<p>YES! Always take the music with you. D may offer it to the panel or just place the folder in an out of the way location, such as on a chair near the door. At least, that’s what’s done with voice. D was quite glad to have taken EXTRA music with her, because at one audition, the panel asked if the had anything of a certain tempo in her book which she did. She gave it to the accompanist and got to sing yet another piece. Not really sure what they were looking for, but they must have heard it because they accepted her!!
Girls, take extra pantihose along (THAT morning will be the time you pop a run!), guys, please make sure that your socks match (I’ve seen some odd combinations on guys who got dressed very early!). Do scope out the practice rooms and get there at least 30 minutes before the entire session begins. Trust me, this is one time you do not want to be late and be the ones trying to walk into the hall without being noticed! Get your seats, sit back and listen to the presentation the administration has prepared for you. Pay attention when they break, because instructions may be different for undergrad, grads, transfers, etc. If you think you might be in the wrong place, please, speak up and ask. On audition day at a major conservatory, D was placed in a room with all of the grad students and thus, heard the wrong presentation, which she realized after it began and she was across the room from the door! It wasn’t a big thing, thankfully, but it does prove that errors do arise. While you are waiting outside your audition room, you may be one of several students. You can talk softly, but follow the lead of the student guide who is handling the clipboard for the room. Don’t drift off and make them have to find you, even if it’s just down the hall.
Bad weather is to be expected in many areas during the winter. Allow plenty of time. Tuck a sweater into your bag because some of the large Halls can be drafty and waiting areas cold. You may be wearing heels for your audition,ladies, but if there is a foot of snow outside, wear you boots to the school (see next paragraph).
Parents, be prepared to be a Sherpa porter, or enlist the services of a donkty .You may be draped with and held responsible for coats, snow boots, and various items of clothing, instrument cases and music bags (during those ear training and theory placement tests). Find a comfortable spot and read. You daughter/son will need to find you and they tend to get a bit high-strung if they have to run around and hunt for you.
Whew… Oh, by the way, Good Luck and Have Fun!</p>