National Academy Orchestra of Canada
Posted: Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:39 am
Anyone going out for the tuba spot this year?
I'm a former member of that orchestra. I auditioned and played for the maximum 3 years.
Go for it. Boris usually picks some big repertoire for the group and it's a great chance to play through many of the more important tuba pieces.
The pay isn't great, but you can look at it two different ways:
1) Boris has an orchestra full of professional, young musicians who are entirely gung-ho and perform really well for next to nothing out of Uncle Bobo's (Boris' nickname) pocket due to help from government funding. Boris has a pro orchestra for a pittance because we're all desperate for a gig... desperate enough to travel to Hamilton for 8-10 services a week for about $400/wk and not cause a stink about it.
2) Now... I described in #1 how I thought of the experience for much of the time I was in the ensemble. Honestly though, despite any of the above reasonings, the more healthy and advisable way to think of it is: A chance to play in a pro level orchestra where life-long friendships and CONNECTIONS are formed, orchestra experience can be found in spades (repertoire, repertoire, repertoire!), and you can see how a great many of the facets of orchestra jobbing works.
Some very memorable experiences to be had in the group. Here are a few examples of some of mine. I was also able to get experience in orchestra management after spending a season as the 'players' liason' where I voiced the thoughts of the orchestra to the management. Also, there were two different occasions in which I was a featured soloist. I played for the largest audience I think I'll ever have, 800,000 people and that doesn't count the global telecast when the pope was in town.
Sorry to go on like this. Try to focus on the ideas in #2 and remember we all have to pay our dues in the beginnings of our careers. Enjoy it and have fun and do your best to urge your colleagues to think of it the same way.
All the best and good luck!