 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: bradbury87
Date: 2010-08-09 23:31
Hi everyone! I have an audition for a local orchestra coming up in a couple weeks. I know standard audition attire is professional, but this will be a blind audition. Should I still dress up? Also, I think the final round will be unscreened. Should I wear a suit to that, or something more/less casual? Thanks!
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2010-08-10 00:58
YES. Suits would be the best bet, if you want them to take you seriously. Why chance it by not looking professional and serious?
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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Author: Bob Bernardo
Date: 2010-08-10 09:20
You should...I've had a few auditions and heard of auditions in which there was no screen, although they said behind the screen auditions, or they peeked over the screen. They may walk around with load foot steps on the stage just to try and throw off your rhythm.
Judges can do whatever they want, including changing the audition music, such as leaving something out or adding something you've never played.
Sometimes during the finals they will take away the screen.
Good luck
Designer of - Vintage 1940 Cicero Mouthpieces and the La Vecchia mouthpieces
Yamaha Artist 2015
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Author: ddavani
Date: 2010-08-10 15:53
In addition to the clothing, it's important not to be sloppy and "show-offy" when warming up in front of the panel. At one of the master classes at Clarinet Fest (I can't recall whose it was), the speaker talked about how the first notes you play are the most important in an audition. Play slow, and gracefully and don't give them any reason to think that you're a bad player, good luck.
-Dave Davani
http://allclarinet.blogspot.com/
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Author: S.H.J.
Date: 2010-08-10 20:38
Ditto Dave's suggestion. Your warmup MUST be as beautiful with everything else you play in the audition. Remember, the warmup will be the first thing the judges will hear of you. A good first impression goes a long way. And perhaps more notably, vice-versa.
The judges will observe everything you do as soon as you step into the room. They'll take everything they observed into account, including dress, warmup, how much time you take when switching to your Bb/A, etc. It's just something to keep in mind.
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2010-08-10 22:50
Bradbury,
contact me via email off of the bulletin board.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: grenadilla428
Date: 2010-08-13 14:24
A suit is not always the best option.
A couple of summers ago, I had an unscreened audition with a local orchestra. Wanting to make a good impression, I wore a suit and heels and actually took the time to do my hair (down). Upon arriving at the audition site, I discovered that I had to park in a lot that looked closer on the map than it really was. I had to walk about 5 minutes to the building in about 90-degree, sunny weather... in a suit, in heels, with my hair down, and carrying my stuff. The building was not air-conditioned. By the time I got to the room, I was sweaty and visibly flushed, and there was nowhere to cool down. This began the worst audition experience I've ever had.
My suggestion, especially for summer and especially for a screened audition - look neat and sharp, but dress comfortably. Instead of a full suit, how about a pair of trousers and a button-down shirt carried on a hanger until you reach the site? You can pack a tie in your gear to add if you make it to the next round.
Check the weather often, and have a plan A and plan B. Do what will make you look presentable and allow you to play your best.
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Author: Old Geezer
Date: 2010-08-13 17:26
I once saw a video record of the final audition for a trumpet position with the Chicago orchestra. The judges were all unbeliveabley smug, conceited, and pretentious. Their so-called deliberations were superficial and self-centered. I'm suprised no one objected to the film...it made them all look such fools.
The young guy they selected was good enough...and was talking about being with the orchestra for fifty years! Good luck on that.
He wore an ordinary white shirt and tan wash trousers.
Clarinet Redux
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Author: J. J.
Date: 2010-08-13 18:49
I have no idea what the point of that story was.
Bradbury, dress nicely.
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