How to Make First Chair in an Audition
First chair in a band, orchestra or ensemble is a high honor for any musician. As first chair, you are essentially the captain of your particular section in the group. Responsibilities include making sure everyone in your section is playing the music correctly with proper technique, and that you communicate directly with the conductor in rehearsals about any issues that need explanation or additional work. First chair is given to musicians based on auditions for the conductor and/or musical director of a particular ensemble.
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Instructions
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Sign up for the audition, and make sure your calendar is relatively clear in the weeks leading up to the audition to allow for additional practice.
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Obtain a list of musical passages or pieces that will be required to play at your audition. Get copies of all sheet music to keep in your practice room.
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Sight-read the pieces for the audition. Take good notes, such as marking the stanzas that you struggle with initially, and what components of each piece are confusing.
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Meet with your conductor or musical director soon after practicing each piece a few times. Discuss elements of each piece that are causing you trouble. Ask for advice on technique as well as good listening examples that will help you as you practice. Also, ask what specifically is expected of the first chair musician, and whether they have specific comments or suggestions based on your playing. The conductor may or may not give you a lot of information, but the meeting will accomplish two things: (1) you will get a sense for how the conductor expects the piece to be played, and (2) you will show the initiative and leadership skills that are required of a first chair musician.
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Practice often, every single day. Pay extra attention to particular passages that you struggle with. Start slowly and play at a slow tempo until you perfect each passage, and gradually increase the tempo until you can perfectly play each piece at the required tempo. Practice in front of friends or family members as the audition approaches to get comfortable playing the selections in front of an audience.
You may also want to listen to recordings of the audition pieces to study how other professionals play each piece. Pay attention to areas or elements of each piece you need to work on. Record yourself playing each piece and listen carefully as compared to other versions. Make any adjustments needed.
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Arrive at your audition early. Practice several times to warm up, then take a few minutes to relax before you are called to play. Dress for the occasion; wear something that makes a statement that you are the first chair musician (usually a formal black dress or suit).
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Tips & Warnings
Get a good night's sleep and eat healthy meals during the days leading up to the audition, as well as the day of. Practice hard, but take breaks to enjoy other activities and take your mind off the audition. You do not want to stress yourself out so badly that it affects your playing.
If the current first chair musician is moving on or retiring, ask him or her for advice.
Do not talk very much about your audition with other players auditioning for the first chair spot; you might give them an advantage over you.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit violin image by Mateusz Papiernik from Fotolia.com
