Detroit Symphony O - Second Set of Tuba Auditions

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Yes, indeed. To those with the appropriate "pedigree," good luck in the next Detroit audition!

To the other dozens of players who would do an excellent job with that orchestra but don't have the resume to deserve an invite, well...better luck next time.

[WoodSheddin]

To the other dozens of players who would do an excellent job with that orchestra

dozens, doubtful

[anonymous4]

Yes, indeed. To those with the appropriate "pedigree," good luck in the next Detroit audition!

To the other dozens of players who would do an excellent job with that orchestra but don't have the resume to deserve an invite, well...better luck next time.

Sorry to not be in the know here, but what evidence indicates that this will be an invite only audition? If I'm not mistaken four days are reserved for auditions, which is exactly the same as last time. This ad, just like the last one, has that whole bit about "only the most highly qualified" applicants need apply, yet I think somewhere around 120 people went to the last audition. It is therefore impossible that every resume had the right "pedigree". As a matter of fact, several of the semi-finalists and/or finalists from the last time are NOT currently employed full time in a symphony.

I don't mean to be a butt here, and I probably shouldn't bother since I don't even go to auditions, but this job posting looks very similar to the one from last time. Where does it mention that there will be a resume cut?

[WoodSheddin]

dozens, doubtful

Really? Between all the guys in regional orchestras, teaching at colleges and in military bands both in DC and not, it would only take 24 people in the nation to qualify as dozens..... Without calling out names, I feel confident there are dozens......

doubtful there are "dozens of players who would do an excellent job with that orchestra but don't have the resume to deserve an invite"

there might be dozens of players who might do an ok job most of the time with that orchestra but don't have the resume to deserve an invite

why do people assume that the last audition had outstanding performances which blew away the committee and director yet were all rejected so the committee and director could have the opportunity to enjoy another round of tuba auditions at a later date?

you call out all the names you want, but how many of those names are gunning for this particular job. how many had their stuff in order the last time around. how many will next time.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Sorry to not be in the know here, but what evidence indicates that this will be an invite only audition? (snip)
I don't mean to be a butt here, and I probably shouldn't bother since I don't even go to auditions, but this job posting looks very similar to the one from last time. Where does it mention that there will be a resume cut?

You're not being a butt...you may, in fact, be entirely correct, as I have no evidence that there will be a "resume cut" in this particular audition.

However, assuming you're correct for a moment, if there's no particular requirement on the resume to get an audition time (just a $100 refundable deposit and a mailed application)...then what's the resume for???

[Uncle Buck]

how many had their stuff in order the last time around. how many will next time.

That's really the key to this whole issue, isn't it?

[Wyvern]

and $100.00 deposit made out to The Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

What is this about $100 deposit? I have never heard of having to pay to apply for a job. Is it a US idea? That sounds like means of ensuring only those already in well paid positions apply.

And don't worry, I am just interested - have no plans to apply

[Matt G]

Seems like a good way for the DSO to round up around $12,000 to listen to tuba players for four days. Maybe they know the alcohol required to cope and have budgeted accordingly.

In regards to this position:

Does anyone really want to move to Detroit right now? Personally, if I had the skills to land this job, I would probably avoid this town for myriad reasons.

[Matt G]

I understand the current situation is fair. However, one would have to have some amount of trepidation in this current climate, specifically in regards to Detroit. The world's 3rd largest manufacturer's North American operations (VW) recently left town. GeeEmm is not doing so well and the NAIAS Detroit show was not the most confidence inspiring event.

Listen, I hope everything works out. It's just a lot of factors outside the job are in the air, and that "squared away" funding can evaporate quickly in the upcoming numbers crunch that Detroit is going to have to undertake to keep alive.

[JHardisk]

With regards to the $100 deposit, it is normally given back to you when you show up to audition. This is a pseudo insurance policy for orchestras to encourage those who send materials to actually show up and not waste their time. Unless Detroit is completely different form the many auditions I've taken, this is the same process they're using.

If I'm wrong, please correct me!

