Minnesota Orchestra auditions--no screen!

[MahlerOwesMe$10]

The Minnesota Orchestra has two openings---a section spot, and then principal. I was reading through the list and shocked to find at the end a little note saying they will NOT be using screens for any part of the audition.

Does anyone have any possible insights as to why they would make this decision? Sure they have a right to run their auditions as they see fit, yet a move like this has the potential to open them up to suspicion. I'm not sure why they would want to do that.

[quenoil]

I think some other sections - cello maybe? - in the MN Orchestra also use no screens.

Not really an answer to your question, except to say that there is some recent precedent for them to do it this way I guess.

[MahlerOwesMe$10]

I didn't know other sections did that---good to know. Would you be able to elaborate on the recent precedent?

[fretlessspence]

I think I know what you might mean but am not quite sure. Are you talking about actual physical screens so the auditioneers can't see the musicians. Some kind of equal opportunity insurance program. I am a bass guitar player and have no Orchestral Audition experience. A noob question, I know. Please elaborate.

[Eli_Upright12]

Originally Posted by fretlessspence

I think I know what you might mean but am not quite sure. Are you talking about actual physical screens so the auditioneers can't see the musicians. Some kind of equal opportunity insurance program. I am a bass guitar player and have no Orchestral Audition experience. A noob question, I know. Please elaborate.

Theyre talking about a physcial screen, you stand behind it and play, so then there is no bias. All they can do is judge you on your sound and ability.

[Dr Rod]

perhaps they have an under-represented group


perhaps they are trying to get a feel for the personality of the candidate


perhaps they are trying to have a more interactive audition where the committee and candidate can communicate freely


I am sure that whatever their reason might be, they are not trying to be unfair to anybody.

[Kjetil Laukholm]

my experience from jurys and being ion the audition revision panel for the orchestra, Screens do a lot of damage sonically.
they change the timbre and can hurt clarity a lot.
We did one test with the jury in the normal seats (6th to 12th row) and one person reciting text with and without the screens. It was more or less impossible to hear what he said with that particular screen up.

That being said I am a big proponent of screened auditions.
Unscreened finals, after the level of the remaining players is no longer an issue is my personal preference.

If minnesota chooses to not screen they surely have good reasons that are deeply rooted in a desire to hire the best player for their particular situation.

[NotACello]

The reason they are not having screens is because news of professor slinky's glory has been spread far and wide; the only way to secure his position in the orchestra is to take the screen down.

[professorslinky]

Originally Posted by NotACello

The reason they are not having screens is because news of professor slinky's glory has been spread far and wide; the only way to secure his position in the orchestra is to take the screen down.

Professor Slinky will win screen or not. And my infractions on my account will be lifted on Aug. 6th so everyone party!!!! Go F$%! yourself!!!

[BaronVonSlinky]

Originally Posted by professorslinky

Professor Slinky will win screen or not. And my infractions on my account will be lifted on Aug. 6th so everyone party!!!! Go F$%! yourself!!!

Woo is thez professor for I am zee Baron!!!

[BMason]

Typically bass sections take the screen away to spice up the Talkbass audition winners thread.

[Don Higdon]

Originally Posted by BMason

Typically bass sections take the screen away to spice up the Talkbass audition winners thread.