The constant quest for the unattainable, or Being a Professional Musician

Over the last few months I’ve been delighted to discover great interest in what goes on behind the scenes at the symphony, especially in regards to the auditions I described last month. That has made me think about the bigger picture: what exactly leads some of us to become professional musicians, and what’s it like living the dream? It starts in childhood. I have friends who remember the first time they held a violin and immediately felt a tactile connection with the instrument and its sound, and others who can’t remember a time when they didn’t sit in front of the piano every day. My earliest memories are before I played an instrument – of music itself – which is perhaps why I chose to

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How does someone join the Jacksonville Symphony?

The process of auditioning and joining an orchestra can seem mysterious to outsiders. It’s certainly a stressful experience for candidates – I’ve been one many more times than I’ve been on the panel – but it’s also tremendously exciting when you find a musician who you hope will invigorate the orchestra. The first week of February is a busy time for us. We are holding three auditions: principal second violin, second trumpet and second trombone. Hundreds of musicians will descend on Jacoby Hall hoping to secure a place with the Jacksonville Symphony. Take a moment to ponder the number of applicants for each position. I’m often bemused when friends moan about how steep the competition is for a job they want. One in five, one

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