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Say I go to an audition in which the first round is blind. When I go out on stage at any audition, I like to play a few notes, just to get the horn going and to get a feel for the room. For a blind audition, do I just go ahead and play those notes when I get out there, or do I somehow ask to do so? I assume I can't actually ask the audition panel, since that would negate the blind audition. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Aaron H.

In a blind audition there is usually a proctor that stays on your side of the screen with you. If you need to communicate with the panel, you do so through the proctor.

There should be a proctor.
As much as you want to, don't play without asking.

If you got the gig, you'd have to come in on cue with any warm-up notes.
It is often taken as a signal to possible "confederates" on the committee giving away your identity in a blind audition phase.

You should be able to pass a prelim phase without such preparation.
And, if you find that you need to adjust for the hall during the audition, the committee will be impressed that you realized it, and took whatever steps you needed to WHILE playing.

I'm going out on a limb here and you guys can flame the crap out of me if you wish.

My advise: NEVER go out and play a few warm-up notes.

During my time here in the Dallas Symphony, I have heard a few dozen auditions on the other side of the screen (trumpet, horn, trombone, timpani, percussion, cello, bass). It has been my perception that your audition starts with the first note you play. Personally, I have been instantly "turned-off" by those that go out and play lip slurs and scales with poor intonation and sound.

The best approach, in my opinion, is to go out and play right away with good basic skills of musicianship (solid rhythm, intonation and sound). It is my belief that the best players demonstrate these skills within the first 20 seconds of their audition. We listen to search for integrity. Don't take the risk that your warm-up will eliminate you before you attempt to play music.

Matt Good's advice is solid. However, I have heard of a few successful audition candidates who have played warmup/tester notes on stage at auditions. If you feel you must play a few notes, you should plan out what you are going to play and it should be the most beautiful few notes in the world and it should be polished the way you polish the excerpts. Those first few notes can get you eliminated if every aspect of them is not perfect. Do not just blat out some crap like you're in your high school band room. Better yet, follow Mr. Good's advice and don't play tester/warmup notes.

bloke wrote: I was THINKING this nearly word-for-word, but don't have the cred's to type it...Then I scroll down and see that Matt Good has said it.

Since when has having or not having credentials stopped you, Joe? This is why we love you!

Jake used to have a good saying which is especially good to keep in mind for auditions: "Never practice; always perform". Be fully ready to perform at your very best and entertain the panel.

"TESTING" indicates a degree of uncertainty, a lack of confidence in your own playing. The person who gots the job will, very likely, be the one who has full confidence in his/her performing ability.

The key is to concentrate on your output, not the feedback. Taking notice of poor feedback will probably throw you off creating good output.

All good advice so far. I would just add one very simple thing to your pre-audition-warm-up-get-in-the-mood routine right before you go out there...

Mouthpiece Buzzing!

Usually at auditions you will know before you get in the room which excerpts (or solo) you will perform. Have a solid sense, in your ear, of the sound and pitch you want to produce and just buzz the first couple notes a few times and maybe even the first phrase. Sounds too easy to be true, but it works.

Good luck next audition.