Behind the Screen

BTS Episode 28 - Matt Howard

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:30:00 -0400

In our final episode of Season 2, we welcome the Principal Percussionist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Matt Howard. Matt is from Los Angeles and he talks to us about his experience taking an audition for his hometown orchestra, and how he wasn’t invited the first time (we’ve heard this before from several of our other guests). He lets us in on his routine for taking auditions, what it’s like being on the other side of the screen listening to auditions, but also, he talks about breaking it down to the basics and being mentally prepared. What is the constant, and what is the variable? The more he broke it down, the more he realized the variable was almost always mental. Everyone preparing for an audition, regardless of your instrument, needs to listen to what Matt has to say. It’s wonderful advice and Matt was a great guest!

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 27 - Ricardo Morales

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 07:30:00 -0400

Ricardo Morales, Principal Clarinet of the Philadelphia Orchestra is our guest on this episode of Behind the Screen. Before winning his position with Philly, Ricardo was Principal Clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He talks about his experiences with both auditions as well as sitting behind the screen when listening to auditions. He talks about how to prepare for an audition and what he believes the panel is listening for and what is the differentiating factor when choosing one candidate over another. Ricardo points out that boxing and auditions are very similar. As he says: “there is a very fine line between kicking butt, and getting your butt kicked.” We loved talking and laughing with Ricardo and you’ll love listening to him on Behind the Screen.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 26 - Carol Jantsch

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:30:00 -0400

Carol Jantsch, Principal Tuba of the Philadelphia Orchestra joins us on Behind the Screen to talk about her experience with taking, and winning, her audition with the Philadelphia Orchestra – while she was still in college!! As we’ve heard before from other guests, she wasn’t invited the first time. How did she win? Carol lets us in on what she works on with her students who are preparing for auditions, and their routines. We talk about being on the other side of the screen, what it is she’s listening for when someone is playing, how playing is a physical activity, and how to take care of your body. Oh yeah, winds and brass players, get molds of your teeth. Tune in to find out why.

Check out Carol's website at caroljantsch.com and her podcast "Rising Stars", now in its second season!

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 25 - Michael Sachs

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:30:00 -0400

Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of The Cleveland Orchestra joins us on Behind the Screen to talk about auditions (imagine that…). Mike won his position back in 1988 but he wasn’t initially invited! Listen in to how he ended up finally being invited and how he was able to win. Mike talks to us about how playing is very physical, and he equates practicing to training for the Olympics and having proper fundamentals. Mike has three words that he wants to hear when listening to an audition: “Compelling musical presence”. Find out what he means and find out about what he says was the separating factor for every brass audition he’s listened to at The Cleveland Orchestra. If you’re taking an audition, regardless of your instrument, listen to this episode.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 24 - Demarre McGill

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 27 May 2021 07:03:00 -0400

Demarre McGill, Principal Flute of the Seattle Symphony joins us on Behind the Screen. Demarre walks us through his audition successes, and how he prepares for them. He talks about his philosophy called the “Habit of Playing Beautifully” and how you need to train yourself to sound beautiful, regardless of what you’re playing. This conversation is a deep dive into the mind of a great musician who has a wonderful outlook on life and music.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 23 - Cynthia Phelps - "A Balanced Life"

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 13 May 2021 09:49:59 -0400

Cynthia Phelps, Principal Viola of the New York Philharmonic, joins Behind the Screen on this episode titled “A Balanced Life”. She talks about the love of playing music and to have a depth of knowledge in the excerpts that you’re playing. It’s the little things in these excerpts that will distinguish you from the others and show who you are and what you have to say. We talk about the pressure of taking an audition, to make sure that you have a balanced life, and to always be open to what life may throw your way. Cindy has a wonderful outlook on life, and it was such a pleasure to speak with her and to hear her great advice on taking auditions, living life, playing tennis, and making sure your life is balanced. Notice a theme?

