What makes the capital of a state a capital?

What makes you you stand out in all state auditions? For clarinet?

• So I have second round all state auditions this Saturday. I was wondering what do really makes you stand out? How can I increase my chances of getting in? I know I made it into first round and I wasn't expecting that, but I reeaallly want to make it. I am a freshman. So, yeah, it would be miraculous of I made it. I have my slow etude down which is no.19 from C.Rose in 32 Etudes for clarinet. But the fast one, no.26 in the same book, I don't have as much of down. I can play rather fast but not all the way up to tempo without making huge mess ups. So, what really counts? Going slower than the speed meant to play it or playing it slow. I played it slower like at 100 instead of 110 in first round auditions, but would they even consider you if you did that at 2nd round auditions? Also how hard do you think the sight reading is going to be? First round wasn't that bad, but second round? Do I need to make sure I know all notes in really high up register just in case they come up? I don't know, any words of wisdom? I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance! :)

• Answer:

  Play it slow if that is how you can play it correctly. It is better to take it under tempo than to try and play it fast if you cannot get the technique that fast. They do not want a sloppy player. (Personally, If I hear someone play something fast and not well, it tells me that they do not have the patience to learn it correctly, however, this varies person to person). If speed is lacking, play up your other good qualities. Make sure you have impeccable tone and steady pitch. Milk your Dynamics. Make sure your technique and phrasing is down. I speak from experience. I used to have (and still sometimes so) problems with speed. My all state auditions went well though because I focused on all the bases, rather than just one. I also played a jury once with my song slightly under tempo so that I could keep it under control. Eventually, you will learn to be able to play faster, and learn how to practice better. Practice with a metronome and take the piece very slow at first. When you can play it at that tempo, move it up 8 clicks. You will not even notice the transition and will be able to play it fast in no time! Also, the sight reading was never excessively hard for me. Learn all your notes. Even if it does not come up, it is good to know them for when they do :) Best of luck!