Music – Vocal Audition Information
Applicant will perform a prepared solo chosen from standard music literature available through any middle or high school music department. The solo repertoire should showcase the student’s technical ability and well-produced tone at the highest level with which the applicant is comfortable. Selection must be memorized. A pre-recorded accompaniment (CD or cassette tape) is expected; no live accompaniment will be allowed.
Evaluation will be based on:
- Pitch and rhythmic accuracy
- Intonation
- Technique (posture, breath management, legato style)
- Tone quality
- Musical effect (6 elements: artistry, stage presence, appearance, emotion, memorization, choice of literature)
- Diction (pure vowels, clear consonants, authentic diction)
- Expressiveness (dynamics,phrasing, tempo)
Applicant will sing a familiar song to be specified by the judges (e.g. “Happy Birthday”).
Evaluation will be based on:
- Aural memory (accuracy of pitch, range accessibility)
Applicant will sing back a series of notes played on the piano; applicant will also sing tones back from chords played on the piano.
Evaluation will be based on:
- Aural memory, accuracy, and intonation
Applicant will sight-read several measures after 30–40 seconds of visual study.
Evaluation will be based on:
- Accurate performance of each measure
Applicant will participate in an interview.
Evaluation will be based on:
- Motivation and communication skills demonstrated through participation in musical events, musical achievements, eagerness to learn and try new concepts, ability to communicate in an articulate manner and with poise
Note Regarding Solo Selection
Applicants may choose any song they wish for their solo, though recommended selections appear in Folk Songs for Solo Singers (volumes one and two) by Jay Althouse, published by Alfred Publishing Company.
