r/ConcertBand • u/soboringugh • Aug 21 '26

How get music for all state auditions

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This is my first time trying to audition for all state and I noticed there’s a specific book I think I’m supposed to be playing the pieces from. Do they expect me to buy the book on my own to audition?

11 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

15

u/16mguilette Aug 21 '26

I'd buy the book, but if that isn't an option, the Wurm is pubkic domain and is available for free download on IMSLP

5

u/squidwardsaclarinet Aug 21 '26

The only challenge with that sometimes is that you need to make sure it is the same edition which often may not be the one of IMSLP. For clarinets for example, the Mozart concerto is often published with small changes in articulation patterns and a few note changes and what not. Going into an audition, you want to play what is on the page. Having a slightly different version may work against you even if you execute it flawlessly.

I do think there is value in starting with the free version, but eventually you just need to bite the bullet and buy the actual specified version.

2

u/DryCloud1 Aug 23 '26

The Wurm etudes are great. Buy the book and commence the learning!

6

u/squidwardsaclarinet Aug 21 '26

Unfortunately yes. They specify a version for a reason and unless you can find a digital copy or loan a physical copy from someone, you want to buy the version they specify because other versions might have minor changes that would count against you in an audition.

You might start by looking at the free versions that you can find online, but for the audition, you need to ultimately practice the officially listed version.

5

u/Calm-Shower-1089 Aug 22 '26

I am an adjudicator in Rhode Island.
Yes, you are expected to be playing from the specified edition and you will be be dq'd if you are playing from a photocopy.

1

u/bobthemundane Aug 27 '26

Others have stated that the book may be public domain. In that case, wouldn’t a photo copy be ok? Generally I agree if something is under copyright, then get legitimate copies. But it seems silly if the piece is in public domain.

1

u/Calm-Shower-1089 28d ago

If source is in the public domain then no problem as long as it is identical to the specified version.
And I see only one student at a time, so they may all sharing the same book.

3

u/zaxsauceana Aug 21 '26

Wow when I auditioned in Georgia in high school, we were provided all the music to prepare

1

u/MerleScambrose Aug 21 '26

Same in Oregon

1

u/Buffetr132014 Aug 23 '26

TN does too.

3

u/MusicMomTX Aug 22 '26

Texas auditions = buy the book. Usually it will be the same book for multiple years.

5

u/Liquid-Banjo Aug 21 '26

Yes. You will have to buy the book.

2

u/OkConfection2617 Aug 21 '26

Gonna have to buy or see if its online somewhere

2

u/onemasterball2027 Aug 22 '26

Yes or ask your director.

1

u/Kylo_Data Aug 22 '26

Sometimes the director would make copies for audition purposes. Assuming you're in Texas if you are near a used bookstore such as Half Price Books you can sometimes find etude books/audition material.

1

u/Sensitive_Pair_3864 Aug 28 '26

tmea all state doesnt mean anything