Does anyone feel it's worthwhile to track who wins what auditions and where? I think it'd be great, just to see where folks are coming from and how bass sections (around the US, at least) are shaping up.

I think Bass World beat you to it, Karl.

So is bass world tracking that information? I stopped subscribing, but I'll go check the latest copy here in the Indiana University Library... where would it be in the mag.?

Originally posted by kpo
So is bass world tracking that information? I stopped subscribing, but I'll go check the latest copy here in the Indiana University Library... where would it be in the mag.?


I don't have my copy on hand, but it was somewhere near the front. This is the first time I've seen 'em include this.

I found a section called "Orchestra Roll Call" (P. 32) that goes over the Chicago Section this time, giving a "short" of each person's background and training...

What I'm interested in is tracking who wins auditions currently, as-they-happen! The last five or six auditions have been won by my colleagues here at IU, and before that it was a stream of Hal Robinson/Curtis Institute students winning the jobs... I'm curious to track who they're studying with and what their individual playing styles are like, just to see what the "standards for being chosen" are like at auditions these days (broadly speaking).

That's not the most recent issue. I'm sorry I can't
remember the volume number. I do remember it's issue #1
Summer 2000.

There's a profile of the Philly section (mislabeled Chicago, BTW, they could use a proofreader) and there are also a few pages with audition winners.

Anyway, since I think Bass World is not doing *quite* what I'm after, here are the winners as I remember them. Please contribute whatever you may know, including *your* information if you won a pro audition in the last four or five years:

May 1999
Louisville Orchestra
Kingsly Wood (Peabody, I hear)

Charleston Symphony PRINCIPAL
Charles Barr (Peabody?)

Utah Symphony AST. PRINCIPAL
?

Oct.1999 ?
Colorado Symphony
? (Rice)

January 2000
Kansas City Symphony
Ju-Fang Liu (Indiana University)

January 2000
President's Own Marine Band
Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)

May 2000
Buffalo Philharmonic
Ed Gnekow (Indiana University

Hahaaaa! Ju-Fang is in the KS Symphony! Awesome. I knew it was only a matter of time - that little girl beat me in over 4 separate solo and orchestral competitions :)

To Karl and everyone else - If, in the future, you know of someone who has won a major audition, send the info to press@talkbass.com - I'd love to get some double bass news up on the front page along with all the BG stuff.

Originally posted by paul
Hahaaaa! Ju-Fang is in the KS Symphony! Awesome. I knew it was only a matter of time - that little girl beat me in over 4 separate solo and orchestral competitions :)


Indeed, at a school where the section is used to sweeping competitions and consistantly representing 70% of the finalists at mid-level orchestra auditions, JU-FANG kept on "sweeping" us!

Originally posted by kpo


Indeed, at a school where the section is used to sweeping competitions and consistantly representing 70% of the finalists at mid-level orchestra auditions...

Sure, rub it in why don't you :D

I took a Master Class with Micah Howard of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, a 'recent' addition to their Bass section. Micah did his undergraduate work at Youngstown State University and his Masters Degree from Duquesne University. If I remember correctly, he mentioned that there is at least one other PSO Bassist from Youngstown State Univ.

Originally posted by paul
Hahaaaa! Ju-Fang is in the KS Symphony! Awesome. I knew it was only a matter of time - that little girl beat me in over 4 separate solo and orchestral competitions :)

It's my understanding that the person she replaced in the KS Symphony returned after a one year sabitical and she has moved on.

Her performance at the ISB was awsome.

A 22 year old from the Twin Cities became principal of the Seattle Symphony last year.

Mark

It's my understanding that the person she replaced in the KS Symphony returned after a one year sabitical and she has moved on.

I just talked to her recently, she is moving to Florida for the New World Symphony.

What a great player.

Originally posted by Volkan Orhon
It's my understanding that the person she replaced in the KS Symphony returned after a one year sabitical and she has moved on.

I just talked to her recently, she is moving to Florida for the New World Symphony.

What a great player.

Yes, I'm going to be her stand partner down there for the first concert! We have shared many stands in the past (as her bow "dings" on the side of my bass will attest to), and now we're doomed to do the same some more!

I just wanted to let everybody know that KPO, who started this thread, has recently won the Louisville orchestra job, and is now a employed professional classical musician.So now you all know who to direct your questions to in regards to playing and auditioning. Congrats Karl!!!

Congrats to KPO! Very nice!

An aside to his/her (?) previous post, I believe that Charles Barr went to Curtis. He was principal in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra (his dad is principal oboe in the Dallas Symphony) when I started, and I heard that he was headed for Curtis.

HMMM---I thought there would be more congrats for KPO who has been a valuble contributer to talkbass for some time now. Well, I still think that winning a job is something that deserves the utmost respect(although it seems myself and mr. Adair are the only ones that hold this opinion), you have acheived what so many of us are working hard to acheive-and you at least have inspired me.

Ryan

Hey Ryan:

You are so right! I actually meant to send along my congrats to Karl in another post. Karl provided some very useful information when I first began playing the bass, and this board looked a whole lot different.

Nonetheless, CONGRATULATIONS Karl.

BTW, does Sebastian King (I think that's the name) still have the Buttheads Ensemble going in Louisville? I thought that was the name they were going by.

Originally posted by Ryan A.
HMMM---I thought there would be more congrats for KPO who has been a valuble contributer to talkbass for some time now. Well, I still think that winning a job is something that deserves the utmost respect(although it seems myself and mr. Adair are the only ones that hold this opinion), you have acheived what so many of us are working hard to acheive-and you at least have inspired me.

Ryan

I sent a PM...probably others did as well. However, you can't say the thing too often or too loud when it comes to winning the ever-elusive orchestral audition: Congratulations kpo...welcome to Louisville, home of the Slugger (among other things).

Tim: Sid King still had the Buttheads going as of last year. Jim Bates, a longstanding Butthead and my former teacher, has now left town, so I don't know what's gonna happen now. If I hear anything, so will you.

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald


Tim: Sid King still had the Buttheads going as of last year. Jim Bates, a longstanding Butthead and my former teacher, has now left town, so I don't know what's gonna happen now. If I hear anything, so will you.

Sid and the bartender at Rich O's say the Buttheads are still on for this year, badder than ever...

Technique thread, seven days ago.

Hey DURRL, I heard you wuz gonna be rentin' the apartment over your garage out to CAPO. Yooz neighbors now fer real.

Originally posted by kpo


Sid and the bartender at Rich O's say the Buttheads are still on for this year, badder than ever...

Who's gonna be the replacement Butthead?

Hello everyone.

I want to congrat Karl on winning the orchestra position.

uh... congratulations, Karl..

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald


Who's gonna be the replacement Butthead?


Never mind. :rolleyes:

Hello, everyone: (KPO, PAUL!!! and many other cool bass lovers!)

I had just bought a bass from KC strings shop. It's a pretty sounding bass, project well and sounds pretty loud, except the neck is really thick for my hand, and there were people with big hands complaint about the neck as well. (I've shown many people the bass...that's the only complaint recurring)

So, I am gonna talk to the owner and see if he thin it down...that's why I am trying to find a cheap way to ship it. If there were shops around Miami, I would have taken it and get it fixed this way.

Please let me know by e-mailing to me at

jufagliu@yahoo.com

Finalists in Oregon Symphony audition, Nov 17th, 2002:
Paul DeNola, Sarah Hogan, Sam Hager, Andy Anderson
(all went to Indiana University; go IU!)
WINNER: Paul DeNola

Finalists in Baltimore Symphony audition, Nov 26th 2002.
Jena Huebner (Columbus Sym), Mark Huang (Nashville Sym), Ranaan Meyer (Curtis Institute student)
WINNER: Mark Huang

Principal Bass, Indianapolis: Ju-Fang Liu

Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson

Principal Bass, Nashville: Joel Reist
Joel was already in the section, so the section position was offered Ryan Kamm

Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock

Still coming: New York Phil in June
Louisville Principal Bass in July

Originally posted by kpo
Still coming: New York Phil in June
Louisville Principal Bass in July

How about an update on the LO situation? From what I've been hearing through the grapevine, the July audition sounds like one to write in in pencil, although I'd love to be proven wrong. Good luck!

Originally posted by Chris Fitzgerald

How about an update on the LO situation? From what I've been hearing through the grapevine, the July audition sounds like one to write in in pencil, although I'd love to be proven wrong.

Someone else asked on TB; this is some of my reply:


HERE IS A CHART WITH ALL THE USA ORCHESTRA'S WAGES:

http://www.savetheLO.org/wages.htm

The LO's salary is 43% lower than the national average, even though we're the 16th largest US city in the USA.

The Louisville Orchestra's management and the local arts fund have not done their jobs well over the past few years, so they're trying to pin the recent economic problem on the musicians.

visit http://www.savetheLO.org

Our current salary is $33,559 - which is more than I ever made as a "freelancer" in the midwest, but still not
enough to support me and my wife, and all the expensive instruments and school-debts we have. On that "salary", which is poor for a professional orchestral musician, I qualify for and am forced to take an ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DEFERMENT on my school loans!!!

In this full time position, there's no other job besides
teaching that I could do, unless I tried to sell Mary Kay
or worked graveyard shift at Winn Dixie or something.

But a professional orchestra should support its musicians well enough that none of this should be necessary, right? Of course, right.

http://www.savetheLO.org

Originally posted by kpo


Someone else asked on TB; this is some of my reply:


HERE IS A CHART WITH ALL THE USA ORCHESTRA'S WAGES:

http://www.savetheLO.org/wages.htm

The LO's salary is 43% lower than the national average, even though we're the 16th largest US city in the USA.

