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Fall auditions in Chicago

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 1:36 am
by Mojo workin'
The North Shore Concert Band is one of the best community bands in the country. I'd definitely check them out. John Paynter used to conduct them, I do not know who has taken over since his death.
Millar Brass is a professional brass ensemble, they may have an opening. Contact the Millar Chapel at Northwestern U.
I hear there is a Chicago Brass Band in existence.
And there is the Evanston Symphony Orchestra, the tuba chair is I'm sure well gaurded, but you never know.
Ask a tubist who is around Chicago now, some names that I knew were Dan Anderson and of course Rex Martin of Northwestern U. They would know.

Re: Fall auditions in Chicago

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 3:06 pm
by Steve Marcus
Mojo workin' wrote:The North Shore Concert Band is one of the best community bands in the country. I'd definitely check them out. John Paynter used to conduct them, I do not know who has taken over since his death.
It's Mallory Thompson, who is Director of Bands at Northwestern University.
Millar Brass is a professional brass ensemble, they may have an opening. Contact the Millar Chapel at Northwestern U.
I'm not aware that Sean Whitaker is leaving the tuba chair in that ensemble.
I hear there is a Chicago Brass Band in existence.
Our Music Director would not object to a 5th tuba player.
And there is the Evanston Symphony Orchestra, the tuba chair is I'm sure well guarded, but you never know.
Joseph Agnew has been Principal Tuba with that orchestra for years, and recently served as Personnel Director. They are playing some good repertoire for brass this year.
Ask a tubist who is around Chicago now
Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band is looking for a tuba player off and on. You can Google for their website to find out more.

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 2:25 pm
by Alex F
Bob,

Where will you be going to school?

Posted: Tue May 22, 2007 4:44 pm
by Alex F
Bob,

Stuff happens in life. I could tell you a few stories, but I won't.

One avenue you might consider is attending as an "at large" or "special" student. This way, you can prove to the school that you are capable of doing the work, get to know a faculty person or two (recommendation), and then apply for degree status. This strategy has worked for many folks in your situation. Many schools will allow you to take one or two courses this way and later apply that credit to your degree requirements. Check it out with NEIU, it may work if you can't get in the regular way.

Sorry to take this OT. Let me try to salvage this . . .

The Mt. Prospect Community Band (NW suburbs) is a very fine ensemlbe that could use a couple more tubists. This fine 80 piece group had only two tuba players at the last concert I attended in March.

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 9:45 am
by Kendra
I am a member of the Northshore Concert Band (euphonium player). This is a great group of musicians and people and we are always looking for young talent! The tuba section is one of the best sections in the band! Though we are not a paid ensemble (there aren't many paid ensembles in the area), we do practice and perform like we are!

There are three brass bands in the area (two of which I've performed with): Chicago Brass Band, Prairie Brass Band and Illinois Brass Band. Not sure of availability in any of them, but they all have websites that you could check out.

Good luck!

Kendra Gohr

Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 12:54 pm
by Kendra
I'm assuming you're asking about Northshore? We rehearse at Glenbrook South High School in Glenview on Wednesdays from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. If you are interested, check out the webpage at northshoreband.org. You will need to e-mail or phone Debbie Durham to find out about how to audition for the band.

Hope that helps! If I can be of any further help, why don't you shoot me an e-mail at illinieuph@hotmail.com. I hope to meet you in the future!

Kendra