I`m trying out for all state in 2 weeks on bass clarinet. I`ve been practicing a lot lately and have my scales down really well. I`ve also started working on sightreading. I want so badly to make it and will continue to work hard for it but was just wondering if anyone had some suggestions.

Thanks!

first of all dont just have your scales down... know them backwards and inside out. be able to play them starting on the second degree and and then all the arrpegios starting on the 2nd degree. trust me everything that can go wrong that has to do with scales in an all-state honor band audition will,it happened to me, but i made it anyways.

AS for sight reading they wont pick a particularily hard piece for bass clarinet so dont worry about that as much, AS MUCH, still practice sight reading.

Also be able to play the solo perfectly.

Have your best reed ever for the audition.

dont warm up to much before hand and tire out your chops.

and just relax that is the most important part.

Experience:
started Bb CLarinet in 5th grade
6th grade played bass clarinet
9th grade played contrabass clarinet
10th grade Bb clarinet again

2004 California All-State Honor Band principle contrabass clarinetist
2005 California All-State Honor Band (takes place in february)

Have a few reliable reeds ready to use and broken in. Just because a reed is your best one when you`re practicing doesn`t mean it will perform the same on your audition.