Seriously - it was a great weekend, and with the exception of the Classical Connections concert on Thursday, all of the concerts were full houses, and every performance got a huge roaring standing ovation for both the piano concerto and the 1812. I have to admit, though the soloist was kind of a turkey in rehearsals, he really did have the projection and technique to play the hell out of that concerto. It really is hugely difficult; some of the sections with consecutive octaves in both hands are the terror of many pianists, but this guy (percussive though he was) mowed right through them without a problem. And people loved him to death.
We televised the Saturday night performance live; it was on Milwaukee Public TV, and David taped it for me. I'm curious to watch it some day...maybe after my audition. ;)
Speaking of which, I'm auditioning for an Associate Principal Horn position in Pittsburgh on March 13th. I have a fairly good handle on the list; there are a few excerpts that are technically nasty that need to be hammered on every day until the audition, but I can get through them fine now. At this point it's a matter of constant repetition so as to ensure perfect execution on demand, every single time. I'm having friends over for an "audition party" on Thursday night to listen to me in exchange for dinner and dessert. It's always a fun way to get into the audition groove.
David was describing one of the auditions I took to a friend of his, who is a writer and editor. She said that the whole process sounded like the PBS version of American Idol. :) I thought that was awesome. It's very true. I have to keep reminding myself of the complete crap shoot factor, that beyond playing my best, there are several factors that are really out of my hands: what the committee is looking for, what the hall sounds like, whether the committee has already advanced what it thinks is enough candidates into the finals by the time I get to play my preliminary round, etc. It's a heinous process, but there's unfortunately no better way to screen hundreds of applicants for something so competitive.
The thing is, really, while the Pittsburgh job would be great - significantly more work and more money, and a better position - I'm really also happy with my current life. That takes a lot of the pressure off. I don't need to win this job to survive. What I really love about taking auditions is the stimulation and motivation to practice - something to work toward. I love practicing; the drive to attain a higher level of ability, technique, musicality - it's so stimulating and energizing. I'm going to try to focus on that.
Anyway, I hope you all are well. :) Have a great start to your week.
XO Darcy
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