Game-saver!

Audition day has arrived!  After having thoroughly prepared your solo and excerpts, you are finally out the door and on your way.  Fingerings are accurate and snappy.  Tongue is behaving nicely like a fine-tipped snare drum stick.  Transpositions are automatic.  Dynamics are awesome.  Now what's your strategy for the battles of the day?

Take a couple of key words along for your trip, words that focus your attention on delivering your best work.  If you're the lay back type who needs a good butt-boot, how about any of these:  VISCERAL, HEROIC, MONSTER, PIT-BULL, FIERY, or whatever motivates you to overcome the I'm-no-good mindset (which no committee is impressed with).

If you're already well equipped by nature with that proud matador attitude, fine, but you should add to your arsenal a few words like: SMOOTH, CALM, DEADPAN, COOL, SOFT, BEAUTIFUL, etc.  A dazzling Strauss is only half the ticket.  If you can consistently follow with a pristine Schumann, the job is yours!

For those who have good rhythm but can't seem to control it in auditions, then consider the best relief pitcher entering the game in the ninth inning with the based loaded!  Everyone knows he has skill and experience, but he must exhibit complete control under pressure.  He appears relaxed, takes full breaths, exhales, and takes enough time before delivering each pitch right on target.  He's not in a hurry, and he doesn't freeze either.  You need: DETERMINATION, FOCUS, CONFIDENCE, POISE.

Again, if you're the bull-in-the-china-shop type, then think SWANS, GLIDERS, SERENE, GORGEOUS, SWEETNESS, etc.  Wimps need whips, and jerks need reins.  No matter who you are or where you are, the good news is that you must consistently deliver quality with accuracy. Luck has nothing to do with it.  You're warmed up and on the mound.  Pitch!