If you are curious about an orchestra's audition procedure, look at their CBA. They are publicly available. The union works with player committees to negotiate and endorse a CBA. If FW's CBA permits local auditions, the rules are laid out and all parties are obligated to respect them. If an orchestra requires an exception to be made to the agreement this also must be endorsed by all the relevant parties. Whether you feel a process is fair or not does not negate the requirement to abide by the procedures laid out in the CBA. CBA's can be opened and modified, but the best time to make changes is when it expires and everyone goes to the negotiating table. Absolutely no one in any orchestra is not interested in attracting and retaining the best possible talent, and there is not one set of circumstances nor a single optimal general solution. The best way to change these procedures is to either get a job with an orchestra, as a musician (or an administrator that can be involved in the negotiating process), or become involved with your local union and work to change procedures from that end.
I’d encourage anyone who feels this audition was unfair, biased and exclusionary to write to the local union and express their thoughts. Auditions and procedures/processes are stipulated under collective agreement between the ensemble, its management and the local.
The Edmonton symphony holds a similar local audition, and the musicians I know stand by it. Take note: this is not the NY Phil we are talking about. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic barely pays a living wage (doesn’t seem principals make a living wage as I see principal Tuba makes under 40k)….Just to put this in perspective a bit.
This is an imperfect industry. Auditions need a lot of refinement and work to be made better. It’s up to us as the musicians to get involved and to speak out. That’s how things will change. Write to your local, join your locals exec board, send letters, call the AFM etc
My reference to the Edmonton symphony was in regard to its similar practice of holding local auditions. The wages comment as said above was in reference to the Fort Wayne Philharmonic (the orchestra that was the topic of this post).
A comment from another contentious thread on this forum applies well here, and in general with how this conversation has evolved: “People having questions about this audition process isn't attacking the musicianship of the winner. However insulting people for asking questions, calling them jealous or telling them to go back to practicing is really garbage. It’s very clear that though some people are really great at playing their instrument, their HR skills are lacking.”
I wish you, and your student, congratulations on the success.
They originally posted an audition with out the local restriction back in feburary or march, then I guess they changed their mind and took it down for a local audition. Super annoying
Fwphil audition website: *Members of the orchestra, other musicians who have performed at least five times with the Philharmonic during the past 24 months, and other individuals who are permanent residentswithin the geographic area of the jurisdiction of Local 58 shall be eligible to take the local audition.
The winning candidate was eligible to take this local "one year contract" timpani audition for 2024-2025 Season.
This was a “one year/possibly permanent” audition—if Eric gets tenure in Seattle and doesn’t come back, it’s very likely Andrew would be appointed permanently if they like him, I would think.
Have you ever worked for a professional arts organization? I’m seriously asking because mitigating turnover unless you’re at a top-10 orchestra is basically the number one priority. Touch some grass.
With all the international no hire auditions its a shame that all orchestras dont just hold local Fort Wayne Auditions. 110 mile radius and 2 candidates is all they need.
I've heard Andrew Nowak who is currently serving as Acting Principal won the audition but not 100%.
If you are curious about an orchestra's audition procedure, look at their CBA. They are publicly available. The union works with player committees to negotiate and endorse a CBA. If FW's CBA permits local auditions, the rules are laid out and all parties are obligated to respect them. If an orchestra requires an exception to be made to the agreement this also must be endorsed by all the relevant parties. Whether you feel a process is fair or not does not negate the requirement to abide by the procedures laid out in the CBA. CBA's can be opened and modified, but the best time to make changes is when it expires and everyone goes to the negotiating table. Absolutely no one in any orchestra is not interested in attracting and retaining the best possible talent, and there is not one set of circumstances nor a single optimal general solution. The best way to change these procedures is to either get a job with an orchestra, as a musician (or an administrator that can be involved in the negotiating process), or become involved with your local union and work to change procedures from that end.
I’d encourage anyone who feels this audition was unfair, biased and exclusionary to write to the local union and express their thoughts. Auditions and procedures/processes are stipulated under collective agreement between the ensemble, its management and the local.
The Edmonton symphony holds a similar local audition, and the musicians I know stand by it. Take note: this is not the NY Phil we are talking about. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic barely pays a living wage (doesn’t seem principals make a living wage as I see principal Tuba makes under 40k)….Just to put this in perspective a bit.
This is an imperfect industry. Auditions need a lot of refinement and work to be made better. It’s up to us as the musicians to get involved and to speak out. That’s how things will change. Write to your local, join your locals exec board, send letters, call the AFM etc
Congrats Andrew. Everyone else go practice
Let’s keep things civil, shall we?
They originally posted an audition with out the local restriction back in feburary or march, then I guess they changed their mind and took it down for a local audition. Super annoying
With all the international no hire auditions its a shame that all orchestras dont just hold local Fort Wayne Auditions. 110 mile radius and 2 candidates is all they need.
Two people were invited to the local audition. The other candidate was Albert Mackey.