Devices
A typical smartphone, or a computer with a built-in microphone and camera will suffice for
making a video with satisfactory visual and audio elements.
Camera Frame and Microphone Placement
Since in most cases, your camera and microphone are part of one device, you may need to experiment to
achieve the following results:
Visual elements
- Make sure to have adequate lighting while recording, no bright lights or bright windows in
your background. - You may play standing or seated, as appropriate.
- The camera frame should include your entire upper body, with a clear, slightly oblique view of your face
(camera not directly in front of your face).- Tuba-full instrument in the frame, including how your tuba is supported.
- Trombone-full view of your slide action.
- Trumpet, Horn, Euphonium-full instrument in frame, clear view of your fingers.
Audio Elements
A clear and un-distorted recording is your goal, if the sound is distorted, change the distance
or bell orientation to the microphone, you may need to try another location in which to
make your recording.
Applicants are encouraged to dress professionally for the audition videos.
Editing and recording “takes”
All brass players are to make 3 separate, un-edited recordings: one recording for all of your scales, one for
your study (or etude), and one for your solo. (Go back to the Audition page to view specific requirements
for your instrument)
At the beginning of each recording, announce your full name, and either “scales” or the title (movement) of the piece
followed by the composer (Hi, my name is John Smith, and here is Characteristic Study #- from Arban)
Where there are long rests between passages, you may jump ahead, at your discretion.
Perfect or “Good Enough?”
Your goal is to send recordings that you feel accurately demonstrate your ability, with as few
“chipped,” or “misplayed” notes as possible.
Download “How To Record Your Audition” – BRASS
Upload your recordings
Upload your videos to the cloud storage of your choice (google drive, dropbox, etc) and send share links of your recordings to music201@tcnj.edu. Put your name and “audition videos” in the subject line of the email.
Be sure that the share settings of your drive will enable others (with the link) to access your files
For questions or for more information about recording your audition, contact the Audition Coordinator Mrs. Wells at musicdept@tcnj.edu.