Audition

HOW CAN I JOIN THE CHOIR?

Thank you for your interest in joining Melody Youth Choir. The audition process for our 2018/2019 year is now in process. The audition process consists of two parts:

1. A video audition (uploaded to Whatsapp to +2779 173 2421).

2. A live-audition call back within 2 weeks (by invitation only; choristers invited to the live audition will be announced first Monday monthly).

 

VIDEO AUDITION GUIDELINES

Video submissions should conform to the following guidelines: (Please be advised that videos that do not meet the standards below will not be considered.)

• All videos need to be approximately 35-45 seconds long.  Please select the best part of the audition piece, as only the first 45 seconds of the video will be viewed.

• The song may be from any of the following genres: Broadway (including Disney), pop, classical, jazz, country, R&B, and/or folk.

• Please make sure the song has a distinct melodic line.

• Choose an appropriate song for the choristers age and style.

• The video title must contain the Choristers name, age, and title of the song.

• All songs must be performed a cappella, without live or recorded accompaniment.

• While the video quality may vary, the image must be clear enough to show the expression of the choristers face and stage presence.

• Videos are judged according to the choristers musicality (pitch, rhythm, diction, vocal strength and quality, interpretation) as well as stage presence.

• Do not submit more than one video.  Duplicate submissions will be disqualified.

• Once a video has been submitted, you cannot replace your submission at a later time.

After a successful submission, you will receive an email confirming that the video audition has been received.

Due to the expected high volume of submissions, no individual feedback will be given for any audition video.  Applicants who are selected to participate in a live audition will be notified via email within 2 weeks and given a location, time and further instructions.

Audition submissions will not be saved by Melody Youth Choir and a new submission will be required for each audition cycle.

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WhatsApp Submission Format

• Complete set of 2x 30-45sec Video as stipulated above

• In your WhatsApp message include the following

  • Choristers Name

  • Choristers Surname

  • Choristers Age

  • Choristers email Address

  • Choristers Cell no

  • 1 ID style color photo of chorister

  • Musical Background

  • Any Instruments played

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LIVE AUDITION EXPECTATIONS / QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

Live auditions will take place in Alberton Ekurhuleni Area. This will be the only place live auditions are held. Audition expectations/qualification criteria are below:

Ages 14 and up:

Choristers will be asked to sing TWO songs of their choice, completely A-Capella (meaning no accompaniment). The style can be diverse: Pop, Classical, or Broadway. Students only get to sing 35-45 seconds of each song, so they should prepare the part that best showcases their voice. NOTE: The two songs need to show contrast from each other, whether stylistically, dynamically or tempo-wise. For example, one song could be very loud and upbeat while the other could be soft and slow with sustained notes. They will be evaluated on pitch, rhythm, diction, stage presence, and vocal strength. Students will also be asked to sing a basic major scale and its variations where the notes are arranged in different order (i.e. G-E-F-D-E-C-D-B-C) in various keys. In addition, they will be given a dictation / learning accuracy test where they will hear a short musical phrase and will be asked to sing back what they heard. Lastly, students will be given another short musical phrase which splits into 2 parts, and they will be asked to identify and sing each part individually.

 

PRACTICE SCHEDULE 2018/2019 YEAR

Alberton – Saturday’s 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Ekurhuleni Area (details only disclosed to members)

When / How do Choristers practice their songs?
When you become a member, you will receive a username and password to our Choir Member Section, where you can download practice tracks (mp3) as well as sheet music. When we meet for weekly practice, students are expected to know the material.

Do you sing religious material?
We are non-denominational, and we have children of various faiths and walks of life. Although we do sing Christian music during Christmas or Easter time, our production is generally categorized as “inspirational” rather than religious.

What types of events do you perform at?
Media events, opening act for other artists, business conventions, and benefit concerts for other non-profits and charity organizations. Most of all, our motivation for performing is to bless, not to impress. Giving back to the community and reaching out to those in need are the best way to accomplish our mission.

Do Choristers sing AND dance on stage?
Our focus is on singing. Occasionally, we add simple choreography (like snapping, swaying, or clapping.) You don’t need to be a dancer to be involved in this choir. We also spend some time covering basic music theory and college-level dictation, solfege (with movable Do’s), interval recognition as well as vocal training in Pop, Broadway, and Classical styles.