[Alex C]

With regards to the $100 deposit, it is normally given back to you when you show up to audition. This is a pseudo insurance policy for orchestras to encourage those who send materials to actually show up and not waste their time. Unless Detroit is completely different form the many auditions I've taken, this is the same process they're using.

If I'm wrong, please correct me!

The only correction is that the deposit check at auditions is not cashed and is returned to you if you show up at the audition. I wouldn't call it a pseudo insurance policy, if you don't show they'll cash it to help pay for expenses, I'm sure.

This is common practice for orchestral auditions.

[jb2ba]

This post is to support Mr. Hawes' claim of an excellent personnel manager:

The previous audition was a very pleasant and positive experience. I didn't advance, but it was very well organized and I learned a great deal from the experience. I'd encourage everyone who thinks that they may have a shot to go out and play. Kudos to the personnel manager for running a very smooth audition. I will certainly be going again.

[anonymous4]

In no way am I trying to discourage anyone chasing this gig, but poor motown can't get a
break.

[ztuba]

i personally will not be auditioning for that spot because of the things that article talks about. I knew about that stuff when it first started. Which is funny because I live in the top city on their list but our issues have nothing to do with big businesses failing left and right.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I also can't name but a very few of the orchestra that actually lives in Detroit proper.

Very good point. Besides, Ypsilanti is beautiful this time of year!

[anonymous4]

Not much love for Ypsilanti. My dad went to Eastern Michigan and he liked it there! Anyway, I guess I should post something more relevant to the thread. The new list was posted. Thsi might be old news, until today I hadn't checked their website in a while.

DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Principal Tuba Audition Repertoire
Preliminary and Semifinal Rounds: April 13-15, 2009
Final Round: April 21, 2009
Please note: A solo/concerto will not be required for this audition.
I. Orchestral Repertoire
· Berlioz Hungarian March from the Damnation of Faust
Symphonie Fantastique
· Brahms Symphony No. 2, movement 4
· Bruckner Symphony No. 7, movements 1 & 4 - Haas edition
· Gershwin An American in Paris
Four measures after 67 to 68 (Tuba Solo)
· Hindemith Symphonic Metamorphosis, Turandot
· Mahler Symphony No. 1, movement 3
Symphony No. 2, movements 1 & 5
Symphony No. 6, movement 4
· Prokofiev Symphony No. 5, movement 1
#3 to seven measures after #5
· Revueltas Sensemaya
· Strauss Ein Heldenleben
· Stravinsky Petrushka, 1947 version – Fourth Part
Masqueraders #240 to five measures after #241
Peasant with Bear #188 to #191
· Wagner Ride of the Valkyries
Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg
Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin
II. Possible sight reading

Good luck people!

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Just a little joke about Ypsilanti. I drove through Ypsilanti on the way to Interlochen once, and I know absolutely nothing about Ypsilanti.

Except that I really like to write "Ypsilanti."

[jacojdm]

Ypsi is OK, but lately some weird crime has reared it's ugly head there. Can't escape it, I guess. You could do worse than EMU. Pretty good school. Great euphonium instructor!

We frequently drove to Ypsi from BG for men's and women's basketball and football games. Dreadful venues. The stadium has a brutalist feel to it, and the arena is too big for its purpose. BUT, there was this place we would always go for a pregame meal and brew...TC's Speakeasy has (had?) some delicious burgers.

[windshieldbug]

Just a little joke about Ypsilanti. I drove through Ypsilanti on the way to Interlochen once, and I know absolutely nothing about Ypsilanti.

Except that I really like to write "Ypsilanti."

Yes, but can you say it?

(From someone who lived in Chelsea for years... )

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Yes, but can you say it?

Ypsilanti. I'm relatively sure that Ypsilanti is pronounced IP-suh-lan-tee (not YIP-suh-lan-tee), but I could be wrong and would be happy to be corrected on my pronunciation of Ypsilanti, since conversations with people from Ypsilanti or general conversation about Ypsilanti would be enhanced by the proper pronunciation of Ypsilanti.

Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Ypsilanti Ypsilanti