The Louisville Orchestra's management and the local arts fund have not done their jobs well over the past few years, so they're trying to pin the recent economic problem on the musicians.

visit http://www.savetheLO.org

Our current salary is $33,559 - which is more than I ever made as a "freelancer" in the midwest, but still not
enough to support me and my wife, and all the expensive instruments and school-debts we have. On that "salary", which is poor for a professional orchestral musician, I qualify for and am forced to take an ECONOMIC HARDSHIP DEFERMENT on my school loans!!!

In this full time position, there's no other job besides
teaching that I could do, unless I tried to sell Mary Kay
or worked graveyard shift at Winn Dixie or something.

But a professional orchestra should support its musicians well enough that none of this should be necessary, right? Of course, right.

http://www.savetheLO.org


Ouch! I noticed a couple of days ago that my very own mother had a letter to the editor in the Courier about this very topic, but without this much specific information. I'll forward her this page. Good luck.

Hey guys,
I am new here, but have had a great time reading everyone's posts...

So, I study in Boston and recently, I assume it was common knowledge, that the BSO had a section opening recently-

Ben Levy won that gig, congrats for him!

here is the complete round up of all the auditions I've tracked. If you
can add or correct details, please do. These are all auditon sheets and lists
I've collected in my binder since shortly after I first started taking
auditions. Some sheets were missing, some sheets were for auditions I didn't
take, but here's what they add up to:

-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner
-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won
-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.)
-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.)
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?@#$!)
-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U.)
Cleveland orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
runner up Charles Barr (Curtis) got in.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)
-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)
-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.)
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston)
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: CANCELLED!@#$!
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!@#$??
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section)
-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up
Detroit Symphony, Principal: They opted not to hire anyone...?!
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witner (SP?) (Just happened today, so I need to learn the spelling yet...)

Matthew Medlock began his bass studies at age 12 while attending Moorhead Elementary in Indianapolis, IN. Stonybrook Junior High School was his middle school and Warren Central High School was his High School, which is also the alma mater of the "masterofbass" His private teacher, in high school, was Gregory Dugan of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He later attended Boston University where he studied with Edwin Barker. For masters program he attended Rice University and still plays bass like a son of a bitch.

Does anyone know who won the San Francisco job?

I've heard that San Fran didn't hire a principal again; rumors that they're waiting for a particular person. Who knows, though?

Fascinating stuff. I'm wondering kpo, do you see any kinds of trends?

Originally posted by pedro
Fascinating stuff. I'm wondering kpo, do you see any kinds of trends?

Like this... San Fran is holding their 4th consecutive Principal Bass audition (and something like their fifth Principal Horn audition) in Spring 2004!

Thanks.

Which schools and/or teachers seem to be producing the best results in landing students with symphony jobs?

Originally posted by kpo
-2000
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Cleveland orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SFS;
runner up Charles Barr (Curtis) got in.


FYI - Per the Dallas S.O. website, Nicolas Tsolainos became principal in 1999.
http://www.dallassymphony.com/?crs=mm&mmi=orchestra&mmid=176

I can believe that Charles Barr is in Cleveland - he and I were in the same youth orchestra when I was in high school and the guy was freakin' terrifying. Coincidentally, his dad, Eric, is the principal oboe in the Dallas Symphony - it must run in the family.

The latest audition winners:

San Diego Symphony
(yes, that's the orchestra that got the $120 MILLION endowment gift form QualComm)
Sept 28th audition:

Principal: Jeremy Kurtz (Houston; New World)
Ass't Principal: Susan Wulf (member of section)

I'll add these to my CUMULATIVE WINNERS message a few posts back in this very thread; keep checking there!

San Francisco? I heard Ira Gold won it. What does anyone know for sure?
New York Ballet? has that happenend?
Thanks guys!

San Francisco? I heard Ira Gold won it. What does anyone know for sure?
New York Ballet? has that happenend?
Thanks guys!

Yes it's true. Ira was one of the co-winners of the San Francisco job the other is, I think, Scott Pingell(sp?). So, we'll find out who get's the gig later.

Ira Gold just won the Detroit Symphony Principal job so I'm sure he won't be hurting financially. The other finalist was Jeff Kail.

Andy Andersen won the Chicago Lyric job earlier this month. The other finalist were Dan Kreckeller(sp?), some crazy guy from Columbus, Brian Smith, and Sam Hager. Masterofbass only made it to the semi-final!?! :bawl:

Where did Ira Gold and Andy Anderson come from? I mean did they come from another symphony (if so where) or did they come right from music school (and if so, where).

some crazy guy from Columbus....


Jim Bates?

Ira Gold is Texas born, Boston trained (much like yours truly). He has currently been studying at Rice, in his first years at a Masters, or something. I think he is 23, or so.
San Francisco, I believe, was his 3rd audition, and Detroit his 4th. He was runner-up for the Boston Symphony spot last year, which was his 2nd major symphony audition.
He must be doing something right...

Thanks for the update TA. By the way, when you say 'Boston trained' do you mean Boston College, Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory?

I've already milked this in another thread, and of course it's just one small part of mandatory arsenal of skills, but Ira Gold's spiccato is killer.

Maybe it's Paul Ellison's fault for encouraging him or something.

I've already milked this in another thread, and of course it's just one small part of mandatory arsenal of skills, but Ira Gold's spiccato is killer.

Maybe it's Paul Ellison's fault for encouraging him or something.

His spiccato is pretty solid, if you like the ticky Boston thing.. Or should I say (Detroit/San Francisco) thing now. :D

His spiccato is pretty solid, if you like the ticky Boston thing.. Or should I say (Detroit/San Francisco) thing now. :D

To be honest, I haven't heard anyone's spiccato sound as good as Paul Ellison's own. But then, I've only heard a handful of people do it at all and am no expert.

Did the tick come before or after the big-dig downtown? It would have certainly driven me to bounce objects around with all the traffic jams...

Ira Gold just had his trial as principal in Detroit and the Symphony has dismissed him as their principal.. I don't know the exact details, but the orchestra said that he was too inexperienced and did not lead the section well enough.

So they will now have to re-audition for the spot.. sucks to be Ira! :rolleyes:

I guess Detroit has got a case of the San Francisco-itus :spit:

It sure does suck to be considered for a principal postition in 2 top tier symphony orchestras at the age of 23...

Personally I keep a good record of all the auditions. I am at IU and all of my friends a doing very well in the auditions.

Jeff runner up- Detroit, San Diego

Joe Everet Finalist Lyric opera of Chicago

Jen Bensen Semi's Detroit

Andy Won Lyric Opera

Sam Hagar Finals Lyric Opera

Was won by Meredith Johnson. Congrats to him. For all of you who don't know Meredith he did his undergrad with Edgar Meyer at Vanderbilt, then MM as BU with Todd Sebber and Ed Barker. THen a 3 year stent at New World and spent the past two years studyig with Hal Robinson :hyper:

Who's spot are they filling over at the Met?

The principal (I forget his name), is retiring. Tim Cobb will supposedly advance to the principal position now, and a section spot will open.
Best of luck to those who take it.

What is the status of the San Fran. Principal spot?

As far as I know the San Francisco spot is still open. According to the information I have the pay at SF is $97,500 - real estate cost in the bay area being what they are that may not be enough for the level of skill that they're looking for. Just a thought.

[that is enough to survive, just won't be buying any expensive housing...

Well that's my point. If the symphony is looking to hire someone really skilled and currently employed at another orchestra that pays well but is situated in a lower cost of living area, they might be in for a long wait.

[How does this compare to other symphonies around the country?

Very good. One of the highest according to the information I have.

1. Met (NYC) $113,500
2. Chicago $100,100
3. Boston $99,580
4. Philadelphia $98,800
5. LA $98,540
6. NY Philharmonic $98,540
7. SF $97,500.

[My old DB teacher is now the principal for L.A. I suspect...they'll need to carry him outta there in a flight case to open that position.

I don't think many would leave a post like that.

A rebuttal:
A musician in the capacity to win an audition like principal of San Francisco, or LA, or any other, would likely not choose an orchestra solely for the income. Yes, the cost of living in San Francisco is quite high, as for Boston and New York. If one were to consider it, principal of Dallas, for instance, would be one of the best financial situations of all. I think the base salary for a section position in Dallas is somewhere in the high 70s, which would mean the principal postion could easily be in the upper 90s. In Dallas, this is fine living. One would need easily 130k a year to live in the same luxury. However, why is it that the principal bass of Dallas, Nicolas Tsolainos, made his way to the recent Boston Symphony SECTION audition? He would have recieved about a 30 grand paycut, on top of a lower position in the orchestra. However, he did make the trek, for good reason, and circumstances of this sort are not out of the ordinary. What this shows is that it is about the opportunity to play in a "better" orchestra, not so about a higher paycheck; the instance a musician becomes a businessman, the instance he forgets why he began in the first place.

[However, why is it that the principal bass of Dallas, Nicolas Tsolainos, made his way to the recent Boston Symphony SECTION audition? He would have recieved about a 30 grand paycut, on top of a lower position in the orchestra.

The base pay at Dallas is $74,100 and $99,580 in Boston so I'm really not sure what you mean.

[What this shows is that it is about the opportunity to play in a "better" orchestra, not so about a higher paycheck;

Well I'm quite sure that playing in the better orchestra is very important factor. However, I think it would be naive to think that a drastic cut in pay wouldn't also be a major consideration. These talented, and hard working musicians, all have wives, kids, families that depend on them. And I think, based on my discussions with symphony level musicians, that money and standard of life does play an important part in the decision making process. My point was really that SF may be looking to 'steal' someone from another major symphony, situated in a city that provides a better standard of living. As an example, Cleveland, has a base salary of $96,460 according to my information and I'm quite sure that a salary of that level, in that city would provide a far more comfortable standard of living that $97,500 in SF. In other words, perhaps SF may be unrealistic. Of course, this is only a theory on my part. But I do think money plays an important part in the decision making process. All important? Probably not but very important for sure.