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 22 - Winging It

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Wed, 05 May 2021 10:18:06 -0400

On this episode of Behind the Screen, Matt and JT call two New World Symphony Fellows! Michael Turkell, violin and Kathryn Bradley, bass join BTS to talk about Michael’s recent audition, Kathryn’s preparation for an upcoming audition, and about a day in the life of an NWS Fellow. We have a ton of fun and they bailed us out -- so thank them by tuning in!

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 21 - Alex Kerr

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:29:53 -0400

Alex Kerr, Concertmaster of the Dallas Symphony, joins Behind the Screen to talk to us about his journey after winning the Concertmaster audition for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra when he was only 25 years old! He tells us what it takes to be a Concertmaster, and shares what he is listening for when he’s behind the screen listening to auditions. Alex talks about his teaching philosophy and how you must know every facet of your playing, as well as how to be consistent. Tune in to hear one of this generation's greatest Concertmasters and teachers.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 20 - Kristen Bruya

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:30:00 -0400

Kristen Bruya, principal bass of the Minnesota Orchestra joins us on Behind the Screen to talk about her journey in taking auditions. Kristen talks about how she developed a routine and honed her audition taking skills (let’s dance!), going back to school, and how she was able to learn and find humility from her colleagues. Be honest with yourself, leave your ego out of it, and try to remain open. Kristen has such a wonderful sense of humor, an infectious laugh and incredible insights to audition taking and just life in general.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts! Or, let us know who you'd like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com We're not begging. Really.

BTS Episode 19 - Weston Sprott

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 09:18:41 -0400

Weston Sprott, trombonist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra joins us on Behind the Screen to talk about his journey - both with taking auditions, and listening to them. Weston shares how the Met Orchestra, one of the world’s best and most diverse orchestras, holds their auditions and how that should be a model for all orchestras. Listen in to Weston share his philosophy on taking auditions and what you should (or shouldn’t) do in each round. As he says, “You’re playing a solo recital of orchestral excerpts”.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts, or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 18 - Brinton Smith

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:30:00 -0400

Brinton Smith, principal cello of the Houston Symphony joins Behind the Screen. Brinton has amazing insights to auditions and what it’s like being on the other side of the screen -- not only about what he listens for, but how he listens. As he says, “you listen differently when the screen is up.” Brinton has taken at least 40 auditions and listened to even more, so he knows what he’s talking about! Most importantly, he explains how everyone behind the screen is actually rooting for you! This is a great discussion with an even greater cellist and person.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 17 - Jerry Schwarz (Part Two)

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Part two of our interview with Jerry Schwarz. We talk tenure, trials, communication, and of course, auditions. Hear more of Jerry’s thoughts and his great stories.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who you'd like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 16 - Jerry Schwarz (Part One)

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 10:03:56 -0500

Behind the Screen is Back!! We are thrilled to be back and speaking with our wonderful guest about auditions and their experiences. In our opening two episodes we talk, with the Conductor Emeritus of the Seattle Symphony, Gerard Schwarz. Jerry has been listening to auditions for decades with a TON of different orchestras and has wonderful insight as to what a conductor might be looking for when they are listening to an audition. This is a great discussion about the other side of the screen. As Jerry said, “Many times it’s not how you play, it’s who’s judging you.” Listen in to his stories and hear his nuggets of wisdom and tune in next time for the conclusion of our conversation with this extraordinary musician and conductor.

Thank you for subscribing and let us know your thoughts or who’d you like to hear on Behind the Screen at screenisup@gmail.com

BTS Episode 15 - JT and Matt Season Finale!

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 18:49:37 -0500

In the final episode of the first season of Behind the Screen, JT and Matt review the amazing guest we’ve spoken with and dig a little deeper into what Matt does (who is the person behind the voice?) We talk current events, family, what’s happening with some orchestras in the time of COVID and catch up.

Happy Holidays and see you in the New Year! Stay safe, and wear a mask.

