Dear Parents and Guardians,
First of all, thank you for supporting your son or daughter in their participation in the vocal program this year. I am looking forward to working with the talented students in our program, and you should be recognized for your role in our success.
With the 2012-2013 school year approaching, I would like to make you and your student(s) aware of my audition procedures. No audition is required for admittance to the general concert choir; however, concert choir members will audition for placement (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) in the ensemble. No preparation on the part of the singer is necessary. This brief audition will take place during the first class period of the school year.
Students interested in auditioning for Dynamics, the select mixed ensemble, will need to do so outside of regular class time. An audition sign-up sheet will be available to students during the first week of class. Students will fill out and submit their audition form by August 13, 2012. On this form, students will indicate whether or not they will sing a prepared piece of serious vocal literature on their audition. While this is not required, it is in the student's best interest to do so, because it gives the audition committee a more complete understanding of the student's vocal and performing ability. Students should enter the audition with a professional attitude, and be ready to sing. (They should warm up prior to the audition.)
Students interested in auditioning for the school musical (this year, Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella) follow a similar audition process. An audition sign-up sheet will be available to students during the first week of class. Students will fill out and submit their audition form by August 13, 2012. For this audition, students are required to perform a prepared piece of serious vocal literature. The piece does not have to be long or difficult, but should showcase the student's abilities as a singer and performer. Students wishing to be considered for both the musical AND membership in Dynamics only need to audition once.
The audition committee will consist of the band director (Mr. Brian Ellis), myself, and the Pratt High School choral director, Mr. Shawn Collins. Auditions will be videotaped. When listening to student auditions, the committee will consider vocal ability, presence (acting/performing), professional attitude, voice part, commitment, and dependability. These factors--not age, grade level, or "seniority"--will determine placement in Dynamics or casting in the musical. Students should keep in mind that their conduct in regular rehearsals and classes may affect their admittance to Dynamics or the musical. (For example, if a student regularly "skips" class or is disrespectful to music faculty, this will be taken into consideration.) The audition committee is dedicated to judging auditions fairly and making decisions that promote musical success for all students in all ensembles. We ask that you and your students respect this process and remember that audition committee decisions are final.
As with all audition procedures, I realize there is the potential for students to be disappointed if they do not receive the position they desire or think they deserve; unfortunately, there are limited positions in Dynamics and a limited number of lead roles in the musical. I sympathize with this situation, but encourage students to keep working hard toward their musical goals regardless of the audition outcome. If students have any questions regarding their audition or want information about how they can improve, I invite them to contact me so we can discuss this privately. I greatly value every student's contribution to this vocal music program; EVERYONE is important.
As with all audition procedures, I realize there is the potential for students to be disappointed if they do not receive the position they desire or think they deserve; unfortunately, there are limited positions in Dynamics and a limited number of lead roles in the musical. I sympathize with this situation, but encourage students to keep working hard toward their musical goals regardless of the audition outcome. If students have any questions regarding their audition or want information about how they can improve, I invite them to contact me so we can discuss this privately. I greatly value every student's contribution to this vocal music program; EVERYONE is important.
I am genuinely looking forward to another rewarding year in the Greenwater High School music department. Our success and learning is founded upon a disciplined work ethic combined with a great deal of fun. With your support, we can work together to continue our tradition of excellence.
Sincerely,
Melanie Herd
Greenwater Choral Music Director
mmherd@usd555.edu
mmherd@usd555.edu
