Re: the desperate auditioner


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Posted by Mike Solms on July 15, 1999 at 12:23:14:

In Reply to: the desperate auditioner posted by Winton on July 14, 1999 at 04:31:08:

Winton- Let me offer a few hints on recording audition tapes. I have
recorded a number of them for friends. I always use two recorders-
a Yamaha 4-track that records at twice normal speed, and a Sony
Walkman Pro. At the beginning of each take, I write down the counter
number on the four-track and announce the piece and take number. At
the end of the take everyone stays quiet for a five count. I once
recorded a horn player who absolutely nailed a trick Strauss excerpt
and shouted out "Yeah!" as soon as she finished it. I couldn't edit
around it since the sound was still decaying in the room. At the
end of the session I give the tape from the Sony to the performer. They can review it at their leisure with their teacher and pick the best takes. Once they have selected what they want, I mix it down for them. I believe the order of your pieces makes a difference. You should start with something immediately shows off your best quality. The idea is to grab the listener's attention and make sure they do listen to the whole tape. Of course, too, you want to finish with a stron impression. I think the biggest advantage to making a tape over a live audition is that the security of being able to do it again gives you the freedom to take a chance or two. As for what you mentioned concerning the interpretation of your pieces,I'll pass on one hint that has served me well over many years. Glenn Smith used to tell me (over and over), "If it doesn't make me want to dance, you're wasting my time."


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