Well I'm quite sure that playing in the better orchestra is very important factor. However, I think it would be naive to think that a drastic cut in pay wouldn't also be a major consideration. These talented, and hard working musicians, all have wives, kids, families that depend on them. And I think, based on my discussions with symphony level musicians, that money and standard of life does play an important part in the decision making process. My point was really that SF may be looking to 'steal' someone from another major symphony, situated in a city that provides a better standard of living. As an example, Cleveland, has a base salary of $96,460 according to my information and I'm quite sure that a salary of that level, in that city would provide a far more comfortable standard of living that $97,500 in SF. In other words, perhaps SF may be unrealistic. Of course, this is only a theory on my part. But I do think money plays an important part in the decision making process. All important? Probably not but very important for sure.

I'm pretty sure Cleveland was over $100k for '03-'04. Got that from Donald Rosenberg's Book on the Orchestra Published the prior year.

[I'm pretty sure Cleveland was over $100k for '03-'04. Got that from Donald Rosenberg's Book on the Orchestra Published the prior year.

I'm sure you're right. My info is for the 2002-2003 season.

The San Antonio Symphony Assistant Principal Bass was won today by a great friend of mine, Doug Balliett. Doug is a fellow Bostonian and has been studying at Harvard with Todd Seeber. Congrats for him!

I was told recently that the San Antonio Symphony finally pulled themselves up from chapter 11. I do hope their finanical future eclipses the past!

There are many reasons why people do what they do. When I graduated Curtis in 91 my goal was to get a gig by the time I was 25 or I was headed for UPS. Well what happenned..I was asst principal in the Oslo Philharmonic when I was 25. BUT I had two other jobs before that and each one was better paid than the other as well as a higher position. Solobass in Spain than co principal in Stavanger Norway than section in Oslo (I won the assst principal a year later) All the gigs were paid less and less. Why did I go? I don't know, I got tired of Spain and Stavanger was great but someone told me I should audition for Oslo. Now it has been 9 years and I have it great here but am considering moving to the states. Why, a change. A longing for the familiar .. New start in a new place. So pondering why people go to other auditions for me is a moot subject. My feeling is why not. It is a great way to get your chops up. A way to be reconfirmed that you are worthy and competition can be fun especially if you have nothing to lose.
I last took the Cleveland audition in 2002. I knew eric harris would win it. My 5 minutes was great and fun. I learned a lot about myself in the process. I don't get so many chances to play the Dittersdorf concerto and my training has me conditioned to audition...So I'm sure I will do more just for fun.
Soryy so long
G-force

Scott Pingel, Principal Bass, San Francisco Symphony. Previously Principal of Charleston Symphony. Student of Tim Cobb, Peter Lloyd and James Clute.

Congratulations, Scott! :bassist:

Did you happen to know Mike Hill while you were at Curtis? He graduated class of 92' I believe. And he also played in Spain for several years. Just thought I would ask

i know you weren't asking me, but i'm currently mike's student.

Yes Mike and I were schoolmates at Curtis. He later went on to win my job in spain when I left.

Mike was my bass teacher in high school. He is currently Principal of Orlando Philharmonic. Which part of america are you moving back to? Or are you only coming back to take a few auditions?

Mike is a good guy. You learned a lot I'm sure. I just emailed him. It depends on what jobs are open and how it coincides with job here etc.

I heard that Asst. Principal of Milwaukee Symphony will open up in the fall. And of course the Met and Principal of Louisville.

[I got tired of Spain

Vs Oslo? Huh? Please elaborate.

here is an update up of all the auditions I've tracked. If you
can add or correct details, please do. I haven't got everything, but I've kept track of most major orchestra job openings....:

-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner
-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won
-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.)
-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.)
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?@#$!)
-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U.)
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)
-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)
-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.)
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston)
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: CANCELLED!@#$!
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!@#$??
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section)
-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up
Detroit Symphony, Principal: They opted not to hire anyone...?!
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witner (SP?) (Curtis Institute)

Coming Soon! St Louis and the Metropolitan Opera!

Interesting - I was a little suspicious of if Louisville was going to hire anybody after yesterday's eliminations.

Apparently Ira can advance in S.F and Detroit, but gets no lovin in Kentucky.

Anyone heard anything from St. Louis about licks yet?

Someone recently posted that it's getting more difficult to get invited to audition unless one has a master's in bass. Anyone have more info on this? I understand things have only gotten more competitive, more people are staying in school longer, and it makes sense for orchestras to be more selective.

Do you think really good players are getting passed up in favor of degreed applicants? Or are the good players doing what it takes to get the degree so they don't miss out on opportunities?

Is this a broad enough trend to justify going back to school for a master's before embarking on a fulltime job search?

Also, is it possible that only having experience in a ROPA organization could make it difficult to get invited to audition for ICSOM orchestras? Have any of you heard that it's difficult to make that jump? I have no information at all that it is, or is not, other than the experience of one friend for whom this may be a factor. The friend does not know either. We just wondered if it was a possibility.

I don't know about that - I think it would be somethign that completely depends on what orchestra is auditioning.

Case in point - there were sophomores from IU auditioning in Detroit last year (one advanced), but sometimes pHd candidates don't get invited to auditions in Louisville.

I think a lot of it has to do with that orchestras intentions and thoughts about auditioning - some orchestras don't really know what it is they want but are obsessed with credentials, and others are open to seeing what is out there, but know what type of player they want. Sometimes, Orchestras are looking for experienced players who have subbed in a bigtime gig - others will accept everyone's resume but after that its dancing on eggshells.

Fort Worth made a lot of good players send tapes last year, and it seemed largely contingent on how much ICSOM experiences they had, more than any other factor. Go figure.

I've got a MM so I guess I'm in the clear either way, but I would never choose to not send a resume because I thought the orchestra wasn't going to invite me on the basis of my academic credentials.

Any news on Charleston?

Fort Worth made a lot of good players send tapes last year, and it seemed largely contingent on how much ICSOM experiences they had, more than any other factor. Go figure.

Ha! It was my friend's resume not qualifying her for the Fort Worth auditions (on viola) that raised the issue. Seemed like she has a great resume, with a master's and several major festivals in addition to years of professional orchestra experience. Everything but a contract with ICSOM orchestra, although she did sub with two, each for a whole season at a time.

Any idea what would make an employer hesitant to feel that someone without ISCOM experience could do the job? I know we are mostly talking about one employer's preference, which could be for any reason. But is there generally a difference in the repertoire or something else, between ISCOM orchestras and other organizations?

well imo the smaller the enemble the more important they make themselves feel by emposing ridiculous criteria on applicants.
Sometimes things just don't have to make sense..

Someone recently posted that it's getting more difficult to get invited to audition unless one has a master's in bass. Anyone have more info on this? I understand things have only gotten more competitive, more people are staying in school longer, and it makes sense for orchestras to be more selective.

Do you think really good players are getting passed up in favor of degreed applicants?

The smaller orchestras are often more concerned at inviting "too many people" for various reasons, often including the amount of time they can rent a room to have the audition in!
I don't know why Louisville screened so heavily for this principal audition, but the previous section auditions there were far more open. I think they just take it even more seriously since it was the principal spot.
I'm not sure getting a degree should be motivated by *anything* but Getting To Be A Better Bass Player. A music degree doesn't mean anything more than that anyway; it's not like we're in the business world or something crazy like that!

Ju-Fang is now first chair of the Indianapolis Symphony. I think it's been a year.

Ju-Fang is now first chair of the Indianapolis Symphony. I think it's been a year.

Yes, she won that position on St. Patrick's day in 2003!

Here is KPO's audition winner list but I did some further researsh and found out most of the teachers they studied with for those who are wondering who they should study with and not just what schools are placing well........

-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner
-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music) Al Lazlo
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute) Roger Scott
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won
-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym) Paul Ellison/ Ed Barker
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory) Hal Robinson/ John Hood
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice) Paul Johnson/ Paul Ellison / Hal Robinson
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)Levinson
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Curtis/Rice U.) Hal Robinson/Paul Ellison
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis) Roger Scott/ Pete Lloyd
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)Hurst
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.) Hurst
-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)Hurst/Bransby
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.) Hurst
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody) Hurst/Hal Robinson
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw Roger Scott
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Boston Univ) Levinson/Barker
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?@#$!)
-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard) Levinson
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U.) Bransby
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran; Homer Mench
the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)
-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan) Jim Clutte/Pete Lloyd and Tim Cobb
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony) Roger Scott/ Hurst for 6 months before the audition
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)Bransby/Dave Moore
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)
-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory) Todd Seeber/ Tim Pitts
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)Hurst
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.) Sankey/Hurst
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist Paul Ellison (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston) Hurst/Barker
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)Hurst
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)Barker/Tim Pitts
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal) Levinson
Louisville Orchestra, principal: CANCELLED!@#$!
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!@#$??
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice)Hal Robinson/Tim Pitts, Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section)
-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold Barker/Paul Ellison, runner-up
Detroit Symphony, Principal: They opted not to hire anyone...?!
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug BallietTodd Seeber (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witner Hal Robinson(SP?) (Curtis Institute)

gee... look at all those Hurst students.

:cool:

The San Antonio Symphony Assistant Principal Bass was won today by a great friend of mine, Doug Balliett. Doug is a fellow Bostonian and has been studying at Harvard with Todd Seeber. Congrats for him!
Doug is my new teacher. He's very open minded and was able to put a lot of things into perspective for me. In just one lesson, I learned more than I could of imagined. Studying with him (and a lot of elbow grease on my part) will produce results!

Ottawa has the san fran bug I guess. Because after holding auditions this past week and taking Ira Gold and Travis Gore into the finals they opted not to accept anyone for this audition. What the hell is up with these orchestra's these days

Ottawa has the san fran bug I guess. Because after holding auditions this past week and taking Ira Gold and Travis Gore into the finals they opted not to accept anyone for this audition. What the hell is up with these orchestra's these days

San Fran turned folks down, Detroit turned folks down, now Ottowa turns folks down.

