Ty Collins

Author: Ty Collins

The Art of Auditioning (Part 1)

By Abby Atwater ’19

THE ART OF AUDITIONING: PART I- PREPARING FOR THE AUDITION

 Are you an instrumentalist interested in performing in an orchestra one day? Perhaps the Chicago Symphony, or maybe you would like to play in the pit of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. I aspire to be a professional clarinetist and play in an ensemble like one of these one day. At the moment, I can’t say exactly who/where/what it will be- orchestra, wind band, opera, ballet, chamber ensemble- but I am very determined to succeed in this field. No matter what kind of ensemble, there is always one generally despised process to go through before securing the job: the audition.

 In the past few years, I have become very fascinated with learning about the “art” of auditioning and I would like to share some of that with you. In these two posts, I have compiled a list of the “dos” and “don’ts” when it comes to taking a professional audition that should help improve your chances of landing that esteemed position you are aiming for. This first post will focus on the process throughout the weeks and months leading up to the audition while studying and refining the audition material. The second post will discuss the week or so immediately before the audition, the audition itself, and the audition results.

DO:

Turn in a polished, high-quality resume and cover letter

 Many orchestras will require a resume and/or cover letter for you to even be invited to audition. Include performance-specific experience and awards on top of your resume to highlight your musical accomplishments. In the cover letter, explain why you want this position, what you know about it, and why you believe you are well-qualified. Make sure to have an extra set of eyes read over these before submitting them.

Rhythm, intonation, articulation, and tone are everything!

 Really nailing these four aspects of playing are vital in an audition. Practice a ton with a tuner and metronome. Use a drone to tune intervals especially in more lyrical passages where tuning can be most tricky. Make sure to know your tuning tendencies in general and be able to make proper adjustments on the go. Also, tuning varies for ensembles usually between A=440-442 so tune to whatever that orchestra tunes to. When practicing with a metronome, use a variety of subdivisions. For pieces that have contrasting accompanimental rhythms from your own part, like the bassoon eighth notes in the first movement of Beethoven 6 or the cello triplets in the third movement of Beethoven 8, have those rhythms clicking to imitate the orchestra playing. When playing in the actual audition, take time before each excerpt to really internalize pulse and know what is going on in the music. Practice slowly and be very attentive to all aspects of your playing. Record yourself and keep a chart/take notes about practice sessions so you don’t forget what you worked on or need to improve on for next time.

Make sure you have ALL the excerpts prepared and practice in different orders

 Double and triple check the audition requirements to make sure you are preparing all the right works and the specific excerpts they ask for (you don’t want to end up having to do some spontaneous sight-reading at the audition). When practicing and running through all the excerpts, switch up the order in which you play them since you likely won’t know the exact order the committee will ask for the excerpts to be played in. I am not sure if it works this way in most professional auditions, but I have had various auditions where I got to choose the order I play my excerpts. If this occurs, start with your best one to give a strong first impression and make sure to end with another that is also quite strong so you can both start and end on a good note ♫ (got to throw in some musical humor here).

Research the orchestra you’re applying for

 Orchestras around the world have drastically different sounds from one another and their conductors take many different approaches to the music. The Philadelphia Orchestra sounds very different from the Los Angeles Philharmonic which is also remarkably different from orchestras across the sea such as the Berlin Philharmonic or London Symphony. Attend concerts and/or listen to recordings of the orchestra you are applying for to get an idea of the sound they are looking for especially from the other musicians currently in the orchestra who play your instrument. Also get familiar with the kind of repertoire the orchestra tends to program or perform frequently to get an idea of what you are in for.

Play in front of others, take lessons, and receive advice on the material

 It is always good to have feedback from other people especially other musicians that might be in the same boat as you preparing for auditions. Get some family and friends together to play through your audition repertoire (blind or not) to get some feedback, get yourself out of practice mode and into performance mode, and calm your nerves. Take lessons from other professionals who have gone through this process. It is definitely beneficial to study with someone who plays in an orchestra and it is especially helpful to study with someone who has recently (I would say in the last five years or so) won an orchestral job. Since the art of auditioning has changed over time, it is good to hear from someone who has experience winning a modern-day audition.

Mental practice

 Sometimes you don’t always need to physically practice with your instrument to get a lot accomplished. Set aside some time to mentally practice/ practice parts of the music away from your instrument: score study, sing the music to yourself, or vividly imagine yourself performing. These can all be effective ways to be purposefully thinking about the music in a less strenuous way than playing it (this is also great to do to spend time while traveling).

