I'm Your Judge, and This is What's on My Mind During Your Audition

I'm Your Judge, and This is What's on My Mind During Your Audition by Dr. Larkin Sanders

I recently judged clarinet auditions for the Kansas Music Education Association’s (KMEA) North West District band. As one who once auditioned for All-District and All-State band myself, it’s a pleasure to provide this service young clarinetists and educators. As I go into this experience, though, I’m thinking about what I want to hear from high school aged clarinetists hoping to make it to the top of these ensembles. And, if I were their age, I'd want to know what I, the judge, is thinking.

My Philosophy

I want you to succeed! I am absolutely going into this judging process hoping to hear some wonderful clarinet playing, and I'm rooting for you behind the screen. It makes me sad to hear you struggle, and I empathize with you so much.

I'm not out to hurt you, and I will be as objective as I can be. All I know about you is how you played on this specific day at this specific time, and I will have to make my decision based on this specific 5-10 minute period. The outcome of this audition doesn't define you as a human being.

What I’ll be Hoping to Hear (In this order):

1. Successful Tempos: I would rather hear you play something that is "too slow" yet accurate and musical than a brave attempt at a fast tempo that you can’t successfully execute. 

1. Accurate Rhythms: Rhythmic accuracy is one of the most important aspects of ensemble playing, so it will be a top priority in your audition. Subdivide, and know where all the notes exist in space and time. 

1. Musicality: Phrasing, dynamics, rubato, and all other forms of expressiveness fall into this category. Are you confidently conveying a mood or emotion in your playing? An expressive performance will stand out from the rest. 

1. Intonation: Yes, intonation matters when you are playing by yourself. Do you you have any notes in your scales that sound strange? They may just be out of tune within your instrument. Double check your instrument's intonation by playing long tones with a tuner. 

1. Tone Quality: Hopefully, a good tone quality will fall into place if all of the other aspects of this audition have been mastered. A lovely tone is the "icing" on the "audition cake."