With the recent auditions held for the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point and the Air Force Band of the Golden West, I was asked to share my experiences...
Each band required recordings to be sent in for a preliminary round - 8 were invited to West Point and 9 to the Band of the Golden West. Travel expenses for West Point were covered by the military, but the trip to Band of the Golden West audition was not. The environment at both auditions were very relaxed and professional. Each audition had two rounds before a job was offered to anyone.
The first round at West Point was blind and everyone ran through their packet of excerpts from top to bottom (meaning, no one was stopped after the panel decided to cut you). Immediately following was sight reading. I did not advance to the second round (three were selected), but I understand it was open and more interactive. The music for that included a duet with SSG Broome, a few excerpts on euphonium and trombone, and sight reading. Overall, it was very straightforward and a positive experience. We were emailed comments from the panel, which were encouraging for my audition for the Air Force just a few days later.
The Band of the Golden West audition was a little different. The first round was not screened, and there was a lot of dialogue between the panel and auditionees. Our prepared music was a solo of choice, scales, and a few excerpts, which was followed by sight reading. Three, including myself, were selected for the second round (also open), which involved playing euphonium with a brass quintet and a Bordogni on trombone. Both portions of the second round had sight reading. After waiting while the panel deliberated, I was pulled out of the waiting room and met with a couple members of the band, where I was offered (and accepted) the job. Again, everything was very straightforward and I think we all got a great impression of the band.
Some things that were helpful to me...
1. Obviously, preparation is key. If you care, you're going to be stressed, but being prepared will mitigate the nerves. Frequently playing for people and practicing sight reading will help, too.
2. Drink lots of water starting a few days before the audition. The last thing anyone needs is to dry out while everyone is listening to you play. And yes, you'll be in the bathroom a lot. A. Lot.
3. Have a list of questions to ask the panel if they prompt you. You'll get a better feel for the band and its personnel, and it'll show them you genuinely care.
4. Don't read into anything and get in your own head. I was asked to do many of my excerpts again, but in a different interpretation. It'll demonstrate how easily you can adapt on the spot.
5. Finally, just be yourself. Even though you are auditioning for a band, they are also deciding on who they want to work/socialize with for many years. If you're reading this, you probably play euphonium, which means you're already a great guy/girl. The hard work is over so being your normal self will surely work to your advantage.
If you have any questions, feel free to respond or just talk to anyone you know who has had good audition experiences. Thanks for reading!