What's the best way to audition? I'm going to be auditioning for a music camp the Sunday after next, and then the local orchestra in August. Anything you have to say on the subject would be greatly appreciated.
Ah, Auditions.
I checked your profile. They are going to be looking for what you have accomplished and also potential. You are supposed to know all your scales, you are supposed to probably have a prepared piece, and they of course will want you to sight read.
If you know all your scales then great!. If not then you probably know up to 3 flats and 3 sharps pretty well. If this camp is band oriented then learn all your flat scales first and then your sharps. If this is an orchestra camp learn your sharp scales first. Start with your harder ones. When playing scales for the committee only play your scales as fast as you can play your worst scale. If you play Bb major fast and E major slow then they know you don't know your scales that well. Don't let them see that.
Also if this is an orchestra camp you must show you can transpose. If you ahven't transposed try learning G horn, D horn, C horn first. Probably the most common for what you might see at camp.
What solo piece will you be playing?
Sightreading - first thing is to look at the key signature. Find the feastest notes. and be sure you don't play too fast so you can play these. Don't stop- if you mess up keep going.
Remember this is an audition. There i no reason to be nervous. It is only an inventory of your skills and horn playing ability. Then they will choose what is going to best fit their camp.
<Added>
oh, and Frederick, I have a "Revenge of the Jedi" one sheet poster.
Before they changed the title to "Return of . . "
I'll be playing Handel's "Sonata in F Major" (movement 2). It also say's "Op. 1, No. 12", but I don't know anything about that. I'm just glad it's in F.
Just when you get there make SURE you ask for two things. Ask them if you can warm up, and ask them if you can try anything a second time. They might not let you do a retake on anything, but some auditions allow you to start somewhere and take a certain bit over. Make sure you get to warm up in front of them. Play whatever you want... F or C major or Bb major scale for as many octaves as you feel comfortable, play some of your lowest and highest notes you feel comfortable. This is to let you adjust to the room you are auditioning in. If you just walk in there and start playing your body will be subconsciously be trying to adjust to hearing YOUR sound in THAT room. It's best you get this over with before you start demonstrating what you are capable of.
