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| Cathy McCorkill and Gregory van der Struik share tips and experience with interns from the Conservatorium of Music in the Opera Centre's Joan Sutherland Studio |
The set up is not unlike the audition scenes from the popular television show The Voice. A panel sits behind a screen with their backs to a nervous performer, listening for every perfectly pitched note or mistimed breath. Only there are less flashing lights and no cheering crowd.
This scene is taking place among the beams and music stands of the Joan Sutherland studio at The Opera Centre, as five music students from the Sydney Conservatorium conduct a mock audition for the discerning members of the Australia Opera and Ballet Orchestra (AOBO). The students are all participating in an internship program run by Opera Australia and the AOBO.
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The standard is high, and the representatives from the AOBO are impressed. Associate principal clarinetist Cathy McCorkill and principal trombonist Gregory van der Struik are on hand to offer tips and advice to the music students.
When the students next step up to a professional audition, they will take with them useful tidbits of advice from the seasoned AOBO performers.
These included:
- Pick a variety of excerpts, so you can show your versatility
- You can choose where to stand. Don’t accept the set up as it’s offered, make yourself comfortable.
- Try and choose a position where you can have eye contact with your accompanist
- Tell your accompanist whether you would like the piano lid raised or closed for your audition, depending on your preference.