Can anybody offer me some insight as to why the Philadelphia Orchestra didn't advertise their preliminary audition for viola ? I saw the final audition date advertised both last month and this month for April 23rd, and booked my flight accordingly, but when I received my audition packet, it states that the preliminary round is on the 14 of April. Not only am I not free for that date now, I think it's completely unfair to not advertise the preliminary date in the International Musician. Other colleagues of mine are also upset and are having scheduling difficulties now. I realize that if I was completely on my game, I would have inquired about this earlier, but... we go on what we read and what we are told. Is anybody aware of a rule which states that the preliminary audition date for an audition must be listed ?

Hey Kaitums-

I was wondering the same thing! I don't think there is a rule about stating the prelim date in the IM, but I will say that I think this is extremely inconsiderate of the audition applicants (especially since the prelim is now less than a month away). This gives me a bad feeling...

It's a bit strange, but it's the way they've been advertising for the last three viola auditions (and the other positions as well, I seem to recall). They seem to make a habit of advertising late, sending repertoire late, and giving dates late. I'm not quite sure why.

I realize now that they still haven't advertised the semi-final date as well. I spoke with a member of the section tonight who is completely unaware of this disorganized process and i guess the only way to find out is to call the P.M. The real killer is that they don't even know if a date has been set yet. It's incredibly ridiculous and unprofessional for such a notable orchestra to be so chaotic in their audition process. I believe they just lost a few candidates already, and will probably lose more due to this. If anyone on this site is in the orchestra and knows what's going on, could you please help us out and investigate ?

This seems to happen a lot with Philly, and they're usually fairly late with their rep lists, too, from what I've been told by friends auditioning there. It seems like the best way to find out the audition dates in Philly is to call someone in the section and ask...

kaitums-

Just wanted to let you know that I wrote to the auditions coordinator in Philly. Apparently the semis will be held April 19,20,and 21. I don't know if this helps you at all, but wanted to let you know.

I have found that calling personel managers to ask questions a good thing. Not once have I been treated poorly or that my question was out of line, but I always try to see if there is another way to get the information I am seeking.

So, if you think there is an opening in an orchestra and haven't seen a posting I would

1st call someone in the orchestra that you know, or ask your friends if they know someone in the orchestra they could ask.
2nd if 1st step not possible an email to the personel manager or an administrator. Email is best because it can be very quick for them and also they can answer when their more important tasks are finished (or even in the middle of the night)
3rd if no answer from email within 10 business days then call personel manager.

Always be very polite (ask if they have a minute, acknowledge that they may not have the info or be at liberty to say at that moment), be quick and to the point, and thank them for their time.

Best of luck
W