by Inman Hebert
Many horn students seek paid opportunities to play the horn as they become more advanced. Finding these “gigs,” which can range from part-time orchestral work to playing at churches, can prove challenging. For students starting this search, understanding what is available in one’s local region and building interpersonal connections can unlock your first opportunities.
Research will help students identify opportunities in a geographic area. Students who live in a city will not need to look as far as those in more rural locations who may need to broaden their region to include nearby counties or parishes, states or provinces. Become familiar with the smaller, part-time orchestras, their schedules, principal horn players, and personnel managers. Also, delve into non-orchestral work possibilities, such as church performances, particularly in holiday seasons. Engaging with teachers and other professionals in the field can provide valuable insights into what is available, where and when.
Relative to orchestral playing, students can utilize websites (such as musicalchairs.info) for auditions available in their area. Some of these auditions will be for per-service work, and others may be for salaried positions. Additionally, some orchestras hold auditions for their sub lists, providing top players the chance to obtain work as substitute and extra players.
Opportunities can also be obtained through forming and maintaining interpersonal connections. Many orchestras do not hold auditions for their sub list, meaning players often land on these lists by knowing the principal horn player or the orchestra's personnel manager. Asking the principal horn players of local orchestras for lessons can initiate this connection. If one plays well, these lessons can secure them a place on the sub list for the orchestra. Also, be aware of the role of the local musicians’ union. Local unions often maintain lists of musicians from which employers hire. The horn community is interconnected, so our interactions with our peers, mentors, and others in the music community can determine whether we get referred for a “gig.”
After obtaining these first opportunities, we must always bear in mind that professionalism on the job influences subsequent invitations and future success. Professionalism often boils down to being prepared, on time, easy to work with, and respectful to new colleagues. While these steps sound simple, they are critical to building a positive reputation. Securing paid work performing as a horn student hinges on reputation and networking. It is crucial to establish yourself as a skilled, collaborative, and professional musician.
