll

Rog,

I used my Schilke E3L4 pretty often in Rotterdam. It has a more cornet-like presentation -- perfect for some things (Petrouchka).

I also played the piston and rotary C trumpet, naturally, and occasionally the C cornet and piccolo. That pretty much covered it.

Cheers,
EC