1. BE ON TIME
Students (and parents) should be sure and leave plenty of time to locate and arrive to the audition site. Before the audition day, reference a map and driving directions to the audition site as to not be rushed on the day of your audition. Arrive early to allow time to warm-up and get acquainted with the audition surroundings.
2. DRESS FOR SUCCESS
There are no specific clothing requirements for Honor Auditions. However, I strongly advise all students to dress in “concert clothes.” Treat every aspect of this audition as if it were a performance, from practicing to clothing. When you look great, you feel great, and when you feel great — you will play even better.
Suggested Audition Outfit:
Boys: Dress pants or long pants (no shorts and try to avoid jeans), long sleeve dress shirt, nice shoes, and a tie (only if you are comfortable wearing a tie when playing).
Girls: Dress, or long skirt or dress pants (cello girls), and a blouse. No high-heels. I suggest tying up your hair so it does not conflict with performing.
**Many students will wear the traditional “black and white” orchestra outfit. This is a personal choice for all students.
3. BE RESTED
Like preparing for a test, get plenty of sleep the night before the audition. On the day of the audition, eat a good size lunch, have a snack and drink plenty of water. You need energy to perform at your best.
4. BE FRIENDLY
Above all else, the auditioners are teachers who care deeply about all students and want you to do your best. When a teacher talks to you in the audition room, don’t be afraid to respond, be friendly, and smile. Do not forget to smile!
5. YOU CAN MAKE MISTAKES
It is extremely rare that any student will score a “perfect score” at the audition. No one is perfect; we all make playing mistakes (even teachers!). If you make a big mistake in the first one to three measures, stop and ask the auditioner if you may start again. You will not be deducted points (just don’t stop and start multiple times).
6. PLAY THE WAY YOU PLAY
In the audition warm-up room, you will hear many students playing the piece you have been practicing for months. Some will play faster, slower, different bowings, different dynamics or different styles. Do not change the way you are practicing right before you audition. These students may have learned the music incorrectly. Play the way you have been working and trust your skills.
7. TRUST YOUR SKILL (AND YOUR NERVES) AND BE CONFIDENT
You will be nervous. Being nervous means you care about the audition and are hoping for the best outcome. As teachers, we can tell the difference between mistakes that are made because students are nervous and when a skill is lacking. Think of your nerves as a positive. It would be strange for anyone not to be nervous! Walk in the room with your head held high and be confident. Confident students make the best musicians and show the auditioners that you are leader in orchestra. Tell yourself, “I am calm.” “I am prepared.” “I am ready.”
8. BREATHE
When you walk into the audition room, a teacher will help you put your music on the stand, adjust the stand height and check your tuning if necessary. Before you begin your scale, take a deep breathe and begin to play with big sound. Before you perform your audition pieces, take a deep breathe, “hear the tune” in your head and take 3 seconds to “listen to the music”.
9. SAY THANK YOU
The audition time will go quickly! You will be done with the audition in only a few minutes. Before you leave thank the auditioners for their time and for listening to you. This is not only polite, it is respectful audition behavior.
10. BE NICE TO YOURSELF
After the audition, tell yourself how many points you probably earned, not how many you lost. Congratulate your classmates (and yourself) for being chosen to represent your school at the District Auditions. Stay positive and focus on what you can do even better at your next audition (this will most likely not be the only audition in your life!)