Your audition is a chance for us to get to know each other. Here is some information you need in order to start planning for your audition.
Audition Components
Your 30-minute audition and interview will include:
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Repertoire - music you choose to present. VanderCook does not work from a standard repertoire list so you should select pieces you enjoy, are comfortable with and show contrast of tempo/style.
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Scales - an important part of any musician's training.
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Sightreading - a demonstration of your ability to correctly interpret notated music.
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Conversation - to explore your interest in music and commitment to sharing it through teaching. You may also ask questions about the school and your work here.
How to Prepare
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PRACTICE! Spent time each day learning and getting comfortable with what you will perform.
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Two weeks prior to an audition, vocalists should send us three copies of the pieces they plan to perform as a courtesy to the staff accompanists. Instrumentalists need not send music in advance but should bring 3 copies of the piece(s) they plan to perform on the date of their audition.
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Dress for an interview. From the moment you step in the door, we see you as a future teacher!
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Plan to be here about 30 minutes prior to the start of your audition to provide yourself ample to get situated and warm up.
Percussion Guidelines
Beyond scales and sight-reading, try to prepare as many of the following as possible:
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A snare drum solo or etude.
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A 2-mallet and a 4-mallet keyboard selection.
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A tympani solo or etude
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Some basic drum-set beats.
Instrumental Guidelines
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Play two or more pieces/movements on your primary instrument that contrast in style, tempo, or mood.
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Play three or four scales. The more you know, the better, but a smooth, steady performance with good tone and intonation is more important than speed.
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Sight-read a few short exercises.
Choral Guidelines
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You may bring your own accompanist, or you may request one two weeks prior to your audition. (Audition music should be sent immediately following a request for an accompanist.)
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Sing two or more short songs that show your vocal range and sense of contrasting styles. Show off different aspects of your ability to communicate the music.
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Demonstrate that you can sing scales in tune.
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Sight-read a few short exercises.