What makes a good audition piece for a Youth Symphony?

Question

I really want to be principal clarinetist again (it's always either me or this one girl). Should I play something that's not as challenging, but that will show off my good tone (that's one of my strenghts). Should I play something technically difficult with hard fingerings? Should I play something fast? Slow? I've auditioned before, but I've always wondered what makes the ideal piece!

Answer 1

If you can play multiple songs, or movements, or maybe a song which has a slow part and a technical part would be great, but usually scales will show off technicality.

Answer 2

You really want something that will showcase both your tone and your good technique.  How long a piece do they ask you for?  If you have time, the second and third movements of the Weber concerto number 2 could work for you (second movement is very lyrical and the third is fast and furious), or maybe the third movement of the Mozart concerto - I know the first movement is more common, but I don't like playing it because despite years of working on it, I still don't feel I can do it justice!  Another good one is the third movement of the Horowitz sonata - it's a quirky fun piece which is great to play and a bit different!

Answer 3

A fast peice with good tones. The audience does not like slow things that bore them. Dont make the peice so hard you stress yourself out either.

Answer 4

I assume you are auditioning for the director.  I would want to hear you with your best tone over a fairly wide range.  I would stay clear of the hard fingerings.  Most of all do what you are good at.