Dallas also turned folks down a few years back. Is it a trend, are committees just afraid at seeing so many young players after the screen comes down?

And it's getting to the point where you wonder where the panels expect the players to get get this "experience" that they are looking for. I don't think anyone is ever totally ready for the position that they are about to step into, but I am sure a candiate who gets as far as a very slim final will fill into his or her respective shoes very quickly.

Also, I don't know the whole deal, but from what I have heard, Indy was helpfull in Ju-Fang Liu getting used to new shoes and that things are going well there. If this is true, then maybe other majors could take notice.

I kinda get it though...Just because bassist X gets to the finals somewhere means almost nothing today. One can determine how far a kicked ball will land based on many principles which are constant in this world. Kick a dog and the predictabiltity goes out the window as to what will happen. Auditions are not a guage in who IS the best player but who is the best for the job based on the level of reality perception of the jury. Once I understood this my nerves almost left me immediately. I have sat on many jurys and believe me that there is no objectivity on any level. Not to say that it is unfair and fixed but that people tend to seek the familiar and what they know , no matter how "good or bad"" it is. So of course a bassist comes in and probably knocks off the socks of the jury. Youth is great but I think people get freaked out sometimes when people play too well.
It's weird but I recently experienced this, No not my own playing!!!!

or do what I did, and get asked to come and play w/o and audition cos they are so desperately short of bass players that they begged me.

What they don't know is I haven't the first clue about bowing so they may be changing their minds quite soon!!!

Any quick tips on developing a passable bowing technique in4weeks? :hmm:

Thats works real well in the UK , but in the North America there are hundreds of highly proficient auditioners being pumped out each year. Auditions are a neccessary evil. ALSO correct me if I am wrong the guild "AFM" requires most if not all positions to be filled by audition only. This is to combat nepotism and favoritism...I think it is a load of beureaucratic nonsense. In Europe many places these positions stay open for a while. BUT the orchestras many times are free to hire who they want after having at least one fair open audition. This sounds suspicious but in practice works well I feel. The amount of bassists here in europe in probably about the same as ni Nth Am. BUT because of the so many cultures and styles and whatnot they tend to stay within the genepool... thus creating smaller pools. Also Many Europeans are not used to shellng out cash to audition, the winners usually are reimbusred for their travel in full and in Germany I believe if one is invited to an audition they are paid their travel to the audition from their entrance in Germany.

To the bowing question- well, back and forth works real well...but when in doubt just say to follow the cello section or for the advanced say you need to ask the concertmaster for his/her opinion.

Too bad about Ira. He bought a bass from me once, and I had the pleasure of him playing the Bach Suites right in front of me in a 10K sq foot EMPTY warehouse....amazing.

I think there is some age discrimination going on...

Thats works real well in the UK , but in the North America there are hundreds of highly proficient auditioners being pumped out each year. Auditions are a neccessary evil. ALSO correct me if I am wrong the [UNION] "AFM" requires most if not all positions to be filled by audition only. This is to combat nepotism and favoritism...I think it is a load of beureaucratic nonsense. In Europe many places these positions stay open for a while. BUT the orchestras many times are free to hire who they want after having at least one fair open audition. This sounds suspicious but in practice works well I feel..

Works well for whom? Someone's local buddies?
Combating nepotism and favoritism seems like a Pretty Dang Good Thing, plus you end up broadening your search, and end up having a Better Chance at finding the Better Players.

Audition procedures and contract language are set by each individual orchestra, but a broad guideline is released by the union, as suggested by other orchestral confederations ICSOM, ROPA, et cetera.

A lot has been said about me in the past year or so in regards to Boston, San Francisco, Detroit, and Ottawa auditions, and I'm making myself available to discuss any of this in detail. If you have specific questions about them, send me a private message.

Thanks

A lot has been said about me in the past year or so in regards to Boston, San Francisco, Detroit, and Ottawa auditions, and I'm making myself available to discuss any of this in detail.

Thanks

Ira?

Would you be willing to comment on your experiences with various auditions and committees? Does it seem that the committees are looking for the same things, or very different things?

Sorry I missed you here in Louisville, I was hoping to meet you, but didn't get down to the hall until later.

Here is KPO's audition winner list but I did some further researsh and found out most of the teachers they studied with for those who are wondering who they should study with and not just what schools are placing well........

-2000

Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Boston Univ) Levinson/Barker

Hi... um, actually Charles was at NEC, not BU. (In case anybody cares). =)

I will fix that on my list. All I knew of charles was that he studied with Ed Barker. He must have been at NEC while Ed was still taking students there I presume

Did St. Louis have prelims this week? If so, did anyone hear anything?

St. Louis had 2 of their 3 hearings for Prelims this past Monday and Tuesday, their final hearing next Tuesday, I think. It was averaging about 40 players a day, and on the particular day I was there, they advanced 4 or 5 people. I'm not sure if they even advanced anyone the following day. So, bottom line is that they are hearing loads of players and advancing a very limited amount proportionately to the amount of applicants auditioning.
Perhaps it would have been a bit more appropriate had they required a tape prior, as many orchestras have done with recent auditions (San Francisco, Ft. Worth, BSO, etc), instead of accepting every single resume that is sent. This would have cut down on 3 days of prelims, along with the cost of sending applicants to all the way to St. Louis.

From what I have heard So far about St. Louis is this

Jean Antione from Columbus passed on the first monday as well as Colin Corner and Travis Gore

Also Sam Haggar From USC passed on tuesday.

From Mondays Jeff Kail and this Dan guy who is at Manhattan School passed on also.....If anyone else has heard of anyone else who passed on could you please let me know???

Colin Carr is another of the advancees from last Monday, I believe.

Well, finals are today - I'm really interested to see if they fill both spots, and where those spots are filled from.

So much for St. Louis - this is unbelievably crappy for anyone who was fortunate to advance. Those who had moved through prelims had probably spent the past month working their posteriors off with the hope of winning such a nice job. It's a 4 hour ride from bloomington, and I don't know how far it is far Maryland (I think one of the guys studies with Burris).. probably about 8 hours from columbus.. man, such a bum deal.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is now on strike. What it does not mention is that the orchestra was LOCKED OUT of holding an audition! An article, titled “Symphony musicians reject offer” (by Sarah Bryan Miller, Post-Dispatch Classical Music Critic) appeared in the St. Louis Post Dispatch yesterday that has not been posted on myauditions, but you guys might find some of the facts very interesting:

“…There was collateral damage in the dispute: Auditions for the orchestra's new utility horn position and for a double bass opening, scheduled for Monday and today, were abruptly canceled. About 25 semifinalists for the horns and 12 for the double basses arrived at Powell Hall at 8 a.m. Monday to learn that they wouldn't be playing after all. Their travel and hotel costs would be reimbursed, Adams said. But, said Gippo, "It's not the money; it's the emotional" aspects; all had spent the holidays practicing, and the time and effort cannot be reimbursed.

That's terrible. My heart goes out to those guys.

Does anyone know all of the finalist for this audition? I know Brian Rhem and Joe Conyers are in the finals, any one know the others?

Jory Herman and Zach Cohen were other finalists. They may have even been more. (at least this is what I heard)

Does anyone know who was invited to play in the bass section for the Hyogo Chamber Orch? Thanks.

Congrats to Zach Cohen and Travis Gore for winning Milwaukee!
I don't know Travis, but I spent the summer with Zach at Tanglewood last year... He's an awesome musician.

Hi, Anyone know what happenned in Detroit this week. Wasn't there an audition?
Did allegro conbasso win it???

The Audition for Detroit was Monday and Tuesday. The position was not filled and a third audition for the job will be in the fall.

WOW. A third audition...I wnder why they can't find anyone. Anyclues. Does anyone know how many bassists played?
G

I believe 4 were in the finals. One of whom (Colin Corner) has in the past year or so won Asst. Principal of Louisiana and Associate of Vancouver. He also is in the semi's for St. Louis when they resume the auditions.

I know that quite a few big guys were sending in their resumes and all that. Thats a tough list to work up while holding down a 52 week season job.

its a tough list period! A little overkill if you ask me. I mean , is it so nice there that I would want to go for that job especially after they don't hire anyone ???
Uhh? all answers point to NO

It's tough, but doable. I think that the allure of making 120K a year starting certainly helps. Honestly, I think they are looking for someone with experience who can get into the finals so they can hire them. I'd be shocked if they actually hired someone fresh outta college.

No one advanced to the finals in Detroit, so no one was hired or given a trial week. From what I've heard, three people started in the semifinals, and one person who I am told played in the DSO section as a sub (?) actually advanced from the prelims. All together I think there were 25 players.

My guess from what I've seen of his postings is that if "allegro con basso" was there, the sheer volume of laughter from behind the screen would have blown his music off of the stand.

There were indeed a few reputable players who already had gigs in 52wk "major" (whatever that means) orchestras.

As for $120k/yr.....I think thats pushing it. Detroits base salary is in the 90's , and there were only 1 or 2 people there with the credentials to command that kind of overscale. Who knows though, negotiating is a seperate skill eh?

Colin had been invited to sub with them after winning the Gladstone prize at the ISB competition in 2003. I don't know if anyone else was subbing or not.

I will say this, I know of at least one great player taking that audition who won their last job out of 230 applicants.

Last year Jeff Kail and Ira Gold made the finals and Ira had a trial week. Ben Jensen made semis and is now playing trial weeks in the NAC in Ottawa.

Here's The Big List with the latest I can figure:
****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.)

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.)
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?!)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., University of Wisconsin)
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.)
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston)
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up?
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil)
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) still in progress, 'til May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson, I think, was the winner?

