Mailbag: Auditioning for a semi-pro orchestra?

Hi Mike, 

I've purchased two clarinets from you, one being a Royal Global Firebird Bass, which I love. I haven't been playing all that long, although I feel like I've made good progress so far. I have the goal of securing a position in a semi-professional orchestra. I have a day job-so this is more of a personal life goal-not financial.

I don't know much about the orchestral world, but I know it has changed a lot recently. My question is, would a semi-professional orchestra typically require a Bass Clarinetist to also play the Soprano during an audition? 

So this is an interesting question on a number of levels. So interesting, in fact, that Katherine and I spent breakfast talking about it. Here's the gist of that conversation.

The main thing we got hung up on is the notion of "semi-professional" — an orchestra is either professional (i.e., you get paid) or it's not. I suppose there are professional orchestra engagements where the pay is paltry, but if there's pay involved, it's professional. 

And there are many, many type of pro orchestra engagements, but I will describe six typical scenarios.

1. "Pick-up orchestras." With a pick-up orchestra, a contractor (usually also a player) gets asked to put together an orchestra for a certain event, which is a one-off — those exact players in that combination will never get together again. These orchestras are made up of freelancers who are hired based on reputation and availability, but not audition. Examples include recordings (e.g., film scores), live TV events (the Oscars), and other unique performance situations. 
2. Seasonal orchestras. There are groups that are put together (again by a contractor) for seasonal events — think Radio City and the Rockettes every year from Thanksgiving to New Year's. These groups are also not formed by audition, but again through reputation, and often seniority. Seniority means, if you've played the gig before, and you did a good job, you'll get asked next year.
3. Broadway pits. These aren't usually "orchestras" per se, but rather small ensembles that are contracted to play a show. Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, and so-far-off-Broadway-that-it's-in-Topeka pit bands are always contracted, never auditioned. Again, reputation and availability.
4. Short-season orchestras. Not the best term, but these are orchestras that play maybe 4 concerts a year, but with (mostly) the same players. These are also often contracted, though some hold auditions. 
5. Regional orchestras. These are professional orchestras with a regular season of concerts, but where the players do not make their entire living from playing in the orchestra. Think: Akron Symphony. These orchestras hold auditons.
6. Pro orchestras. These are full-season professional orchestras that you know by name. These orchestras hold auditions, and players make most (if not all) of their salary from playing in the orchestra. Think: NY Phil. 

Note: all of these orchestras pay money for players to vibrating air and wiggling their fingers in the hopes of delighting an audience. But if we're being honest here, delighting audiences is nice, but getting paid is the reason they're there.

Whenever there is money involved, you get pro players who do this for a living — or part of a living — and therefore competition exists. If I need some cash and I have the time (and I think the time-to-cash-ratio is good for me), I'll take the gig. And that means you and I are vying for the same gig. Audition or no audition.

All of the above assumes you meant "payment-for-services" when you said "Semi-professional". Now, if you meant "high-level players doing high-level work...but for free" then your options become nearly boundless.

There are countless community orchestras and bands that form at the grassroots level where you can play serious repertoire with other serious musicians at a high level. Or at whatever level you currently are at (many orchestras have "leveled" ensembles where the best players are in the "top group" and others are in the "second group". Metropolitan Music Community and Doctors Orchestra are two shining examples of thriving organizations that do this across NYC. Both are audition-only, and you are placed according to level. 

These aren't what you would imagine as a throw-together group of dilettantes. These groups tour. To Japan. 

So now, finally, to your question. Simple answers:

Do you need to play Soprano clarinet in a community orchestra audition? Yes, usually. And likely both Bb/A clarinets. 

Do you need to play Soprano clarinet for a group like Brooklyn Wind Symphony? No. You can play just bass clarinet. 

Now, for the peanut gallery: for those reading who have experience in community orchestras (because I don't), is what I said accurate? Correct me! Tell us your experience. Tell everyone how to find your orchestra. Tell everyone how to become part of your community!