Audition Tips and Opportunities

 Audition Opportunities and Strategies (column for Iron County Today)

By Sara Penny, CCAC Vice President 

Auditions are tricky events. Sometimes everything clicks and you remember all the lines or music notes. Other times your nerves interfere and accuracy is compromised. 

The Orchestra of Southern Utah holds auditions in July for new members and returning strings. The audition excerpts are on the website, myosu.org, under the Musician tab. We try to create a musical family and welcome back those who have had to take a break. 

There is also an opportunity to solo with the orchestra for ages 13 to 25. Video auditions are due in September, so the summer is a good time to polish a concerto or aria. Same website for application and more information. 

The concerto concert honors R. L. Halversen. He taught many of us in Cedar City. He was instrumental in building the community strings as well as helping start Cedar City Music Arts. 

I started lessons in elementary school and he taught much more than just violin. He would ask if I noticed the sunrise since I had early morning lessons. He helped make the younger students feel comfortable working with adults for operas and graduation ceremonies. We were expected to work hard and be involved with community music. 

I remember staying overnight with Jan Jones so we could get to the high school orchestra before school when snow was predicted because I lived in the valley and driving in the early morning snow was a challenge. After school several of us went to the college to play in that orchestra as well. 

The soloists who play with the orchestra have prepared for many months. Being a soloist takes a lot of technical skill as well as the emotional energy to interpret the music. It is not just ink spots on a page. It is taking what the composer offers and sharing with the audience. Shaping a phrase is evoking an emotion. As Joy Grimes said in a workshop, “Every note has a journey.”  Is it getting louder or softer? Is it a tragic sigh or a triumphant exclamation? Does the music tell a story? Is it a charming dance or a romantic expression?  Every musician takes what the composer has provided and adds their own spin and personality. That is part of why live music is more engaging than a recording. 

Think of the audition and performing as sharing a gift with the listener. This helps put the focus on giving your best rather than the anxiety of worrying about making a mistake. If there is a bobble then think ahead to the next note because dwelling on a mistake creates a cascade of problems. I think of it as letting a butterfly go and moving forward. 

The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green is helpful in using sports psychology concepts applied to music performance. Practicing at home is much a different experience than playing for an audition or concert. Most people lose a percentage of proficiency with an audience, so extra preparation is essential. 

Everyone is different. I have had students who were close to perfect in lessons who stumble in performance. Others find that an audience focuses their minds and they outperform their practice. Some develop a solid consistency no matter the situation. Regular thoughtful rehearsal definitely increases the odds for a successful experience. 

We are excited to build our musical family and hope you will be involved whether onstage or

In the audience.