[Trombone-l] A Message of Hope

[Bill Redgate]

Fellow Listers;


	I recently auditioned for an orchestra.  Although they do pay quite well,
it's no where near being one of the biggies, but since it was my very first
orchestral audition ever - and my first audition at all in about 30 years, I
took it very seriously.  I was very well prepared and well practiced.  I
felt good about it.  Unfortunately "feeling good" doesn't always help!

	I stank up the place!  I felt badly for the audition committee who had to
sit through that.  And I'm not talking the usual thing we all do where we
don't get everything exactly right and are disappointed with our
performance.  I'm talking - I KNOW how well I play and after that audition I
wouldn't call me again!

	How is that a message of hope?

	While I of course was not offered a contract, I was put on their sub list!
Given the situation I consider that a glorious victory.  I am delirious!

	So.... the point of this way too long missive is ......  Never give up
hope!  The audition committee could be an incredibly astute group of
musicians who can recognize talent and skill even though it may be heavily
masked at the time.  Or they could have had a few extra beers at lunch and
still be liquored up.  Either way just remember that it doesn't matter what
YOU think of your playing - only what the audition committee thinks - and
you have no idea where their heads or ears are right then.


Bill Redgate
Atlanta Georgia