Auditions

Trying out for various groups and ensembles requires different skill sets. I can't really address all of them here, but will try in future posts. Whether you are auditioning for a pop band, jazz band in school, symphonic band, orchestra, musical theater, college music department, praise band at church, or just a jam group on the weekend, there are some common approaches among these diverse groups.

Arrive to the audition early. Be dressed appropriately but comfortably. If you are trying out for a punk group, body piercings are acceptable. If your are trying out for a conservative ensemble with a music professor looking over your shoulder, you might want to consider removing visible body jewelry. Make sure you understand what equipment you will need to bring and what will be provided. If you are trying out for a pop band be sure to ask ahead of time for any recordings that the group has made and study them carefully. If the group is a "cover" band make sure you know what groups they are covering. If the group is a wedding band make sure you know what styles they will be playing (assume all styles from swing to rock to rhumba to ethnic). If you are playing excerpts, or notated solos, make sure you have multiple clean copies for the people or jury. BREATHE!

When the judge says "go ahead"...pause (briefly), take a breath (to calm you down a bit), and then go (on your own terms). In all cases the folks auditioning you know that you are nervous. People are different though. Some (most) will try to make you comfortable, but some want to see how you react under pressure and may be cool to you. Stay calm and act like you have done this many times.
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