<p>How good do you have to be for this to help you? I was 1st chair at all-state, but it was the same year as all-northwest, so I'm really probably like 5th-7 in the state. (although I didn't even apply to all-northwest, and might have been able to make it after all). I don't have my audition piece picked out yet, but when I get it I'll be able to polish it pretty well, hopefully. But should yuo be nationally ranked (or say top 2 in the state) to be able to benefit from a music supplement?</p>
<p>The word we got last year when my son applied was that the music supplement can help you, but cannot hurt you. In other words, there is no reason NOT to send it in. Even if it isn't that great, it won't hurt your chances for admission. They do make it sound on the application like you must be REALLY good to send one in, but my son was lower rated than you, and on a more popular instrument (trumpet), but he sent one in. (He was waitlisted, so I don't know if it helped or not. And he didn't pursue the waitlist, as he decided he would prefer to attend a college with a separate music school.)</p>
<p>Any chair in all-state is good enough to send an audition. It can't hurt you, and may help A LOT if they need/want a trombone player for one of the ensembles. And you do not make any commitments by sending in the tape, btw. You will still have to audition during orientation if you want to play at Stanford. The tape does NOT need to be a professional quality recording. Just good enough to demonstrate your ability. There are directions on the music dept web site, but I think you are supposed to submit 2-3 pieces of different styles, aprox. 10 min total playing time (but make sure to check this info yourself)</p>