I just recently took an audition where no one was chosen for the position. I asked for comments from it, and so far have received no response. To my thinking--I really don't see any point in re-taking this audition. I thought I did reasonably well, I mean, I'm sure there were things that I could have done better, but if they didn't choose someone for the job and won't give out comments then who knows what they are looking for?
Am I missing something? What do you think?

My take is that if you feel you can do better and be more prepared, and you can afford it, you should take the audition again. I have had two experiences like this. In the first instance, I didn't advance the first time, and I made the finals the second time (and for the record, they didn't hire anyone either time!). But I did choose not to take the audition again after that (because I felt I had done my best the 2nd time, and if they didn't hire me, I figured they didn't want me). The second time this happened, enough time had passed that the audition was a bit different (different list, committee members had changed). I felt like it went well, although I didn't get the job. In both instances, the second time auditioning was WAY better than the first.

So unless there is a specific reason they didn't hire (i.e., they're waiting for someone in particular or WHATEVER), I'd say GO FOR IT!

KK I would suggest you check with the Orchestra's PM or Audition Coordinator about the status of your comments. Your not receiving them might simply be a glitch in the postal/email system. And I'm sure management would appreciate knowing that the comments never reached you. It's worth a shot!

Does anyone ever really "know what they are looking for"? My humble opinion is if it's a position you think you really want, keep trying. The more auditions you take, the better the chances are that you'll win one.

Do it again! Take some lessons for different people, prepare well, play for musicians (including all instruments, concertmasters, conductors) of orchestras superior to the one you audition for - and give it a new try.

I'll share with you my audition history with one orchestra:

22 years old: not accepted for sub-list
23 years old: asked even though I never auditioned again for sub-list
25 years old: finalist, but did not win audition for one-year contract
28 years old: asked for one-year contract without audition
29 years old (I): finalist, but noone hired for co-principal tenure position
29 years old (II): after another audition, offered position as co-principal, tenure-track.
...which I turned down, since I won a principal job in a better orchestra two months later.

Moral: If it somehow feels like it's going forward, don't give up!