So, last Thursday night I auditioned for the Timpanogos Symphony Orchestra, which is a new symphony orchestra directed by the former Oakland Symphony Orchestra conductor. I was so nervous to audition and felt inadequate, to say the least. I had no idea what to expect and had not practiced quite enough to feel comfortable with the two pieces that I had to play for them. There was one other violinist who auditioned before me who seemed more nervous than me, which I think helped me to feel a little bit better. Seriously, I had almost called and canceled my audition because I felt so insecure, timid and not ready. I'm so glad that I didn't.
As I went in to play for the director and 3 other "judges" I took a deep breath, said a little prayer and decided that even if I didn't make it auditioning was a step in the right direction if I really wanted to try and improve upon my violin skills. I started by playing Concertino in G Minor and I played about half way through it and then they stopped me and the director, Jon, asked me if I would skip to the end of the piece. Then he said "I am going to do something that I haven't done before, and I am going to conduct you while you play. . . ." Nervous. For sure I got off on my timing and was a total wreck while he was conducting me. I kept losing my place in the music (which is like 3/4 memorized anyway) and trying to follow him. When I stopped playing he asked me what I thought my musical strength was and I told him that it was definitely playing by ear and that counting/rhythm was something I was constantly working on. I might have even told him that a metronome is my best friend. They then had me play my second song which sounded lots better. He asked me some more questions about my musical training and what I did to learn a new song. I probably shouldn't have admitted to them that I always look up the songs that I am learning on YouTube, but they laughed when I told them I was over the fact that it was always a 7 year old Asian child playing whatever song I was currently learning and trying to listen to.
I left the room to pack up my instrument and they called me back in to tell me that I had MADE IT! I was so surprised and excited. So, we start practices in a couple of weeks and I can hardly wait. I don't even care what chair I play. I'm just glad I didn't let my fear get the best of me and quit before I tried.
Also, I should probably buy a new black dress to go with the 15 I already own. . . you know, because.
16 comments:
Yippy! Amber I am so excited for you! I don't know how Jon is as a conductor, but from what I hear, he's great...I think he's a pretty great uncle too. :)
Congratulations!
That's awesome, girl! Way to go out there and get something you wanted and have worked hard for!
Congratulations Amber! Enjoy your new adventure! I love being in an orchestra but luckily it didn't require a strenuous audition or I would have chickened out :)
That is so great! You're fabulous! Way to be brave and awesome at the same time! Let me know when they have performances so I can come and applaud you!
Congratulations. That is great. You are so talented!
Wow! I want to be like you someday. I really want to play again. I miss it. I don't make time for it, but I really want too. I would love to come to one of your concerts.
Congrads!! That's awesome!
That is so wonderful!!! I want to come hear you play! You are a very talented and amazing person~
Hip Hip Hooray!!! I'm so impressed. Way to go for it! My fingers are crossed that location will allow me to come to some concerts this fall! :)
Is this going to put a kink in our Spring Break plans? ;) Just kidding, you seriously are so talented. I am so amazed by all the things you can do! Way to not hide your light under a bushel!
Yay! You are so cool. I wish I was like you. :)
Of course you made it! You silly girl. You are amazing. You are talented. You work hard. I think you are the only one that would believe you could fail at anything you wanted to do. As for me and my house? We do not doubt Ber's ability to do it all. And look totally cute while doing it. Can't wait to see your new black dress. Oooh. Maybe I need a new black dress in honor of your big debut. Definitely.
How did I miss this post? You seriously have to let us know when you are performing. There are a couple of flute players in our ward who are in the American Fork Symphony and we took the kids to hear them and they loved it. It would be SO COOL to come and hear you play! Congratulations! I'm so glad you didn't let fear stop you!
xo -El
HIP HIP HOORAY!! Hooray, hooray, and hooray again!!!
Wow, you are so amazing. Seriously you are so great at everything. Way to go!
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