Get Into a Professional Orchestra

Auditioning for a professional orchestra is a huge commitment, but it is well worth it and beneficial for you if you are truly committed to your instrument. To make the audition process as painless as possible, follow these steps.

Steps

1. Be very committed to your instrument and to music. You need to be able to commit the necessary amount of time to be at rehearsals and concerts. Because you get paid to be in the orchestra, you need to earn your money. If you have sloppy attendance, you will not be familiar with the music and you could get fired. Make sure that your schedule allows plenty of time for rehearsals, concerts, and most importantly, practice! If you are already a very busy person, you will need to prioritize.
2. All professional orchestras hold an audition process. Each orchestra works differently. Some orchestras hold auditions every year while others only hold auditions when someone leaves. Find out when the orchestra you're interested in holds auditions and book your audition time as soon as you can so you get first dibs. Some orchestras hold special auditions for principal players. In other words, when the principal of a section leaves, there will be a "competition" for those interested in replacing him/her. If you are interested in becoming a principal of a section, make sure you find out the requirements for that.
3. Make sure you are familiar with the audition process. Some orchestras might hold an interview before/after the audition. Check to see if the orchestra requires you to hand in something (i.e. resume) If you need to prepare a resume, make sure you include any previous orchestral experience, previous work experience, awards you have won, etc.
4. Get the necessary repertoire, scales, and excerpts you need to learn as soon as you can. Listen to recordings of the pieces that the excerpts come from and become familiar with the style, tempo, and musical interpretation. If you are still taking music lessons, go over the audition material with your teacher. Practice frequently!
5. Get a good night's sleep the day before the audition. Make sure you eat breakfast that morning. Dress as if you were going to a job interview. Warm up before leaving. Warm up again when you get there.
6. Walk into the room confidently and play to your best ability. When you are done, leave the room confidently.
7. If there is an interview, answer all questions to the best of your knowledge. Take time to think before answering.

Tips

• Before auditioning for an orchestra, become familiar with the orchestra. Attend some concerts and read about the orchestra's history online. If there is an interview, this will help you make small talk with the interviewer.
• If you did not get in, don't be discouraged. You might be an alternate player. If a player is unable to attend a concert, you might be asked to take their place. Alternatively, if the orchestra is playing a piece that requires more musicians, you might be asked to play in that concert. Nevertheless, use this audition experience to help you in the future. Keep auditioning for orchestras and you will gain experience.
• Come early to your audition. Plan to be there at least 20-30 minutes before your audition. This will give you a chance to warm up and settle in before the audition begins.
• If you got in, make sure you know when all rehearsals and concerts are. It is crucial that you attend each and every rehearsal and concert unless you have a very good reason not to. If you must miss a rehearsal or performance, call it in and make sure the conductor, the principal in your section, and anyone else concerned knows you will be absent.
• Most orchestras place the most emphasis on the orchestral excerpts! Make sure you get multiple recordings of the pieces these excerpts are taken from to get a good sense of tempo. Make sure that you can play all the rhythms absolutely perfect, no rushing or dragging (a metronome might be useful). If there are rests, count them carefully! Make sure you play every note correctly and in tune. Lastly, consider the dynamics/phrasing of this excerpt, do all crescendos, rallentandos, etc.

Warnings

• Generally, for professional orchestras, once you've successfully auditioned you needn't audition again in upcoming years. If you do need to re-audition be aware that just because you were in the orchestra one year, doesn't necessary guarantee you a spot in the next year's orchestra.
• Be on time for your audition! If you are late, you will leave a bad first impression with the audition jury and you are less likely to be selected.

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• Challenge in Orchestra
• Audition with Confidence
• Hold an Audition

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