Hi all, help me understand the possible reasoning behind requiring nothing more than a paper application prior to a live audition. Why does the President's Own skip a tape requirement? It seems like an awful lot of investment for everyone to fly out to D.C. having no idea what kind of crowd or people will show up for the audition (and maybe that IS part of the reasoning). Why not have at the very least an optional taped round that auto-advances like Pershing's Own?
When I've auditioned for other orchestras, all of the major ones have required tapes so far (unless it's not the first time I've auditioned with them).
Historically the Marine Band does not require tapes. They are open to any one that is willing to come to DC to do the audition. Please keep in mind that A LOT of high level players will be at the audition. I auditioned three times for them on tuba and two of those times I made the finals. Audition numbers for Tuba then where between 50 - 100 applicants. Other instruments are probably higher, so look at this as an orchestra audition. It is very well run and very cut throat so only go if you're serious about winning the audition.
I think it’s meant to be inclusive. Anybody can audition as long as they’re willing to show up. This can be expensive but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to want candidates who want the job enough to take on that expense. Having to get through a tape round can create barriers as well so I don’t think there’s a perfect option. I do appreciate that the Army band has the either/or option but there probably are unintended consequences to that as well.
My understanding is when military bands have a taped prescreening, it’s either because they don’t have the facilities to accommodate a cattle-call audition, or they have the resources to fly out and and put up the people who pass. Optional prescreenings aren’t for limiting applicants, they’re there to encourage the best applicants to take the audition by paying for their travel and advancing them to the semi-finals.
Pershing’s Own currently has optional taped prescreenings, but that may change. The Army is much larger than the Marines and maybe they have more money for recruitment. Local recruiters pay for travel, not the bands.
It’s also worth noting that by passing a military prescreening you have to qualify for enlistment. That means meeting with a recruiter, taking the ASVAB, passing through MEPS and doing all but signing the contract. It’s cheaper than traveling to an audition, but it’s a major, time-consuming hassle.