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center PRINCIPAL: Ben Jensen (I.U.) in trial weeks
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: No winners announced yet? any word on Travis and Zach?
Detroit Symphony AGAIN: Principal: no finalists?

***Coming Soon: St Louis finishes up; Metropolitan Opera!; Grand Rapids Principal, National Symphony (2 positions)

Ottawa- Capital city of Canada (not Ottowa).
Maybe they should have a spelling bee as part of the audition?
That ought to help weed out those pesky young Americans that keep winning!

Congratulations to Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice) and Dave De Riso (rice, Rice, NWS) for winning St. Louis this past week!!

Any word on the Grand Rapids Audition?? Also, the previous list of upcoming auditions left out the seattle symphony audition

Congratulations to Joseph Conyers (Curtis) on his successful audition for the principal position of Grand Rapids Symphony!!

May 8, 2005 Update:
****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.)

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.)
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?!)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., University of Wisconsin)
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.)
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston)
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up?
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park)
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil)
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed finished until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson, I think, was the winner?

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: Ben Jensen (I.U.) playing trial weeks
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Travis Gore and Zach_ playing trial weeks in June....
Detroit Symphony AGAIN: Principal: not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!) and Dave DeRiso (Rice, New World, SLSO sub-runner-up!)
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis) :bassist:

***Coming Soon***
Metropolitan Opera!; Seattle Symphony; National Symphony(2 positions), ...another Detroit...? ...more Biggies?

Just to clarify, Dave Deriso is not and has not subbed in SLSO. He was runner up in the 1-year replacement audition held last year in which Sarah Hogan was offered the job.

Just to clarify, Dave Deriso is not and has not subbed in SLSO. He was runner up in the 1-year replacement audition held last year in which Sarah Hogan was offered the job.

Thanks for the clarification.
Rock on, Sarah, Dave and Joe!

Sarah Hogan, if you stumble upon this, CONGRATULATIONS! You may not remember but I shared a stand with you at Interlochen back in 1995 ;) Send me a note!

[QUOTE=kpo]May 8, 2005 Update:
****************************

-2003

San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section)

I went to USC and studied with Dennis Trembly. I work with David Allen Moore from time to time when preparing for auditions.

[QUOTE=kpo]May 8, 2005 Update:
****************************

-2003

San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section)

I went to USC and studied with Dennis Trembly. I work with David Allen Moore from time to time when preparing for auditions.

Hi Sue. :)

Hi Sue. :)

Hi there, Mr Joella... you play in Grand Rapids? your new principal will be awesome.

Alas, Joe played **right before** me in the semis, which I knew was not good for me...!

I can't believe how dumb they are.....They held the audition and had around 30 people come in for the audition and to only get to the finals and then just up and send everyone home. Like they are good enough to do that. I don't understand what is up with that.......does anyone else have any insight?

Hi there, Mr Joella... you play in Grand Rapids? your new principal will be awesome.

Alas, Joe played **right before** me in the semis, which I knew was not good for me...!

Yep. I'm on a one year contract and was really pumped to take the pricipal audition. Alas, five days before the audition, my wife nailed a sweet conducting gig in Boca Raton, Fl. We decided to move, and with all of the wind out of my sails, I decided I would restart in Fl and did not take the principal audition. I can't compete for something that I know I am not going to take.

From what I heard though, you must have played great, cause they were quite pleased with all of the semi finalists. They said everything just went especially well for Joseph.

I can't believe how dumb they are.....They held the audition and had around 30 people come in for the audition and to only get to the finals and then just up and send everyone home. Like they are good enough to do that. I don't understand what is up with that.......does anyone else have any insight?
My, my, how quickly they forget. It wasn't that long ago (1997 I think) when less than 10 people showed up for a permanent full-time bass job with their group.

Those guys sure have come a long way from basically being bankrupt, defunct, and out in the streets for half a decade. Maybe when all those bassists (60 or 70?) showed up for the audition in 2001, their egos got stroked and they forgot about their humble beginnings?

Just my opinion.

My, my, how quickly they forget. It wasn't that long ago (1997 I think) when less than 10 people showed up for a permanent full-time bass job with their group.

Those guys sure have come a long way from basically being bankrupt, defunct, and out in the streets for half a decade. Maybe when all those bassists (60 or 70?) showed up for the audition in 2001, their egos got stroked and they forgot about their humble beginnings?

Just my opinion.

Surely, the committees just want to find the best player, but these sorts of things do really raise eyebrows

I remember the 2001 audition was run a bit oddly, and they ended up telling a friend that his nice old Itlaian bass sounded "too woody".

That's right, they said "too woody".

Too woody , that's awesome...I remember a friend of mine who was told that his sound was too even in all the registers...

JUNE 22, 2005 Update: :bassist: = Indiana University grad
****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.) :bassist:

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.) :bassist:
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?!)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., U-Wisconsin) :bassist:
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.) :bassist:
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.) :bassist:
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.) :bassist:
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston) :bassist:
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.) :bassist:
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up?
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park) :bassist:
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil) :bassist:
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed finished until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson, I think, was the winner?

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: Ben Jensen (I.U.) playing trial weeks :bassist:
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Travis Gore and Zach_ playing trial weeks in June....
Detroit Symphony AGAIN: Principal: not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!) :bassist: and Dave DeRiso (Rice, New World, SLSO sub-runner-up!)
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis)
Alabama: no winner??
Metropolitan Opera Association: Dan Krekler (IU, Minn., MSM) :bassist:
Seattle: Joe Kauffman (UNT)
National Symphony, 2 positions: Ira Gold! ...other position remains open
Calgary Philharmonic: Tom McGary (IU) :bassist:

:bassist: = Indiana University grad.

Seattle was won by Joel Kauffman who is from UNT and Dan Kreckler did his undergrad at IU then masters at Univ of Minnesota with Pete lloyd and then orchestral performance cirtificate at Manhattan School of muisc the finalist in alabama were two guys from CCM one was named Dan who was also runner up in Grand Rapids I believe and my old teacher Mike Hill who is principal Orlando Phil and an Old School curtis grad student of Roger Scott

Seattle was won by Joel Kauffman who is from UNT and Dan Kreckler did his undergrad at IU ... the finalist in alabama were two guys from CCM one was named Dan who was also runner up in Grand Rapids I believe


Yeah, Joe K.! We were in the 2000 NRO section together... half that section has major jobs now, 5 years later!!!
Dan K. has done great things, and Dan Pendlay from CCM was a really fun guy to play with in Aspen Chamber... that section now *almost* all has jobs... Dan will win soon; I keep getting to semis and Dan P. keeps going to finals! Will Dan or Bruya win first? It's a race!

Don't know why I feel compelled to makes this correction, but Dan Krekeler grew up in MN and studied with Peter in high school. Then to IU for BM, Yale for MM, MSM for the Master's in Orchestral Performance. There studied with Tim Cobb and outside of school with Leigh Mesh. Rock on, Dan!!!!

Dan told mr hurst that he went to Minnesota for his masters but whatever

Don't know why I feel compelled to makes this correction, but Dan Krekeler grew up in MN and studied with Peter in high school. Then to IU for BM, Yale for MM, MSM for the Master's in Orchestral Performance. There studied with Tim Cobb and outside of school with Leigh Mesh. Rock on, Dan!!!!


Also, don't know what made me type this, but I went to school with Dan and this is correct. High school was with Peter, IU for BM with Hurst, Yale for MM with Don Palma, and then studied with Leigh for a few years before going to MSM in the Orch. Perf. program with Cobb and Leigh at the same time. Thanks for reading!

"Dan Krekeler grew up in MN and studied with Peter in high school"

Just curious----who is this "Peter"?

Peter Llyod, principal bassist of Minnesota

I think many winners aren't on the list although my memory fails me at this very moment.
For example, the gentleman in Nashville, Reist, won his job in the section sometime not so long before he won principal and he went to school at Carnegie Mellon. He would have won the section job sometime after 1996.
David A. Moore and Ali Y. (Peabody) won HSO 1996 and Ali then won NSO in 1997.
In 1999 HSO audition, Bostonians Donald Howie and Erica Larsson won.
Oh yes, it's all coming back now! Charles _________ (?) Boston, won Cleveland sometime in 2000/2001, then Charles Barrs, Minnesota, won after Eric Harris chose to off Cleveland for SFS a little while later. My apologies for not having exact Cleveland dates.

Ooh I love it when I see my name on Talkbass. Makes me feel like somebody. Actually I didn't "off" Cleveland in '02. After winning the audition (God knows why) I was given a signed contract. When they found out I was taking the SF principal audition they "fired me for cause". I have both letters framed in my studio (a great source of pride). As it turns out my double-or-nothing gamble paid nothing. Oh well, all's fair in love and the audition circuit. My advice, don't focus on winning, focus on being the best artist you can be. Try to give them what they want (if you can figure that out) but stay true to who you are. Sometimes it's the "right" player not necessarily the best player that gets the job. EH

Oh yes, it's all coming back now! Charles _________ (?) Boston, won Cleveland sometime in 2000/2001

Charles Carlton.....and to correct some info he went to Juilliard and boston university. But he is in cleveland now so who care anyways

I think many winners aren't on the list although my memory fails me at this very moment.
For example, the gentleman in Nashville, Reist, won his job in the section sometime not so long before he won principal and he went to school at Carnegie Mellon. He would have won the section job sometime after 1996.... blah, blah, blah!

Yo, Oiy!
I've been keeping track only since I started taking auditions, as indicated at the start of the thread. That would be starting after the ones you mention.
I tried to mention the Cleveland stuff in as neutral terms as possible. I also had a curious experience with them at the audition date in question....

I'm told that a contract has been offered to Ira Gold, lone winner of the recent National Sym. audition.

Congratulations, Ira!

The Winners List has been updated ( last one is on p.7 of this thread).

