Audition
Tuesday was a day of wearing many hats...mom, librarian, dental patient (just a cleaning), and finally, 'cellist.
After an exhausting day, I arrived at my audition pretty tired. I can't say anyone was happy to see me. At first I felt like I had a scarlet letter on my blouse, as if I accidently entered the wrong room.
After sharing with the personnel manager that I was getting nervous, I relaxed a bit. She said they are just "...looking for warm bodies who can read music. Can you read music?" To that I replied, "I think so."
I sat down in the audition room, in a very non-cello appropriate chair, without a stand and played the first page of the Saint Saens Cello Concerto in A minor. I did fairly well, not having played it for anyone in 25 years. Sightreading was terrible. The first part was a solo line from the William Tell Overature, with which I was less than familiar. I really did not expect that level of music for a community orchestra sightreading audition. Then I had to read the "Lone Ranger" theme part which looks easier than it plays. It requires a richocet bowing technique that I have not used in forever, AND never on my high quality bow. So I'm not only fumbling with the notes, but also with what part of my much better bow to use for the best "richocet effect"!! I got in, so I guess it doesn't matter, except for the blow to my pride.
The rehearsal was rather sort (two hours is short for an orchestra rehearsal) and sweet. The orchestra begins each session with prayer and I sure could use that. I can't say I breezed through the rather simple music, but I felt great to be in a group of musicians again.
Leaving the rehearsal, I glimpsed my old self morphed into the self I'm becoming. I slipped my cello into the front seat of my sporty red Mustang and drove off with my "Got Cello" decal gleaming in the setting sun. The road from "town" to home is pure country and the warm spring wind in my hair and Copeland on the stereo brought me peace. I felt cool and holy all at once. Is that possible? On that night, it was.
After an exhausting day, I arrived at my audition pretty tired. I can't say anyone was happy to see me. At first I felt like I had a scarlet letter on my blouse, as if I accidently entered the wrong room.
After sharing with the personnel manager that I was getting nervous, I relaxed a bit. She said they are just "...looking for warm bodies who can read music. Can you read music?" To that I replied, "I think so."
I sat down in the audition room, in a very non-cello appropriate chair, without a stand and played the first page of the Saint Saens Cello Concerto in A minor. I did fairly well, not having played it for anyone in 25 years. Sightreading was terrible. The first part was a solo line from the William Tell Overature, with which I was less than familiar. I really did not expect that level of music for a community orchestra sightreading audition. Then I had to read the "Lone Ranger" theme part which looks easier than it plays. It requires a richocet bowing technique that I have not used in forever, AND never on my high quality bow. So I'm not only fumbling with the notes, but also with what part of my much better bow to use for the best "richocet effect"!! I got in, so I guess it doesn't matter, except for the blow to my pride.
The rehearsal was rather sort (two hours is short for an orchestra rehearsal) and sweet. The orchestra begins each session with prayer and I sure could use that. I can't say I breezed through the rather simple music, but I felt great to be in a group of musicians again.
Leaving the rehearsal, I glimpsed my old self morphed into the self I'm becoming. I slipped my cello into the front seat of my sporty red Mustang and drove off with my "Got Cello" decal gleaming in the setting sun. The road from "town" to home is pure country and the warm spring wind in my hair and Copeland on the stereo brought me peace. I felt cool and holy all at once. Is that possible? On that night, it was.
Labels: cello
posted by Susan at 2:20 PM
2 Comments:
I just love the image of a cello riding along in a Mustang!
I agree with Norma. I enjoyed hearing about how you balance all those different roles. Wish you'd consider adding to your posts. It's always fun when you visit me at my blog, but I'd love to see more from you. (I'm also a musician, a couple degrees in music composition, and pianist. Not professional, but I've had some great times making music with various groups. Not lately. Anyhow, another aspect of my not on my political blog...)
take care
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