Auditions

Last weekend we had our last marching band competition, thus ending the part of the season we care about. The rest of our marching consists of one football game (where there no emphasis on accuracy) and an indoor, non-competitive get-together of all of the schools throughout Cedar Rapids. Despite my relief to be finished with late night practices, I will be sad to see the season go. This was the best show we have had since I became a high-schooler, and I wonder if there will ever be another show equal to its excitement. I will miss seeing the entire band (as opposed to 1/3 during concert band), not to mention I won't get my regular dose of exercise. Most importantly, the end also signals the beginning of a more stressful, competitive time.

While the group competitions finish out, it is time for us to focus on our individual competitive nature. All-State auditions will be occurring this weekend. This audition asks you to play impossible etudes along with useless scales (I understand it is good to learn them, but does it have to be at an incomprehensible tempo?). Preparation includes procrastination, stress, and a healthy sense of failure. Despite mentally preparing yourself for inevitable letdown, you feel sick to your stomach when you realize your name is not on the wall with those who were accepted. That is the fun saved for this Saturday. Luckily for me, it does not end there.

Next week, we have auditions for our school band. While less strenuous than All-State, it is still nerve wracking. With All-State, it is not surprising if you do not make it. With school chair auditions, it is noticeable if you move down a spot or two. While it is probable that everyone worrying the same things for themselves, you can't help but become self-conscious; you push yourself harder so you don't slip. I am lucky this year- the audition etude this year is the same as one of the All-State etudes. Hopefully all will go smoothly, but we will have to wait and see.

Not much more to say, except auditions stink.