Saxophone auditions for Oregon Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Campus Band will be held Thursday, September 26 2013. To be considered for these ensembles, prepare the following excerpts/pieces.
1. Renewing the Myth / Marilyn Shrude. Play mm. 1 through 66. Perform this on any saxophone (alto or tenor). Recommended recording – John Sampen on the CD Shadows and Dawning.
In addition to Shrude, if you play alto, prepare
2. (a) Fantaisie sur un theme original / Jules Demersseman. Prepare the entire piece, beginning to end. Recommended recording – Arno Bornkamp on the CD The Classical Saxophone.
If you play tenor, prepare this piece instead
2. (b) Premiere Solo (Andante et Bolero) / Jules Demersseman. Prepare the entire piece, beginning to end. Recommended recording – James Houlik on the CD Tenor Tapestry.
Now here’s the fun part… you’ll play Shrude like an etude (without accompaniment), and we will have a pianist to accompany you for the Demersseman – actual music making! In time! With steady pulse! With good pitch! With artistry!
DO NOT check out random YouTube videos of these pieces… DO NOT panic by the amount of notes/altissimo… DO check out the recommended recordings and copy the style/vibrato you hear. DO consult Eugene Rousseau’s book, Saxophone High Tones (second edition) for altissimo fingerings. DO start working on these today, slowly, calmly. You have plenty of time if you work on these every day. DO use a metronome. DO use the tuning CD.
As always, please email Prof Shner with any questions or concerns, no matter how small.