Author Topic: The other end of the axe (Read 143 times)

hydrargyrum · « **on:** July 21, 2009, 02:47:09 PM »

Man, I never realized how hard it is to turn someone down at an audition. Over the weekend my group auditioned a backup singer/keyboard player, who frankly, didn't make the grade. She seemed a nice enough person, but frankly, I'm more proficient on keys (which isn't saying much), and she didn't know any number of classic rock standards. We're going to give her one more shot, now that she has met us, and has had a chance to sit in on one practice, but honestly, I don't think it will matter. We're being up front about our position, but it is surprisingly hard. I don't envy whoever among us draws the short straw, and has to break the bad news.

811952 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2009, 06:57:42 AM »

Good luck.

John

(Message edited by 811952 on July 22, 2009)

terryc · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2009, 09:42:19 AM »

you should hire my son..he just tells them straight.
I once was doing the PA for his band a couple of years ago and they were audition for a guitarist, anyway out of the four that came one survived, it got a bit embarrassing but he did come out with very valid points which were
'Thats good but not what we are about'
' I asked for tasteful metal not death'
When I told him he was a bit harsh he said;-
'Cowell doesn't hold back does he??' true enough

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** July 22, 2009, 10:24:57 AM »

Yes , Mr. Cowell ! He has introduced a new unprecedented dynamic of public critique ! A real trend setter ______ Mean ! Tell it like it is man, Mr, Cowell! LOL !!! Once in a while I have seen his point though.

gtrguy · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2009, 09:39:06 AM »

I am going to throw these thoughts out there, but it is hard.

Let them know ahead of time what is expected. Always let them know you are auditioning other people (even if you aren't). Do not let them stay past the time alotted. Always make sure all band members remain non-committal during the audition, no matter how attractive the person is. Be professional. Never, never let someone leave under the impression they were chosen, only to tell them otherwise at a future time. Have your act together, because they are also auditioning you, and the really good ones might turn you down!

Bye,
Dave

olieoliver · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2009, 09:48:35 AM »

I do think being honest is the way to go, but one can still be tactful about it.

I'm not sure you really match what we're looking for, is much better than saying that sounds like a cat caught in a blender.

OO

pauldo · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2009, 09:51:22 AM »

my 2 cents (from past experience):
David nailed rule # 1 - be professional, this includes if a person auditions, get back in touch with them to let them know either yay or nay on their audition, it is painful to be the auditionee and not hear anything, better to hear bad news instead of no news.

Rule # 2 - Be sincere, it will show and sometimes it lessens the blow of being let go.

Rule # 3 - keep your ego in check - it is often times easy to insult someone who is perceived as having 'less skill' than yourself.

Kevin - if you have enough of a conscience to post here it would indicate that you are commpasionate - I am certain that a sincere thank you and a side note of appreciation to the woman for coming to audition will make for a 'happy' parting of ways. Good Luck

crobbins · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2009, 12:08:37 PM »

Just tell her that you love what she's trying to do..

terryc · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2009, 03:53:36 PM »

Well my son is 20 and full of excess energy and I certainly would not have done it his way.
With age comes wisdom, poor eyesight and cheap bike/car insurance!
I guess we were all full of our own self importance at one stage of our lives and we mellow