If only every audition could be like that...

I officially got the job as principal oboe in the local symphony after an audition the other night. The catch? I was the only one auditioning! But, all the worse if they hadn't taken me, especially after playing the position all season! Now, if only I could go to every audition as the only candidate, maybe I wouldn't get so nervous (actually, I probably still would).

The audition was helpful, as our main conductor gave me pointers that will help me prepare for further auditions. But she also was was very encouraging and after hearing me play my solo piece, she said I needed to play the orchestral excerpts with more confidence, as I had played the solo piece. I heard similar comments from my jury after my chamber music Master's recital in Berlin. They wanted me to come out and be an actress, "owning" the stage. My serious smile hadn't done it for them. So for my solo Master's recital a few days later, I plastered on my most confident smile and acted as arrogant as possible and they loved it, remarking how far I'd come in less than a week. I know when you come out thinking you're the best, you play with more confidence, too. That's easy to do when you're comfortable, it's just getting to that point even when you feel nervous or intimidated!

We've been rehearsing all week for our last concert of the season coming up on Saturday. It's an all Beethoven concert and will be fun. I also have my eye on another area audition coming up, too. I accepted the legal secretary job at the new law firm and they want me to start the day of that audition, so I'll have to figure that out!