Send calming thoughts my way for my first Audition on Wednesday! - Page 7

Bob Russell · 04-27-2007, 10:22 AM

Very interesting about the tonal qualities. I hadn't thought about how much a violist controls the pitch and manages the tones by interaction between manipulating the instrument and what you are hearing (and trying to produce). Cool!

So here's a stupid question - does it come with a bow that is fitted to the particular violin, or is the choice of bow a completely separate decision that doesn't depend closely on some kind of match to a particular instrument?

CommanderROR · 04-27-2007, 10:39 AM

Well, it does not come with a bow...you can get bows that are a lot more expensive that the violin I'm going to buy...^^

The bow does have some influence on the sound of a violin...it can actually make quite a big difference. I'm playing a carbon bow right now, but not one of the "normal" ones because those don't sound as good as wooden bows. This one is hollow and offers a far better resonance, on par or in many cases better than a wooden bow.
For more details visit www.arcus-bow.de
There is a chance that the bow and the instrument will not work together perfectly, however I doubt it since I tried the instrument with my bow and it seemed to work great. If there should be problem I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make some kind of deal with my bowmaker (we have become almost friends) so that I can get a "fitting" bow in the same pricerange as mine (it's a "Cadenza Sliver) for a small fee...but I hope it's not going to come to that ´because I'm really not keen on spending even more money...

CommanderROR · 04-29-2007, 05:33 PM

Well folks...the time for the next audition is drawing uncomfortably close...

On Wednesday the 2. of May, 11:00 German Summer Time (it's half past eleven at night here right now while I'm writing this) I'm going to Dresden, Staatsoperette and will play for a position in the first violins.

As before...if you have time and are willing, send calming and encouraging thoughts my way. I don't know when exactly I'll be playing, but I guess that everything should be over by 13:00 German Summer Time.

Thanks.

I'll be leaving for Dresden on Tuesday and you'll all hear how it went sometime during Wednesday evening once i get back or on Thursday.

Bob Russell · 04-29-2007, 05:54 PM

Uncomfortable for you, exciting for us!
Best wishes to you for a wonderful audition.

CommanderROR · 04-30-2007, 06:39 PM

Thanks Bob.
I can certainly /sign the "uncomfortable for me" part...

CommanderROR · 05-02-2007, 12:22 PM

well. I am on my way home now after a very long and taxing audition.
I can'really say much right now because writing with my mobile is a bit painful for longer textx and this would need a longer text...
Let's make it short for now:
The audition went on for four rounds instead of the usual three. first round was thirteen violinists, second round six were left, third round were four and then three were left for the last round. I made it to the last round, was one of the last three. It was a very close decision,but in the end I did not get the job. However, I could have a job for a year, a time contract, if I want. I have a week to decide that and will think it over carefully.
It's a pity that I did not get the "real" job, but I'm quite happy with the way this one went anyway. More details follow soon.

Bob Russell · 05-02-2007, 12:55 PM

Congratulations! That sounds fantastic! Whether you want the contract or to continue looking for a regular job, this is a great success. I suspect that getting any job, even a contract, must be quite an accomplishment in such a competitive field with so few jobs. Kind of like being an NFL football player... there really aren't that many positions, but a lot of people competing for them!

So do you have an advantage now just coming out of school, or would you have a better advatage at auditions in a year if you had a year's experience and practice under your belt, not to mention more familiarity with your new violin?

NatCh · 05-02-2007, 02:00 PM

That sounds like an excellent showing, CommanderROR. Even without the 'regular' job coming out of it, I think congratulations are in order.

How worthwhile would the 1 year thing be as a resumé builder? I know such postings can be good in the academic world, but I don't know if it's the same in the music world.

nekokami · 05-02-2007, 04:24 PM

Great work! Looking forward to the longer version of the story...

UncleDuke · 05-02-2007, 04:37 PM

think of it as a chance to get paid to practice, to get the new fiddle and to try out again but now as a seasoned professional. around here very few stay with the same outfit for their entire lives. you may play with many groups before you hang up the bow. the trail starts now.

CommanderROR · 05-02-2007, 05:43 PM

Thanks guys!

I'm too tired right now to give you any more details, but I'll answer one question:

The one-year thing would be good for my vita I guess. That would be one of the supporting arguments. Getting paid also has it's merits.

However, there are a few drawbacks that have to be considered. One of them is the fact that I'll have to move to the other end of Germany. That takes time and money.
The other thing is (and this is a bit of a biggie...) that it could turn be a bit problematic, because I would have to work and practise (for upcoming auditions) at the same time. I would also not have easy access to my Teacher, I would have to rest my studies (I can take leave for a year from university without losing my student status) and playing in the orchestra is not exactly the best way to keep your auditioning skills polished anyway...so it is NOT going to be an easy decision at all.
I've sent an email off to the responsible person at the opera house where I played today asking for some info, depending on what I get back from him I might have an easier or harder time deciding...

