In my article Symphony Auditions: Preparation and Execution, I detail the professional orchestral audition process. Preparation of orchestral excerpts is therefore an important part of each player's practice routine.
Below are lists of excerpts for both tenor and bass trombone that are frequently asked at symphony orchestra auditions.
The list for tenor trombone is based on one put together by the American Symphony Orchestra League in their publication, "Facing The Maestro: A Musician's Guide to Orchestral Audition Repertoire." It was compiled and edited by Katherine Akos, Marshall Burlingame and Jack Wellbaum. In addition to lists of audition repertoire for each instrument culled from audition lists for vacancies in over 20 orchestras, it includes a list of publishers for each work and their addresses. To obtain the complete book, write: The American Symphony Orchestra League, 1156 15th NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005 (phone 202/776-0212) The American Symphony Orchestra League
The bass trombone list was compiled by me based on audition lists that I have received over the years. For tenor trombone excerpts, I have added links to the Online Trombone Journal which provides annotated music to the linked excerpt. Music and my commentary for all these and many more bass trombone excerpts are available in my book, The One Hundred: Essential Works for the Symphonic Bass Trombonist. All of these tenor trombone excerpts and many more are available in the book by Megumi Kanda, principal trombonist of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, The One Hundred: Essential Works for the Symphonic Tenor Trombonist.
These lists are by no means comprehensive, but are meant to give a broad outline of the material frequently asked. Each orchestra committee draws up its own list of required excerpts and those works which are more or less common changes from audition to audition. Nevertheless, mastery of the material below will put a player well on the road to being prepared for most auditions.
In addition, the most frequently asked solo piece for bass trombonists at orchestral auditions is
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