Obviously I disagree with the notion that summer festivals, small orchestras, and concerto competitions make no difference. We're looking at that for two reasons (to be completely candid)...first, we can't legally ask people what their age is, but we sure can ballpark it by looking at a candidate's education, teachers, and experience. We expect to see more summer festivals, small orchestras, sub gigs, and concerto competitions listed on the resume of a young player than on a resume of older pro (that is not always the case, of course). Second, sometimes orchestras actually are looking for young players. This is especially true of the string players of today. Some of the young violinists of today are absolutely incredible players that even the largest orchestras would be happy to have though their resumes show more concerto competition wins than orchestral experience. My point being that any experience does matter and young players should not automatically feel defeated and give up. Sometimes their age and typical level of experience works to their advantage.Todd S. Malicoate wrote:Thanks to all who work "on the other side" of auditions for your explanations of the process and taking the time to write them. It's much appreciated.
The only comment I would have is that many players get frustrated by the fact that "summer festivals, small orchestras, concerto competitions, etc., etc." don't seem to make any difference to even the smallest orchestras.
Tom, I would imagine a certain young lady in Philly would disagree with your suggestion of what not to do after getting a rejection letter from an audition committee. Just sayin'.
As for Carol in Philadelphia, it is my understanding that she was not a complete unknown to the committee as one prominent member of that committee had heard an audition tape of hers and worked with her in another setting. That person then recommended her for invitation to the audition. I absolutely do not want to take anything away from her as she is an excellent player doing an excellent job in Philadelphia, but she absolutely DID get luckly that the door was opened when the right person heard her play great. She did not just show up to the audition after being rejected with the hope of being afforded the opportunity to play.