Charlie Rosmarin, Percussion, New World Symphony
Rebecca Oliverio, Trumpet, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Nathaniel Silberschlag, Principal Horn, The Cleveland Orchestra
Lisa Dempsey Kane, Principal Orchestra Librarian, The Juilliard School
Billy Hunter, Principal Trumpet, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Steven Moeckel, Concertmaster, Phoenix Symphony Orchestra
Ryan Roberts, Oboe/English Horn, New York Philharmonic
Andrew Brady, Principal Bassoon, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Natsuki Kumagai, Violin, Minnesota Orchestra
John Wilson, Orchestra Pianist, San Francisco and San Diego Symphonies
Emma Gerstein, 2nd Flute, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Erich Rieppel, Principal Timpani, Minnesota Orchestra

BTS Episode 14 - Erich Rieppel

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 07:00:00 -0500

Our last guest of the season is the principal timpanist of the Minnesota Orchestra, Erich Rieppel. He joins BTS to talk about his recent appointment, dealing with the cold weather (he’s used to -40 degrees), and how lucky he feels to be playing with his hometown orchestra. He walks us through a timpani audition, and the difference between the American and German setup, the different types of timpani heads, and the different types of actual timpani. Erich had trials with three major orchestras before winning Minnesota (his fourth trial). What did he do differently in Minnesota? Hear Erich’s fascinating story on how he ended up winning this coveted spot with the Minnesota Orchestra.

BTS Episode 13 - Emma Gerstein

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 19:10:01 -0500

Emma Gerstein, the 2nd flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joins us to talk to us about how she went from playing with the New World Symphony, to winning a position around the world with the Auckland Philharmonia in New Zealand! And then, how she won her current position with her hometown orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She talks about how she prepared for the CSO audition while having a full-time job, and prioritized practicing her excerpts vs practicing for that week’s orchestra concert. Emma reveals how many auditions she has taken, and how she dealt with the losses and kept getting up afterwards. There’s always one more. Emma leaves us with one of the best mantras we’ve heard so far: “Leave your ego at the door.” What does she mean by that? Listen in to find out!

BTS Episode 12 - John Wilson

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Pianist John Wilson joins BTS to discuss what it’s like to take an orchestral piano audition. John is the orchestral keyboardist for the San Diego and San Francisco Symphonies, and he tells us what it’s like to play a number of different keyboards (even accordion!) and the need to adjust when you show up to play with an orchestra that has a different piano than you’re used to -- or even a really bad piano! What’s John’s sound image? What is sound image? Is it just an illusion? Can the audience tell the difference?

John talks about what he considers the difference between being a piano soloist and an orchestral pianist and how it’s not so different. Well, other than sight reading a score to accompany a soloist or an audition for another instrument. YIKES!!

BTS Episode 11 - Natsuki Kumagai

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0400

JT and Matt speak with Natsuki Kumagai, violinist with the Minnesota Orchestra.

BTS Episode 10 - Andrew Brady

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0400

Andrew Brady, principal bassoon of the Atlanta Symphony joins BTS to and walks us through the two times he took the Atlanta audition. He explains how the little things (maybe not so little!) make the difference and what he changed between the first audition when he made it to semi-finals, and when he won the second audition. Did it help? Andrew talks about preparation for an upcoming audition, why an excerpt is on the list, and of course we talk reeds. Andrew finishes up giving his most honest and candid answers to racial issues in orchestras, auditions being screened or not, and the tenure process.

BTS Episode 9 - Ryan Roberts

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Ryan Roberts, English Horn/Oboe of the New York Philharmonic joins BTS to talk about his audition successes -- and the few that weren't so great. He is the second youngest musician ever to become a member of the NY Phil, and won the job after it was vacant for over 9 years (he’s only 24!). Ryan discusses the difference between winning an audition versus not getting past the prelims, and how auditions are subjective and how much goes in to choosing a player. He talks about the importance of reeds, the amount of time it takes to make the perfect reed, plus the benefits of colleagues being on the audition circuit with you. It’s good to have a friend to join you at the bar!

