I have all state auditions in a few days (eek) anyone have any tips on how to do well? Any input will be appreciated, since it`s my first year and I don`t know what to expect!
Thanks in advance!

First of all, what state do you live in?

Secondly, do not over-practice. You will psyche yourself out and you won't do as well as you like. Before you play, breathe. Breathing is the basis of all wind playing, so calm yourself and breathe. Also, play the music in a tempo you can handle and in a tempo that doesn't sound unnatural. I hate it when people play etudes that are too fast, especially if they can't hang.


More than anything, just relax

Hi! I just auditioned for all state for my first time last week. When you play your etude and scales, try not to go too fast. Only go as fast as you can play it well. Also, don't be nervous! Just try your best and have fun!

my all-state is on the 7th of feburary 7 and what i heard is eat a banana 20 minutes before your test because it helps you say calm

This goes for all auditions in general: arrive a good 10-15 minutes early if possible so you can take the time to warm up, calm your breathing and not stress about being late. Just wait outside in the hall or wherever (if there is one).

Some other helpful hints :

1) Before you play ask the panel if you can play a few notes first to get used to the room.
Then when they say yes, play a couple of tetra chord scales (the first four notes of a scale). You want to know what you sound like in this room before playing your piece. For instance I was in a music hall once and I could barely hear myself, so to compensate I played louder, I kept getting louder because I still couldn't hear myself - I tought I was going crazy. Later my girlfreind asked why I was playing so loud.

2) The banana is good old trick. The banana has lots of potasium and does help you calm down. It has other good salts and minerals also which help you stay balanced - but don't think that if one is good 6 are better. Just one is fine.

3)Don't over practice (even if you have extra time). You should already know your piece, so warm up well in the morning at home and then maybe touch on a couple of places in your piece don't practice now; practice before.

4) Enjoy yourself and have fun. There is no real reason to get nervous but most of us do anyway. If you find yourself getting nervous then let it go. Smile, relax your shoulders, and remember you are doing this for fun, and the listeners are there just to listen to you.

Yay!!!! I just found out that I got into the allstate orchestra and my friend who plays clarinet got into the band! lol I'm sorry but I'm so excited that I just had to tell someone!

Congratulations! I'm sure you're an amazing oboist!

I wish we had all-state in Canada. We don't have all-Provence anything, I don't think.

lol thanks!