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My band director gave me a letter today, from the Valley's Youth Symphony, inviting me to audition. I'm kinda iffy about it though. I went to see them in January and I was really impressed. They said something about auditions being in April if anyone wanted to call, and my dad suggested it but I decided I didn't think I was good enough. Haha. So apparently they saw that I was 3rd chair flute in the county honor band, and that's why they sent me an invitation. I just don't feel like I can make it though, with 100+ people auditioning for four spots. I called anyway and scheduled an audition. But I'm really scared. I've never been...turned down? before. I was told to choose a piece and scale of my choice, and I have to sight read a song of theirs. And I kinda suck at sight reading...I just can't stand the thought of embarrassing myself. I assume I won't make it in, but I just keep telling myself that it'll look good for a scholarship that I tried out.
Ughh...I just feel unsure about it. I only have 12 days until the audition. And I get horrible nerves...my hands sweat and slip off the keys, I shake...I think I've even cried before. -_-'
So what do you think? And any tips about nerves?
Thanks.(:

As my jazz director always says, you have a zero percent chance of making it if you don't audition.

I say you should audition since you've already scheduled one. Practice your butt off, and practice sight-reading. Maybe you have an etude or solo book full of stuff you haven't played yet? Record yourself sight-reading (with a phone or camera, at least catch the audio) and evaluate yourself. What kinds of rhythms do you see that you struggle with? etc.

Pick a piece and scale that demonstrate your ability as a flautist. Make sure they're technically ready, and then focus on how well you communicate the emotions of the piece.

My teacher holds "mock auditions" before any big auditions, like county and such. Maybe you could have your band friends "audition" you or something? Or play in front of your instructor? Practice getting used to playing in front of people.

Maybe you can't fit all this in in 12 days, maybe you can. Just make sure you're prepared and comfortable with what you play, and do some deep-breathing exercises beforehand. Maybe use some lavender aroma therapy. razz And don't fret about practicing too much the morning of; just run through it a few times, and don't fret. :] You'll do fine, and whether you make it or not, it's the experience of auditioning you have to get used to!

It's worth a shot!
You're just going to have to get used to getting turned down.
It happens to the best of us, even if we are good.
I get first chair at every honor band I go to, I've always received superior ratings at S&E, among other things like that.. but I've been turned down for All-State twice.

Also, nerves are a problem many of us musician have.
Of course, we always want to sound our best! Especially at an auditions.
Nerves are pretty much to be expected.
But you can try and calm them by becoming more confident with your abilities!

Just make sure to pick a piece that you like, and that emphasizes your strongpoints playing-wise.
I find auditions to be so much less stressful when I thoroughly enjoy the piece that I am playing.

As for sight reading, I used to be awful at it too.
But this year I've spent 45 minutes a day sight reading random pieces and rhythms from technique books, and it has helped me soooo much.

Good luck!

I completely admire you for going to the audition anyway! Look, one time I tried to play my solo but I sucked. I kept on telling myself I couldn't do it and sure enough, what I told myself had an impact! I missed every note, every rythm, and I cried in front of my ENTIRE BAND CLASS. But look at me just 2 weeks later. I changed my attitude about my playing and I went to a solo festival and got a 1+ for my solo, honors, and a 1+ for my ensemble group! The point is is that if you got INVITED and youare third chair in the honor band, than you must be one hell of a player. If you say that you can't do it, then you can't. If you say you can then...guess what..you probably can. If you screw up so badly that you're head spins, don't show it! Even the best players miss notes and stuff. And the part at bieng embarassed...no one there is gonna care! All they're there for is to play THIER best and to play THEIR piece and they have all probably gone through it before when THEY tried out for anything! You're gonna go out there and no matter what you do, you're gonna be the best person playing at that time, at that piece, and at that instrument cuz no one else is playing to that judge but you. You're gonna rock and if ya don't make it, than they don't deserve you! Who cares if one band in this big 'ol world of ours doesn't think you're good enough for them! Just remember, breath. You're gonna do great. Good Luck! ( =