Back on the three-hour excerpt diet

March 23, 2006 at 6:12 AM

I've finally gotten everything under the metronome for this April's LA Philharmonic audition. It's been two years since the last one, and I figured it's time to go meet up with 200 of my favorite colleagues as we all vie for two available chairs, one in the first violins and one in the seconds.

It's a monster list, and yet not so bad. A good number of the excerpts are quite standard, with just enough obscure, somewhat mentally taxing ones thrown in to scare away the casual auditioner. They're asking for a Mozart concerto first movement, a romantic or modern concerto (they list options) first movement, and then 19 excerpts from 12 pieces. It takes about three hours to play it through.

I'm playing on a nice fiddle, and it all sounds fine. I'm ready. I figure they will like it or not, come what may. I'll just do my best. Whatever the result, I'll be in mighty good shape when it's over, with all this practicing!

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 6:15 AM

Best of luck, Laurie. I admire you for auditioning again.

From Jesus Contreras Espada
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 8:51 AM

I wish you a very successful audition. The list doesn't sound so easy to me, I would already be very happy if I could play those pieces...
But you'll definitely be in good shape at the end. That reminds me of "the path is the goal", that used to be my moto :)

Whenever I visit Los Angeles I'll surely go to a concert of the Philharmonic. I'll see you then :)

From Jamie Puffer
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 2:15 PM

Best of luck, Laurie!

From Patty Rutins
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 2:38 PM

I'm sure you'll play beautifully! (hopefully *more* beautifully than at least 198 out of 200!)

From Sydney Menees
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 5:05 PM

I love that outlook, Laurie! Best of luck! I'll be German just für dich: viel Glück!

From Laurie Niles
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 7:13 PM

Thanks, you guys!

From Terez Mertes
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 9:15 PM

Wow, what a challenge for two spots. Guess it's the nature of the 21st century beast. Good luck to you and can't wait to hear how it goes.

From Linda Lerskier
Posted on March 23, 2006 at 9:18 PM