Period 2 seating auditions: September 17-20

Seating auditions assess many aspects of your playing. Points are awarded in all of the following categories:

1.    Note Accuracy: Are you playing the correct notes?

2.    Rhythmic Accuracy: Does each note and rest get the right number of beats or fraction of a beat?

3.    Intonation: Do you play in tune?

4.    Tone: Do you play with a beautiful sound?

5.    Tempo: Do you play at the correct speed throughout? 

6.    Musicianship: Does your playing flow smoothly and make sense? Do you understand the phrasing of the passage and how it fits with the other instruments of the orchestra and with the composition as a whole?

To help you focus your efforts remember that your ability to play the notes and rhythms accurately and in tune is the first priority. 

The following suggestions will help you maximize the benefit you get from the time you spend practicing and in turn will help you to improve your scores and standing in the orchestra.

1.    Go over difficult passages very slowly until you really understand the
Pitches
Fingering
Shifting
Bowing
Rhythm
Articulation
Dynamics

2.    Use a metronome; playing first at slow tempos and gradually working the tempo up until you are at or slightly above the performance tempo.

3.    Count the beats with subdivisions (1 e and a 2 e and a etc.) out loud while you clap the rhythms.

4.    Record yourself playing the passages you are working on and then listen to the recording analytically to see where your strengths are and what still needs work. Keep in mind that note accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, good intonation are the most important factors.

5.   Do your best and be confident in what you are able to do!

Good luck!