Here are the audition requirements for the 2010-2011 Rock Ensemble.
I. VOCAL AUDITION
A. A prepared song with accompaniment by piano, guitar, small rhythm section or karaoke/instrumental tracks that are available online. Vocalists will be evaluated in each of the following areas: talent, tone, diction, relative pitch, enthusiasm, and stage presence.
B. Easy sight-reading to show basic understanding of note reading and rhythms. A suggested book would be Let’s Read Music (Book 2, Volume by Rufus A. Wheeler, Published by Dickson-Wheeler, Inc., 208 First Street, Scotia, New York 12303).
C. Harmonizing the major scale in 3rds with another vocalists, up and down five steps.
II. KEYBOARD AUDITION
A. A prepared solo with or without rhythm section accompaniment in the classical, rock or jazz style.
B. Easy sight-reading. Use any popular sheet music.
C. Chords
Major: 7ths, 9ths 11ths, and 13ths
Dominant: 7ths, 9ths 11ths, and 13ths
Minor: 7ths, 9ths
Diminished: 7ths
Augmented: 7ths, 9ths
Suspended: 2nds, 4ths
D. Simple Improvisation over the I-IV-V chords in the keys of C, G, D, E, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab.
E. Major Scales: Two octaves with both hands.
III. GUITAR AUDITION
A. A prepared solo with rhythm section accompaniment in the jazz/rock style. The solo should be performed exactly as it is on a commercial recording of the candidates preference. The same sounds (distortion, flange, or digital delay) should be utilized at the audition.
B. Easy sight-reading from the Complete Guide for the Guitar: Advancing Jazz-Pop-Rock Edition (EFM 50001S, Coffman/Webb; Ellis Family Music, 1-800-573-5547, 30 Samana Drive, Miami, FL, 33133).
C. Chords
Major: 7ths, 9ths
Dominant: 7ths, 9ths
Minor: 7ths, 9ths
Diminished: 7ths
Augmented: 7ths
Suspended: 2nds, 4ths
D. Easy Blues improvisation over I-IV-V progressions in any key.
E. Major Scales: 2 octaves starting on the fifth or sixth string.
F. It is suggested that the guitarist have his/her own equipment and be encouraged to develop his/her own concept of sound if not already in place.
IV. BASS AUDITION
A. A prepared bass part that has been transcribed from a popular, commercially produced recording.
B. Construct a bass line over a I-IV-V chord progression using the following:
1. Root, 5th
2. Root, 3rd, 5th
3. Root, 5th, octave
4. Root, 5th, octave, 12th
5. A basic walking-bass pattern
C. Knowledge of root, 3rd and 5th in major, minor, augmented and diminished chords.
D. Easy sight-reading from Complete Guide for the Guitar: Advancing Jazz-Pop-Rock Edition (EFM 50001S, Coffman/Webb; Ellis Family Music, 1-800-573-5547, 30 Samana Drive, Miami, FL 33133).
V. DRUM AUDITION
A. A prepared piece with rhythm section accompaniment (bass, piano and/or guitar) demonstrating an idiomatic rock drum pattern using good time and dynamic playing.
B. Demonstrate proficiency in 5/8 meter (listen to Dave Brubeck’s Take Five).
C. Demonstrate proficiency in 6/8 meter (listen to any jazz/waltz).
D. Demonstrate proficiency in 5/8 and 6/8 alternating meters (listen to Greg Allman’s Queen of Hearts from the solo album Laid Back).
E. Sight read from Realistic Rock by Carmine Appice (Carmine Appice Enterprises, 9171 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 436, Beverly Hills, CA 90210).
VI. WIND/BRASS AUDITION
A. Any prepared solo with accompaniment, either jazz or classical.
B. Major scale played one octave through 4 sharps and 4 flats with arpeggios.
C. Sight-read in any intermediate level band instrument book.
VII. TECHNICAL CREW
Because of the electronic nature of the group and the detailed set-up procedure, it is recommended that special sound reinforcement equipment personnel be selected. The technician will have knowledge and proficiency in setting up the equipment. This process saves valuable rehearsal time, and prevents unnecessary damage to the equipment. The student will be instructed in soldering technique which includes repairing cables and cords. Organization of the equipment is very important. Technical crew members are musical and have the desire to work with sound reinforcement and sound recording equipment. Mixing signals through the sound system is very important to the overall sound of the rock ensemble. Equalization and the use of special effects are part of this very important position. Guidelines for duties are as follows:
1. Correctly wrap cables (over/under method) and properly dress a mic stand.
2. Set up and break down sound system.
3. Maintain all equipment by regularly checking cables, connectors, mic stands and speakers.
4. With teacher supervision, mix sounds by using the correct placement of mics and speakers so as to avoid audio feedback.
5. Pack up and prepare all equipment for trips.
6. Understand digital synthesizers, digital recording, digital effects, and equalizer manipulation.
VIII. WEBMASTER
Responsibilities
- Knowledge of the WordPress platform, basic HTML and photo editing software.
- Maintain Rock Ensemble website by uploading photographs, inputting weekly news updates, video and other media updates.
- Must attend one rehearsal per week to exclusively work on the website.
- Responsible for gathering and organizing information pertinent to the Rock Ensemble to post on the website.
IX. REHEARSAL & ROAD TRIP MANAGER
Responsibilities
- Assist the director with distributing and copying sheet music, recording attendance, and generally organizing rehearsal.
- Prepare field trip forms to meet deadline requirements prescribed by the student activities office.
I’m a junior this year of 09-10 and I wanted to show that I was interested and dedicated in joining the rock ensemble. It has been a dream even before freshmen where I heard of the Rock ensemble by my brother. I will try to learn as much as I can on the list and hopefully I’ll make it in and become part of your group. Thank you.
Hello, Ive tried out for the rock ensemble last year but I was so nervous I kinda blew it. So I wanted to sing and play another acoustic song ive been learning and perfecting. The only problem is that I only read tabs, I forgot how to read notes. I heard that one of the guitarists, brian, couldn’t read notes either but he was still in the rock ensemble. Is it okay for me to try out?
Yes, just do the best you can… and be amazing in whatever you can do. What is your strongest point? Singing? Showmanship? Just knock everyone out with your audition. Good luck!
Hey there. So… I was wondering… is this audition only for high school students? I received a message on facebook altho I haven’t been in high school since 1993. I dont read music, I can sing my tail off tho, come from a musical family, play regularly around town, and been told I have a good ear. Just did a Woodstock Tribute at Transit Lounge in Miami, I was the front woman. Been on the scene for about 8 years singing back up and getting involved in various projects. If Im too old for this endeavor, maybe I can help in some way, maybe you need an assistant… This sounds like a great project. Regardless of your reply, Im stoked this project exists and hope it continues to evolve.
Truly,
Michelle Forman
Well I auditioned! I hope I make it, my friend too. Do you know when the videos will be posted up? And when will we know if we made it or not?
Hi, Isabella! Thanks for auditioning. Andrew Freedman may have already posted the footage on YouTube, but I haven’t checked myself. The results will be posted Tuesday morning outside the The Rock Ensemble room. I hope you make it, too!
Mac
You have the right idea, this was for the high school’s Rock Ensemble. I can get back to you on your e-mail account about opportunities to help with the program.
Hey, when will the videos be up?
Hi, Isabella! I inquired with Andrew and waiting to hear back from him. Hopefully soon.
Mac