Please Wish Me Luck, Oppo

"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
08/29/2014 at 10:41 • Filed to: None

I'm auditioning for the Austin Symphony Orchestra this evening.

A few of you know that I'm a professional trumpet player. I've been playing as a substitute/extra with the Austin Symphony for a few years, but now there is an opening for a contracted 2nd trumpet position.

Orchestral auditions are weird things. They give you little snippets of important trumpet parts, called excerpts, from lots of different pieces and you have to stand on stage, screened from the audition committee, and play these excerpts completely out of context and by yourself. Each hour a certain number of people perform, and then they advance a few, or none, to the next round. It's sort of like knockout qualifying. What it really boils down to is taking almost 40 years of trumpet playing experience and condensing it into 9 minutes. And that's just the first round. Oh, and don't miss any notes, especially in the first round. One or two chipped notes and you're out. Imagine having a pole position lap in the works and then overshooting a corner or botching an apex.

Auditions can be very nerve wracking experiences, and oftentimes the person who can do well in an audition will be unable to actually do the job. I know I can do the job; I've been doing it for many years. Whether or not I can win the audition is another matter.

They say that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Well, I'm as prepared as I can be, and this is the opportunity. Let's see what happens. But still, I think I'll need a little luck.

The cartoon is brilliant. Larson must have been a musician. In every audition, there's always that one guy (or gal). The trick is not being intimidated.

DISCUSSION (71)

$kaycog > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:43

Good luck on your audition! I hope you can return here and toot your own horn. :D

ttyymmnn > $kaycog
08/29/2014 at 10:46

Thanks! I've really got nothing to lose. I'm not a contracted member now, and if I don't win, I still won't be. But winning would mean a LOT more work, and more money. And that's always a good thing.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:46

That's pretty awesome. Good luck mate :)

Jcarr > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:47

Good luck!

Kinja'd!!!

ttyymmnn > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
08/29/2014 at 10:47

Thanks.

Tekamul > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:48

Good luck!

And don't forget your trumpet. That is the kind of mistake I would make.

Jobjoris > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:48

Good luck, have an Austin Allegro to keep your tempo!

Kinja'd!!!

ttyymmnn > Jcarr
08/29/2014 at 10:48

Thanks! Frickin' conductors. As one of my trumpet professors said, "The baton doesn't make any noise at all, now isn't that right?"

ttyymmnn > Jobjoris
08/29/2014 at 10:49

Perfect! Now I just have to make sure I don't rush!

Jobjoris > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:50

Just keep it 'Andante grazioso' and you'll be fine!

$kaycog > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:51

What will be, will be.

ttyymmnn > $kaycog
08/29/2014 at 10:55

Indeed.

thebigbossyboss > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:57

Don;t you mean "Oppo" tunity? Good luck fellow trumpeteer!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > $kaycog
08/29/2014 at 10:57

I came here to make the same joke, good luck ttyymmnn!

$kaycog > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
08/29/2014 at 10:59

Great minds........something, something.

ttyymmnn > thebigbossyboss
08/29/2014 at 10:59

Well played! Thanks. I didn't know you played. I've come across a couple here and there, but I haven't kept track of who they are.

PushToStart > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 10:59

I know that feel, I played trombone for quite a few years and did my fair share of auditions.

Good luck to you!

ttyymmnn > PushToStart
08/29/2014 at 11:00

Thanks!

ttyymmnn > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
08/29/2014 at 11:00

Thank you!

ttyymmnn > Tekamul
08/29/2014 at 11:01

Good advice! Actually, I have to take 6 trumpets. Kind of like having to take your toolbox with all your tools. You never know what you're going to need.

phenotyp > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:06

Awesome! Kick its ass. My neighbor's a harpist in the ASO.

thebigbossyboss > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:06

Yup. I've played for about 14 years or so (I am 27), but I missed 4 years when I went to University so I am not as good as that statistic might suggest. At my peak I was playing at about a grade 6 level, I'm probably around grade 4 now.

ttyymmnn > phenotyp
08/29/2014 at 11:09

Really?! Small world.

