Personal Narrative Essay: The Audition

The Audition

When I got to the Stephens Performing Art Center at ISU, I felt the most unprepared than anything I ever have before. I always had a passion for playing music, however the break I took early on in my life, really set me back. Due to this lack of playing, when I rejoined orchestra I felt as if I was going to be far behind everyone else, thankfully I took lessons quite seriously beforehand. I eventually became the concertmaster, thus why my teacher decided it would be best for me to push myself with materials that were more difficult.

I had grown too comfortable in the materials we played in class, and this resulted in a lot of stress for the Youth Symphony audition I had in a few hours. This audition caused a ton of anxiety

I then practiced all the way up to my audition. The whole time I was practicing I felt completely confident in the materials. I later realized that that does not work in my favor. No matter how confident I was while practicing beforehand, it did not come across in my playing. Once I arrived in the Green Room, the place of the audition, I set up all materials how I am used to, I then proceeded to follow my usual routine: make sure the bow hairs are adjusted to the appropriate tightness, made sure there was enough rosin, made sure I had the correct bow hold, correct posture, and most importantly, made sure I was

I know what works best for me: Procedures such as not practicing directly before the audition, and not to cram the majority the night before, much like school work. I found that the shaking is a flaw that just takes time. Even now, after a number of auditions that I have lost track of, I still manage to have trouble in maintaining a steady bow throughout all of my piece, although it has definitely became significantly better. Not only did this experience help me to get over fear of auditions, but all public solo and group events held with an audience. It also gave me a chance to gain confidence and to work on the bow steadiness ink which should eventually come across if I was to follow in a fellow orchestra members, Marcus Hall’s, footsteps and try out for Mr. PHS, as this is an exceptional way to show off the talents of a strings player, considering the schools never give any recognition to the orchestra. It really brought me out of my comfort zone, which in turn, helped me even at work. As it is a host’s job to me personable with customers, it was much easier to have an easy conversation with them, considering that before, my voice would shake during public speaking, much like my bow tends to do during solo playing. Other events are giving speeches, presenting group projects, and just talking in front of classes and people in general. One of the important skills that I have learned