My Experience:
Audition Day 2008 & Life As a First Year
Katie Fitzsimmons successfully auditioned
in 2008 and is now a horn major hoping
to specialize in Music Education
.
My Background:
I grew up in Dunnville, Ontario and attended Lakeshore Catholic High School. There was a great music program at my school and I decided that I would like to study music in University. I applied for the Bachelor of Music program and auditioned on French Horn. I hope to eventually specialize in Music Education and would like to teach high school.
My Audition:
My first impressions of Western on my audition day were very pleasant. I was greeted by Sasha Gorbasew, and he directing me to the right place and made me feel so comfortable. I was very pleased with how much I felt at home in the music building; everyone there that day was very pleasant and made it seem like the music faculty is one big family.
My biggest worry for my audition day was that my accompanist and I would not be able to get the music pulled together in half an hour. I was totally unaware of how incredible they are however. When I met with my accompanist on my audition day, I handed her my music and she said, “Oh I haven’t played this one in about 15 years.” Regardless, she sat down and played it just about perfectly the first time and we got through all of the music with no trouble at all.
My other concern was the theory placement test. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It definitely wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. The test does get harder as it goes on but it really wasn’t that bad. I also wasn’t sure what the audition process would be like or what the people would be like that were watching the auditions. They were all very nice and welcoming and accepting of me. It was an awesome experience as a first audition.
In preparation for my audition, I took private lessons and practised a lot. My teacher, Loreen Michalak, helped me pick some repertoire that would appropriatly display my talent and abilities. In order to be ready in time I had to practise for about 2 and a half hours per day. I did all of this at school. I practised my three contrasting pieces and scales as well as some studies as warm up exercises. When the pieces were ready for performance, my teacher played the piano accompaniment parts with me so that I could get used to how the parts fit together.
For anyone preparing for auditions I would suggest that you definitely get private lessons and that you practise a lot. I would also suggest that you run the pieces through with piano before the audition day so that it isn’t a surprise when you get there. Stay calm and have fun. When you enjoy yourself when you play, it is more enjoyable for the people watching and you will be more comfortable.
My First Year:
My first year has been a roller coaster. The first semester is always the hardest; it is a transition period. Unlike most first year students, I live off-campus and had to get used to the bus system and all kinds of things. Second semester was much better than the first one; I was able to focus a lot more on school and have a lot more fun. Everyone at Western has made the transition very easy. I have met lots of people and have had a great time living in London.
I was prepared for the theory but not for the history and GIM courses. I didn’t know what to expect for either one. Once I got used to it, it wasn’t so difficult. I am currently in the Wind Ensemble and it is fabulous. We play great music and the people are great! We have a lot of fun but it is a lot of work and practicing. I go to the new work out facilities and participate in the aerobics classes. I also go to a Bible study on campus every week and have met a lot of people through that as well.
Western was a great choice for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned a lot. I know that if I would have chosen any other school I would not be happy. I wouldn’t be learning as much as I am and I wouldn’t be in such a musical environment. Western is a great choice for anyone considering a serious career in music.
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