AUDITION

REQUIREMENTS

I. Vocal Audition:

A. A prepared song with accompaniment by piano, guitar, small rhythm section or karaoke CD, available at most record and music stores or online. Vocalists will be evaluated in each of the following areas: tone, diction, relative pitch, time, 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 (by Rufus A. Wheeler, Published by Dickson-Wheeler, Inc., 208 First Street, Scotia, NY 12303).

C. Harmonizing the major scale in 3rds with another vocalist, up and down five steps.

II. Keyboard Audition:

A. A prepared solo with or without rhythm in any medium; classical, rock or jazz.

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

Suspensions: 2nds, 4ths

D. Simple Improvisation over the I-IV-V chords in the keys of C, G, D, E, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab.

III. Guitar Audition:

A. A prepared solo with rhythm section accompaniment in the jazz/rock style. The solo should be copied exactly and have the same sounds (distortion, flange, or digital delay).

B. Easy sight-reading from the Complete Guide for the Guitar: Advancing Jazz-Pop-Rock Edition (EFM 50001S, Coffman/Webb; Ellis Family Music, (800) 573-5547, 30 Samana Drive, Miami, FL 33133).

C. Chords

Major: 7ths, 9ths

Dominant: 7ths, 9ths

Minor: 7ths, 9ths

Diminished: 7ths

Augmented: 7ths

Suspensions: 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 solo that has been transcribed from a recording of a popular song.

B. Over a I-IV-V chord progression, use the following accompaniment:

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, 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, (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 tempo and dynamic playing.

B. Demonstrate proficiency in 5/4 meter (listen to Dave Brubeck's "Take Five").

C. Demonstrate proficiency in 6/4 meter (listen to any jazz/waltz).

D. Demonstrate proficiency in 5/4 and 6/4 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 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. Technician Audition:

Because of the electronic nature of the group and the detailed setup procedure, it is recommended that special equipment personnel be selected. These students are extremely valuable because they will know exactly how to set up the equipment. In a situation where the entire system must be set up and taken down everyday, these students will save valuable rehearsal time, on wear and tear of the equipment, and gain invaluable experience. They will be instructed in soldering and repairing cables and connectors. Organization of the equipment is very important as well. These students should be musical and have the desire to do the job. Mixing the sound through the sound system is very important and requires a musical ear. Equalization and the use of special effects are part of this very important position. Guidelines for duties are as follows:

1. Wrap cables properly.

2. Set up and break down the 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 delay, and equalizer manipulation.