Hello everybody, I normally browse through this site anonymously because I think it is so informative and well put together. I also love seeing the names that are commented as winners of these auditions. Assuming you're all young, it brings me back to the joy I felt winning that first orchestra audition! With a recent audition having concluded for us here, I thought I would clarify the difference between being a Finalist in a round of 2, vs. being named a Runner Up. Some of you may know this, some of you may not. Just because you are in a final round of 2 participants (you and one other) and you unfortunately aren't offered the position, it doesn't make you a Runner Up. If you are a Runner Up, almost always it will be verbally "declared" by the committee. This means, if the winner turns down the position, you will then be offered the position. You are next in line. Aside from the rare occasion, this almost always does not happen if you are simply a Finalist who just so happens to be in a final round or super final round of 2 people. This won't destroy your careers, making this small mistake, but the more you know! It's happened once or twice with those auditioning for our orchestra. Another topic is the difference between Guest Principal vs. Acting Principal vs. Principal. I see this happen all the time. You are offered a 2 month contract, or a year, and Facebook profiles are being updated to "Principal (insert instrument here)." This is a discussion for another time perhaps! Happy practicing!!