DO NOT:

Only know the excerpts

 It is important that you know the full works for the excerpts you are playing and not just those 20 or so bars of the piece you are required to play. Members of audition committees will be able to tell if you know them- at my ensemble audition this year, one faculty member actually thanked me for knowing the full works just based on what he heard from my excerpts so that was a pretty proud moment for me! Also be familiar with when you are melody or accompaniment and what other instruments play during the excerpts: know that second clarinet and bassoons are also playing in the second movement of Brahms 3 and that flutes have the melody in the beginning of the Mendelssohn Scherzo, not first clarinet. Listen to a variety of recordings and even try to look up master classes for each excerpt to get a better understanding for interpretation.

Forget to play musically

While you should be particularly concerned about playing with very precise rhythms, pitch, and dynamics, be sure to play expressively and musically. This can be a determining aspect when it comes down to selecting between players that play these other elements wonderfully. When you are practicing, try recording yourself once playing the excerpts rather conservatory, adhering to all the “rules” of the music. Then challenge yourself to take some risks with the music, but still keep it contained and nail the essential aspects. Exaggerate dynamics, spin the long notes, and try different tempi. Be prepared for the committee to ask you to change something and demonstrate your flexibility on the spot at the audition!

Put off practicing to the last minute

 There are dozens of commonly asked for excerpts in nearly all auditions, excerpts you will be working on for essentially your entire life. Don’t take for granted the fact that you know these excerpts well and can pull them off with just a week or two of practicing them. Start (re)learning them as soon as you find out the audition requirements- I would recommend at least eight to ten weeks in advance. Try to approach each excerpt like it’s your first time working on it: listen to a variety of recordings to get an idea for style/tempi and break it down to its basics with slow practice and thorough tuner/metronome work.

Fail to understand theory and history of the pieces

Do some research on your pieces to know historical events at the time they were written, backgrounds of the composers, and any other relevant information. This information as well as being familiar with other works by the composers and their contemporaries can highly influence the ways they are played. Also, have a general understanding behind some music theory aspects of the music. A full harmonic analysis probably isn’t necessary, but at least have an idea when chords are changing and the importance of what scale degree you play.

Grad school degree options for artists of all types

For those interested in the Visual & Performing Arts, graduate school may be something to consider. Whether you are pursuing studio art, film, theater or music there are two main degree programs you can think about considering; The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and the Master of Arts (MA). Whereas with music, one often pursues a Master of Music (MM). Each degree can be further categorized depending on your area of interest. For example, if you’re pursuing Film you can pursue an MFA or MA in Filmmaking, Visual Arts can receive a MFA or MA in Visual Arts, Music Education can receive an MM in Music Education, etc. However, what are the big differences between these degree programs? 

Let’s start with the Master of Fine Arts. The MFA is often more rigorous than the MA program since it offers much more hands-on course work. This is because the MFA program is often thought of as terminal, or as the last degree someone earns for their career. The MFA often takes 2-3 years to complete. 

The Master of Arts on the other hand is a little less rigorous when it comes to hands-on course work. The degree program can be completed in 2 years, and often features more seminars and is much more academic in design. Unlike the MFA, the MA is often not terminal. This means it is used as a stepping-stone to achieve high degrees, such as a Doctorate.  

The Master of Music is the main Masters degree for those studying Music Education, Performance, Composition etc. There are of course MA programs for those interested in pursuing music as well, but it is often designed to have a broad overlook of the topic of music rather than specializing in just one area like the MM programs. 

Want to know more about an MFA, MA, of MM in your career path? Check out these sources below:  

By Marissa Lake ’22. I am a sophomore Vocal Performance major. I am also the curator for the #ECE and #VPA Career Communities. I love performing as well as music education, and I hope to one day become an established vocalist.

Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program

Did you know that less than 7% of the full-time federal workforce is under 30? The government is looking to change that. They’re prioritizing paid internships that last 10-12 weeks. These internships are a great way to gain work experience, expand your professional network, and understand the impact of public service.

The program is managed by the Partnership for Public Service and it’s a fantastic opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in school to real-world situations. It’s also a chance to bring diverse young talent into the government. So, whether you’re an undergrad, grad student, or professional student, and no matter what your major is, you’re welcome to apply.

You can choose two career tracks that best align with your interests and skills:

  • Public Administration
  • Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
  • Government Contracting and Acquisition
  • Liberal Arts
  • Public Interest Technology

For more information, visit gogovernment.org/fellowship/future-leaders-in-public-service-internship-program/

Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!

The Denver Publishing Institute

By Lauren A. James-Spielman

Entering the publishing world is no easy feat, especially without experience. To stand out, additional education beyond Lawrence may be necessary.  Rather than attend a two-year graduate program, a much shorter training program exists to help you learn the relevant skills, create influential connections, and understand the ins and outs of the industry. The Denver Publishing Institute (DPI) is an option to turn your passion for books into a profession. 

