Mike Anderson

This is becoming a pattern for sure. I know trumpet and trombone players with full time jobs who had resumes rejected for these auditions so they could select an exclusive few to audition. The tuba spot has also not been auditioned for years, with one-years being selected (I assume) with a "who-knows-who" process. I think it's safe to say that it's pretty unheard of to reject players with full time gigs for a summer orchestra position.

Who were the finalists?

Update on this now that Guangwei got another position?

Louisville Orchestra* Lukas Helsel was also a finalist.

Louisville Orchestra

Yes, I heard there was a screen.

My understanding of the Britt Festival is not that they don’t have the funding to retain pros. The festival has always been pro level so I’m not sure where that info comes from. The reason there have been so many auditions for Britt is because the festival was moved from late summer to early summer because of heat restrictions, which means that a lot of tenured members are no longer able to participate because their orchestras are playing in June. That said, there are still many tenured members playing, and it looks like most people who win the auditions for Britt are pros, not students. Worth noting also that Cabrillo Festival is “volunteer” with honorariums for food and still retains pros. A lot of pros just want a free vacation and to see their friends, which is why they stay loyal to these festivals that don’t pay super well.

I would understand that for a section position, but for principal 8 is a scary low number... I guess PHX is probably tough to get to as well. But I see auditions for similarly paid jobs with way better turnout. It’s hard to know what’s to blame at this point.

How many candidates showed up to the prelims? Last time this audition happened they no hired because only 6 people showed up. What on earth is going on? Bassists don’t want jobs?

Theo Swanson was awarded a trial, though not sure that counts as officially having “won” yet. Congratulations to him and the runner-up!

Should be noted that supposedly the committee also qualified two candidates as runner-ups - Kevin Bock and Ethan Marmolejos.

Andrew Weiss was named runner-up. Someone said Conrad Shaw won but that has not yet been confirmed

Audition was supposed to have concluded yesterday, any news?