Auditions
Voluntary auditions for section principal and other positions are to be held in May, 2011.
Previous seasons' principals (and first-stand string players) need not audition unless they wish to, but in any event should indicate their interest in being re-considered this season for their positions by May 15.
Note that auditions are not required for general section seating in the concert. Past and prospective participants are reminded that they may audition for the concert orchestra sections, even if they are not wishing to be considered for a principal position, if they would like the Festival to become more familiar with their playing for concert seating decisions. However, we strongly encourage individuals to attend the reading sessions as an alternative to general section auditions. Audition times will be prioritized for those seeking a principla position rather than section players.
This year, we are prioritizing audition timeslots for those candidates who have not played for us in two years. If you have already auditioned in the past two years (2009 or 2010), by all means let us know if you are interested in a principal position for 2011, but realize that we will likely not have a timeslot to hear a new audition this year.
The audition panel is made up of various past principals, board members and conductors. We do try to keep it informal and comfortable, so the panel will usually only be a few people at a time. Auditions are limited to 15 minutes each. Auditions will be recorded by the panel so that the music director may listen in absentia.
The 2011 dates are:
May 23 and 24, 2011
The 2011 auditions will be held at:
To be announced.
If you are interested in auditioning and cannot make it during these times, let us know and we’ll try to arrange something.
Auditions are by appointment only! Please RSVP to auditions@nwmahlerfestival.org if you are interested in auditioning so that we can get you scheduled.
Audition Repertoire
- Your choice of 2 or more standard excerpts - one slow, one fast - to show versatility (you provide)
- Your choice of a display piece (no more than first 5-6 minutes, no accompanist provided)
- (Optional in addition) exposition of a classical sonata or concerto - first movement
We will need the following section principals in 2011:
- Concertmaster
- Asst. Concertmaster
- Principal 2nd Violin
- Asst. Principal 2nd Violin
- Principal Viola
- Asst. Principal Viola
- Principal Cello
- Asst. Principal Cello
- Principal String Bass
- Asst. Principal String Bass
- Principal Flute
- Principal Oboe
- Principal Clarinet
- Principal Bassoon
- Principal Horn
- Principal Trumpet
- Principal Trombone
- Principal Tuba
- Principal Timpani/Percussion
- Principal Harp
We expect principals to be appointed in early June.