Well, if anyone does finds Meyer's interpretation of the Bottesini no. 2 just tell me cause I'd love to spend some time in the shed just working on that piece of art. But yes, like mcnaire stated you must become familiar with the standard interpretation of the piece. That you could probably find out from your teacher. Not just with the Bottesini concerto but most works of music require careful analysis and study beyond just notes and rhythms as different players will have different interpretations of the piece, just as the CSO's interpretation of Beethoven No. 5 will sound radically different than the NY Philharmonic version. You must go beyond the music and study different recordings of the piece. I have studied the concerto for awhile although I haven't looked at it in months since I've been busy with all my college auditions and gigs and that. But you must learn the "standard" way of playing it first. With any string instruments you must always learn the standards first, that is why we usually start off with Baroque pieces and Simandl when we first started. And yes, you should be wary of calling yourself the 2nd best high school bassist in the state. There are alot of great bassists in the state and also alot of great bassists who do poorly on auditions. Also keep in mind, that other bassists can be better than you, such as the 10-11 grade orchestra principal, the any of the players in the 11-12 orchestra who had a bad audition. Or maybe myself, since I was in All State Jazz Band and there are no chairs there or any comparison to other bassists in other ensembles. There is only one to a part and it's completely different from the classical ensembles (I'm sure it was way funner too). But you should not be so quick to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about other players. Keep an open mind and be modest. Remember, in the music world it is very easy to get fired for arrogance. And yes I saw you guys perform (I assume you were in 11-12th Symphonic Band, I was surprised when I saw a bass player onstage since there are no auditions for symphonic bands), and I especially loved Overture to Candide. I was in awe over the clarity in the woodwinds, they were amazing. But in my opinion, you should have opted for a lower position in Symphony Orchestra seeing as how their rendition of the Planets was so incredible. Basses figure far more prominently in the orchestra, and the parts are more challenging and demanding. Besides, it's the freaking Planets here, I love the suite, and they picked the best movements too. It doesn't get much cooler than the Col Legno 5/4 motif in Mars. And besides, no one can hear you in Symphonic Band. I heard you, but that's cause I was listening.