The committee decided to not fill the other position; personnel mgr. said they'd fill the spot for a year with subs. Incidentally, one of their long time subs and locals made it to the finals, so they're "pretty well stocked" out there, I guess.

Thanks KPO for your patience and diligence in updating our community. BTW do you know who the other finalists by name were?
Take care
G

BTW do you know who the other finalists by name were?
G

I'm told...

Ira Gold (Rice?), Andrew Stalker (Rice/BU), Colin Chatfield (Eastman/Maryland?), and Mark Huang (Baltimore Symphony) were the finalists.

Is this thread only tracking US orchestras? If not in 2003 Marco Destlere (Juilliard) won San Paulo in Brazil.

I
Guess I've only been following ICSOM Orchestras; full time orchestras in USA and Canada, and including some of the service bands that I hear about. Occasional mention of a ROPA (Regional) Orchestra.

For example, the gentleman in Nashville, Reist, won his job in the section sometime not so long before he won principal.
Joel Reist won the audition for principal playing a bass hand-carved by Arnold Schnitzer.

About the MEt Opera Audition:

http://www.newyorker.com/talk/content/articles/050725ta_talk_dagostino

A big congrats to Tom Mcgary, winner of the position in the the calgary philharmonic last week. Score one more for IU!

Thanks for the update, man. Good to know Tom won one after all those auditions.

Correction: Tom won two. He also won Kitchener.

Oh awesome, thanks man, i hadn't heard that yet. Way to go tom, he's on a winning streak!

Congratulations to Aaron White who won the section bass audition with the Florida Orchestra. James Goode was the runner-up.

November, 2005 Update:
****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.)

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.)
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?!)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., U-Wisconsin)
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.)
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston)
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up?
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park)
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil)
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed finished until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson, I think, was the winner?

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: Ben Jensen (I.U.) playing trial weeks
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Travis Gore and Zach_ playing trial weeks in June....
Detroit Symphony AGAIN: Principal: not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!) and Dave DeRiso (Rice, New World, SLSO sub-runner-up!)
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis)
Alabama: no winner??
Metropolitan Opera Association: Dan Krekler (IU, Minn., MSM)
Seattle: Joe Kauffman (UNT)
National Symphony, 2 positions: Ira Gold! ...other position remains open
Calgary Philharmonic: Tom McGary (IU)
Florida Orchestra: Aaron White (SMU, Duquesne)also 1 yr. Asst.Principal here in Louisville!

COMING SOON:
Detroit: Principal (again, again.)
Minnesota: Assoc. Prin. -and- Section
Milwaukee: Principal (again!)
Buffalo: Principal
National Symphony: section (again)
more...?

Hey karl

I had heard Aaron went to SMU for undergrad. Was I wrong?

Aaron did indeed do his undergrad at SMU. Way to go, buddy!

Wow, I guess Jeff Turner must be a freakin amazing teacher. To take someone who went to a practicly unknown bass school and then to turn them into a bass player who won two jobs within 6 months. thats pretty good.

SMU isn't exactly an unknown element. If you look at the New World roster, you'll notice they have a good number of people who did their undergrad at SMU. Hurst used to teach there.. Thomas Lederer (the current faculty) is co-principal of Dallas -- not a bad band to be in.

That said, Jeff Turner is a great musician and teacher and I'm sure he played a role in Aaron's development too.

Nothing against SMU, i know the music program all around is good and it has some really strong area's. I was just commenting on the fact that its not know as one of the great bass schools in the US and I am very impressed at what Aaron is doing. And hurst only taught there in the 1960's, its not like he helped develop a great tradtion of bass students there. He left Dallas as soon as he had the chance.

Also as a side not Ben jensen is one of two finialist for Detroit. He was the only person that auditioned to be passed on the semi-finals because Detroit simply just invited several people to the semi's. So go Ben!!!

So what happened in Detroit? I'm dying to know if the third time was a charm.

They Declared co-winners for the position. Both Ben Jenson and Volkan Orhon were declared winners and both will have to do trail weeks to determine who wins the position.

Good for ben. He's a monster - two big principal gigs in a row now.

Any word yet on the Detriot position?

I would be interested to know, as well. Volkan is an unbelievable player and a great guy.

They both have to do their trial weeks before they declare an official "winner." I know that Bens trial weeks arent' until the end of january/beginning of February. So it will be a while before we know the results.

I read a press release today that says that Joel Quarrington is returning to the NAC as principal bass. Does anyone know if this is permanent and if it will lead to an opening in Toronto?

The opening for the TSO principal has already been posted.

WINNERS LIST

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December, 2005 Update:
****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University):bassist:
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.) :bassist:

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.) :bassist:
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?!)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., U-Wisconsin) :bassist:
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.) :bassist:
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.) :bassist:
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.) :bassist:
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston) :bassist:
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.) :bassist:
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up?
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park) :bassist:
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil) :bassist:
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed finished until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson, I think, was the winner?

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: Ben Jensen (I.U.) :bassist: not retained after trial weeks?
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Zach (?) = assistant?
Detroit Symphony, Principal: again, not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!) :bassist: and Dave DeRiso (Rice, New World, SLSO sub-runner-up!)
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis)
Alabama: no winner?
Metropolitan Opera Association: Dan Krekler (IU, Minn., MSM) :bassist:
Seattle: Joe Kauffman (UNT)
National Symphony, 2 positions: Ira Gold! ...other position remains open
Calgary Philharmonic: Tom McGary (IU) :bassist:
Florida Orchestra: Aaron White (SMU, Duquesne)also 1 yr. Asst.Principal here in Louisville!
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Principal: Tom McGary (IU) :bassist:
Ottawa N.A.C... Joel Quarrington appointed principal? confirmed? not on website yet?
Detroit Principal 3x - still in trial weeks?

2006
Minnesota Orchestra: Ass't: Fora Baltacigil(Curtis), Section: Colin Corner:bassist: (IU, New Orleans, Vancouver)
Kansas City Symphony: Jeff Kail (IU) :bassist:
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal: Andrew Raciti (WI native, then Australia)

(:bassist: = Indiana University grad)


*************!!!...!!! COMING SOON !!!...!!!****************

Montreal: Principal
Buffalo: Principal
National Symphony: section (again)
Nashville: section
San Diego: section?
Toronto: Principal?

Just saw it posted today, thanks. Good luck to the Canucks first I guess!

I read a press release today that says that Joel Quarrington is returning to the NAC as principal bass. Does anyone know if this is permanent and if it will lead to an opening in Toronto?

Yup this is true. Zukerman really wanted him as Principal. He is apprently getting paid quite a hefty figure down in Ottawa. The word is, is that he wanted to be on sabatical from the TSO, like 2 years prior, but the admin wouldn't allow him to take the leave of abense. So the TSO Principal Spot is open for grabs :cool:

Way to go Paul!

Paul Denola won the National Symphony audition this week! Rock on!!!!

Extra excitment: L.O.'s principal bassist, Bert Witzel, was the other guy in the finals that they were apparently considering... good stuff, Bert!

WINNERS LIST

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 2006 Update:
****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Student of principal/Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University) :bassist:
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.) :bassist:

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.) :bassist:
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?!)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., U-Wisconsin) :bassist:
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.) :bassist:
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?!@#!?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.) :bassist:
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.) :bassist:
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston) :bassist:
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.) :bassist:
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: Hired noone again!?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel, on a Trial Year? Ira Gold, runner-up?
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park) :bassist:
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil) :bassist:
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed finished until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson, I think, was the winner?

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: Ben Jensen (I.U.) not retained after trial weeks? :bassist:
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Zach (?) = assistant?
Detroit Symphony, Principal: again, not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!) :bassist:
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis)
Alabama: no winner?
Metropolitan Opera Association: Dan Krekler (IU, Minn., MSM):bassist:
Seattle: Joe Kauffman (UNT)
National Symphony, 2 positions: Ira Gold! ...other position remains open
Calgary Philharmonic: Tom McGary (IU) :bassist:
Florida Orchestra: Aaron White (SMU, Duquesne)also 1 yr. Asst.Principal here in Louisville!
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Principal: Tom McGary (IU):bassist:
Ottawa N.A.C... Joel Quarrington appointed principal? confirmed? not on website yet?
Detroit Principal 3x - still in trial weeks?

2006
Minnesota Orchestra: Ass't: Fora Baltacigil(Curtis), Section: Colin Corner (IU, New Orleans, Vancouver):bassist:
Kansas City Symphony: Jeff Kail (IU) :bassist:
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal: Zach appointed Principal, Andrew Raciti and Kristen Bruya still taking trials?
Buffalo, Principal: no winner
National Symphony: Paul DeNola (IU, USC, Oregon Symphony):bassist:

(:bassist: = Indiana University grad)


*************!!!...!!! COMING SOON !!!...!!*****************

Montreal: Principal
Nashville: section
San Diego: section?
Toronto: Principal?

Kristen Bruya Won Nashville.

Way to go, Kristen; it's been a long time comin'!



(I can't add that win to the list above, because talkbass won't let me edit my own posts !!@#@$%#$%!)

Yup it is true, Quarrington is Principal of NAC starting September.

MILWAUKEE

I've just heard that the Milwaukee Symphony has finished it's auditions for Principal and Assistant Principal. Andrew Raciti said he's been appointed Assistance Principal!

Because m'man Paul D. won National, Oregon finalist Sam Hager(:bassist:) will be rockin' Arlene Schnitzer
Concert Hall next year. Let's hope he doesn't move too much when he plays....

Hey KPO.

So Paul won National and Oregon has invited Sammy Hagar to drive 55 in the pearl district next year??

If memory serves me correctly that audition was something like 5 years ago. Thats kind of odd - that someone who was runner up half a decade ago would be offered a position after such a spell. This isn't a judgement at all against sam and his moaning endpin, but I know I was sure looking forward to a trip to the Rogue Brewery in the upcoming year.

