At some point or another, we all have to take auditions for selection into groups or for seating within a group. These can be very nerve-wracking, especially if you are unsure of your abilities or if you generally get nervous when speaking or performing in front of others. Here are some DO's and DON'Ts that can make your next experience a little easier on you... and probably more successful!
MUSIC!
- DO: Make sure (REALLY sure) you have ALL of the CORRECT music needed for the audition. YOU are responsible for this. It is never the judge's fault (and rarely your band director's fault) if you don't.
- DO: Prepare the music to the best of your ability. Learn all sections of the music. Saying "I'll be okay as long as they don't ask for this or this" will almost guarantee that those are the sections they ask you to play.
- DO: Bring your own NEAT copy with your personal markings on it. Occasionally, you will not be allowed to use it, but be prepared to help yourself as much as possible. Also, practice some with a "blank" copy of the music, so if this happens, you will still be prepared.
- DON'T: Bring ANY music that is not needed for the audition. If you happen to drop your music or something gets misplaced, you WILL get more nervous trying to find the correct pages.
The AUDITION!
- DO: Arrive well before your audition time. This gives you extra time to register or sign in and to find the rooms in which you are to warm up and perform. Arriving "just in time" will create more tension and nervousness for you.
- DO: Warm up for at least 10 minutes before you play and then rest at least 5 minutes before you play. Mentally going through each song is also a great way to prepare.
- DO: Ask to play a few notes in the room before you start the actual audition material.
- DO: ALWAYS empty your spit valves before you start each selection.
- DON'T: Worry about how others are doing - well or poorly. They don't actually affect the way you play.
YOUR PRESENTATION!
- DO: Greet the judge when you enter the room and let him know who you are.
- DO: Stand tall and act (even if it really is just acting!) like you are confident in what you are about to do.
- DO: Dress appropriately. That doesn't always mean wearing a coat and tie or dress, but casual nice clothes are the norm. Shorts and gym shoes, tattered pants (even "pre-ripped") and t-shirts are rarely the best choice.
- DON'T: Complain about your day, being unprepared, or not knowing what was expected. These are, again, all your responsibility. No WHINING!
YOUR MOUTH & YOUR BODY!
- DO: Get a good nights rest before the audition, especially if you have an early performance time.
- DO: Drink LOTS of water the day of your audition. This will help keep "dry mouth" from hurting your performance.
- DO: Brush your teeth after your last meal (or snack) before you play to prevent any stickiness or tackiness inside your mouth or on your lips. Chocolate and pop/soda drinks are both very bad for your chops.
- DON'T: Run around before your audition. Being short of breath makes it very difficult to play. Relax and rest.
YOUR INSTRUMENT!
- DO: Make sure it is in good working condition, especially the valves. The judge can only go by what he hears, and faulty valves will make things very hard on you.
- DO: If you have more than one, make sure you bring the RIGHT instrument. Don't use your marching band horn just because you didn't want to carry the extra weight to school.
- DO: Try to make it look nice. At least wipe off any dirt and water marks from the bell.
- DON'T: Complain about your instrument. Like the music, the judge has no control over the condition of your horn. It's up to you to have it working.
