Auditions vs Weather
What do people think about auditions being held during a major storm? This past weekend, the NSO went ahead with their viola audition with no alternative options. I made the trip, but I left immediately after my time and even canceled my hotel for the night because the potential impact of the storm was increasing. I was lucky enough to have one of the earlier Saturday time slots, but it still felt like the decision to hold the audition as scheduled made it harder for people to attend. I felt like I couldn’t cancel because of the travel plans I’d already committed to. I understand that these auditions draw a huge number of players and that it’s exhausting for the panel, but it still seems intentional, or at least inconsiderate, to proceed knowing that many people might not be able to get there or return home safely. For additional context-I believe they moved all Sunday prelims to Monday, on top of semis and finals.
I’m sure they would love to accommodate everyone but the reality is there is very little they can do. It’s always tough to schedule auditions, you need the hall time and a short gap in fhe orchestra calendar to hold it, plus it has to be a Music Director week. Plus many groups have a contract clause that says they have to audition every year for any vacancies, so it’s not like they can just push it back to summer when the weather is nicer.
Anytime I took an audition in winter, I just accepted that the weather might be a huge problem. I’ve changed flights, driven in snowstorms, added nights to a hotel, whatever is necessary to still have the opportunity to win a job.