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2020 Audition Video

Auditions for the 2020-2021 season will be video recorded auditions instead of live, in-person auditions. Once you have submitted your Audition Application you can submit your Audition Video.  Your video must be 6 or fewer minutes and smaller than 2 GB.  We recommend mp4 video format but most common video formats are acceptable.  Please see more information in the Audition Process section of this website and the guidelines below.  Once your video is completed and stored on your computer (desktop, etc.) just click the Upload Your Video button to the right and follow the instructions.

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Audition videos and application submissions will be accepted beginning Friday, May 15, 2020.  The fee for submission of applications and videos is $35 through Friday, August 28, 2020.  Applications and videos submitted beginning Saturday, August 29, 2020 will incur a $50 fee.  All videos should be submitted by Sunday, September 6.

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Your video audition submission will determine in which LYO ensemble you will be placed.  This audition will NOT determine your chair placement within that ensemble.  Chair placement will be determined after the beginning of the season.

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PERCUSSIONISTS!  We understand that many of you may not have the necessary equipment at home to prepare adequately for a video audition.  If this is of concern please contact Mark Tate, our Percussion Coach, at tatemn@bellsouth.net.  He will make arrangements to hear you live at our percussion studio located at St. Matthews Pavilion at a mutually agreed upon time.

Audition Video Guidelines

Applicants are asked to submit a single video that contains the following audition components as described the Audition Process:

  • Required scales. (Do not record with metronome.)

  • Required orchestral excerpts.

  • A solo of 2-3 minutes in length ONLY IF YOU ARE AUDITIONING FOR THE MASTER ARTISTS CHAMBER PLAYERS. 

 

  1. All audition requirements must be recorded in one continuous take. (Do not stop and start the camera between components.)

  2. If you are not satisfied with a take you may re-record it as long as the video you submit is in one continuous and unedited recording. Please submit only the recording which best represents your playing.

  3. You may not edit, cut, splice, or otherwise alter your performance

  4. Picture must remain stationary.  There should be no panning, zooming, use of multiple cameras, fading in/out, etc.

  5. Video framing: Place the video recording device so that you, your instrument, and your full range of motion are in the frame at all times. Make sure your music stand does not cover your face, instrument, arms/hands and range of motion. The reviewers must be able to see your instrument to be able to observe your technique.

  6. Video must not exceed 6 minutes total. The faculty will stop watching at 6 minutes. Make sure all components of your audition fit within 6 minutes. It is acceptable if your video is less than 6 minutes.

  7. Tune your instrument to A=440.

 

Video Quality

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  1. Record in a quiet setting with no interruptions.

  2. Record in a well-lit space. Make sure there is more light in front of you rather than behind you so that you are not back-lit.

  3. If using a mobile device, your device needs to be in landscape orientation. Place the video recording device on a flat surface with microphone area unobstructed.

  4. Check sound levels beforehand to make sure sound is not distorted in loud passages and inaudible in soft passages.

  5. Frame yourself properly. The video should show you and your entire instrument, as well as your range of motion in playing your instrument.

  6. Ensure your music stand is not in blocking you. Memorization is required for the scale.  Use your music when playing the orchestral excerpts.

 

Audio Quality

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  1. Find a quiet spot at home.

  2. Be mindful of your instrument’s loudest volume, the size of the room, and your room’s acoustics.

  3. If you have a good external mic, please use it.

  4. Woodwind and brass musicians should not point their bell directly at the mic but slightly off-centered.

  5. String instruments should be positioned so that the face of the instrument is directed toward the video recording device so the reviewers can see both your left-hand and your bow arm technique.

 

Other Tips

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  1. Planning your audition video is essential.

  2. We strongly encourage you to consult and work with your private studio teacher when preparing this or any other audition.

  3. Make certain that the two components of your audition video fit within 6 minutes.

  4. Having another person in the room is helpful if you need to adjust something.

  5. Be mindful that your voice will be at a lower volume than your instrument. Speak slowly, clearly, and confidently.

  6. Dress as you would for a job interview.

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