I know the subject was covered before, in previous threads --but they were too old for me to reply to, so thought I might bring it up, briefly.

Whether you're auditioning for high-school band or orchestra, or far beyond --- never be afraid of auditions.

A very wise musician once told me (because I was nervous about an up-coming audition):

"Never be afraid of auditions. Just be yourself. Play from your heart. Pretend that you're playing for yourself. Your voice will shine through. And who cares if you don't "win" that audition --- you just might, the next. Don't be nervous. Flute playing is all about relaxing and enjoying yourself."

I recall this in high-school years, where other flutists were placed before me, even though I knew that I was better than they. It was nothing more than "high-school politics", at its worst. All that mattered, was that I knew that I was better.

As I've said before: just be the best you can be. The rest will take care of itself. Practice, practice, practice --- and you'll get to where you want to be.

Best regards, Jim

I forgot the "addendum": here are the words of Jeanne Baxtresser, regarding "auditions":

J.B.- In my last year at Julliard I thought, “I’d better take an audition.” I’d been working on orchestral repertoire all along. I didn’t mention to Julius Baker that I was going to do it. I made a reservation and went up to Montreal which had a first flute opening and took that audition. I was totally free, totally relaxed, I had no expectation of getting the job, it was the furthest thing from my mind—this was part of my education, I thought. I got the job. That’s when the hard work began—where I really started to educate myself. Those were tremendous learning years for me. The orchestra became my teacher, my own ear became my guide."

Hope this helps those looking for auditions. Jim

The best advice I've ever gotten regarding auditions as of yet is-

breathe.
and just play the music

simple yet powerful

Thank you, flauta for your kind comments on my post.

Best of luck to you!

Regards, Jim

Q: If you know it was brought up before but you don't have a specific question about an audition that you are dealing with currently, why waste the space and re-hash it all over again?

That, Pletko, is because although this is an old thread --- the subject still comes up (currently).

And just WHY would you have problems with my posting something that is more current and relevant than "older" posts?

Unless, of course, there is nothing more than a controversial intent to your agenda (whatever that may be) --- and, apparently, that's nothing more than to discredit me.

If you don't like my posts --- just ignore them. There -- that was simple, wasn't it?

New members might just MIGHT appreciate my posts, even if you don't.

THAT, for your edification, is the essence of a "forum". Get the picture?

Jim

I agree with Plekto. Unless you have a question to ask, there's no reason to open yet ANOTHER thread to state things that you've said innumerable times before. All that indicates is your desire to dominate this board, and your apparent belief that your opinion is important enough that it warrants its own thread, even when no one has solicited your "advice."

Again, flutist06, you are as disrespectful as usual.

I wonder IF you can read. I said I brought this up as an "old" post(s), which I can no longer reply to.

Yet there are many new members of the forum who might appreciate my post(s). And, I've had some positive feed-back.

You, of course, being a "know-it-all" would, naturally, take issue with ANYTHING I say.
I was just wondering --- have you EVER played the flute? Or is your "text-book" nonsense just something you copied from the Internet?

Sorry we've become deadly enemies --- but I would appreciate it if you NO LONGER respond to any of my posts. Your comments and disrepect are not welcome in this forum. And --- they're nothing more than "text-book" --- which anyone can get from the Internet. I play the flute. WHAT do you do, other than write nasty comments?

The only person you're kidding is yourself. People LIKE my insights into playing ---- they're NOT interested in your "techno=geek" nonsense. They NEVER came here for that. Got it?

I'm a PLAYER of the flute. YOU are a "techno-geek" who gets his info from books and the 'net.

Now, leave me alone, or I will complain to the Moderator. And QUIT posting your un-wanted, rude, and direspectful posts. They're not welcome -- and not NEEDED. People come to this forum to learn how to play the flute --- not your "techno-geek" stuff. Got It? (At last). I, incidentally, save ALL of your NASTY posts, and WILL forward them to the moderator. NOW, let's see just whom "gets bounced" from what USED TO BE a "friendly forum", which you've turned into a circle of hate.

You're a mean, nasty, "know-it-all". And the only person you're fooling is yourself.

Jim

Again, flutist06, you are as disrespectful as usual.

I gave you your chance at earning my respect, and you've not managed to do so. You fill this forum with garbage, and unsolicited (and condescending) advice.

I wonder IF you can read. I said I brought this up as an "old" post(s), which I can no longer reply to.

The mere fact that you've thought of something to say doesn't mean you need to start your own thread about it. A more reasonable tack might be to store the thought until the topic comes up again, and then comment on it.

There are many new members of the forum who might appreciate my post(s). And, I've had some positive feed-back.

There are many who MIGHT, but the sad case is that many DON'T. Positive feedback is not the same as responses within threads you've started. The vast majority of the feedback you've gotten here has been negative, and a small amount of ambivalent responses does not balance this out.

You, of course, being a "know-it-all" would, naturally, take issue with ANYTHING I say. I was just wondering --- have you EVER played the flute? Or is your "text-book" nonsense just something you copied from the Internet?

And now we're back to your old defense....Insulting others rather than actually supporting your ideas. Clearly you're not the pure, perfect member you'd like us to believe you are.

Sorry we've become deadly enemies --- but I would appreciate it if you NO LONGER respond to any of my posts. Your comments and disrepect are not welcome in this forum. And --- they're nothing more than "text-book" --- which anyone can get from the Internet. I play the flute. WHAT do you do, other than write nasty comments?

