The FMCO audition was much more low-key. This audition was in a small choir room at a church, no screen, just the conductor and the concertmaster. I played part of the exposition of Mozart and Brahms 4.

The conductor said he liked my playing, and immediately after I played, invited me to be a part of the rotation of flutists they have in their orchestra.

That was it! I haven’t heard anything back from him, but he did say to follow up after a few weeks, so I’ll do that.

It was a little strange, though. My emotional reaction to being so quickly accepted into this orchestra was sort of lukewarm. I am definitely appreciative of any opportunity to play in an orchestra, particularly because I haven’t since college nearly 10 years ago!

However, it did clarify for me that this wasn’t really what I am working toward. Some people focus their careers more on teaching or even a different career path, and also play in a local or regional group.

I realized after this audition that that wouldn’t be enough for me. I had the distinct feeling that I haven’t worked this hard to stop here.

But, I am grateful for this stepping stone, and very excited to play with an orchestra again. Every opportunity is an opportunity to learn. On top of that, we often don’t know what we will learn until later!

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