How Do I Audition For The Danvers High School Chorus Select Ensembles For 2021-2022?
Auditions will be held by recorded video and in-person interview. See below for more details. If you are unable to record a video for any reason, please contact Mr. Grover.
1. READ
a. Before making your video, if you have not already, please read all of the information about the select ensembles. It is important for you to understand what being in each ensemble entails, so that if you are selected, you are prepared for the commitment and work. Here is a link to the information about the select ensembles: Chorus Ensembles Descriptions
b. Read the audition requirements for the different ensembles. Auditions for the a cappella groups and Chamber Singers require preparation on different songs, so it is also important that you understand what songs you need to prepare. Here is a link to the information about the audition requirements: Audition Requirements (scoring rubric is linked on this page).
a. Before making your video, if you have not already, please read all of the information about the select ensembles. It is important for you to understand what being in each ensemble entails, so that if you are selected, you are prepared for the commitment and work. Here is a link to the information about the select ensembles: Chorus Ensembles Descriptions
b. Read the audition requirements for the different ensembles. Auditions for the a cappella groups and Chamber Singers require preparation on different songs, so it is also important that you understand what songs you need to prepare. Here is a link to the information about the audition requirements: Audition Requirements (scoring rubric is linked on this page).
2. PREPARE
a. Practice your song(s):
- For A Cappella groups, sing a verse and a chorus of a pop song
- For Chamber Singers, sing “My Country Tis of Thee"
- If you want to be considered for the A Cappella groups AND Chamber Singers, make sure you sing both songs in your video! You can audition for both!
- See "Audition Requirements" link for more details
b. Practice the “sight-reading” excerpt, "I Want It That Way."* You do not have to actually “sight-read” it for the live interview. You can teach it to yourself in advance using the files below, use the music, and it will be reviewed with you at your live interview. Here is a link to the sight-reading files: Sight Reading Audition Files
i. Choose Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Baritone, or Bass (whatever you are most comfortable with)
ii. Listen to the file with the individual part and practice so you’ve learned the part
iii. Practice your part with the “All Parts” file
iv. You will be asked to sing this part at your live interview (we will help you!)
*The sight-reading example is the same for the A Cappella Groups and Chamber Singers.
a. Practice your song(s):
- For A Cappella groups, sing a verse and a chorus of a pop song
- For Chamber Singers, sing “My Country Tis of Thee"
- If you want to be considered for the A Cappella groups AND Chamber Singers, make sure you sing both songs in your video! You can audition for both!
- See "Audition Requirements" link for more details
b. Practice the “sight-reading” excerpt, "I Want It That Way."* You do not have to actually “sight-read” it for the live interview. You can teach it to yourself in advance using the files below, use the music, and it will be reviewed with you at your live interview. Here is a link to the sight-reading files: Sight Reading Audition Files
i. Choose Soprano, Mezzo, Alto, Baritone, or Bass (whatever you are most comfortable with)
ii. Listen to the file with the individual part and practice so you’ve learned the part
iii. Practice your part with the “All Parts” file
iv. You will be asked to sing this part at your live interview (we will help you!)
*The sight-reading example is the same for the A Cappella Groups and Chamber Singers.
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3a. FILM VIDEO OF SONG(S)
We have listed some "Video Tips" below for you to make filming your video easy and effective! a. PART ONE: Introduce yourself. Name, current grade, voice-part(s), and the song you are singing b. PART TWO: Sing your song(s)* - You are permitted to play a starting note for yourself in the video. In order to get the starting note for "My Country Tis Of Thee" you can play the start of the practice file in your video if you don't have an app or piano to get the note. Both songs should be performed A Cappella after getting the starting note. *VOCAL PERCUSSIONISTS: If you would like to show your vocal percussion skills (optional). 30 - 60 seconds is sufficient. |
Example of Songs |
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3b. UPLOAD YOUR VIDEOS TO DRIVE OR YOUTUBE
PART ONE: Upload your finished video to DRIVE or YOUTUBE. PART TWO : For YouTube videos, make sure the link is “unlisted” and for DRIVE videos, make sure the link is set to “anyone at Danvers Public Schools can view” |
How To Upload |
4. SUBMIT THE AUDITION FORM
a. Fill out the audition form. Here is a link to the form: DHS Chorus Select Ensembles Audition Form
b. There is a question in the form that is a space for you to paste the link to your videos.
a. Fill out the audition form. Here is a link to the form: DHS Chorus Select Ensembles Audition Form
b. There is a question in the form that is a space for you to paste the link to your videos.
5. INTERVIEW
a. Within 48 hours, you will receive an email confirming your audition form and videos were received.
b. If there are any problems with the visibility of your submission, you will be contacted.
c. You will also receive a time for an in-person interview with Mr. Grover and Ivy O’Connell.
d. Interviews will be held Wednesday, May 12th - Friday, May 14th.
e. Most interview questions will be provided to you in advance.
f. Your range, pitch matching skills, and "sight-reading" (you can prepare that in advance) will also be tested at the interview, so be prepared to sing (but you will have to keep your mask on)
a. Within 48 hours, you will receive an email confirming your audition form and videos were received.
b. If there are any problems with the visibility of your submission, you will be contacted.
c. You will also receive a time for an in-person interview with Mr. Grover and Ivy O’Connell.
d. Interviews will be held Wednesday, May 12th - Friday, May 14th.
e. Most interview questions will be provided to you in advance.
f. Your range, pitch matching skills, and "sight-reading" (you can prepare that in advance) will also be tested at the interview, so be prepared to sing (but you will have to keep your mask on)
Questions? - Email: [email protected]
AUDITION VIDEO "TIPS & TRICKS"
- Film your video "horizontally." If you are using a laptop or chromebook, it will do this automatically. If you are using a phone, make sure you film horizontally.
- Film your video standing (so you can breathe more easily) and prop the camera so it is "eye level" and at a good angle (straight on is usually best). It's okay if the video is only of your "upper half." We mostly want to be able to see your expression!
- If you are filming in a room with a window, stand facing the window (so that the natural light is on you). If you stand with a window behind you, the light will not be good and it will be harder to see you in the video.
- Dress for success! Wear something in which you feel confident. Imagine you are doing your audition in person and want to look and feel your best.
- Film somewhere with an appropriate background (ie: your unmade bed behind you = NOT GOOD, ie: a wall, bookshelf, desk, or other nice area of your space = GOOD.
- Do a few "tests" filming a short portion of each part of the video and watch it to make sure you are satisfied with how everything looks and sounds before filming the entire video.
- Film your video "horizontally." If you are using a laptop or chromebook, it will do this automatically. If you are using a phone, make sure you film horizontally.
- Film your video standing (so you can breathe more easily) and prop the camera so it is "eye level" and at a good angle (straight on is usually best). It's okay if the video is only of your "upper half." We mostly want to be able to see your expression!
- If you are filming in a room with a window, stand facing the window (so that the natural light is on you). If you stand with a window behind you, the light will not be good and it will be harder to see you in the video.
- Dress for success! Wear something in which you feel confident. Imagine you are doing your audition in person and want to look and feel your best.
- Film somewhere with an appropriate background (ie: your unmade bed behind you = NOT GOOD, ie: a wall, bookshelf, desk, or other nice area of your space = GOOD.
- Do a few "tests" filming a short portion of each part of the video and watch it to make sure you are satisfied with how everything looks and sounds before filming the entire video.
