The Symphony Audition Process

[@gaywells7340]

My 24-year-old self’s dream job (I’m now 75) only on oboe! Never auditioned beyond college, but I taught oboe, bassoon and piano privately for 40 years. Fortunately my husband had a “real”job so our family didn’t starve. It was a wonderful life.

[@Aaron_R]

I don't wanna be in a Symphony Orchestra but mad respect for you guys. Was trying to play the suite to star wars on my trombone and was like this is really hard. Granted, I was in the top 10 percent of trombones in High School and played a little in college but majored in accounting. But I am nothing compared to any symphony musician.

[@SKBottom]

This was informative for both the aspiring pro and the layman. I thought you did a fantastic job. Well done!

[@billyhill7132]

You might as well buy a bunch of lottery tickets. The only ones that have a real chance are the top five players that are "in the loop." And sometimes the orchestra simply knows who they want in advance. Screens are a joke.

[@georgesmith8384]

...yikes! Someone sounds a little jaded. If that's your point of view, you're going to have a hard time convincing any audition committee that you're the one for the job. As crazy as this may sound, they can't exactly tell if you're one of the "top five players in the loop" (whatever that means) from behind that big screen of theirs. Consider spending a little less time bitching and a little more time in the practice room. Good luck!

[@hockeywarrior]

Good luck Julian! This is an amazing opportunity to at the head of one of America's fastest-rising orchestras (and my hometown orchestra). The brass section at KCS is really fantastic, and I think your predecessor left a great legacy for you to continue!

[@nicholasshannon1071]

Leonore Overture! :P