Double Bass Audition Help

[404usernamenotfound]

Hi, i'm a 10th grade bass player, and i just found out about a youth orchestra i want to audition for. unfortunately, this would be a late audition already, and the main body of musicians auditioned about a month ago. here's what it says for applicants


"SINGERS and INSTRUMENTALISTS (other than percussionists) should prepare one classical solo that demonstrates their best level

of both technical and expressive abilities. This selection need not be more than 3 minutes in duration. An accompanist will be provided for SINGERS. INSTRUMENTALISTS should include a second piece, or an additional movement, if one piece does not demonstrate contrasting style. It is preferred that INSTRUMENTALISTS play without accompaniment."

now, i haven't had private lessons in a while, but i still believe i have the technique required for this thing. if anyone could help by suggesting solos and or excerpts that i could possibly learn in about three weeks, that would be great.
if not that, any advice would help.

 

[sibass89]

Try a couple of movements of one of the Marcello sonatas.

 

[Square Bear]

also, after you have a chance to work some stuff out (whatever you end up playing), go get a lesson or two on it. you'll be glad you did because it's a chance for a trial run before you have to audition, and you'll be way more comfortable. good luck!

 

[NewYorkBassist]

I'd suggest a Marcello sonata or Eccles sonata. If you're looking for excerpts you could try Othello, it's not too hard to put together. But do you have anything you are learning right now? If you already have repetoire you could play, then preparing new repetoire might not be the best choice. And you definately should get at least one lesson before your audition. It's good to have a teacher to point out things you might not notice on your own when you're practicing.

 

[standupright]

i always had fun with the bach cello suites

 

[Maurice Gravel]

You say you haven't had private lessons, but have you still been playing? That seems more relevant to me. Keep in mind the time requirement and play to your strengths. There's a lot of suggestions for Baroque music here, but personally I relate better to romantic music. Maybe there's a piece like Rachmaninov's Vocalise, or Bottesini's Elegy in D that suits your personality better. Or maybe the exposition to the Capuzzi Concerto? Or as far as excerpts - how about The Elephant from Carnival of the Animals, or Die Meistersinger, or the recits from Beethoven 9?
Pick something, anything, that you'll be able to play comfortably, and that will make you look smart and well prepared. Any audition with your choice of prepared pieces is testing you not only on your preparation, but on what you think your best traits are.