From the committee’s perspective, the decision not to hire may not be frivolous. This simply doesn’t take into account the sacrfices they have asked the candidates to make in order to attend the audition. If the travel expenses for the candidates had been paid for by the orchestra, what are the chances that no one would have been hired? Would management have viewed the decision not to hire as frivolous?

Failing to hire anyone and blaming it on the complexity of the contractual situation is bizarre. Why are auditions being held if the contractual guidelines are inhibiting the process?

Obviously this situation isn’t Seattle’s fault, its a systemic issue. It is discouraging to all musicians to see it continue, though.

Thanks very much for taking the time to read and post my comments as well as responding. You accurately describe some of the feelings of frustration I remember undergoing while auditioning myself, and I hope to never lose that perspective. Like you, I am not trying to undermine the other point of view, I am only hoping to broaden the outlook taken by the many bassists who read your blog and are out there auditioning.

Sorry to seem like a stickler for detail but I’m also not the principal, I just play in the section. The principal bass is named Jordan Anderson.

Thanks again,

Jonathan Burnstien