Every summer, the Denver Publishing Institute enrolls 95 students in their four-week graduate-level publishing program that has launched the careers of over 4,000 participants across the country since 1976. Graduates can be found at work in every aspect of the publishing business–trade and textbooks, children’s and scholarly books. They have gone on to become designers and production specialists, sales reps and literary agents, editors, marketers, and publishers.

According to their handbook, “the program includes multiple workshops focusing on important processes within the publishing field. In the Editing Workshop, you will work on actual manuscripts to engage with the various stages of editing and will have the opportunity to practice editorial skills such as the preparation of a reader’s report, developmental manuscript editing, copyediting, and proofreading. In the Marketing Workshop, you will gain practical experience writing a publicity release for an actual manuscript, learn to identify target audiences and develop a complete marketing plan.”

In addition to hands-on workshops, prominent publishing executives from every area of the business will share their expertise on a broad range of publishing issues. You will also have many opportunities to gain general career knowledge, including tips on résumés, cover letters, interviews, and making job connections.

To learn more about the DPI, including costs and application requirements, visit their website here. Priority application deadlines are at the end of March, although applications are still accepted through early May.

What is Grant Writing?

By Lauren A. James-Spielman

Have you ever wondered how nonprofits and charities get the funds they need to complete their projects? Grants are given to these organizations by donors to support their missions of activism and social change. Grant Writers, therefore, play a vital role in the nonprofit and local community realm, using clear and specific language to persuade the reader of a grant application to provide the funds needed for potentially life-changing projects to come to fruition. Because of the wide range of programs, those who decide to pursue the path of grant writing can work in fields that are meaningful to them, including immigration, housing, food inequity, social justice, and more.

Grant writing is no easy task, but it does typically follow the same format. Those providing the grant (Grantmakers) will have specific rules that may differ from one another, but they will always want to see the following:

  • A short summary of your proposal that lays out the problem you are solving
  • The plan for the work you intend to carry out
  • A broad outline of the budget, distinguishing direct and indirect costs
  • The qualifications and experience of those carrying out this project

Despite the job title, there’s more to grant writing than just writing. In order to begin the process of developing a grant, extensive research is necessary to make your proposal as comprehensive as possible. This includes researching the impact of your project, the projects of adjacent organizations, related grants that have been accepted in recent years, and that only scratches the surface. It doesn’t just end with the grant itself, either. Tracking the progress and success of a grant makes it possible for other grants to be made for both your own organization and for others in the field who hope to also receive funding.

If you’re interested in becoming a grant writer, you’re already off to a great start if you’re enrolled here at Lawrence! Most positions require a bachelor’ degree, and majoring in a relevant field like English, creative writing, or any major that helps develop your writing skills can lay a strong foundation. However, the best way to begin grant writing is to get experience. Many organizations are looking for volunteers to help with their grant writing, so researching your local nonprofits can help you begin your journey and develop valuable connections.

Works Cited:

https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/grant_writing/index.html

https://www.gcu.edu/blog/language-communication/what-grant-writer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grant_writing

How to make your Law School application stand out

You are approaching the end of your junior year at Lawrence. You have already carefully chosen your major, taken rigorous, relevant courses, and earned a strong GPA. You have also completed several pieces of research, become an excellent writer, and accomplished a great deal in an internship, specific extracurricular activity, or on-campus job. Now you are ready to start seriously thinking about your law school applications. How will you stand out from all the other applicants?

To stand out in a competitive pool requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some specific actions you can take:

Maximize your LSAT score: This often carries the most weight. While aiming for a top score is ideal, consider retaking the test if you think you can improve significantly.

Tell your unique story: The personal statement is an especially important part of your application. Do not just list achievements. Instead, highlight your motivations, experiences, and how they shaped your passion for law.

Highlight specific skills and qualities: Use your personal statement and CV to demonstrate strengths like analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership through anecdotes and examples.

Highlight relevant work experience and education: Your CV should also be used to highlight your academic achievements and any legal internships, or paralegal jobs you may have held. Unrelated jobs can also be included if they demonstrate responsibility, time management, and transferable skills.

Proofread meticulously: Eliminate typos and grammatical errors.

Get someone to review your material: Have someone with expertise in this area review your application material. Career Center staff and faculty members are extremely helpful in this regard.

Tailor your application to each school: Highlight features that align with their specific interests and programs.

Provide strong letters of recommendation: Choose faculty recommenders who know you well and can speak to your academic strengths and potential.

Consider optional essays: If offered, use them to address potential weaknesses or provide further context to your story.

Be genuine and authentic: Let your personality shine through, showing the admissions committee who you are beyond numbers and scores.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, by focusing on academic excellence, crafting compelling narratives, highlighting diverse experiences, and presenting a well-polished application, you can increase your chances of standing out in the competitive law school application pool.