Maritime Antiques and Collectibles

High Wind

by admin | October 12th, 2010

High Wind

What's a good piece of music that I can play for my high school Wind Ensemble auditions?

I'm only a sophmore and I'm not that really good at clarinet. All the clarinets went to wind ensemble last year so I was the only one left in concert band playing 1st chair. What's something that's within my range, but isn't too easy or boring?
And can you please give me a link or something, to make it easier?

I agree wholeheartedly with the answer on Rose Etudes. They are definitely good to have on your repertoire shelf if you don't use it for auditions.

No matter what group you're auditioning for it's good to find music that has contrast. Judges love to hear slower, expressive sections just as much, if not more than the fast technical things. That being said, the odd numbered etudes are good bets because they have music that leave lots of room for expression while mixing in a decent amount of quicker material. Nothing that goes beyond your playing ability, I'm sure.

If you were looking for more of an actual solo work, Concertino by Weber (pronounced like vAber) is ALWAYS sure to impress. This soloist does a FANTASTIC job of representing the piece. The introduction alone is enough to send chills down your spine. It's one of those intros where you can and should be lose with the tempo to allow for the expression you want.

If you do decide on this piece, you have to play the introduction because there is so much room to show your virtuosity without having to cram in a ton of fast notes, and believe me, they'll love you so much more if you show off your musicianship rather than your speed.

Another couple of solos with good contrasting sections to choose and combine:
Rabaud: Solo de Concours
Messager: Solo de Concours (same title, different pieces)
Finzi: Five Bagatelles
Saint Seans: Sonata
Schumann: Romances and Fantasy Pieces
(these two may look easy, but they should be difficult becuase of the breath control it takes and making some of the leaps and jumps as smooth as possible.)
Rossini: Variations for Clarinet and Piano (big time favorite of mine)

Hope that helps. If you look these up and they look too hard, post it and I'll see if I can come up with some other slightly easier pieces.

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