I am hoping to audition for the New England Conservatory Preparatory School Youth Philharmonic Orchestra on bass trombone (website found here: http://necmusic.edu/ypo). As you can see, this is a very tough ensemble to get into. I have to prepare a slow, lyrical piece, as well as a fast, technical piece. For my slow piece I have Lebedev's Concerto in One Movement. Would it be appropriate to do the Bourée 1 and 2 Bach cello suites as my fast piece, or should I generally play only pieces written for my instrument (Meditation by Hidas is my backup fast piece).

I listened to both pieces, and to be honest it really doesn't matter which one you play because all that matters is how comfortable you are with the final product. Both are very impressive songs and I believe you can make it with either one. Just work them both and record yourself to see which one you prefer the most. That's how I chose my TCU audition music, though I ended up playing Concerto by Serocki instead of Variations on the Carnival of Venice due to my lack of organization. Anyways, I believe you can make it no matter your choice. Hope audition day goes well, and in case you feel like changing your mind about the choice of music last minute, keep a copy of both pieces for audition day.

~NBT