For now I'll rest, take it easy tomorrow and then get back to work for the next audition on Tuesday the 8th of May...*yawn*

nekokami · 05-03-2007, 09:38 AM

A move for a one year position isn't so great. Hopefully you'll get a real offer next Tuesday!

CommanderROR · 05-03-2007, 06:08 PM

well, next tuesday I won't get any offers because it's only first round. The second round for that one is on the 29th of May...

I talked to the guy from the Opera House and asked him a few questions.
The good news is, that I can always quit with very little hassle if I get a "proper" job offer. So I'll just do my auditions in May, send off more applications and see what happens. If I don't get anything better soon then I'll have to seriously consider doing the big move to Dresden. I'll probably leave my apartment here in Wuerzburg as it is and try to move with as little effort as possible. Trouble is that I'll probably not find anything with even basic furnishing in Dresden...and i'll have almost no time to move because I have work to do (exams and concerts) untile nearly the end of July and I would have to start there on the first of August...but I'll worry about that when/if the time comes.
Now I'll have to try and get all that out of my system and concentrate on the next auditions.

Bob Russell · 05-03-2007, 07:15 PM

Well, whatever happens it's going to be busy and exciting!

I think you should be fine as a young guy for a year with some lawn furniture, a bed, a desk and a light or two! You'll be practicing all the time anyway, and you can socialize elsewhere. Believe me - I've done it with less than that!

Good luck with the next set of auditions. I'm sure that as you get more info, your choice will become clear. (Easy for me to say... but I really wrestle with decisions like that, especially when there are a lot of unknowns. So you have my sympathy if it comes down to a tough choice!)

CommanderROR · 05-08-2007, 01:49 PM

OK, here goes the next one...

The Audition I had today went fine although I was feeling pretty miserable, and I got through the "preliminary" audition and will be allowed to participate in the "real" audition on the 29th of May. There were 24 candidates today and about 10 will be allowed to play on the 29th.

The weather was pretty awful, that was probably one of the reasons why my "anxiety disorder" was acting up so cruelly for the last 2-3 days, but I forced myself not to give up and play anyway and apparently was still good enough to make it.

Next audition is on the 16th of May, it's a preliminary round as well, but this time for a seriously big and elitist house, so I'm not really too optimistic for that one...and I also feel a bit too young and fragile for that kind of job to be honest...

We'll see how it goes...I'll keep you posted.

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04-27-2007, 10:22 AM	#91
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Very interesting about the tonal qualities. I hadn't thought about how much a violist controls the pitch and manages the tones by interaction between manipulating the instrument and what you are hearing (and trying to produce). Cool! So here's a stupid question - does it come with a bow that is fitted to the particular violin, or is the choice of bow a completely separate decision that doesn't depend closely on some kind of match to a particular instrument?

04-27-2007, 10:39 AM	#92
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	Well, it does not come with a bow...you can get bows that are a lot more expensive that the violin I'm going to buy...^^ The bow does have some influence on the sound of a violin...it can actually make quite a big difference. I'm playing a carbon bow right now, but not one of the "normal" ones because those don't sound as good as wooden bows. This one is hollow and offers a far better resonance, on par or in many cases better than a wooden bow. For more details visit www.arcus-bow.de There is a chance that the bow and the instrument will not work together perfectly, however I doubt it since I tried the instrument with my bow and it seemed to work great. If there should be problem I'm pretty sure I'll be able to make some kind of deal with my bowmaker (we have become almost friends) so that I can get a "fitting" bow in the same pricerange as mine (it's a "Cadenza Sliver) for a small fee...but I hope it's not going to come to that ´because I'm really not keen on spending even more money...

04-29-2007, 05:33 PM	#93
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	Well folks...the time for the next audition is drawing uncomfortably close... On Wednesday the 2. of May, 11:00 German Summer Time (it's half past eleven at night here right now while I'm writing this) I'm going to Dresden, Staatsoperette and will play for a position in the first violins. As before...if you have time and are willing, send calming and encouraging thoughts my way. I don't know when exactly I'll be playing, but I guess that everything should be over by 13:00 German Summer Time. Thanks. I'll be leaving for Dresden on Tuesday and you'll all hear how it went sometime during Wednesday evening once i get back or on Thursday.

04-29-2007, 05:54 PM	#94
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Uncomfortable for you, exciting for us! Best wishes to you for a wonderful audition.

04-30-2007, 06:39 PM	#95
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	Thanks Bob. I can certainly /sign the "uncomfortable for me" part...

05-02-2007, 12:22 PM	#96
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	well. I am on my way home now after a very long and taxing audition. I can'really say much right now because writing with my mobile is a bit painful for longer textx and this would need a longer text... Let's make it short for now: The audition went on for four rounds instead of the usual three. first round was thirteen violinists, second round six were left, third round were four and then three were left for the last round. I made it to the last round, was one of the last three. It was a very close decision,but in the end I did not get the job. However, I could have a job for a year, a time contract, if I want. I have a week to decide that and will think it over carefully. It's a pity that I did not get the "real" job, but I'm quite happy with the way this one went anyway. More details follow soon.