MonkeePuzzle > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:11

I was a fairly motivated flautist at one point in my life, auditions and the AMEB (Australia) testings were so painful. talk about a way to take the fun out of something I loved doing! but playing in front of people, there to enjoy not to judge, was ALWAYS a thrill. Best of luck on your audition, I hope it leads to many thrilling performances!

phenotyp > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:15

Really truly. Elaine Barber. Great lady.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:21

Awesome. Hope you kill it.

Got any recordings/video you can share?

OPPOsaurus WRX > $kaycog
08/29/2014 at 11:22

i've been toot'in my horn all morning

OPPOsaurus WRX > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:23

good luck. I havn't picked up my trumpet in years. I could go before you. It would make you sound a hell of a lot better

$kaycog > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/29/2014 at 11:23

Taco Bell for dinner last night?

texasfordfan > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:23

Good luck.

And make that audition your bitch.

MIATAAAA > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:30

Good luck! At least there's a screen - I hate auditioning when everyone can see me.

OPPOsaurus WRX > $kaycog
08/29/2014 at 11:30

I think you'd know it all the way down there if I had taco bell. I dont touch that crap.

Kinja'd!!!

KFC on the other hand could be nothing but a gift from god. I'm guessing it was the mac & cheese at 10pm after the pork and corn for dinner.

Axel-Ripper > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:32

But don't you know its all about that bass. About that bass. No treble (clef).

Sorry, couldn't resist. Best of luck. Back in middle school I had auditioned for the area all-star band on trumpet. Think I mainly just screwed up the sight reading. Did pretty well on the practiced piece though, considering my conductor decided to throw me a high A (in like 7th grade).

Of course I transitioned to bass guitar once that position opened up in my sophomore year. Because you needed "that guy" playing bass in a marching band.

$kaycog > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/29/2014 at 11:33

I eat at Taco Bell every couple of months. I have the Gordito Crunch and have never had a problem. Yeah, I think your dinner and late night snack must have done it for you. Or should I say to you?

ttyymmnn > Axel-Ripper
08/29/2014 at 11:37

Somebody's got to be "that guy." Sight reading on an audition, especially at this level, is a joke. Do they really think that I'm going to show up to a concert or rehearsal never having looked at my music??

ttyymmnn > MIATAAAA
08/29/2014 at 11:38

Yes, but when they can see you, if they know you and your work, that might give you an advantage. They use the screen to eliminate just such an advantage. But, if you get down to the last two or three applicants, wouldn't it be good to know your finalists so you know whether or not they are an asshole? You're going to have to sit next to this person for years. You'd better get along.

ttyymmnn > texasfordfan
08/29/2014 at 11:39

Well said. I'm approaching it as just another performance, and I've been performing professionally for 30 years.

ttyymmnn > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/29/2014 at 11:40

Thanks for the offer. I just might take you up on that. How soon can you be in Austin? My first round is at 6:00 pm.

ttyymmnn > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/29/2014 at 11:41

Thanks.

No, I don't. All of my work in the last 25 years has been orchestral and not solo. I haven't made a recording since grad school, and that was 14 years ago. Besides, I prefer live music. People tend to forget the mistakes when it's live!

ttyymmnn > MonkeePuzzle
08/29/2014 at 11:42

Thank you!

Hooker > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:44

Good luck! Keep us posted! I'm sure you will rock it out!

Axel-Ripper > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:44

Frankly I'd pay to see a symphony orchestra (including conductor) get handed music when they walk into the concert hall. "You have 30 minutes. Good luck."

ttyymmnn > Axel-Ripper
08/29/2014 at 11:48

My comment is not to say that I've never sightread a concert. I have done it many, many times, just not with a symphony orchestra. Once you get to a certain level of orchestra, though, there is very little that the players haven't seen or heard before. It would probably be better than you might imagine, unless it's some totally new, weird modern thing. And, at a certain level, sightreading is really not all that hard. As I've told my students: "Nobody ever wrote a new piece of music. They just took all the notes we already know and rearranged them."

ttyymmnn > Hooker
08/29/2014 at 11:49

Thanks. Will rock and report.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:50

Well I hope to hear you play live one day. My brother's in Austin, and my parents are planning to move near there soon, and my wife is a trumpet player.

ttyymmnn > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/29/2014 at 11:52

my wife is a trumpet player.

