Recording Instructions for All Instruments

Preparing your audition:

Step 1 - Have your music 

• Hard copy from your director

• Be prepared to play from beginning to end of the tune(s)

Step 2 - Download Play-along track or have it cued up

Step 3 - Identify the devices you will need to make the recording

• You will need to submit a video audition so there needs to be a camera and microphone.

• You will also have to play along with the required track(s) which MUST BE HEARD IN THE ROOM.  NO headphones permitted.  You may want to consider using a sound system or speaker that is loud enough for you to play at your desired dynamics.  Depending on how you choose to play the play-along track, you may need an additional device to play the track from that is different than the device you are using to capture the audition recording.

Recording Instructions

•  There are two main ways you will make that happen

  • Phone

    • Most smartphones have good cameras and microphones

    • Place your phone in a location where it can "see" your body, hands, and instrument.  Make sure the music stand isn't blocking the view of the camera

    • Press "record" on the device you are using to capture the audition

    • Press "play" on the play-along track

    • Perform your audition

    • Press "stop" on the recording device

  • Computer

    • There are several software programs you can use to record a video with audio.  Choose what is familiar to you however be sure that the file can be saved in a format that can be sent in the google form.

    • One option is to use OBS which will allow you to add your own camera and USB microphone inputs

    • Another option is to use the camera software on your laptop.  Most times there is a recording feature in those applications.

  • Chromebooks are not good options for making recordings since the files that they generate do not work across all platforms and they often have poor quality microphones.

  • Practice playing with the play-along track/video before the next step

Step 4 - Set up for your recording session

• Wear generic attire so that judges can't tell which school you attend based on your apparel.

• Position camera/phone so we see your entire instrument generally from the waist up

  • Make sure your device is positioned so you can get the best sound possible

  • Avoid playing too close to the mic to avoid distortion

  • Do not play too loud.  Do the dynamics, but remember that your microphone is designed to pick up speaking voices.  Playing too loud will result in poor audio quality.  BRASS PLAYERS - do not "aim" at the microphone.

• Avoid background noises (siblings, lawn mowers, TV, etc...)

• Try to think about the final product (if we can't hear you or see you it will be difficult or impossible to provide an audition score)

• You must use a sound system or speaker to play the play-along tracks so the judges can hear you AND the track.

  • Make sure the play-along is not so loud that judges can't hear you playing your instrument

• Listen to your recording before submitting

• Save recordings in standard video formats:  MP4, MOV, WMV, AVI

  • Files should be labeled this way - LastnameFirstnameInstrument (ex:  smithjohntrumpet)

  • Drums will have 4 files (ex: smithjohnlastweek, smithjohnbossanova, smithjohnsalsamambo, smithjohngrooveblues)

Step 5 - Submit Recording

ALL SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE AT MIDNIGHT!