It's kind of strange (in my mind, at least) that Oregon would do things this way - but then I don't know whole story.

Isn't Sam only doing a year position? That is if he doesn't move around too much...:rolleyes:

Hey KPO.

So Paul won National and Oregon has invited Sammy Hagar to drive 55 in the pearl district next year??

Until they can have the full audition. Oregon has had a series of "weird" contracts; they may be waiting until the weirdness subsudes. Not uncommon.

It's also not uncommon to name a sub or former finalist to a lengthy spot. E.g., Louisville is always low on percussionists, and offers season-length contracts to subs, so personnel mgr. doesn't have to call the same people to play every two or three days. We've also filled partial and whole-season fill-in spots (brass and winds, lately) based on unfulfilled auditions, even on other major-orchestra audition finalists.

Anyone have any news?

Umm, to make this even more interesting. Iwas actually offered the spot first.
I was reccomended by someone and I made a cd.

They liked the disc and asked if I could do the year but I couldn't get off until January 2007 plus the fact that it would have been a difficult move for such a short time.

G

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (Principal) - Jeff Beecher (Silk Road Ensemble), Curtis

true, but a little old. how were ny and montreal?
buz

September 2006 update

****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory, Louisville Orch.)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University) :bassist:
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.) :bassist:

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.) :bassist:
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., U-Wisconsin) :bassist:
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.) :bassist:
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.) :bassist:
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory, NRO!)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.) :bassist:
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.) :bassist:
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston) :bassist:
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.) :bassist:
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: no winner again?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, YET AGAIN!:Scott Pingel (Manhatten?, New World, Charleston)
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park) :bassist:
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil) :bassist:
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: no winner
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Zach (Juilliard) = assistant?
Detroit Symphony, Principal: again, not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!):bassist: and David DeRiso
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis)
Alabama: no winner
Metropolitan Opera Association: Dan Krekler (IU, Minn., MSM) :bassist:
Seattle: Joe Kauffman (UNT, NRO!)
National Symphony, 2 positions: Ira Gold! ...other position remains open
Calgary Philharmonic: Tom McGary (IU) :bassist:
Florida Orchestra: Aaron White (SMU, Duquesne)also 1 yr. Asst.Principal here in Louisville!
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Principal: Tom McGary (IU) :bassist:
Ottawa N.A.C... Joel Quarrington appointed principal.
Detroit Principal 3x - still in trial weeks?

2006
Minnesota Orchestra: Ass't: Fora Baltacigil(Curtis), Section: Colin Corner (IU, New Orleans, Vancouver) :bassist:
Kansas City Symphony: Jeff Kail (IU) :bassist:
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal: Zach appointed Principal, Andrew Raciti as Assistant Principal
Buffalo, Principal: no winner
National Symphony: Paul DeNola (IU, USC, Oregon Symphony) :bassist:
Nashville Symphony: Kristen Bruya! (CCM, Rice)
Montreal: no winner
Toronto: Jeff Beecher (Silk Road Ensemble), Curtis
San Diego: Travis Gore, Sam Hager :bassist: (IU, USC, Oregon Symphony)

COMING SOON:
New York Phil: section
Buffalo: Principal
Still No News on Detroit's Principal Auditions?

September 2006 update

Still No News on Detroit's Principal Auditions?
This comes from a member of DSO :
"You can tell Don H. that the bass audition situation here has been frustrating. We have already held 2 auditions in fact with candidates from around the country, one a couple of years ago and one last spring. Each time we got down to finalists and one or two candidates were invited to come and play trial weeks with the orchestra as principal. Unfortunately, in each case the committee was unable to come to agreement on actually offering the job to someone. (I personally felt the frustration since in the last round there was someone I thought was good for the position but there weren't quite enough people who agreed with me).
So, a new audition date will probably be announced for later this year."

If you don't mind saying, who was this member of the DSO that made this comment?

On a different note, Brian Johnson advanced in San Diego so congratulations to him.

On a different note, Brian Johnson advanced in San Diego so congratulations to him.

Brian Johnson advanced as in San Diego offered him a job or as in he made it to semi-finals/finals?

Where did he go to school?

On a different note, Brian Johnson advanced in San Diego so congratulations to him.


Suh-weet. Hope he brought enough change to buy everyone the beer if he wins a spot....

Go EPO Section Alumni!!!!!!

Brian advanced out of the first round. There are at least a few others who advanced as well.

If you don't mind saying, who was this member of the DSO that made this comment?
If you don't mind asking, who is Anonymous2?

Is Brian old enough to legally purchase beer yet?

Suh-weet. Hope he brought enough change to buy everyone the beer if he wins a spot....

Go EPO Section Alumni!!!!!!

Detroit has actually had three auditions for the principal position.

In the first, Ira Gold was given a trial week (or two maybe , I forget). In the second, NO ONE was advanced to the finals, in the latest one Ben Jenson and Volkan Orhon were advanced to the finals and given trial weeks. After the first audition, they began automatically advancing certain players with established orchestra careers into the semis.

As I understand it, the orchestra elects a "string audition committee" each year to hear all string auditions, therefore only leaving a small number of bassists to hear bass audtions. It also allows other members of the orchestra to listen to auditions in a "non-voting" capacity.

San Diego also advanced three guys from Rice. They may have already announced a winner(s?), but it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

I just heard that Sam Hager is one of the two winners for the San Diego Symphony audition...didn't get a chance to catch the second winners name, though I'm sure It'll be up soon enough. GO SAMMY!!!

Just got word that Travis Gore is the other winner.

Go Travis!!!

bout time...

Ya Trav! :hyper:

Thats my girl:bassist:

make some louis biscuits!


also congrats to Sam:D

And also Scotty D. and Tom in the finals!

Where is Sam from? I recognize the name but can't place where I have heard it before. It does sound suspiciously like the former singer for Van Halen but there are a few letters different. Sammy Hagar vs. Sam Hager. :)

Congratulations to both Sam and Travis. Both are very deserving players. It's too bad they haven't gotten an even better position earlier.

Word on the street is:
Louisville has a new Ass. Principal. Is there any truth to this? If so, what happened to Sid King? Why was there no public audition?

The new Assistant Principal is Daniel Pendley from CCM and it is a one year position until they can hold an official audition. Congratulations to him. A great player and a deserving guy.

Hopefully KPO can talk more about the future of this spot. I only caught what I could during studio class.

The new Assistant Principal is Daniel Pendley from CCM .... until they can hold an official audition. Congratulations to him. A great player and a deserving guy.


This is an interim appointment, not a one-year position.
Mr. Sidney King has decided to retire from the position of Assistant Principal Bass of the Louisville Orchestra.
The earliest we could schedule an audition for the position is still a little bit away, so the Higher Ups decided to hire a "regular" to hold down the ass't. principal spot until the full-time audition could be held.
Looking forward to playing alongside Dan again!

See you all at the audition, ....

Thank you so much for your interest. I have retired from the Louisville Orchestra after 24+ years in order to more fully devote my energy to my teaching position at the University of Louisville and to my other playing opportunities. I wish the LO my best and I cannot offer any more details about impending auditions for the position other than to second the information that KPO has already posted.

Best wishes,
Sid King

Warm Welcomes to Talkbass, Mr. King!

Regards,
François
TB mod

Anybody know who won Vancouver today?

I will not assume, but I speak on behalf of my bass brethern when I wish congrats to the winner of the Vancouver Symphony position.

It has been acknowledged.

That is that.

Hi, I gather a lot has been discussed about me over the recent days. My buddy known as "SanchMaster" wrote about my success. I would greatly appreciate it if you guys would just relax. The "Sir D Sanch" part is a psuedonym that he devised. Yevtushenko is a common Russian last name. I'm of Russian descent if you people care so much. Talk about nosy. Since you guys are so eager to get in everyone's personal business, I'm not even going to disclose my first name. Yes, Yevgeny Yevtushenko is a famous Russian poet. However, Yevgeny is not my first name. I happen to have the last name as him. If my last name was Twain, would you guys say that I'm the novelist from the late 19th century? The content written by my friend is valid. You all are wasting your time and making complete fools out of yourselves. Maybe you guys should practice or do something productive with your time instead of worrying about what's being written on this website. Let's all join hands and sing we are the world---let's be cival.

congratulations, Yevtushenko.
If your friend had called himself D Sanch Twain or Markie Twain, I would have thought that he was playing.
That being said, tell us all how the auditions went. You must be very excited to have won the job. How was the list?
buz
I'd love to oblige and be cival. if I knew what it meant.

Mark Twain's real name was Sam Clemens, but that's neither here nor there.

I wouldn't get too upset by this. People on this forum tend to overreact whenever there's a stab at humor. They seem to think this audition gossip is too important or whatever to be poked fun at.

Also, I didn't realize the name Yevtushenko was so common. My apologies.

Mark Twain's real name was Sam Clemens, but that's neither here nor there.

I wouldn't get too upset by this. People on this forum tend to overreact whenever there's a stab at humor. They seem to think this audition gossip is too important or whatever to be poked fun at.

Also, I didn't realize the name Yevtushenko was so common. My apologies.
you're absolutely right, and Yevtushenko is an extremely honorable name to carry. My beef is mainly with the other guy's profile. hope there aren't too many women in his section.
buz

hmm. that brings the dialogue awfully close to the line.
I'll be leaving now. and I still don't know who won in vancouver.
buz

Congrats to Joel Braun (Juilliard) who advanced today in Buffalo.

YEAH JOEL!!

Congratulations to Ellen Stewart and Brian Powell, Doctorate students at CCM for advancing yesterday in Buffalo as well.

Daniel Pendley, CCM also advanced to the finals in Buffalo

Daniel Pendley, CCM also advanced to the finals in Buffalo... Brian Powell, DM Student...

Regarding those two: of *course* the Louisville contingent advanced!