Getting a little melodramatic, there, are we? I fail to see how we could become "deadly enemies" over an internet forum. It's a good dramatic touch, though. As for what's welcome in this forum, that's not for you to decide. As far as I'm concerned, you're far less welcome in this forum than an occasional snarky comment.

The only person you're kidding is yourself. People LIKE my insights into playing ---- they're NOT interested in your "techno=geek" nonsense. They NEVER came here for that. Got it?

Interesting, as I was going to say that you're kidding yourself if you actually think you can speak for the folks who come to this forum. I've helped many people here over the year and a half I've been a member, while all you've done is insult others, and attempt to create havoc. Even with my far greater experience here, I would never try to speak for the others who come to this forum...Just another display of the vast condescension with which you treat us all.

I'm a PLAYER of the flute. YOU are a "techno-geek" who gets his info from books and the 'net.

Whether or not any of that is true, I'm also the one who actually knows something about the flute. All you've got are your bits of unsolicited advice, bad information, and claims at being an accomplished player.

Now, leave me alone, or I will complain to the Moderator. And QUIT posting your un-wanted, rude, and direspectful posts. They're not welcome -- and not NEEDED. People come to this forum to learn how to play the flute --- not your "techno-geek" stuff. Got It? (At last). I, incidentally, save ALL of your NASTY posts, and WILL forward them to the moderator. NOW, let's see just whom "gets bounced" from what USED TO BE a "friendly forum", which you've turned into a circle of hate.

Jim, we've been over this before. You're welcome to forward my posts, messages anything else to whomever you want. This certainly did used to be a friendly forum until you came here. Hopefully it can go back to what it was once you're given the boot.

You're a mean, nasty, "know-it-all". And the only person you're fooling is yourself. Jim

Interesting, as you're not fooling anyone.

Well,flutist06, once again, you've put me into my place.

I can't disagree with anything you said.

But --- if you look at my last 3or 4 threads, they have only to do with flute playing.

They are always ONLY my opinions. Right or wrong. I never mind rebuttals, as long as they're responsible and respectful.

I have, in fact seen you and others disagree on points. I'm just wondering why I'm not allowed the same priviledge --- even though I only speak as a player --- not a technician?

Can we agree to agree/disagree, without the nasty personal remarks. That would be appreciated.

Jim

<Added>

Added:

And by the way, since when am I only allowed to "ask questions"?

Am I not allowed to post something "new", when I think a particular comment has not been mentioned, previously --- even thought the "old" thread might be there? I think it's called being current --- or bringing "new light" to an "old subject".

I thought Mrs Dwyer's and Jeanne Baxtresser's comments were worthy of posting and might be helpful to those auditioning for a flute position.

As far as "hogging the forum" --- I don't think so. I will allow that I might post more frequently than others do, but that's only in an attempt to present something I think that others would like to know about. I do try the "search box to make sure the the thread hasn't been covered before. Many times it has, but is not totally inclusive.

It's my sincere regret that you don't feel this way.

I hope this clears the matter up.

Regards, Jim

I think it's okay to bring up a topic that has been brought up before if you have a new view on it or something new to share. I personally think that at least this time Jim had something good to share with the forum, something that might not have been said before. and just because someone didn't ask specifically doesn't mean that it might not affect their thinking about things like that in the future. I know I will keep this post in mind when thinking about auditions in the future. Just because someone is not specifically asking for information doesn't mean it should never be shared or it will never be used.

Dear flauta:

Thank you for your kind remarks.

It's a shame that I was "attacked" for bringing up something that I thought was current, and might be of interest to others.

I don't know if there is anything I can say on this forum without being assailed.

But thanks for your support!

Best regards: Jim

You're right. Chris is correct, as usual.

I'm nothing but a peon.

Would love to give an a/v clip of my playing, but don't know how to put the technology in place to do so.

If you know how --- tell me.

Regards, Jim (Glad to see you're still here).

<Added>

Added:

Remember, I suffer from "stage-fright". What I can do in my room (alone) in front of my microphone, is quite different from what I can do when "I'm on stage".

I would always fail an audition --- not because I can't play "it". But I can't when there is an "audience".

I know the "Suite de Trois Merceau" so well (as I know many other pieces) --- that I can "play them in my sleep".

But --- when it comes to playing in front a "live" audience --- that's another matter.

If you can give me the specs for technology --- I'd love to give a/v clips of my playing!

I'm actually looking forward to it --- and would love to upload clips.

Regards, Jim

Some people seem to never learn the lesson...

joes-luis:

I don't get "get" your reply.

I was answering a question and offering something (an a/v clip).

What are you getting at?

Jim

<Added>

Are you getting as "bad" as the others? I expected better from you.

Unless I misunderstood what you said: "some people never learn their lesson".

?????????? I don't get it.

I'm trying to help someone ---- and depend upon this forum to help me do so.

Am I missing something, here?

<Added>

Added:

Check "flauta's" reply. I think she said it best.

Jim

<Added>

ADDED:

I think it's okay to bring up a topic that has been brought up before if you have a new view on it or something new to share. I personally think that at least this time Jim had something good to share with the forum, something that might not have been said before. and just because someone didn't ask specifically doesn't mean that it might not affect their thinking about things like that in the future. I know I will keep this post in mind when thinking about auditions in the future. Just because someone is not specifically asking for information doesn't mean it should never be shared or it will never be used.