Orchestra jobs for flute in CT...as well as starting a solo career?

Question

I've played the flute since i was 9 or 10 and i am now 18 and I have already played in an orchestra as well as many ensembles. Is there any way I can be in an orchestra at this young of an age? Many people say I play like a professional and sound like Sir James Galway haha...doubt it though haha. Is there also any way I can start my dream of being a soloist now? if so how?

Answer 1

I have 2 degrees form Hartt, lived and taught in CT, and now live in a neighboring state.  I am a professional flutist and teacher, since 1971.  Orchestra jobs of a professional caliber are held by pros, who participate in rounds of competitive auditions to win them. With so many fine music colleges in you state (UCONN, WestConn, Yale, etc. - besides Hartt) you need to get into a fine collegiate program, and then consider graduate school - because all the people who are playing in professional orchestra in CT did just that.  I *know* many of them.  So get it together and apply to those fine colleges.  If you cannot get IN to any of those colleges - because your skills are not good enough - then that tells you just how much chance you have of EVER winning a pro orchestra audition.

If you want to play in an orchestra for FUN - and very little money - then there are thos kind of gorups all over.  

Professional soloist?  Read the backs of the CDs of currently well-known soloists.  Have you ever read a good bio of Sir James Galway?  The Irish school system is different than US, but his level of study was AMAZING in the flute.  We all start as kids - but then he studied with the BIG NAMES in Europe.  

Go to Yahoo Groups and join FLUTENET.  There are about 3,000 of us flutist there - THAT is the place for you to ask all your questions, and learn a lot.  Ask you private tacher also - you GOTTA have an incredible teacher, don't you? - and join the National Flute Association - attend some conventions; next year, in NYC in August.  I think that you are young, and just do not know WHAT is out there for flute resources for you.  Good luck on your journey - keep practicing those T&Gs!  (And if you do not know what I mean by T&G - then I have made my point inthis post.)

Answer 2

In addition to the absolutely superb advice offered by Mamianka, may I suggest trying to get sub positions with local symphonies?

I did this in high school - played with the New Haven Symphony for summer concerts - July fourth under the stars kinds of things. It was great experience. It may be a little late in the season, but you can check to see if any local orchestras are doing anything in your community. (I assume you're going to college in the fall and majoring in music.)

I was recommended for these subbing jobs by my high school band director, so you might ask yours for referrals.

You absolutely need outstanding teachers. There is simply no substitute. You'll find, as you go on with the flute, that in auditions they will want to know who you studied with. And you'll need the college experience - all the courses in music theory and so forth that will make you a well-rounded musician (not to mention studying the repertoire) - to get into the first tier positions.

By the way, I cannot imagine who could have given "Mamianka" a thumbs-down. Maybe it was a slip of the mouse. Because her advice is impeccable.