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Youth Symphony?
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 11:15 pm
by DevilDog-2013
Hello again
I saw a flyer posted in the band room for the Sacramento Youth Symphony. And I'm thinking about auditioning. Well, if it's not too late; absolutely no info on the site

.
But what are your oppinions on symphony? Is it the right direction to be headed in? Is it better to be in a marching/concert band or a symphony?
Thank you!

Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2011 11:35 pm
by DevilDog-2013
Wow, I guess I'm just an airhead and couldn't find it
On the site it says auditions are in June. But on the flyer, it said applications are due on the 22nd

.
Thanks again x]
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:39 am
by Biggs
I don't know anything about this particular group, but many youth symphonies of varying levels of "prestige" require their members to pay for the privilege of membership. Though I'm sure they're all "great" experiences, I'm wary of any pay-to-play groups (at least for children). There's lots of ways to get good for free.
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 4:54 am
by Alex C
DevilDog-2013 wrote:Wow, I guess I'm just an airhead and couldn't find it
On the site it says auditions are in June. But on the flyer, it said applications are due on the 22nd

.
Thanks again x]
Applications and auditions are two different things.
It's fairly common to have to pay a nominal membership fee to be in 'training orchestras.' I don't know if the Chicago Civic Orchestra still charges a fee for membership but they did when I was there.
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 9:54 am
by Dan Schultz
I'm a 'geezer' but sometimes the local youth symphonies need a tuba player and give me a shout. Fun!

Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 10:41 am
by Elbee
At your age and stage of development get all the experiences you can. You will find life will have a way of suddenly providing you with the appropriate "AHA"

moment where you make a decision, but you can't venture down a path if you don't know it is there...
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:07 am
by bort
Go for it!
For a lot of tuba players at any age, there aren't a *ton* of symphony opportunities. I think you would find it rewarding to play some real/more serious music, and just as importantly, be around other talented and serious music students.
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:52 am
by Ricko
Do it! Go for it and enjoy every part of the experience...
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2011 2:53 pm
by otismoe
DevilDog-2013 wrote:Is it the right direction to be headed in? Is it better to be in a marching/concert band or a symphony?
Thank you!

i think it's the right direction if you're planning to pursue a career playing in orchestras..but if you don't like it as much as band playing, then it's not "better." i played alot of band music until i joined the youth symphony that i'm in now, and i found i like the orchestra playing much more.
good luck!
Re: Youth Symphony?
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2011 10:52 pm
by DevilDog-2013
Thanks for all the replies
I am an airhead

I found all the information on the site (during class the other day I spaced out on the lecture and eventually found it.)
It's a $50 membership fee. Which is reasonable. I think I'm going to try out for the Premier Orchestra. I figure I might as well just go for it. The Classic Orchestra Requirements seem like a piece of cake. And I play well enough for the Academic Orchestra Requirements. So I figured I might as well give it a shot. There's still 11 weeks untill auditions, I have time.
I looked up both solo pieces: Haddad - Suite for Tuba and Hartley - Suite for Tuba. Pretty scary stuff. But I can do it. I plan to order both pieces before choosing which one to play.
I've only auditioned for the Sierra College Honor Band. And that was a tape audition. I managed to make it in. I got first chair of the 4 tubas. I was shocked

. When he asked us to tune, we all looked at each other. Then he said my name and I had a mini heart attack

. Although it was only for 2 days, that was the best group I have ever played with. We sounded AHmazing. And It's because of this, I want to move more towards audition only bands.
I still have quite a bit of time to think about it. But untill then, it's just going to be even more practice! I am one of the band geeks that is ALLways in the band room. It's my second home. I practice non-stop. So the next step is learn those pieces. I guess by scales and long notes to increase my range.
Thanks
