Chicago Civic

[tofu]

By the way, has anyone ever been accepted into Civic who did not have intentions of becoming a full-time performer/music educator?

A friend of mine who was principal trumpet plans were to be a minister when he played in the Civic - which is indeed what he became. The thing that always struck me was that while he was first chair in my HS band when he was a junior - at the beginning of his senior year he was beat out by another friend of mine and played second chair. How goofy is that - he's principal trumpet in the Civic and yet good enough for only second chair in his HS band.

I have no idea as to if there were/are others whose career intent was something other than music. My example is from 30 years ago and with the increased competition for fewer spots these days I'm guessing there are very few trying without the intent of a performance career.

[sc_curtis]

Just guessing (correct me if I'm wrong)

I don't think playing euphonium would be expected on a trombone audition. I also don't think playing cimbasso would be expected on a tuba audition.

But once you get the job, you should be able to if requested.

[windshieldbug]

What is the protocol for doubling auditions? Say if I were to audition on bass trombone and double on euphonium?

More importantly, I would imagine that you should email them to find how THEY handle it, if at all. Remember, this is not a "normal" symphony handled by a "normal" contract.

[quinterbourne]

This audition has specific requirements... excerpts and a solo. You should not (and are likely not allowed) to play anything in addition to the list. You show up, they set the tape to record, and you play the list. That's it.

Check out the audition form. Look at Bassoon, see that there are also contrabassoon excerpts. Contrabassoon is an auxiliary instrument. Therefore, if you are a bassoonist, you are "encouraged, although not required", to audition on contrabassoon and play those excerpts (Ravel Mother Goose Suite and Ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand) in addition to the bassoon excerpts.

Now, look under trombone and tuba. Note that there is no mention of euphonium/tenor tuba nor any excerpts to be played with those instruments. So... if you're auditioning for the Chicago Civic Orchestra, leave the euphonium at home.

Regarding Bydlo, it is not called for on this audition, although it could be, so there is no need to think about it. However, if you were to win (any hypothetical audition) and you play Pictures... the Bydlo solo is in YOUR part and you need to figure a way to have it covered.

Regarding the Planets, Don Quixote and Ein Heldenleben, those pieces all have tuba parts in addition to the tenor tuba/euphonium parts. So, if the orchestra were to play this music, the winner of the audition would likely play the tuba part and they would hire an extra player to cover the part. Probably an actual euphonium player but possibly a substitute tuba/trombone member.

Again, no euphonium for this audition. Also keep in mind that "Auditions for this position are for associate status only at this time" so you can't really win. View this as good experience and preparation for the next audition.