Audition Process
We strive to make placement auditions “child friendly” and low-key by removing as much stress as possible. Singers are asked to sing a few vocal exercises, either alone or in small groups, however they feel most comfortable. Then we ask them sing back, or “echo” melodies, assess vocal ranges, and have them sing “Happy birthday” or the first few notes of “Somewhere, Over the Rainbow” in several different keys.
Many parents assume their child will need to sing a prepared solo or have prior musical training and/or experience which is incorrect. We look for potential as much as ability. However, a letter of recommendation from the child’s school music teacher or church music leader is helpful. The singer will need to be able to match pitch easily, as well as possess a natural love of singing. An interview with singers and their parents follows the audition where we discuss their ideas and aspirations of being involved in a group like ours. Some are not aware of the high level of commitment required.
Our chorus is a classically-trained “ensemble” type of group, which requires teamwork and blend. Therefore, parents seeking a venue for their child’s potential solo career need to seek professionals in that area. However, many of the singers in our program acquire the vocal independence needed for solos in community theater productions and other events.
Singers' parents are notified of our final decision at the end of the audition. For singers that are accepted, it is because the singer:
Singers that do not pass the audition may not be at the readiness level necessary, and are welcome to re-audition the following semester (2nd - 4th graders do not have to audition for UPBEAT!, our Training Choir). Parents are asked to notify us ahead of time to attend a scheduled audition session. To schedule an audition, or for more information about auditions, please contact Artistic Director Anne Saxon at (336) 922-4073 or WSGCSing@aol.com.
All auditions are held in the Choir Room at Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Winston-Salem, next to the public library. The audition will last approximately 30 minutes. We would love to schedule an audition for your daughter!
Many parents assume their child will need to sing a prepared solo or have prior musical training and/or experience which is incorrect. We look for potential as much as ability. However, a letter of recommendation from the child’s school music teacher or church music leader is helpful. The singer will need to be able to match pitch easily, as well as possess a natural love of singing. An interview with singers and their parents follows the audition where we discuss their ideas and aspirations of being involved in a group like ours. Some are not aware of the high level of commitment required.
Our chorus is a classically-trained “ensemble” type of group, which requires teamwork and blend. Therefore, parents seeking a venue for their child’s potential solo career need to seek professionals in that area. However, many of the singers in our program acquire the vocal independence needed for solos in community theater productions and other events.
Singers' parents are notified of our final decision at the end of the audition. For singers that are accepted, it is because the singer:
- has a true passion and joy for singing and deemed mature enough to handle the level of commitment necessary
- possesses the focus level, musical, and vocal potential for a high level of musical performance
- is supported by his/her family to enable full participation in the chorus
Singers that do not pass the audition may not be at the readiness level necessary, and are welcome to re-audition the following semester (2nd - 4th graders do not have to audition for UPBEAT!, our Training Choir). Parents are asked to notify us ahead of time to attend a scheduled audition session. To schedule an audition, or for more information about auditions, please contact Artistic Director Anne Saxon at (336) 922-4073 or WSGCSing@aol.com.
All auditions are held in the Choir Room at Centenary United Methodist Church in downtown Winston-Salem, next to the public library. The audition will last approximately 30 minutes. We would love to schedule an audition for your daughter!