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Double Bass Help! What should I play for college auditions?

B

bassmonkey144

Mar 30, 2003
224
0
indianapolis
www.redbeardthemusic.com
#1
So I'm auditioning to play in the symphony at the conservatory at my college (Baldwin Wallace, if anybody cares). Anyway, I wasn't sure what to put on my tape, but here is what I wanted to do:

Bach - 1st Cello Suite. ( just because I like it)
Possibly Symphony No. 35 by Mozart (the Haffner symphony) because I've played it before.

After that I got nothing. I'm trying out for the jazz band as well, so I thought maybe I could kill 2 birds and learn the intro to Haitian Fight Song. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm not really as familiar with classical double bass solo pieces (shame on me), but I'm primarily a jazz player. I'm not afraid to learn something extra hard, since I have all summer to practice. Thanks for any ideas.
 
#2
bassmonkey144 said:
So I'm auditioning to play in the symphony at the conservatory at my college (Baldwin Wallace, if anybody cares). Anyway, I wasn't sure what to put on my tape, but here is what I wanted to do:

Bach - 1st Cello Suite. ( just because I like it)
Possibly Symphony No. 35 by Mozart (the Haffner symphony) because I've played it before.

After that I got nothing. I'm trying out for the jazz band as well, so I thought maybe I could kill 2 birds and learn the intro to Haitian Fight Song. Does anybody have any suggestions? I'm not really as familiar with classical double bass solo pieces (shame on me), but I'm primarily a jazz player. I'm not afraid to learn something extra hard, since I have all summer to practice. Thanks for any ideas.
Click to expand...


Well, look at what they ask for. Pick from that. If you already have then pick a solo that you have been working on that you are capable of playing. And finaly ask your teacher. He or she knows best.
 
#4
mcnaire2004 said:
Well, look at what they ask for. Pick from that. If you already have then pick a solo that you have been working on that you are capable of playing. And finaly ask your teacher. He or she knows best.
Click to expand...


Well actually, I don't have a teacher at the moment. Actually, I've never really had a teacher for double bass. I converted from electric when I was a sophomore. Once I got my bearings, and moved up to the top orchestra (of 7 orchestras, my school is huge), every Monday the principal bassist of the ISO (indianapolis) came in and taught the section. That is about the closest I've gotten to actual lessons.
 
#5
You probably don't need to play the full Suite #1. The Prelude or Menuett would probably be sufficient. Might I recommend the Prelude from Suite #4. It is technically impressive and beautiful.

I don't know your playing ability, but the cello suites on the DB are tough. If you can handle them, then maybe a movement from Sperger's Sonata in E Major might be good for you.

Also look at some more modern stuff. If you feel that you are up to it, I think Frank Proto's "A Carmen Fantasy" for Double Bass and Piano is an amazing piece. It is quite advanced, but makes for a wonderful audition piece. It even features some improvisation, which is great for the jazz player. Check out Francious Rabbath's recording of it.

For the jazz, in addition to the Mingus, I'd recommend learning something that is more straight-ahead. Possible a Scott LaFaro or Israel Crosby transcription. Just as good would be to learn a more difficult standard like Stella By Starlight (if you don't already know it), and play the melody, walk behind a soloist, and take a few choruses.
 

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