Behind the Screen

JT and Matt speak with Michael Sachs, Principal Trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra

Show Notes

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. 

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What is Behind the Screen?

Do you remember auditioning for 'first chair' back in high school band? Professional orchestral auditions are an entirely different beast, and host/violist JT Kane brings you world-class guests and a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at this incredibly competitive process. Produced by bassoonist Matt Corey and sponsored by www.insightfortheblind.org