Audition Stories

[cbphoto]

I don’t understand why 3 professors tricked you into wasting their time and yours. They sound like a bunch of a-holes

It wasn't their fault at all. I didn't read the friggin' details in the college catalog about the auditioning process. I simply scrawled my name on a sheet of paper and showed up at the corresponding date/time. While I was a touched embarrassed, it didn't last long 'cuz they were all kind to me.

Decades later I would be working in the halls of the UIUC School of Music during "auditions week" and the halls were packed with freshmen applicants who were very anxious and stressed about nailing their audition. I felt bad for them, and have never felt that way for any of my auditions.

 

[Al Strange]

I’ve only failed one audition. I’d been studying drums with my teacher for a couple of years and was selected to audition for a 2yr scholarship to attend Drumtech (a London drum school) back in 1991. To cut a long story short I took the wrong stick bag with me. The only sticks I had were some novelty “tiger striped” 2B’s my mum bought me for a laugh! I felt a bit of a plonker playing “Mercy, Mercy, Mercy” in front of a room full of drummers with these awful obnoxious plastic coated monstrosities!! I recall Francis Seriau having a “What the heck have we got here?” look on his face! I regret not asking to borrow some proper sticks... I didn’t get the scholarship...?

 

[Luv4drums]

It was Mellencamp, of course, an extremely hard guy to work for, according to Kenny Aronoff and others who have been in his band.

It was.

 

[Push pull stroke]

It was.

And he’s not allowed in the Tastee-Freez, either.

 

[Bozozoid]

Only auditioned once in my life. It was for a band called Red Pony who was a successful bar band..is that success?. Anyway they were looking for a bass player as well so Chuck and I drove to Desmoines to audition. The chick vocalist didn't show..the drummer who was leaving wasn't there plus a new guitarist was there. Not the band id seen many times locally. I was already like F this but stayed to audition. It went pretty ok but they didn't want the bass player. He looked the part and played fine so who knows what the problem was. As people they seemed pretty untogether. Not like I wanted to be on the road with. I just said that the bass player and I came as a package to get out of it gracefully. I was disappointed.

 

[losalrider]

When I studied with Troy Luccketta, in the sf/oak bay area, he flew to Indianna to audition for a well know artist there named John... I aske him how that went, and he said he played fine but didn't get the gig. It was about location. John wanted more close to being more of a local drummer. I THINK Kenny Aronoff was the drummer being replaced.

John had him fly across the country to audition knowing that he wanted a local guy. Makes perfect sense

 

[MntnMan62]

Late last year I saw a post on a local Facebook page looking for a drummer. All the members are from my town. I got together with them and we jammed for a couple hours. Everyone seemed to dig it. They also shared with me that the previous drummer had a drug problem and they were done with him. I also learned that he is the bass player’s brother. The bass player was in a previous band with me but he quit because the guitar player and singers were just not very good. I didn’t know he was in the band until he showed up at that first jam. We were both excited to be playing together again.

After that first jam we got together twice more after that. We even went out for drinks after two of the jams. At that point I figured I was in the band. Subsequently, nothing but silence. So I reached out to the leader asking if they had found another drummer and said I was ok with that if they had but was into playing with them again if not. The response was that there didn’t seem to be a lot of interest from the other guys. I accepted that as well.

Then I saw a FB post on their page saying they were playing a last minute gig later that evening. I was ok with that too. And I wasn’t really surprised that the original drummer was playing with them. Last minute gigs require familiarity so it made sense.

However, after pondering the situation further I realized that even if all of the above is true, I don’t want to with them going forward. After all, the bass player is going to lobby heavily for his brother, drugs or no drugs. And as I thought further about it, I’m playing blues with a decent group now and we are well on our way to getting a few sets together to play out. But more importantly, the other band was only doing your typical bar band music. Popular rock tunes that everyone has heard a gazillion times. To me, that’s just boring mindless garbage. If I wanted to play in a wedding band, I’d be doing that.

I guess the crux of the biscuit here is that if they for some reason reach back out to me, I’ll probably politely decline because I’d most likely be wasting my time. Add to that the fact that I’m not into the music they do. I could do it and do it well. But I really don’t want to get involved with them and reality they will probably always gravitate back to the bass player’s brother on drums. I won’t even attempt to compete with that because it has absolutely nothing to do with my playing ability versus his. And I’ve heard their earlier playing from prior videos and he’s really not that good. They can keep him, which seems like that’s what they are looking to do anyway. I suppose there is no choice on my part. But hey, the call could come anyway. I just won’t be having any of it.

