Sigh

September 9, 2008 at 5:57 PM

I got a letter from the LSO in my mailbox at work today. This letter informed me that I was regretfully "not chosen" for either the "substitution roster" or the "Category 3 list of substitutes." I do not even know what Category 3 is, but any way you slice it, it is not good news.

As time went by without word, I had figured that no news was probably bad news, but it's still a bit of a downer to have it confirmed.

But, at least the orchestra that I *am* playing in is doing some really great stuff. So I'll sleep on it tonight and blog about that instead.

From Tom Holzman
Posted on September 9, 2008 at 6:03 PM

I am so sorry to hear about the audition results. It is their loss. Keep up the good work.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on September 9, 2008 at 6:25 PM

I'm sorry that the results of your audition were not what you wanted. Keep up your positive attitude about the music you're playing in your current orchestra. That experience can enrich you as a musician, too.

From Laurie Niles
Posted on September 9, 2008 at 7:36 PM

A necessary motto for all violinists to continue to grow and aim high: Reject rejection.

From Karin Lin
Posted on September 9, 2008 at 8:12 PM

My friend and fellow V.com member Clare Chu gave me this excellent advice after I had a disappointing performance: "Keep you r chin up and over a violin!" I admire your positive attitude. Hang in there and listen to what our wise Laurie said. :)

From Stephen Brivati
Posted on September 9, 2008 at 10:17 PM

Greetings,
their loss.
Your still in my category 2,
Cheers,
Buri

From Anne Horvath
Posted on September 9, 2008 at 11:18 PM

Oh, so sorry. This sounds like a good time for some Chocolate Abuse.

From Tess Z
Posted on September 10, 2008 at 2:56 AM

I'm sorry too but it's okay Karen. Certainly you're disappointed but shake it off, learn from the experience, and move forward.

When one door closes another is opened.

From Karen Allendoerfer
Posted on September 10, 2008 at 10:47 AM

My teacher said that pro's take several auditions per year, over a period of years. And that eventually you get over the nerves and the being distracted by a dead room or whatever else.

It hasn't even been 2 years that I've been playing again since I quit when my kids were born. And in the "current era" I've only been taking lessons for about 9 months. I knew when I started playing again it was going to be a long haul to get back to even my former modest levels of achievement. I think I'm almost to, if not already beyond, that point at least.

It makes it a lot easier to get over having people to talk to about it. Thanks everyone!

From Laurie Niles
Posted on September 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM

Once a successful professional writer friend made my mom (also a writer) the best gift that I think I've ever seen: She decoupaged a trash can, completely covering it with her own rejection letters from various magazines like "Ladies Home Journal" and "Time," etc., "Sorry, your manuscript does not meet our current needs..blah blah)." It was so interesting to see that this successful writer had actually experienced so much rejection, but also to see her wonderful attitude about it!

From Bart Meijer
Posted on September 10, 2008 at 8:10 PM

Sigh, indeed.
And move on,
and good luck next year!

From Karin Lin
Posted on September 10, 2008 at 9:26 PM

Laurie, that is so neat! Your mom's friend sounds fantastic.

From sharelle taylor
Posted on September 11, 2008 at 12:45 AM

Hi Karen, remember what you wrote: Regardless of the outcome, I think I can say this audition was a success, and I got something out of it. What's more, I'd be willing to do it again.

Hang on to that thought. Isn't it a dumb ambivalence we feel on rejection, even when we haven't fully invested ourselves in the role - jsut the process of auditioning means you have had to viusalise and imagine yourself playing in that group, so now it means an adjustment, a rearrangement of your ambition. Adjustment just takes time, is all. Today is probably the worst day, you're not going to feel the same this time in one week, let alone 1 month. I liked your Bach.

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on September 11, 2008 at 3:32 AM

In reality you succeed 1/10 of the time you're doing great. Just don''t stop plugging away.

From Terez Mertes
Posted on September 11, 2008 at 1:54 PM

: (

You've got the right attitude, tho! : )

Laurie - love the story. I'll be papering an entire room some day with the rejections I continue to accrue as a writer.

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