Audition Process
We strive to make auditions “child friendly” by removing as much stress as possible. Singers are asked to sing a few vocal exercises, either alone or in small groups, whichever they feel most comfortable with. Then we ask them sing back, or “echo” melodies, assess vocal ranges, and have them sing “America” in several different keys. Copies of the music are provided.
Many parents assume their child will need to sing a prepared solo or have prior musical training and/or experience. This 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 throughout the community.
Singers' parents are notified of our final decision within two days 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 year (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.
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. Please contact us to schedule an audition.
Many parents assume their child will need to sing a prepared solo or have prior musical training and/or experience. This 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 throughout the community.
Singers' parents are notified of our final decision within two days 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
- 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 year (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.
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. Please contact us to schedule an audition.