audition etiquette, the do's and dont's

[saxamaphonegirl]

i exhausted the search option and found no answer to audition etiquette. gig etiquette yes, but not audition.
i figured this would be the best place to post since seasoned pros know better.
i was wondering if there is a universal audition etiquette or at least some good pointers to go by. i know slamming down your sheet music and cussing when you flub is not the answer. yet, i have seen my share of audition fiascos.

anyone have any pointers? for example....
do you talk to the judges or not..... etc.

thanks in advance.

[sessionsax]

Do's

Be prepared -- know your pieces inside out

Don't come across as cocky -- confidence is good but attitude will get you nowhere. The best auditions come from folks who come across as hard workers who are willing to learn and willing to fit in with a group.

Be organized when you walk in. Have you music in order and you reed and mpc adjusted as well as you neckstrap. Fumbling around is distracting and it puts you in an unfavorable light.

It doesnt hurt to introduce yourself in a polite manner to the judges. Just keep your comments on a personable level and don't go through the whole "I am just so nervous" routine. Also keep all comments positive -- don't tell them that your reed sucks or that you horn is out of adjustment or that your little sister was sick so you could not practice. Something like a hello my name is xxxx I hope that you enjoy my audition is sufficient unless they ask questions. If they do ask questions always reply in a positive light.

For example if your tone is lacking and they offer suggestions -- don't respond with a comment like --- My tone is the best out of all of our sax players -- then excuse comes here. Just go thank you for letting me know, what would you suggest.

[BobMac]

I'll add the following:

do a mock audition 2 weeks before the real one. If possible, get a good musician (preferably not your own teacher- someone you don't know too well) to sit and listen, make notes, do all the stuff they would normally do in an audition.

Be really, really ready.

Take every chance to perform in public; it reduces the nerves.
(Nureyev once did 40 perfomances in 42 nights, when he was in his forties. He said it was easier than being 19 and doing three performances a month.)

Show up with the mindset that you'll be the calmest, most professional person in the room.

rm

[Neil Sharpe]

Mentally rehearsing your performance and attitude can make a big difference. Try this SOTW link.

http://www.saxontheweb.net/Resources/Performing-NSharpe3.html

[singlereed]

Make sure you know how to pronounce the names of the composers and of the pieces. Two of the professors at one of our colleges are friends of mine, and they told me they humoured one candidate who said she would play a piece by (sounds like) 'Ibbert', and they themselves used this pronunciation, and all the others that she also mis-pronounced!

Play to the judges, so think about the position of yourself and the music - don't let that get in the way.

I would say, produce a neat and clear programme with notes - although of course there may well be a specific requirement.

Communicate with the accompanist in a musical fashion - and show special consideration to him or her if you have not brought your own person to play.

Be nice to everyone, not just the judges, also their admin people and anyone else involved.

[gary]

Learn a good relaxation technique you can turn on at will.
This can't be learned at the last moment but can be crucial of you are prone to moments of panic in such situations.

Boy, there are some good suggestions above. Did anyone say appearance? Clean clothes in good order regardless of style.

Don't gag the jury with perfume or an overdose of bath soap.

And the purpose of the audition has an effect on the qualities you want to show. If the audition is to get nto a program of studies at an extremely high level, they lokely don't care if you've got the humanity of Attilla the Hun as long as you're an animal on your instrument.

If, in the other hand, you're auditioning for a musical group, you're personality might be important as well as your playing.

[Vortex]

Do - Take a moment to inconspicuously apply some Vicks Vapo-rub toi the other players' reeds

Don't - Chat with your competition. You'll only end up giving them advice that they could use against you.

[Paul Coats]

My son tried out for Honor Band, and loaned a girl (of course) his Yamaha 52 bari, because her old horn would hardly play. He got first chair anyway, but... Hah! What you do for girls, huh?

OK, don't make excuses for your bad performance... just do it, or not.

Make sure you know the requirements of the audition, have it in writing ahead of time, and comply with those requirements. Copies for all the judges, the original, etc.

Be organized, don't waste their time. All the stuff Sessionsax Singlereed say.

Smile and be polite.

Thank them for listening and their comments when you leave.

Do NOT argue with them, if they say you rush, or did not phrase correctly, nod your head in agreement.

If they stop you while you are playing it may not be because you are bad, but because they have heard enough of you to make a decision on how to grade or rank your performance. They have more people to listen to.