My son will be preparing pieces for applications for Fall 2021 for a major in double bass. I have several schools that I have looked at and made a list. Each school has different pieces that are required for the prescreening audition videos to be sent in with the applications. I know nothing about music. Some descriptions are specific composers/pieces and some are very vague. I am trying to organize them into some sort of list so that he doesn’t need to learn dozens of new works. Surely some can be used across the board. Does anyone know of an online program or tutor, etc. that might be able to help us get organized and come up with a specific list of what pieces he needs to learn? I know that he is very good. He has been playing throughout middle school and high school (7 years) and can read music with ease, so he should be able to learn the pieces he needs to on his own.
Thank you
Does he have a private teacher? That is always the best place to start.
If not, the orchestra instructor should be able to help. My guess is that the “vague” requirements want the student to present contrasting works - slow vs fast, different styles, different composers, different historical musical periods (ie something from the 1800s Romantic period vs something from the 21st century). Some of the specifically suggested works may fit into one or multiple of these categories.
A musician like the orchestra director (jazz band director?, even a wind band director?) can help you sort that out - even if double bass is not the directors primary instrument. You are most probably correct that the same works can be used for multiple schools although there may an “outlier” school that requires something unique.
Failing that, post some of the specifics - suggested works from those places that are specific and the “vague” language you wonder about. There are musicians here or parents with musicians that may be able to sort it. Maybe even someone with a double bass background.
Has your son played any of the suggested works? If so, it may be best to include that as an audition piece. The evaluators expect everything to be played at quite a high level. Having just learned notes and rhythms may not be enough to make a pre-screen cut. Has he performed a solo at any kind of district or regional “solo and ensemble” contest? That might be a place to start…
Also, many here who have gone e through this process with their kids will tell you to leave lots of time and multiple sessions to get a video that you are satisfied with!
I forgot to mention - if your S needs to actually learn new repertoire, you will probably need someone to advise you on which of the works acceptable to the school would be best for him, especially given the short timeframe. I’m guessing he does not have a private teacher to advise and assist?
It really is important that you try to get him someone to work with - orchestra director or band director or jazz director if a bass specialist is not available. Is there a local college? Perhaps you can contact the bass instructor for help with this specific task of preparing music for auditions. (I will warn you that many would not take a new student on in this time frame with audition preparation as the goal. They may feel they need more time to know the student and his playing. The instructor’s reputation is also on the line when a student goes off to audition and they don’t want to provide less than what they consider the task deserves.)
There is not much time to prepare new music for prescreens - many students start a year or at least 6 months in advance. If none of his current repertoire will work, you will want someone to suggest the new works that will show off the best aspects of his playing and be the easiest to prepare in a short timeframe. That would have to be assessed by hearing him playing, not just organizing a list of acceptable works and choosing one.
I agree with Musicaspirant. As a music faculty with over 25+ years experience in auditions, I recommend reviewing the list of pieces, but more importantly, the list of pieces your S performs well, even if it’s not directly listed on the audition requirement list. As you say, the list from the school (I didn’t see that you mentioned the specific school so I can’t say) may be vague and someone with background in college teaching (preferably in Bass) will know if the piece your S plays well is acceptable. Remember also that the audition performance is ultimately the decider, the application as a whole and your S’s attitude, essay, connection with faculty at the institution, etc. is what gets him into the door to the Audition in the first place. It’s important to have someone who knows him already in the jury, by arranging sample lessons in advance (among few others) who can then champion his application through the end. So much more to say about this, but not much space. If you want to get an expert, experienced application coach by his side, Let’s talk!