Really! Where and what does she play?

Axel-Ripper > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:53

Yeah it is pretty easy. Even later in high school I could sight play without really thinking about it. Unless there's something that isn't "normal" rhythmically or progression wise. That will trip you up a few times.

OPPOsaurus WRX > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:55

Well if i jump in the car now, about dinner time tomoro.

Cé hé sin > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 11:58

Good luck!

ttyymmnn > Cé hé sin
08/29/2014 at 11:58

Thank you!

ttyymmnn > OPPOsaurus WRX
08/29/2014 at 11:59

Drive faaaaasssster!

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 12:05

I wish you the very best of luck!

ttyymmnn > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
08/29/2014 at 12:09

Thank you!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 12:22

Guess I should have said "and my wife plays the trumpet". =)

She played in high school, and picked it up again later in life. She plays occasionally at our church, with a few other horn players, accompanying the organ or choir.

Some times when I hear an awesome trumpet player, dancing over the notes or hitting some really high ones, I ask her, "can you do that?" and she always makes a face and says NO WAY...

desertdog5051 > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 12:41

Did not know that. Hope you make it. Good luck. I am always amazed at the eclectic bunch we are.

ttyymmnn > desertdog5051
08/29/2014 at 12:45

Thanks! Eclectic indeed.

ttyymmnn > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/29/2014 at 12:48

I've been at this almost 40 years now and there are still players I hear and I say, "I could never do that." It's great that your wife still plays. In all the struggle to make a living playing an instrument, we sometimes forget that the reason we started playing was because it was fun. I'm blessed to be able to do what I love to do. I just wish I made more money at it!

Racescort666 > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 12:51

May the force be with you...

ttyymmnn > Racescort666
08/29/2014 at 12:58

Thanks! After all, Obi-Wan didn't think there was any such thing as luck. The full quote from the book, not the movie, is telling:

"In my experience, there is no such thing as luck, my young friend–only highly favorable adjustments of multiple factors to incline events in one's favor."

Agrajag > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 14:43

Good luck!

ttyymmnn > Agrajag
08/29/2014 at 14:56

Thanks!

MrPseudonym > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 19:53

Austin? Sweet!

GL;HF bro! And don't get nervous, or doubt yourself. Testing is always the worst in music, because there's no fun involved, just stress and stuff.

ACESandEIGHTS > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 20:53

Good luck to you. Or rather hopefully you had good luck. I never made it any further than my high school jazz band, but I loved the trumpet for sure. My dad's in Austin, and he's a symphonic music buff, mostly classical, but he'll go to any performance really. So maybe he'll/we'll seeya sometime.

ttyymmnn > ACESandEIGHTS
08/29/2014 at 21:30

Not as 2nd trumpet. I was knocked out in Q1. So it goes. But it's a good orchestra, and I"m sure your dad will enjoy the show.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ttyymmnn
08/29/2014 at 21:54

I'm on the flip side - make plenty of money, but want to pursue my passion/true calling (working as a designer). I spent many years in my youth playing the piano, but fell away from it, and have lost pretty much all of that ability. I really need to get back into it...

ttyymmnn > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
08/29/2014 at 23:38

It's never too late. You'd be surprised at how much muscle memory is still there. If it's fun, do it.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > ttyymmnn
08/30/2014 at 09:12

I can still play most of a little Bach invention that my dad used to play all the time...

Jobjoris > ttyymmnn
09/02/2014 at 08:14

So how did it end: Did you get the position?

ttyymmnn > Jobjoris
09/02/2014 at 08:50

Thanks for remembering, but no, I got knocked out in Q1. I've been meaning to post an update. The job was won by a good friend of mine, the same man who is teaching my son to play trumpet (I told my boy I wouldn't teach him). So I'm very happy for him, and contrary to what I said about people being able to win the audition but not play the job, this fellow will do fabulously. He's a wonderful player and an all around great person. So, moving on. Getting the house ready for new windows that are being installed today. Thanks again for asking!

Jobjoris > ttyymmnn
09/02/2014 at 09:05

Oops, sorry!

ttyymmnn > Jobjoris
09/02/2014 at 09:31

Eh, no worries. I'm at peace with it. Thanks.