AUDITION PROCEDURE
Welcome as a prospective member of the Sweet Adelines
Foveaux Harmony Chorus Inc
We hope that you decide to return for an audition, and take advantage of the six weeks of free vocal lessons in the art of barbershop singing in our ‘Ready, Set, Grow’ programme. The procedure on audition night will be as follows:
You will be voice tested by our Musical Director or Assistant Musical Director to determine your best placement, section wise (e.g. Tenor, Lead, Baritone or Bass) in the chorus. This is in private, and consists of you singing anything you know, to show the range of your voice. If you do not have a song of choice singing ‘Happy Birthday’ is quite appropriate as it shows a wide vocal range.
You will be given the sheet music to two songs, as well as a learning CD with your part on (so you do not have to be able to read music). During the following six weeks you will be asked to learn your part of these songs.
As movement and showmanship are also a big part of our performances, you will be given some simple moves to learn.
At the end of the six weeks you will be required to sing your part with the three other parts, with the movement and animation included– this will be assessed by your Sectional Leader and/or the Director. A verbal indication of your progress will be given on the night, followed by written confirmation.
Alternatively, you may do a riser tape when singing with the chorus. The tape will be assessed by your Sectional Leader and/or the Director and you will be given written feedback.
You have the right to audition sooner should you feel ready – please approach your Sectional Leader or the Director.
You will not be able to “sing out” with the chorus until you have passed this audition process and passed a riser tape of each song that is in the repertoire. It is acceptable to leave the risers during a performance for the songs not passed yet.
It may well be that your voice is better suited in a different section. Our Musical Director may ask you to change sections for a better balance.
The aim of barbershop singing is to sing ‘as one voice’ – no voice should stand out. Singing as one voice and control of vibrato is paramount to the success of this art form. Particular attention also needs to be made to vowels.
Your Section Leader or the Musical Director are always ready and willing to assist you if you require help – please ask!!
The music and CD you get will remain the property of the Foveaux Harmony Chorus Inc, and we would appreciate the return of these if you decide that Barbershopping is not for you.
May 2009