How to Join an Orchestra After High School: Steps and Lessons
Joining an orchestra after high school can be a fulfilling way to continue your musical journey. This guide outlines essential steps and insights to help you navigate this exciting process.
Research Local Orchestras
Start by looking for community orchestras, youth orchestras, or professional ensembles in your area. Many cities have organizations that welcome musicians of various skill levels. Spend time reviewing their websites, visiting their performances, and reaching out to members or conductors for more information.
Prepare Your Audition Material
Most orchestras require an audition to join. Prepare a piece that showcases your skill level, technique, and musicality. Additionally, you may need to perform scales or sight-read. Make sure you practice these sections extensively to ensure you are ready for the audition.
Take Lessons
If you haven't already, consider taking lessons to improve your skills. A teacher can provide valuable feedback and help you prepare for auditions. Regular practice and lessons will significantly enhance your chances of success.
Network with Musicians
Connect with fellow musicians, teachers, or conductors who can provide information about opportunities and auditions. They might also offer tips on how to succeed in auditions. Networking can open doors and provide valuable support and advice.
Attend Workshops and Masterclasses
Participating in music workshops can help you gain experience and meet other musicians. Some workshops may even offer opportunities to perform with an orchestra. These experiences are invaluable for developing your skills and preparing for auditions.
Stay Informed About Auditions
Keep an eye on local music schools, conservatories, and community boards for audition announcements. Websites and social media pages of orchestras often post audition details. Staying informed about these opportunities is crucial for your success.
Consider College Orchestras
If you plan to attend college, many universities have orchestras that you can join. Research the requirements for auditions and ensemble participation. This can be a great way to continue your musical journey while studying.
Be Persistent
If you don’t succeed at first, keep practicing and auditioning. Many musicians take time to find the right fit, and persistence is key. Each audition is a learning experience that brings you closer to your goal.
Lessons in Instrumental Mastery
Mastering an instrument takes years. Apart from learning to play an instrument and read music, you need to learn the conventions of the standard repertoire. Some repertoire isn't as intuitive as others, so understanding the nuances can greatly improve your performance. Additionally, becoming proficient with transposing instruments like woodwinds and brass requires learning how to transpose music into the correct key.
Maintenance of instruments is another crucial aspect. Learn what customizations or variations in equipment can do and what is standard. For example, trumpeters moving to a professional symphony orchestra might face challenges if they only know the Bb piston-valved trumpet, while historical performance contexts require different instruments like the Bb and C trumpet, vented natural trumpet, cornet, or piccolo trumpet.
Performance requires extensive practice. Your instrument needs to be able to do exactly what you want it to do at all times. Over time, this involves playing in tune, maintaining correct pitch, having a good tone, a controllable volume, the ability to read and transpose at will, and the ability to change your sound to match other players quickly. This multi-faceted skill set is essential for success in an orchestra setting.
Orchestra Auditions
Most orchestras require an audition. Those that don’t are often amateur or educational organizations where you pay to be in, or they are so elite that the only way to join is through years of freelance experience. Rare cases of apprenticeships can be considered a long-term audition. Regardless, at some point, you will need to perform music for someone in a blind audition or during rehearsal. Your years of preparation will need to pay off to secure a position in the orchestra.
Even if you join as a casual musician, like I did, you should consider the experience and the opportunity it presents. Sometimes, a casual position can lead to more permanent opportunities with the right approach and dedication.
Embarking on this musical journey requires persistence, dedication, and a willingness to learn. By following these steps and continuously improving your skills, you increase your chances of successfully joining an orchestra after high school. Good luck!