 

[Xstr8edgtnrdrmrX]

The orchestral audition world is completely insane. And has been for 40 years. No exaggeration.

dude....my college prof played in the Columbus Symphony for 30+ years....he made all of the seniors go down and audition "just to get the experience"...

to me, the most uncomfortable part about it was the "blind part", where you just were a number; they called you in to the room, and there was a big black sheet hanging in the room. You gave them your number ,and played the excerpts, and that was it. No feedback; no interaction during the audition.

Then you got mailed a letter with the results. He told us that, if we got an acceptence letter, you went to a second round of the same thing, but with different excerpts

there was also this super heavy, uneasy, and honestly unfriendly atmosphere in the area where we were waiting for the audition;

it all really solidified my thoughts on that whole world: none for me thank you! (Which is why our prof had us do it!)

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my audition for drum corps went much better, but like an idiot, I did not take the offer because i let other people talk me out of doing it. It is still the single greatest regret I have in my life.

I made one off of center quad player for Limited Edition out of Columbus and they went on to win the best drums trophy for Open Class that year... 1988

I beat myself up every day for this poor decision, and definitely learned, at that point, to always listen to my hear first in choices in life

 

[Luv4drums]

And he’s not allowed in the Tastee-Freez, either.

Got to the audition and saw the little pink house wasn't for him.

 

[Luv4drums]

John had him fly across the country to audition knowing that he wanted a local guy. Makes perfect sense

Exactly, we couldn't figure that out either.

 

[Luv4drums]

Early on in my career, I had several auditions that I didn’t get. The best thing I did was be persistent in finding out the “WHY” I didn’t get chosen.

One time, I was auditioning with a band that sent me a recording, and the drums sounded HUGE on it. So, I decided to go in and play the songs loud for the audition. It turns out they weren’t interested in a loud drummer. No matter how much I told the bandleader that I wasn’t normally a loud player, but just played that role for the audition, because of the recording, I couldn’t convince them to give me a second audition.

I hate it when they don't be up front and say that when you can correct it for them.

 

[PorkPieGuy]

if they for some reason reach back out to me, I’ll probably politely decline because I’d most likely be wasting my time.

Good on you. I feel like you are really avoiding a lot of headaches. I'd do the same thing.

 

[PorkPieGuy]

I've been doing this a long time, and I think the only time I auditioned was for my church...maybe 15 years ago? It was pretty darn easy.

When it comes to playing with different bands, I'll have to not really discuss it due to the "no religious discussion" rule. Let's just say that I've always ended up with who I'm supposed to play with at the time.

 

[Nevergiveup]

A band had an ad in the Austin Chronicle for a live audition.
Very crowded club, nice folks. When the band took a break the singer found me and said it would be in about 15 minutes.
Two guys, not in his band and maybe 20 years old, were walking towards the stage. He comes back and says, you're playing with these guys. I'm like, okay. Fine.
The singer turns around and says shuffle, 2/3 and away we went. Played three songs and I felt like I played with those guys forever. Really nailed it.
People came up and said, you guys need to start a band.
The two guys disappeared into the crowd and I never saw the singer again. Waited about ten minutes, got in my car and went home. Lol.
Some auditions didn't go so well.

 

[ottog1979]

I've always ended up with who I'm supposed to play with at the time.

Yup! This is most often true.

 

[2 hit wonder]

Had an audition this weekend by doing a fillin gig. This trio's drummer was out of town, their #2 and #3 drummers were busy and they didn't know who else worthy to call. Three or 4 drummers were booked at one show, so pickings were slim. The bass player finally thought of me. No practices for the 3 hour set. It went well and they were impressive to work with. The bass player did a full length, melodic solo where John Popper does the same on harmonica in Hook. Their harmonies were excellent. Surprisingly we did Funkytown by Lips, INC.
I'm not in the band. But now I'm an on-call fillin. The band's drummer, me and the bass player were at a party and the bass player was effing with the drummer that he's gonna get replaced, lol. Im filling in again because he's doing a gig with another band.

