This image from 2021 is of an AZ Phil musician audition in Trinity Presbyterian Church in Prescott, with the judges sequestered behind the partition, the auditioning musicians on stage so neither judges nor musicians are seen by each other.
The Audition Process
Every August, before the new season starts, Arizona Philharmonic looks for the most gifted musicians to join its orchestra. The Conductor, Maestro Peter Bay, emphasizes the process is done with candidates behind a screen to protect them from any bias, and musicians are assigned a number to protect their anonymity. This year they will be held in Phoenix August 24+25, details can be found here.
AZ Phil Personnel Manager Barb Metz says “We hope to have at least 20 musicians audition, with strings the instruments front and center this year.” Professional musicians who play the violin, viola, cello, and bass are called to audition for Associate Concertmaster, section violin positions I and II, and Principal and section viola, cello, and bass. They will be asked to play various orchestral excerpts, that represent music heard at AZ Phil concerts, from works by Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov. Specific selections for each instrument are listed on the AZ Phil website. Additionally, they are asked to play a solo piece of their choosing. An audition typically takes five to seven minutes.
Looking for the Gifted Ones
This year Maestro Peter Bay will be on the audition committee, as well as Concertmaster Dr. Katie McLin, and another AZ Phil string player. “We are always trying to find gifted musicians,” Peter said. “Each year there can be changes in musician availability, whether it’s a move out of the area or an addition to the family, so additions are always sought.”
AZ Phil Principal French horn musician and instructor Karen Teplik says she tells her students, “auditions can be screwy things, sometimes a really qualified player might have a bad day,” and she encourages professional players who have auditioned for AZ Phil before to try again.
AZ Phil’s Seventh Season begins September 8 with Maestro Peter Bay conducting, “Passion, Peace and Power,” at 3:00pm at Ruth Street Theater in Prescott. There will be a 2:00pm pre-concert talk. Tickets and details here.
About Arizona Philharmonic
Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, beginning its seventh season in 2024-25, and presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. Based in Prescott, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.
