ABSTRACT

Symphony orchestras consist of about 100 musicians and, although the number has varied between 90 and 105, it is rarely lower or higher. The positions, moreover, are nearly identical between orchestras and over time. The only way to increase the proportion women is to hire more female musicians and turnover during most periods was low. Female musicians, it can be convincingly argued, have historically faced considerable discrimination. To understand the impact of the democratization of the audition procedure and the screen, we must first explain how orchestra auditions are now conducted. Musicians interested in auditioning are required to submit a resume and often a tape of compulsory music to be judged by members of the orchestra. The roster data extends further back in time than do the audition data and could conceivably begin with the orchestra's founding, although there is no obvious reason to include many years when none used the screen.