BTS Episode 8 - Steven Moeckel

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Steven Moeckel, Concertmaster of the Phoenix Symphony and Santa Fe Opera, joins BTS to talk about his recent win with the Santa Fe Opera, and the long process of getting the position -- plus the difference between American and European auditions. Steven describes what it takes to be a concertmaster, what it’s like being on the other side of the screen listening to auditions, and gives great advice to young aspiring concertmasters.

BTS Episode 7 - JT and Matt Chat

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Behind the Screen, JT and Matt talk to…each other! We thought it would be good for our listeners to learn a little about us and why we decided to do a podcast about auditions. Who are JT and Matt? How are we able to get the amazing guests we’ve had so far? What are some current events happening in the orchestral world? Do our mothers listen? Do yours?

Tune in to find out and send us an email at screenisup@gmail.com to give us some feedback, or even send us an audio submission! Thanks for listening!

BTS Episode 6 - Billy Hunter

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Billy Hunter, principal trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra talks about his “audition sweep” after New World Symphony with his three back to back to back wins with Grant Park, Baltimore Symphony, and finally with the Met. He talks about how important your reputation is in the music world and what NOT to do, as well as how to prepare and perfect your craft like a professional athlete -- when talent can only take you so far.

Billy wraps up discussing how important the screen is and how it removes implicit bias. Plus, the tenure process: it’s flaws, and suggestions on how we can all help to fix it.

BTS Episode 5 - Lisa Dempsey Kane

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode we talk to Lisa Dempsey Kane, the Principal Orchestra Librarian for the Juilliard School, about being an orchestra librarian and how being a concertmaster has helped her transition to this role in an orchestra. She talks about how she was introduced to the library, what an orchestra librarian does, and what’s involved in taking an orchestra library audition. Is it behind a screen? How many rounds? What’s the same/different from an instrumental audition? Join us to find out!

BTS Episode 4 - Nathaniel Silberschlag

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 08:00:00 -0400

In this episode we talk with Nathaniel Silberschlag, principal horn of the Cleveland Orchestra. Nathaniel is the youngest player to join both the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra! He walks us through his preparation for two different auditions while still at Juilliard, his very large family of musicians, and how positive visualization has helped him with his audition success -- and keep his focus with such a demanding position.

BTS Episode 3 - Rebecca Oliverio

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:32:26 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Rebecca Oliverio about the difference between preparing for an opera audition versus an orchestral audition. She shares her experience round by round, and how she dealt with - and maintained - her drive in the three weeks between prelims and semi/final rounds.

We also discussed the correlation between sports and auditions, how it’s not about anyone else not playing well, but more about YOU playing your best - and how that helps eliminate negativity. Listen to Rebecca speak about her NINE siblings, and how she is more than just a trumpet player.

BTS Episode 2 - Charlie Rosmarin (part two)

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:32:16 -0400

We’re back with Charlie Rosmarin to discuss his recent Philadelphia Orchestra audition and the extensive repertoire list, as well as how he "comes down" after his audition with all the nerves and adrenaline. Speaking of coming down, should the screen come down? Charlie shares his ideas on the process of taking AND holding an audition.

BTS Episode 1 - Charlie Rosmarin (part one)

Matt Corey and JT Kane — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:32:00 -0400

Episode 1 – In episode 1 of talking with Charlie Rosmarin (and the debut of Behind the Screen!), we dive into what is involved in taking a variety of different percussion auditions, being a percussionist with the New World Symphony and how that applies to auditions, as well as Charlie's routine and preparation leading up to the big day, as well as adjusting to the venue where the audition is held. We wrap up this episode with the number of excerpts on his recent Philadelphia Orchestra audition. Wow!