April 15th is looming, and not just because of my taxes. It's also the deadline for me to notify the Atlanta Symphony about attending their audition.  Sadly, the more I consider it, the more I think this is one opportunity I have to pass up.  It pains me to say that.  It's a fantastic job in a city I love, with one of my favorite conductors at the helm.  Augh.  The problem is that I have a benefit recital the week before, I also have a huge pile of gigs lined up between now and then.  I don't feel I can properly prepare everything in front of me, so I'm having to make a choice.  I can do everything, but not at my highest level, or I can let something go and work to excel in the other performances.  I'm leaning towards the latter.  I'm far enough in my career that I no longer need to take auditions for the "experience."  I know the experience inside out.  Unless I'm aiming to win, there's not much point in going.  Especially since auditions are a huge financial drain.  The average audition costs at least $500 in airfare, hotel and food.  If I were at a different point in my life, I might try to move my benefit concert, but I love this concert and I've worked really hard to bring it to fruition.  Plus, I've programmed repertoire that I'm really excited about and that is challenging me in all sorts of great ways.  I really want to nail it.  So, I think I'm going to let Atlanta go.  It's hard to pass on such a great opportunity, but I think it's also really important for me to live my life.  Right now, I'm building my life here in New York with my husband and my family nearby.  I'm getting to play with some great musicians in one of the most artistically vibrant communities in the world.  I think I'll just keep  feeding the birds I've already got in my hands.