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The first point to consider is that I suck at violin. I really do. I can barely play in tune, with no vibrato (as it is now, it sounds woobly), shifting doesn't sound clean, and whatever I play lacks expression (a former teacher of mine pointed out I play like a robot).
Now, there is a music school where I live that teaches a specific style of music. They take auditions in order to enter, and the auditions consists in playing to excerpts from two pieces and sight reading. The level of the pieces was not specified, even after I asked. At this moment I question myself if I should take the audition or not.
Things to consider regarding the audition
(1) There isn't much of a competition.
I think only another person besides me will be taking the audition for violin.
(2) The "audition" experience
I wonder if it's worth having, or if it will be beneficial for me in any way.
(3) It's only 5 minutes.
From what the guy in charge told me, playing the excerpts and sight reading wiill take about five minutes, so it isn't exactly a "grown-up" audition.
(4) The music school has a smalll orchestra.
I think playing with other would help me a lot.
But I have a few reasons against taking it
(1) They will see me play, and as we know, I'm quite bad at this.
(2) I don't know any interesting piece to play. The alternatives I'm considering are arrangements from the Baccarolle from Tales of Hoffmann, and Largo from Dvorak New World Symphony (both pieces in Whistler's Introducing the Positions).
(3) The vibrato is woobly, so I'd avoid it, but there are some sustained notes that don't sound so good without it.
(4) Failing wouldn't make me so happy. I don't think I need another failure to my list.
(5) I might or might not have a crush on a person who might o might not be involved in taking the audition. It's going to be awkward.
I'm really in need of advice here.
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Do they reject people at all? Often, that kind of informal audition is just to determine what level you're at, so they don't start you at the wrong level based on your word.
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@LizaA I suspect you are being too hard on yourself. I haven't found a video of you playing, but I think if you would post a short video in the "critique" section, you would probably be pleased with the responses.
Don't get too worried about a 5 minute audition. I know, that's easy for me to say, but I've faced my own extreme fear in the same sort of audition years ago when I was trying to get into music camp in North Carolina. It wasn't for violin, but I was still scared to death 
You will have more confidence it you first share a video here with friends, so give it a try.
buena suerte,
Bob
Bob in Lone Oak, Texas
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I think if it's a music school you really want to join, it is worth the effort to audition. Pick a piece you are comfortable with and enjoy playing. Like Andrew said, I bet it is more to just determine your level rather than to decide to let you in or not.
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AndrewH said
Do they reject people at all? Often, that kind of informal audition is just to determine what level you're at, so they don't start you at the wrong level based on your word.
They do reject people, because it's both a music school and orchestra, and it's free. Most rejections are guitar players though, because most people wh6o apply play guitar.
They start everyone at the same level. It's not exactly a classical school, they play a specific kind of popular music that is not well-known in the US, I think. According to what they told me, the requirement to enter is to be able to play the instrument; however, I have no idea what "being able to play" means exactly. I heard someone playing double bass entered after two years of experience, but again, this is because there isn't a lot of people playing double bass.
Bob said
@LizaA I suspect you are being too hard on yourself. I haven't found a video of you playing, but I think if you would post a short video in the "critique" section, you would probably be pleased with the responses.Don't get too worried about a 5 minute audition. I know, that's easy for me to say, but I've faced my own extreme fear in the same sort of audition years ago when I was trying to get into music camp in North Carolina. It wasn't for violin, but I was still scared to death
You will have more confidence it you first share a video here with friends, so give it a try.
buena suerte,
Bob
I think I will post a video here this afternoon, if I can record something (probably using my cellphone 
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LizaA said
(1) There isn't much of a competition.
I think only another person besides me will be taking the audition for violin.
Perhaps they are as Andrew wrote, they are just getting a grip on how you play.
Also, they maybe want to see if you have the nerves.
(2) The "audition" experience
I wonder if it's worth having, or if it will be beneficial for me in any way.
