form letter I received after orchestra audition

[michael]

I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..

The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"


Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"


I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."


It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.


If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.


By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!


email;


Michael Corman


strollivarius (at) yahoo.com

[Terry]

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius (at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.

[michael]

Post by Terry

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member  over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
 It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
 If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
 By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius(at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.
--
Cheers, Terry- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Most job openings don't want to see how one operates under pressure.
Most employers want their workers to be relaxed so they can do the
job. Unless you're applying for a tightrope walker in the circus
without a net underneath, a bodyguard for an oil shiek, etc.

Frankly, if I were to go to an orchestra concert, I don't want to hear
how 100 musicians perform under great stress, nor do I want to hear
them if they are all on prozac. I doubt wether you are a musician, if
so. when is your next kazoo concert? .

[michael]

Post by Terry

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member  over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
 It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
 If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
 By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius(at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.
--
Cheers, Terry- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I apologize for the "kazoo" remark. I explained why I think EVERYONE
who auditioned is entitled to a beneficial critique instead of a one
size fits all -" there were many positive aspects to your
playing" .Wether or not I know what "no" means has nothing to do with
receiving a quick comment about what was lacking or a suggestion to
improve. If the letter they sent me is any indication of what was sent
to those who were rejected- nothing was gained for the future.

Now I want to ask you and anyone who might know: Why it is possible
that the selectors want to see how people actually perform under
stress. I have never met a symphony musician who has told me that they
find orchestra concert performance stressful. I have found it to be
relaxing , since I have practised and the orchestra was well
rehearsed.

We all went to the expense of time and travel to audition. If the
committee can acknowlege that the audition was "stressful for many of
us", you would think that they would want to immediately correct that
so it doesn't happen in the future. I have not received any letter or
email from them that they are at all interested in doinf that..

[michael]

Post by Terry

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member  over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
 It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
 If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
 By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius (at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.
--
Cheers, Terry- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

. I explained why I think EVERYONE
who auditioned is entitled to a beneficial critique instead of a one
size fits all -" there were many positive aspects to your
playing" .Wether or not I know what "no" means has nothing to do with
receiving a quick comment about what was lacking or a suggestion to
improve. If the letter they sent me is any indication of what was
sent
to those who were rejected- nothing was gained for everyone concerned
for the future.

Now I want to ask you and anyone who might know: Why it is possible
that the selectors want to see how people actually perform under
stress. I have never met a symphony musician who has told me that
they
find orchestra concert performance stressful. I have found it to be
relaxing , since I have practised and the orchestra was well
rehearsed.


We all went to the expense of time and travel to audition. If the
committee can acknowlege that the audition was "stressful for many of
us", you would think that they would want to immediately correct that,
whatever the cause,so it doesn't happen in the future. I have not
received any letter or
email from them that they are at all interested in doing that..

[michael]

Post by Terry

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member  over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
 It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
 If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
 By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius (at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.
--
Cheers, Terry- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I can understand why the audition committee would want to see how a
high wire act without a net- copes with stress or an oil shiek hiring
a bodyguard in Saudi Arabia- but what is the benefit of seeing how a
musician copes with stress unless the conductor is conducting with a
loaded pistol and will use it if he doesn't get what he wants from the
orchestra or a member!

[michael]

Post by Terry

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member  over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
 It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
 If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
 By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius (at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.
--
Cheers, Terry- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I can understand why the audition committee for a circus would want to
see how a high wire act without a net- copes with stress or an oil
shiek hiring
a bodyguard in Saudi Arabia- but what is the benefit of seeing how a
musician copes with stress unless the conductor is conducting with a
loaded pistol and will use it if he doesn't get what he wants from
the
orchestra or a member!

[Bob Lombard]

Post by michael

Post by Terry

Post by michael
I won't mention the name of the orchestra- but a few days after the
audition I received what has to be a "form letter" of thanks from
their audition committee..
The letter said: "We know that for many of you this may be your first
audition after many years of orchestral playing and we know how
stressful it may have been for you . There were many strong aspects to
your playing"
Then they went on to say in a very delicate way, "Thanks but no
thanks, at least for now"
I wrote back to them and said that I understood that they wish to be
very careful and delicate in their words to me but that I am a big boy
and I understand what "NO" means. I told them that I found their
audition proceedure the least stressful of the 4 or 5 I have
participated in and accepted as a member over the years,but would
have rather received a few words of critique about my playing rather
than being lumped into a general catagory of "many experienced, old,
stressed-out musicians" who want to get back into orchestral playing.
Thank you for your encouragement about the strong aspects of my
playing but WHAT WERE THEY?! Most people who have mentioned strong or
weak aspects of my playing were qualified and offered to explain
themselves."
It has been a couple weeks and I have not heard from them.
If anyone has received this kind of form letter regarding their
audition, I think it would be beneficial to others who might consider
auditioning for this or a similar orchestra. I am sure there are
others.
By the way, if there are any orchestra audition committee members out
there who would like information on how to conduct the least stressful
audition for themselves and participants.- I know a audio expert who
can set up recording equipment and a technique that puts the
auditionee in the least stressful orchestra setting and have the
player's performance isolated. After all, doesn't an audition
committee want to hear a prospective musician's relaxed playing as a
member of an orchestra-something he is familiar with, rather than
hearing him perform a solo under stress?!
email;
Michael Corman
strollivarius (at) yahoo.com

You've already said you know what "no" means. Why is it that you now think
you're entitled to a written dissertation (oxymoron)? You applied for a job
and didn't get it, that's all. Performance can be stressful to some. Why
criticise a process that puts you under pressure? It's possible that the
selectors want to see how people actually perform under pressure.
--
Cheers, Terry- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I can understand why the audition committee for a circus would want to
see how a high wire act without a net- copes with stress or an oil
shiek hiring
a bodyguard in Saudi Arabia- but what is the benefit of seeing how a
musician copes with stress unless the conductor is conducting with a
loaded pistol and will use it if he doesn't get what he wants from
the
orchestra or a member!

Never mind the 'stress' thing - you've gone off on a tangent.

There is nothing intrinsically wrong with a 'form' rejection letter.
Providing a critique of your playing would would obviously be nice for
you, but it is unlikely to happen unless your audition generates
significant interest. Apparently this didn't happen.

Disclaimer: I am not a musician - but I know one.