We are two weeks away from the KMEA All-State Band/Orchestra auditions so I wanted to record these excerpts and provide some insight that may help in your last minute preparation. Both excerpts are advanced musically, technically and offer many chances to separate yourself into the top tier if performed with a professional level of execution. Below are the recordings and a few things to keep in mind in each excerpt.

Charlier #8 Intervalles (Les Quartes)

You must showcase a high level of musicianship and beauty of sound to succeed at the highest level in this etude. Charlier is known for providing opportunities for advanced musicianship through difficult technical passages. He is a genius at providing a vehicle that combines advanced technical passages with expressive qualities giving the student the rare opportunity to work on both simultaneously.

Put your own creativity in the music when performing this excerpt. It is simply not enough to perform just the notes on the page. When listening to my recording, you will notice a slight ritardando with a taper in measure 8, and a slightly different style in measure 13. Charlier uses a symbol for a slight pause in measure 8 that each performer should showcase. Also, do not be afraid to go for the high C in the last measure with confidence and a firm marcato tongue. If you miss the note it is ok, but go down trying with confidence.

Lastly, play the correct articulations!

J.L. Small etude #25

There are not as many opportunities in this etude to showcase musicality, so, if you want to stand out in the crowd find ways to incorporate musicality under the technique.

A mastery of articulation in all ranges and opportunities to showcase advanced flexibility in measures 3,7 and again at the end of the etude must be demonstrated. If you are having difficulty with consistency of articulation, go back to scales or the Arban book and work on being able to play long strings of articulation exercises demonstrating consistency on every note. The only time in this etude where the articulation differs is when certain eighth notes are accented (measure 23-26).

One section where I added my own touch of musicality is measures 29-32. Be careful to showcase the difference between forte and piano in measure 5. You will also notice that I took slight pauses in measure 12 and and after measure 26. It is very difficult to find a breath in this etude so crafting logical places for musical breathing makes perfect sense. This would be the preferred option instead of attempting to take fast breaths and cutting off notes or phrases.

Lastly, HAVE FUN!