I don't feel like one audition is that beneficial. It can even be devastating for some people. However, it's a mind thing, you may have more control over your emotions and nerves. People mostly get nervous for two reasons. The first is that we care what others think about us and don't want to be judged negatively. You seem to have yourself labeled so that this might not bother you too much. The second thing that makes us get nervous is that there are stakes involved in the judgment. If you convince yourself that if you don't get into the school it's not meant to be, you might be OK with this.
(3) It's only 5 minutes.
From what the guy in charge told me, playing the excerpts and sight reading wiill take about five minutes, so it isn't exactly a "grown-up" audition.
Five minutes can feel like an eternity when you are playing an audition. Not trying to turn you off, but want you to be prepared.
(4) The music school has a smalll orchestra.
I think playing with other would help me a lot.
This would not only help you but is a lot of fun. Great reason to force yourself to endure an audition.
But I have a few reasons against taking it
(1) They will see me play, and as we know, I'm quite bad at this.
Says you!!! I doubt that I would agree with you.
(2) I don't know any interesting piece to play. The alternatives I'm considering are arrangements from the Baccarolle from Tales of Hoffmann, and Largo from Dvorak New World Symphony (both pieces in Whistler's Introducing the Positions).
Just decide already that this is what you will play. You actually DO know what you want to play. 
(3) The vibrato is woobly, so I'd avoid it, but there are some sustained notes that don't sound so good without it.
Vibrato is not everything. Perhaps play something baroque.
(4) Failing wouldn't make me so happy. I don't think I need another failure to my list.
Look at the audition as a learning experience rather than a test. You can fail on a journey.
(5) I might or might not have a crush on a person who might o might not be involved in taking the audition. It's going to be awkward.
It will give you an excuse to reach out to the person afterward and talk. (PS. Doesn't it seem wrong to write afterward rather than afterwards?)
I'm really in need of advice here.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Fiddlerman said
I haven't played any baroque in a while. About a year ago I played the first movement of the vivaldi A Minor, and a fragment of the double bach (both from suzuki #4). What worries me is how much I will be able to play them know, considering I have a few days for the audition.
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My advice is that you play what you know and are ready to play. If you should decide to audition, good luck!
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Fiddlerman said
My advice is that you play what you know and are ready to play. If you should decide to audition, good luck!
I think that's part of the problem, because there is no piece I would say it's a "performance level", and I should play them next saturday if I go.
I really want to play in group, I think it will make me progress faster and seems a good experience. It just worries me how much better I will be able to play them given that I have three days to improve them.
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If today I had to play something for a 5 minute (or even longer) audition, I would probably pick something from Suzuki book 2 or book 3. There are some really nice pieces in these books. I especially like book 2 because all of the melodies are great.
Bob in Lone Oak, Texas
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Don't waste any time thinking about it. If necessary flip a coin, choose something and go for it. You may be playing for your future soulmate.....
Sorry, don't mean to put that pressure on you. 
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Good Luck LizaA!!! - I'd pick something you really like and kinda have it remembered to the best you can, I think practicing just that one so it sounds great, and it'll show if you love it...
PS - Fiddlerman, I'm glad I was already married when I started playing, cause I probably would have sent any future hubby running for cover!
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I'm going tomorrow. I don't care that much how I'm judged anymore, I hope this doesn't change overnight.
Unfortunately, I cannot play the piece I chose at the best possible speed, so I think I will be playing it at 3/4 of the original speed. I'm spending the day practicing the tricky part, and I will have an extra lesson with my teacher this afternoon.
I'll post an update tomorrow or Sunday.
Any tips on how to behave during the audition?
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I'm sure you'll do wonderfully - relax, deep breath, and smile...
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Good luck! You’ll do well.
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I'm in 
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LizaA said
I'm in
Congratulations! 
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Woooohooooo! So happy for you - congratulations
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@LizaA fantastic. Knew you could do it
Bob in Lone Oak, Texas
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Mega congrats, LizaA. That is so cool that you coaxed yourself through that flaming hoop of an audition! Please let us know what it's like once you get started. I'm looking forward to the day when I can play / learn with others too!
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