Posted by Marty Neilan on August 20, 2003 at 13:50:25:
Well, I broke EVERY one of these the other day and had a less than stellar placement audition. After playing auditions of various kinds for 2 decades, you would think I would know better! I made a list to remind me for an orchestral sub audition coming up in 2 weeks, and I thought I would share it with my good friends on the BBS:
1. Do not have a marathon practice session the day before.
2. Do not make any equipment or repertoire changes close to the audition.
3. Make sure ALL tuning slides are properly set prior to beginning (may get moved going in / out of bag.)
4. Allow enough time for adequate warmup immediately beforehand.
5. Do not engage in any non-musical activities that may stress you out or leave you pinched for time on the day of the audition (see #4).
6. If there are any physical chop problems (chapped, dry, raw) treat them immediately (vitamin E, aloe, vasoline intensive care, etc) before they worsen.
bonus for men with sensitive skin: Do not shave immediately before / after long practice sessions.