Ok... College audition dilemma

[IconBasser]

Hey everyone! I've been playing double bass in my High School Jazz band for 3 years, and just applied to some Cal state colleges. My requested major is Music Composition.

for each school, a performance audition is required, but I don't know a thing about classical double bass playing. Never played with a bow in my life. What should I do? I've only a few months left until auditions, and that probably isn't enough time to get acquainted proficiently with classical bass.

Should I switch to a jazz major and transfer to comp in a year or so?

[neilG]

My advice is to talk to the music undergrad advisor and discuss your options. They can take you on a probationary status, or let you enroll in a BA program. I'm not certain, but I would certainly talk to them.

[sibass89]

I would try to learn a simple piece with good technique. A few months is enough time to prepare a Marcello sonata, so get a teacher and work up one of these pieces. You are not applying for bass performance so they just want to see that you are proficient in an instrument. So, I'd say work up a nice easy piece like Marcello, with solid intonation and technique and you'll be fine.

[IconBasser]

I spoke with the head of department for composition from Cal State Long Beach today, she said that a jazz audition is acceptable for admission into the program, but by junior year I would be required to attain proficiency of classical style.

*Phew* I feel so relieved now...