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).
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.