Audition Information
Auditions for Chorale for the Fall 2023 semester will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 in Arts 277J (the office of MB Krueger). Below are the audition materials, requirements, and expectations. Sign up here: SIGN UP
After you have signed up for an audition time, please fill out the Audition Form. Do not fill out the form prior to reserving your audition time.
Chorale Audition Materials
Singers auditioning for Chorale are expected to perform an excerpt from “The Heart of the Tree” by Robert Cohen. The excerpt is posted below. [Singers currently in the University Treble Choir and University Basso Choir who audition for Chorale will be asked to perform excerpts from “When Great Trees Fall” by RJ Miller.] In addition to accuracy of pitches and rhythms, the audition committee will be particularly looking for appropriate dynamics and articulations in your performance. If you would like a rehearsal track of your part, please contact Prof. MB Krueger at [email protected].
Sheet Music: Cohen – The Heart of the Tree excerpt (PDF)
Chorale Audition Expectations
- Vocal Exercises: You will perform vocal exercises to display your range and tone quality.
- Tonal Recall: You will be given a series of notes to sing back on a neutral syllable in order to test your pitch and aural memory.
- Prepared Song: You will be provided with a song and rehearsal tracks to prepare for the audition (see Audition Materials above).
- Sight Reading: You will be asked to read a piece of music that you have not previously looked at. The use of solfege is highly encouraged.
- Other: In addition to all of the above, the panel will be listening for your tone color (breathy, strident, full, rich, brassy, vibrant, bright, dark, etc.) and your pitch accuracy (intonation) in all areas of the audition.
Audition Tips
- Please come well-prepared with your song. The audition panel takes into consideration not only the quality and intonation of your voice, but also your level of preparation and determination.
- Practice your sight reading and solfege skills ahead of time. Students who sight read well are more likely to place into an auditioned ensemble. Use of solfege is preferred, however if you are not proficient in the use of solfege, use a neutral syllable for your sight reading.
- If you are sick, nervous, or generally feeling like you are not performing your best during your audition, please keep this information to yourself and refrain from saying anything about it to the audition panel. It is normal to feel nervous during an audition, and the panel favors those who maintain a positive demeanor despite the influence of nerves.
- Be confident and assume you will be successful!
For more information, please contact: Professor MB Krueger at [email protected].
