Auditioning for an orchestra can be a daunting process even for professionals
Auditioning for an orchestra is a necessary process for joining the ensemble. In an audition, a potential orchestra member will be asked to perform a piece in front of various members of the orchestra's administrative and creative staff. Above all skills and techniques in an audition, the most important step is preparation and being ready for what is to come during your audition time.
Instructions
1. Find out exactly what is expected of someone auditioning for the orchestra. Will it be a prepared piece? How many measures will be expected? What style of music? Who will be at the audition? Will there be any sight reading? All of these questions are relevant for audition preparation and all of them are normal, and expected, questions to ask beforehand.
2. Prepare several pieces of varying styles for the audition. You never know if midway through one piece, for a variety of reasons, someone on the audition panel will ask to hear something else.
3. Practice beforehand until you feel completely comfortable with all the pieces you plan to play at the audition. Try to have them committed to memory by the time audition day rolls around. While it isn't necessary to actually play the music without sheet music during the audition (though sometimes it is), having it memorized will make you feel more confident when performing. Don't overwork yourself when preparing. If you feel tired or frustrated by the music, take a break.
4. Perform your piece for a knowledgeable friend the day before the audition. Use this process more as a performance opportunity than for feedback. If he is able to give constructive criticism then certainly use it, but remember that the people you are trying to impress are the ones you are playing for tomorrow.
5. Remain calm while waiting for your audition. The moments spent waiting outside the room for your name to be called can be nerve-wracking. Remember to breathe deeply, relax your muscles, and think more about the music to be performed than the audition itself.
6. Greet the members of the panel courteously; shake their hands only if it feels natural or comfortable. Even if you know someone on the panel, remain professional throughout.
7. Perform your piece and think only of the task at hand--playing music. Don't worry about the opinions of others until after you are finished; now is your moment to put on a show.
8. Bow at the end of your audition and politely thank the panel before leaving the room. They will let you know what the next steps would be in the audition process (regarding call backs, entrance, etc).
