What makes a good audition piece for a Youth Symphony?

Question: What makes a good audition piece for a Youth Symphony!?

I really want to be principal clarinetist again (it's always either me or this one girl)!. Should I play something that's not as challenging, but that will show off my good tone (that's one of my strenghts)!. Should I play something technically difficult with hard fingerings!? Should I play something fast!? Slow!? I've auditioned before, but I've always wondered what makes the ideal piece!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I assume you are auditioning for the director!. I would want to hear you with your best tone over a fairly wide range!. I would stay clear of the hard fingerings!. Most of all do what you are good at!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You really want something that will showcase both your tone and your good technique!. How long a piece do they ask you for!? If you have time, the second and third movements of the Weber concerto number 2 could work for you (second movement is very lyrical and the third is fast and furious), or maybe the third movement of the Mozart concerto - I know the first movement is more common, but I don't like playing it because despite years of working on it, I still don't feel I can do it justice! Another good one is the third movement of the Horowitz sonata - it's a quirky fun piece which is great to play and a bit different!Www@QuestionHome@Com

If you can play multiple songs, or movements, or maybe a song which has a slow part and a technical part would be great, but usually scales will show off technicality!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

A fast peice with good tones!. The audience does not like slow things that bore them!. Dont make the peice so hard you stress yourself out either!.Www@QuestionHome@Com