Let's wait for the winners before any more "congrats" are spelled out - since, as we ALL have sorrowfully experienced, all but the WINNERS will go home to more Ramen noodles, peanut butter sandwiches and woodshedding....

Scott Dixon won.

Scott Dixon won.

I thought the audition was for principal and assistant.

What ever happened to Paul Bresciani, the former principal of the BPO?

I thought the audition was for principal and assistant.

It is there are two positions, anybody know who won the other position? I'll find out tomorrow in my lesson but am curious.

Ah. Scott is being given a trial for the principal job some time in January.

I have only heard from one person about Paul. So, I can hardly say that the knowledge I have is accurate, given it is NOT from the source. To be completely unbaised, avoiding gossip while still paying respect, It is my understanding that the BPO is seeking a WHOLE new 1st desk.

-----------------------------
Our profession needs a new generation of 'leaders', not machines with easy-fix techique and no insight.

I heard that other person offered trials in Buffalo was Brett Shurtliffe. Congrats to Scott and Brett!!

Its my understanding that the other two finalists were Dan Pendley and Rachel Calin. Congratulations to them for making it to the finals.

Okay, this may be a little off topic, but, as someone who just auditioned for San Diego and Buffalo, can we all agree that the last person to get to the room where everyone else is waiting to hear about the results of their round is the audition administrator?! Whatever else you're doing (packing your bass, loosening your bow), that wait is long enough without having to wait for YOU! You know who you are. Thank you.

Scott Dixon won Cleveland.

Anyone know who won in Montreal. I know it wasn't me.:crying:

Peter Rosenfeld won Montreal.

So Far I have done my University of Delaware and UCONN audition. I got the acceptance letter to Delaware yesterday and UCONN i just got back from but they said I should be a fine additition. People always make it out to be worse than it is. The UCONN audition was strange because the guy kept walking around me. But the Delaware audition was actually kind of fun, I was sad to leave and go home. Even the THeory test was fun.

saw in the latest edition of the international musician that there seem to be a lot of bass jobs opening, especially relative to the number of other ads in there. this is my favorite thread of this site, and normally, the only reason i come here.

would someone be willing to keep these updates going? its really interesting to find out where people who won jobs went to school and if they had held positions else where. but just knowing that jobs were filled is nice too.

[[saw in the latest edition of the international musician that there seem to be a lot of bass jobs opening,

Are these 'classical' in nature?

Congradualations to Dan Pendley (former Louisville Asst. princ. & CCM grad) new Principal of the Buffalo Philharmonic!:bassist:

Its about time NACHOER!

June 2007 update

****************************
-1997:
Minnesota Orchestra: no winner

-1998:
Cincinntai Symhpony: Boris Astafiev (Columbus Sym)
Oregon Symphony: Jason Schooler (Cincinnati Conservatory of Music)
Minnesota Orchestra: Matthew Frischman (Curtis Institute)
Utah Symphony, Asst. Principal: Student of principal won

-1999
Los Angeles Philharmonic: David Moore (Houston Sym)
Louisville Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody Conservatory, Louisville Orch.)
Houston Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Peabody, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: David Grossman (Juiliard)
Colorado Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice U.)
Charleston Symphony, Principal: Charles Barr (Curtis)
National Symphony: Ali Yazdanfar (Houston sym.)
New Mexico Symphony: Kathy Olszowka (Indiana University)
San Antonio Symphony: Zlatan Redzic (I.U.)

-2000
Kansas City Symphony, 1-year spot: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
President's Own Marine Band: Eric Sabo (Arizona State U.)
Seattle Symphony: Jonathan Burnstein (Rice, Colorado Sym.)
Buffalo Philharmonic: Edmond Gnekow (I.U.)
Tulsa Phil, principal: Dan Johnson (Iowa?)
Dallas Symphony, principal: no winner?
Columbus Symphony: Jena Huebner (Peabody)
Houston Symphony: Burke Shaw
Cleveland Orchestra: Charles Carleton (Juilliard/Curtis)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (not retained?)

-2001
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra: Kingsley Wood (Peabody, Louisville Orchestra)
Alabama Symphony: Long Luo (Juilliard)
Oregon Symphony: no winner (for 2 spots!)
Florida Philharmonic, principal: Shigeru Ishikawa (member of section )
Louisville Orchestra: Karl Olsen (I.U., U-Wisconsin)
Cleveland Orchestra: Eric Harris (principal St Louis) won, then left for SanFran;
...the runnerup Charles Barr (Curtis), got the job.
Montreal Sym., principal: Ali Yazdanfar (now going back to National)

-2002
Charleston Symphony, principal: Scott Pingle (Manhattan)
National Symphony: cancelled; they welcome Ali Yazdanfar back
Baltimore Symphony: Mark Huang (Nashville Symphony)
Oregon Symphony: Paul DeNola (I.U., U.S.C.)
San Francisco Sym., principal: Eric Harris (not retained?)

-2003
Indianapolis Sym., principal: Ju-Fang Liu (I.U.)
Boston Symphony: Ben Levy (Rice U., New England Conservatory, NRO!)
Calgary Philharmonic: Jeff White (I.U.)
Grant Park Orchestra: Andy Anderson (I.U.)
Nashville Symphony, principal: Joel Reist (member of section)
resulting section spot was offered to runner-up, Ryan Kamm (I.U., Boston)
Louisianna Philharmonic: Colin Corner (I.U.)
Naples Philharmonic: Matt Medlock (Boston, Rice)
New York Philharmonic: Satoshi Okamoto (San Antonio, Juilliard; student of principal)
Louisville Orchestra, principal: postponed
San Francisco Sym., principal: no winner again?
San Diego, Principal and Asst.Principal: Jeremy Kurtz, principal(Curtis, Rice, New World), Susan Wulff, Asst. (member of section, USC)

-2004:
San Fransisco, Principal, x4: Scott Pingel (Manhatten, New World, Charleston)
Chicago Lyric Opera: Andy Anderson (I.U., Grant Park)
Vancouver Symphony, associate: Colin Corner (IU, Louisiana Phil)
Detroit Symphony, Principal: No Hire....
San Antonio Symphony, Asst. Principal: Doug Balliet (Harvard)
Louisville Orchestra, Principal: Burt Witzel (Curtis Institute)
St Louis Symphony: (2 positions) audition delayed until May 2005
Winnipeg, Principal: Merideth "Bob" Johnson (New World)

-2005
Ottawa: National Arts Center, Principal: no winner
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal AND Ass't Principal: Zach (Juilliard) = assistant?
Detroit Symphony, Principal x2: not even any finalists?
St Louis, 2 positions: Sarah Hogan (IU, Rice, SLSO 1-yr sub!) and David DeRiso (Rice)
Grand Rapids, Principal: Joe Conyers (Curtis)
Alabama: no winner
Metropolitan Opera Association: Dan Krekler (IU, Minn., MSM)
Seattle: Joe Kauffman (UNT, NRO!)
National Symphony, 2 positions: Ira Gold! ...other position remains open
Calgary Philharmonic: Tom McGary (IU)
Florida Orchestra: Aaron White (SMU, Duquesne)
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Principal: Tom McGary (IU)
Ottawa N.A.C... Joel Quarrington appointed principal.
Detroit Principal x3: no winner

2006
Minnesota Orchestra: Ass't: Fora Baltacigil(Curtis), Section: Colin Corner (IU, New Orleans, Vancouver)
Kansas City Symphony: Jeff Kail (IU)
Milwaukee Symphony: Principal: Zach appointed Principal, Andrew Raciti as Assistant Principal
Buffalo, Principal: no winner
National Symphony: Paul DeNola (IU, USC, Oregon Symphony)
Nashville Symphony: Kristen Bruya! (CCM, Rice)
Montreal: no winner
Toronto: Jeff Beecher (Silk Road Ensemble), Curtis
San Diego: Travis Gore (CCM, Rice, New World), Samuel Hager (IU, USC, Oregon Symphony)

2007
New York: No winner....
Cleveland: Scott Dixon
Montreal: Peter Rosenfeld ?
Detroit Symphony Principal x4: No winner again, even after two "semi-final" rounds.
Buffalo Principal: Daniel Pendley (CCM, ASPEN!), Principal; (Brett Shurtliffe Asst. Principal)


COMING SOON:
Montreal Principal still listed as open....

I think you left out Matt Heller for Calgary for this year.

Great list, thanks!

Anybody know who got the 2 spots in Hong Kong?

and... Travis Gore went to CCM, Rice & N.W.

geez... Karl your slackin!

Anybody know who got the 2 spots in Hong Kong?
and... Travis Gore went to CCM, Rice & N.W.
geez... Karl your [sic] slackin'!

Yeah, yeah, been too busy trying to cover my many jobs to even *think* about taking any of these auditions, much less chronicle the results here.

...and... the site won't let me go back and edit the list, so Travis and Matt's info won't show up until the next "update", alas.

My renewed presence here is due to the blank gap in the Lou. Orch.'s schedule... "dark" for a few weeks, for better or worse. Happily, we even had time to assemble a "Victory BBQ" for Daniel! Supersweet.

Ali Yazdanfar won Montreal Principal today. Again.

The man remains undefeated.

Why would he want to go back to Montreal again??

My understanding was that when he took the job the first time, there were serious organizational issues within the symphony that were up in the air. For a while the players were on strike. It was a bad situation to walk into, so he left. Things have settled down, and they still haven't found a replacement for him, so he took it again.

Well done Ali.... What a guy!

Does anyone know who else advanced to finals?

Who ARE you people? :) I won a position in Santa Barbara a few months ago. Excellent regional orchestra of mostly LA folk.

Well done Ali.... What a guy!

Does anyone know who else advanced to finals?
Word is that Zach Cohen was runner-up.

Does this mean that Ali is leaving his post at University of Maryland College Park?