05-02-2007, 12:55 PM	#97
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Congratulations! That sounds fantastic! Whether you want the contract or to continue looking for a regular job, this is a great success. I suspect that getting any job, even a contract, must be quite an accomplishment in such a competitive field with so few jobs. Kind of like being an NFL football player... there really aren't that many positions, but a lot of people competing for them! So do you have an advantage now just coming out of school, or would you have a better advatage at auditions in a year if you had a year's experience and practice under your belt, not to mention more familiarity with your new violin?

05-02-2007, 02:00 PM	#98
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	That sounds like an excellent showing, CommanderROR. Even without the 'regular' job coming out of it, I think congratulations are in order. How worthwhile would the 1 year thing be as a resumé builder? I know such postings can be good in the academic world, but I don't know if it's the same in the music world.

05-02-2007, 04:24 PM	#99
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	Great work! Looking forward to the longer version of the story...

05-02-2007, 04:37 PM	#100
UncleDuke books & doughnuts Posts: 882 Karma: 37857 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: usa Device: sony reader, kindle2	think of it as a chance to get paid to practice, to get the new fiddle and to try out again but now as a seasoned professional. around here very few stay with the same outfit for their entire lives. you may play with many groups before you hang up the bow. the trail starts now.

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05-02-2007, 05:43 PM	#101
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	Thanks guys! I'm too tired right now to give you any more details, but I'll answer one question: The one-year thing would be good for my vita I guess. That would be one of the supporting arguments. Getting paid also has it's merits. However, there are a few drawbacks that have to be considered. One of them is the fact that I'll have to move to the other end of Germany. That takes time and money. The other thing is (and this is a bit of a biggie...) that it could turn be a bit problematic, because I would have to work and practise (for upcoming auditions) at the same time. I would also not have easy access to my Teacher, I would have to rest my studies (I can take leave for a year from university without losing my student status) and playing in the orchestra is not exactly the best way to keep your auditioning skills polished anyway...so it is NOT going to be an easy decision at all. I've sent an email off to the responsible person at the opera house where I played today asking for some info, depending on what I get back from him I might have an easier or harder time deciding... For now I'll rest, take it easy tomorrow and then get back to work for the next audition on Tuesday the 8th of May...yawn

05-03-2007, 09:38 AM	#102
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	A move for a one year position isn't so great. Hopefully you'll get a real offer next Tuesday!

05-03-2007, 06:08 PM	#103
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	well, next tuesday I won't get any offers because it's only first round. The second round for that one is on the 29th of May... I talked to the guy from the Opera House and asked him a few questions. The good news is, that I can always quit with very little hassle if I get a "proper" job offer. So I'll just do my auditions in May, send off more applications and see what happens. If I don't get anything better soon then I'll have to seriously consider doing the big move to Dresden. I'll probably leave my apartment here in Wuerzburg as it is and try to move with as little effort as possible. Trouble is that I'll probably not find anything with even basic furnishing in Dresden...and i'll have almost no time to move because I have work to do (exams and concerts) untile nearly the end of July and I would have to start there on the first of August...but I'll worry about that when/if the time comes. Now I'll have to try and get all that out of my system and concentrate on the next auditions.

05-03-2007, 07:15 PM	#104
Bob Russell Recovering Gadget Addict Posts: 5,381 Karma: 676161 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Device: iPad	Well, whatever happens it's going to be busy and exciting! I think you should be fine as a young guy for a year with some lawn furniture, a bed, a desk and a light or two! You'll be practicing all the time anyway, and you can socialize elsewhere. Believe me - I've done it with less than that! Good luck with the next set of auditions. I'm sure that as you get more info, your choice will become clear. (Easy for me to say... but I really wrestle with decisions like that, especially when there are a lot of unknowns. So you have my sympathy if it comes down to a tough choice!)

05-08-2007, 01:49 PM	#105
CommanderROR eink fanatic Posts: 2,022 Karma: 4924 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Germany Device: STAReBOOK, iRex Iliad, Sony 505, Kindle 2	OK, here goes the next one... The Audition I had today went fine although I was feeling pretty miserable, and I got through the "preliminary" audition and will be allowed to participate in the "real" audition on the 29th of May. There were 24 candidates today and about 10 will be allowed to play on the 29th. The weather was pretty awful, that was probably one of the reasons why my "anxiety disorder" was acting up so cruelly for the last 2-3 days, but I forced myself not to give up and play anyway and apparently was still good enough to make it. Next audition is on the 16th of May, it's a preliminary round as well, but this time for a seriously big and elitist house, so I'm not really too optimistic for that one...and I also feel a bit too young and fragile for that kind of job to be honest... We'll see how it goes...I'll keep you posted.