 

[joedrum]

When I auditioned for an Allman Brothers tribute band, the process started in December 2022. I drove up to Newburgh, NY and played with the band, but first, I had to send them video of me playing along to "Whipping Post," which I did. They liked it, so I auditioned with the band, as the only drummer. Then, they had me come back again alone, and again, with the drummer they chose to be Jaimoe. The plan was, I'd be playing the Butch Trucks parts, which was fine with me. December stretched into January, then February. The keys player finally called and told me they liked my playing, but they'd chosen another guy, but they'd keep my number as a possible sub. I said, fine thanks. In March, they called me again and said, their "Jaimoe" quit in a huff, because he didn't get along with the other drummer. I was told that their "Butch" was overbearing, pushy, a bit of a bully, but "a nice guy." Really? Doesn't sound too nice to me, but whatever. They asked me to join the band. Fine, I'm in. Then, they said, don't let him intimidate you, just come and do what you do, and don't worry about "Butch," the other drummer. OK, fine. I had been warned.

I called "Butch"** to introduce myself and have a friendly chat. He seemed uncomfortable. At the first full rehearsal, "Butch" was determined to establish his dominance at all costs. There was no sense of cooperation, just intimidation. He seemingly wasn't listening to what I was playing at all. The second rehearsal was worse. I woke up three days later, called the singer and quit. I said, "You've lost two drummers now because of this guy. Doesn't that tell you something?" I guess it didn't, because "Butch" is still in the band. I have no regrets. It was an impossible situation, and at this point in my career, who needs this sh**?

The keyboard player, now a FB friend, had a birthday the other day. I wished him a happy birthday, and told him, don't hesitate to call me if things change, to which he replied positively. This band has been together for about 15-16 years, with many personnel changes, so who knows what might happen?

Wow. Sounds like they're afraid to fire this ahole.

 

[BobC]

Wow. Sounds like they're afraid to fire this ahole.

I know. I guess they like his playing and that overrides his repellent personality. He's a good drummer, but a very heavy hitter who'd probably do better playing Zeppelin, AC/DC, or something like that. They played a club I often frequent in Marlboro, NY, a few weeks ago, and I thought about going, just to try and make "Butch" uncomfortable by staring at him all night, but decided it wasn't worth it.

 

[Jasta 11]

When I auditioned for an Allman Brothers tribute band, the process started in December 2022. I drove up to Newburgh, NY and played with the band, but first, I had to send them video of me playing along to "Whipping Post," which I did. They liked it, so I auditioned with the band, as the only drummer. Then, they had me come back again alone, and again, with the drummer they chose to be Jaimoe. The plan was, I'd be playing the Butch Trucks parts, which was fine with me. December stretched into January, then February. The keys player finally called and told me they liked my playing, but they'd chosen another guy, but they'd keep my number as a possible sub. I said, fine thanks. In March, they called me again and said, their "Jaimoe" quit in a huff, because he didn't get along with the other drummer. I was told that their "Butch" was overbearing, pushy, a bit of a bully, but "a nice guy." Really? Doesn't sound too nice to me, but whatever. They asked me to join the band. Fine, I'm in. Then, they said, don't let him intimidate you, just come and do what you do, and don't worry about "Butch," the other drummer. OK, fine. I had been warned.

I called "Butch"** to introduce myself and have a friendly chat. He seemed uncomfortable. At the first full rehearsal, "Butch" was determined to establish his dominance at all costs. There was no sense of cooperation, just intimidation. He seemingly wasn't listening to what I was playing at all. The second rehearsal was worse. I woke up three days later, called the singer and quit. I said, "You've lost two drummers now because of this guy. Doesn't that tell you something?" I guess it didn't, because "Butch" is still in the band. I have no regrets. It was an impossible situation, and at this point in my career, who needs this sh**?

The keyboard player, now a FB friend, had a birthday the other day. I wished him a happy birthday, and told him, don't hesitate to call me if things change, to which he replied positively. This band has been together for about 15-16 years, with many personnel changes, so who knows what might happen?

maybe he owns the PA!!! Sounds like they are working around this guy for some reason, Their loss man!

 

[DrumDoug]

Years ago I responded to a drummer wanted ad and went to this guys house. I don’t even remember the music style. The music room was covered in posters of XXX porn. Three times in the hour I was there we had to stop playing while he sold drugs to people coming up to the door. I politely declined the gig and he was arguing with about why I auditioned if I didn’t want the gig.

Another time I went to an audition with a house kit. There was another drummer playing before me and he was packing up while I was talking to the band. The drummer drive off and when I went inside to play, all the drum hardware was gone. The drummer before me took it all.