Auditions?

[jazztastic]

- I have a huge one on Friday. How do I relax and reduce stress so I can have a top performance? Any other tips?

[Phoenix Wright]

Hmm... well what kind of music are you playing? Is it sightreading, or memorization, or anything else? If its anything actually, the best thing to do is just practice. And after you think you're at your best game, just don't worry about it. All you really have to do is believe in yourself. Do that, and you'll do great i'm sure.

[jazztastic]

Look at my username bro, cause you know it's all about the jazz! I'm playing 3 etudes off sheets (one w/ a stupid recording that I've never even heard before lol...) and then a sightreading potion. And Ionian scales 4b-4#'s. Easy stuff. I've been practicing for this for months, so I'm absolutely ready.

But the thing is... pressure is setting in more... I can't shake it. I get so nervous just thinking about it.

[bluescalesdragon]

No improvisation required? Oh well. I enjoy my jazz auditions because they usually require soloing on some sort of blues.

I've found that practicing obsessively before an audition helps me (but you're a brass player, so its your call.) I've known brass players that take aspirin the night before their auditions after their last practice.

Don't lose the swing on your etudes (unless it requests straight-eighths, obviously). The etudes may have no names, but that doesn't mean you can't put a bit of yourself in them when you play. Have fun while you're in that audition room, because that's the only foolproof way that you'll come out satisfied with the way you played. This is why jazz people are so laid back...it's because they don't deal with has many nervewracking, nailbiting classical music auditions.

[jazztastic]

Improv wasn't required, but it was optional. I've been so busy w/ being a drum major and preparing the season that I haven't had all that much time to dedicate to thinking up some improv besides my usual practice times.
No drugs for me man
and... one of the etudes had a name I discovered, and found a recording of the group I'm auditioning playing it from a few years back.
That's what I like to do... just relax, have fun, play your heart out.
Overall, it went pretty well. Playing was awesome and the director l-o-v-e-d me. The trombone expert helping her also gave me his # because he wants to be my private teacher or somethin' like that. So yeah, I think we are pretty laid back, I try to incorporate that into being DM, and be understanding and all that jazz. Haha, puns.
Thanks Blues.