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Hey all,
I figured that since many of you will be auditioning for schools and ensembles for the next school year that I would post a bit of my experience with auditions and what the judges look for.
Typical Band/Orchestra Audition
First of all, you gotta know your scales. The best thing to do is just memorize up to four sharps and four flats in both the major and minors and know a chromatic scale (The CA scale starts on low B in 7th and goes up to high Bb in first). Typically, the judges won't ask for more than four accidentals in the key signature. They usually look for musicality in the scale -- i.e. A nice rhythm (4/4 -- eighth on the roots and sixteenths for the rest of the notes), consistency -- i.e. Does the scale flow nicely between notes or is it choppy and inconsistent with the rhythms and tempo. Scales are a nice way to show off your range. Therefore, if possible, play two octaves -- but you still have to have a good sound on the high notes, no squeely airy tones here. The better your high register, the higher you will be seated (usually first parts instead of second or third).
Secondly, you gotta have a piece that shows off your musical ability -- no red books here (Standard of Excellence by Bruce Pearson). Some good pieces are Trombone Concerto by Gordon Jacob, the Galliard Sonatas, Morceau Symphonique by Alexandre Guillmant...etc. Most good music stores carry all of these tunes. Don't play something at your audition that you have serious troubles with...duh!
Thirdly, you better be sight-reading often because most auditions require sight reading. Usually it is not too too difficult to read but it is challenging. You have a minute to look at the piece and figure out any possible difficult passages. I recommend air boning and singing through the piece. When sight reading, take it at a pace that you can perform the song well on. What are the judges listening for? They are listening for accuracy in rhythm, melody and dynamic contrast. Basically, if it is written, so should it be played.
Lastly, it is good to know a bit of musical trivia. For example, I have been asked the order of sharps and flats (FCGDAEB and BEADGCF). Depending on how anal your judge is will determine what sorts of questions you will be asked. Sometimes, they just don't have time to ask questions and will just ask you to do the above items.
College Audition
Many music schools offer substantial scholarships for musical prowess. I just had to do the above steps for my scholarship but I have done a little bit more for other auditions.
For Fresno State University, to get into Bulldog Beat (the full ride band) you have to play a jazz solo, scales, and a jazz tune. It is an elite band and is quite difficult to get into. To get into the small ensembles you have to sight read pieces with the ensemble. They listen for tone quality, blending, musicality, etc.
Some auditions take place in the strangest places. For example, my audition took place in a restaurant food storage room. The entire band put all their suitcases in that room and it was quite crowded. I was straddling a suitcase and trying to miss another suitcase with the end of my slide. It was a mess but I did fine because I got the scholarship. Another audition -- state honor band -- took place in a hotel. That was interesting. It's good to be flexible with location because the more flexible you are, the less nervous you will be.
Taped Auditions
For this type of audition, it is not necessary to have a great recorder to show off your sound. It is, however, a good idea to go the extra mile and have a professional record you. I took that route my second time auditioning for the All-state band and I got in. The first time, I used a standard recorder at the local college where my teacher gave private lessons. I don't know if it was the recording or my musical growth over the year, but I do know that I liked the recording experience. It was nice having the professional record me because my teacher could be in the booth with me and could direct me to go louder, softer, etc instead of messing around with the recording mechanism. Not only can you use it for the All-state audition, but you can go ahead and send it to the college or university you wish to attend. It is nice to have it professionally done, but not required. Prices vary, so ask around.
Anything I forgot? Email me directly at dgoddess_1999@yahoo.com
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