Double Bass the truth about orchestral auditions

[kbodonne]

It's the way of the world my friend. "It's who you know, not what." There are politics in everything and I'm sure orchestras are no different. I'm not saying it's right. I just got a job because I'd worked with the hiring agent before, that's it. Otherwise I'd never have known about it.

Conversely, I did audition with a band recently and they asked me to join having never met me before and hearing very little of my playing(if any). They said another guy who tried out was probably technically better than I was, but because of my attitude, personality, and i suppose the solidness and originality of my playing they decided to hire me.

I'd say be positive, friendly and confident and if you don't get the job it wasn't meant to be. Something else that fits you better is sure to come along.

 

[golowcleff]

I would just add that knowing or studying with a principal player for whose section you are auditioning could be an advantage, but it’s not so likely to be a political one. It’s rather about gaining insight as to the benchmarks of good orchestral playing and auditioning. There are rumored cases of power-plays at auditions, but they are rare and mostly unfounded. If one does the research it will support that auditions are about as fair as they can be…

Meanwhile, there are about 50 ICSOM orchestras who've been hiring talented musicians all along, thousands of players - it's no secret...



Douglas Yeo has a lot of good articles on his website. I refer to one below which addresses the audition system and singles out some trombone players who obviously succeeded through playing prowess, not politics.

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[bierbass]

Yawn. And after not logging on for 3 months, this thread appears again. GO PRACTICE. That is all.