This dissertation examines the flute audition process from the viewpoints of flutists currently or recently employed by major symphony orchestras. Out of 153 orchestral flutists among the top 50 American orchestras, 50 flutists representing 36 symphonic organizations responded to a flute audition questionnaire created by the author. Methods and techniques of audition preparation that professional flutists have used to win their current positions have been detailed. Included, also, are relevant insights on the orchestral audition process from within an audition committee perspective. While much has been written in the last several years about audition procedures, from taking auditions to helpful preparation advice, this dissertation will be a unique look from the flutist's perspective. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of flutists who have taken orchestral auditions in the hopes of winning a job. Many flutists question what audition committees look for, why they take multiple auditions with no success, and how they can improve their chances of gaining a full-time job with a symphony orchestra. This thesis will explore the known success strategies of employed orchestral flutists in the attempt to de-mystify a subjective process called the orchestral audition.