Principal Flute Mock Audition
Please note that this is a virtual event, occurring on Zoom.
2022 update:
Just added a new option for auditors! Thanks Helen for the suggestion 🙂
Featuring Mark Sparks as the final round judge!
The purpose of this event
The intention of the mock audition is to simulate the experience of preparing and performing excerpts for a professional audition. It has been designed to maximize learning and minimize costs.
The feedback is included to allow the candidates to gain perspective from both sides of the “screen.” Unfortunately, at a typical professional audition, there is no feedback from the audition committee on your performance (even if you request it).
The idea for a virtual mock audition was inspired by the 2021 Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale audition. The recorded preliminary round provided the all the experience and structure of a professional audition, with no traveling (or related expenses!).
Professional auditions are both intimidating and expensive. My aim is to provide an audition opportunity for flutists that perceive those two factors as barriers to the world of orchestral music.
Please feel free to contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at any time.
-Alyse Hokamp
Dates
Audition: Monday, July 18, 2022
Preliminary round: Time TBD
Final round: Following the preliminary round, time TBD
Applicants will also have the opportunity to submit questions to be included in a Zoom interview with Mark and Alyse during the week of June 19-24 (details TBD).
Prizes
1st place- $200, sparksflute publication
Two runner-ups- sparksflute publication
Application information
Flutists of all ages are encouraged to apply. The first 20 applicants will be accepted.
NEW! Auditors are welcome to submit questions for Mark with their application, and observe the audition.
The online application includes a 1-page resume and a non-refundable application fee.
Early application: June 1, $50 application fee
Late application: June 30, $75 application fee
Auditor: $25 fee
The application fee may be paid via Venmo or PayPal. Your application will be complete once the payment is received.
Audition repertoire
Selected excerpts are among the most frequently requested for professional auditions. All are available in Jeanne Baxtresser’s book, “Orchestral Excerpts for Flute.”
Preliminary round
The preliminary round will be announced one hour before the start of the audition. The preliminary round with be “blind,” with videos off, and names changed to candidate numbers.
You will be assigned to one of two groups, and you must be present for both groups.
You are responsible for submitting written feedback for each player in the group you are not playing in. For example, if you are playing in Group 1, you will submit feedback for the performances in Group 2.
Please provide only constructive, respectful comments for your colleagues. This is a learning opportunity for the performer, but also a listening exercise for yourself.
Final round
6 candidates will advance to the final round, which will be announced after the conclusion of the preliminary round. Finalists will receive feedback from Mark and Alyse on their audition. One winner and two runner-ups will be selected.
The final round will not be blind.
Alyse Hokamp
Preliminary round judge
Event organizer
Mark Sparks
Final round judge
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