How to Practice Orchestral Excerpts, Videos

[MackBrass]

This is a series of videos I am putting together on how to practice orchestral excerpts. Over the next few weeks I will be adding more with the goal of putting together the most common 30 to 40 excerpts most commonly asked for on orchestral auditions for tuba. I have chosen to do this, as it is a motivation for me to practice as well as give some pointers to those who plan on auditioning for jobs in the future. Most of the stuff I touch on within the excerpts can be applied to your everyday playing and the practice of any type of music.

Areas that I focus on are, approach, rhythm, articulations, sound, style and most importantly making the most out of them musically.

If there is something that you would like to hear specifically, shoot me an email.

Prelude to Act III of Lohengrin Practice Approach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A6PJYYS ... B&index=13" target="_blank

Burckner's 7th, 1st Mvt Practice Approach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRYC_j2D ... B&index=12" target="_blank

Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis Practice Approach:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvEFaoNu ... B&index=11" target="_blank

Ride of the Valkyries Practice Approach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vomo2XJQ ... B&index=10" target="_blank

Gershwin American in Paris Tuba Solo Practice Approach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwpD5ZLW ... EB&index=9" target="_blank

Fountains of Rome Practice Approach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhLkaCll ... EB&index=8" target="_blank

Enjoy and your feedback is appreciated.

More to come,

Tom

[brianf]

At a horn show, James Decker showed The Video Conductor - http://www.ivasi.org/home.cfm" target="_blank . Here there is a video of a conductor conducting a recording of a piece. It is a great video simulator of playing in an orchestra. It was a popular exhibit at that show!

[LCH3]

Tom,

I've viewed a couple of these and wow! Great advice and practical demonstrations.

Thanks, Tom, for your efforts in this project.

[eupher61]

I must disagree with one aspect on The Ride, Tom. Sorry, but.....

the 16th, as you played when you first slowed it down, is very late. The rhythm is specific, so a better way to practice placement of the 16th is to play 2 of them, instead of holding through the dotted 8th. That way the 16th is always practiced in the proper place.

I really do like, and agree with, the concept of each 8th being a pick up to the dotted 8th or dotted quarter. But, the 16th is lost unless it is accented (no matter what Dickie wrote). Listen to any recording, absolutely ANY recording, and you'll have trouble hearing the 16th consistently, simply hearing it, much less it being in the right place.

I'm working on that rhythm like all get out this summer, since I'm playing the Ring Lite Walkure this summer. I don't have the book yet, so I'm not sure what cuts will be made at the start of Act 3. Or the end, which would be a real shame.

I haven't watched any of the others yet, Tom, but I will. Thanks for the hints. I'm not the end all be all of the Ride, but I've put enough time on it so far that I feel I can say these things.

[MackBrass]

I must disagree with one aspect on The Ride, Tom. Sorry, but.....

the 16th, as you played when you first slowed it down, is very late.

Thanks for the comment and watching the video, I had to go back and take a listen and check myself but I am not hearing what your hearing.

I know it may not be perfect, or I would have won Chicago when I auditioned there. ggg

Thanks,

Tom