north bay trumpet studio

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Nor-Cal Honor Band Recording Preparation Suggestions

Follow the written instructions closely:

• State your name, instrument, and school at the beginning of the recording
• State "end audition" at the end of your recording
• Clearly label the outside of the tape (or CD)-typed is preferable to crayon!
• Clearly label the tape (or CD) jacket-typed is preferable to crayon!
• Turn your recording in at the appropriate time (as indicated by your band director)

Recording suggestions:

• Do not attempt to record your entire audition in one session
• Schedule your recording sessions plenty of time before the due date
• Do not attempt to record, label and turn in your recording on the last day
• Consider at least 3 different 1 hour sessions (one for scales; one for the introduction; one for the last segment)
• Do not record when you are tired
• Make sure your instrument is clean and in good working order before the recording sessions
• Avoid background noise and minimize interruptions during the recording session
• Warm up carefully when recording
• Tune your instrument (using a tuner) prior to the recording session
• Check your intonation with a tuner frequently during the recording session
• Check all tempos with a metronome (especially re-entrances after you have stopped the tape)
• Do not neglect your normal (routine) practice during tape preparation (the routine keeps your playing coordinated and supple)
• Practice material that supports the solo and scales-not just the material itself
• Check your microphone placement (1-3 feet is best)
• Check your recording levels carefully (take care that it is not too high or too low)-use headphones and play it back through a stereo
• Create a master tape of all your "takes" (attempts at scales and various passages)
• Don’t be afraid to make record 5-10 versions of each scale or solo segment
• It is best to create more "takes" than to keep trying for the best version and recording over (or erasing) the last "take"-this approach never works! (you will most surely record over your best effort)
• Don’t keep hammering at one segment in frustration
• You may stop the recording for rests greater than one measure
• For rests of one measure or less, count through the rest in time (silently)
• If something does not come easily, move on and come back to it later (or in a different session)
• Record the most difficult segments first during each session
• Allow yourself to take breaks and rest during the recording sessions
• Take notes when recording (keep track of the order of your recorded segments; take notes on which felt best at the time; keep a time index log if possible-so you can locate the best takes easily)
• "mix" the master recording down to a "final version" later (to do this you must have access to a dual recording or "dubbing" deck and at least 2 blank tapes and plenty of time)
• after recording, wait at least 2-3 days before making your final judgements and mixing the "master " down to your "final version" (clear your head of your original impressions and be objective in your final pre-mixing listening session)
• Do not mix your recording when you are tired
• Check your tape in at least 2 different players prior to handing it in to your band director
• Put some effort into this project; show that you care and are interested in doing well
• This process is useful for any audition preparation situation