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• Listen to orchestras – as many as possible – live! Records are helpful, but not a true indicator of an orchestral trombonists’ abilities or responsibilities.

• Take advantage of every playing – performing opportunity you can. It never hurts to know too much about trombone performance or music in general.

• Don’t set your sights on only one particular job. It usually leads to a lot of frustration and disappointment.

• Learn orchestra pieces including trombone passages as thoroughly as possible; include being familiar with more than one interpretation. However,

• Don’t practice only orchestral passages ad nauseum. Mindless repetition leads to very boring presentations.

• For tape auditions, take your time and produce a tape which pleases you. Be sure to listen to it, and don’t submit something with which you are not satisfied.

• At live auditions try to project a blend of well founded conviction, with the ability to be flexible. A conductor needs to know his players are strong and confident, but will be willing to accept his suggestions.

• At all auditions, concentrate! Breathe!! Don’t let your mind wander off. Airport problems, weather, the room, the audition committee, the city, and many other things are out of your control; don’t let them ruin your performance.

• Use common sense in your preparation. Playing Bolero ten times before the audition is probably not going to help. It’s too late! Food, rest, and other essential life functions can be more important than additional practicing. Be warmed up, not warmed out!

• If you don’t get the job, it may be very difficult to fully understand why. Just because you lost does not mean you are a poor player. Be willing to accept criticism but don’t try to change the person you are. You are not going to fill every orchestra’s needs.

(note: Mark Lawrence is the retired Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony.