Audition Information
Choral Auditions | Graduate Choral Conductiong
Choral Auditions Membership in all choral ensembles is open by competitive audition to any student of the University. Auditions are BY APPOINTMENT - see the Choral Office (217) door to reserve a time—we also have a link below where you can sign up online.
Choral Audition Dates
2016 - 2017 Academic Year
- Auditions will be held in MU230 (Choir room):
- Thursday, August 25, 10am to 5pm
- Friday, August 26, 10am to 5pm
- Saturday, August 27, 10am to 5pm
- Sunday, August 28, 1pm to 5pm
- You can register for a time at this LINK and after Monday, August 22 on the choral office door (MU 217).
- Callback Auditions will be held during the first week of classes. Be sure to check the Choral Bulletin Board (across from room MU217) frequently during this time. Failure to attend a callback audition will jeopardize your chances of being placed in one of the auditioned ensembles.
Audition Procedure
- REGISTER for Men's Chorus (MULB 1815.500) or Women's Chorus (MULB 1803.500) before you audition. While not necessarily that choir, this secures your spot in a choir. After auditions we’ll change your registration to the correct choir.
- SIGN UP for an audition time HERE or on the choral office door after Aug 17.
- ARRIVE EARLY on the audition date to complete an Audition Information Card.
- The AUDITION will include: (1) a simple ear-training and sight-singing test; (2) vocalizing on various vowels to display range and quality of voice; (3) melodic pattern recognition; and (4) a short excerpt of your choice from a lied or aria.
- An ACCOMPANIST will be provided. Please prepare your music with clearly marked cuts and instructions. Music should be double-sided and placed in a three ring binder. To avoid glare, do not place music in plastic sheet covers or protectors.
APPLICATIONS
Application Materials: Apply online here. Once completed forms and all required materials have been received and evaluated, the choral faculty will invite selected applicants to campus for an interview and audition with one of our university choirs. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Richard Sparks (940/369-7407, richard.sparks@unt.edu). Applications are due by the first Monday in December.
AUDITION DATE
Graduate Choral Studies On-Campus Audition Date: February 15, 2016.
We generally audition no more than 8 candidates on this date.
Audition Day Schedule
Noon - Lunch with Dr. Sparks and panel as available
1:00 - Meet with current graduate students
2:00 - Auditions with the UNT A Cappella Choir
3:30 - Interviews with the panel in 15-20 minute slots
The interview schedule is set when the candidates arrive on campus. The interview will also include some vocalizing.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Video
Your video should include rehearsal and performances recordings of your conducting. The camera should face the conductor. Video submissions may be in digital upload or DVD format.
Application Deadline
Because our on-campus choral conducting audition date is in mid-February and it takes several weeks for the application materials to clear the university, the college and finally get to us, you would be well served if your application packet got to us no later than December 1st . Early December is preferred.
Application Process
Go to the College of Music web site and apply online. Be sure to include a video of your conducting (view of the conductor) comprised of rehearsal and performance.
On-Campus Audition
Once we receive and evaluate your materials, we will make a determination about inviting you to campus for an audition and interview. We will do our best to let you know at least a month before the audition date on February 15, 2016. The earlier we receive your materials, the earlier we can make this determination.
Audition Process
The student will conduct 2 pieces in the audition.
Piece #1: Title to be assigned by the Director of Choral Studies. The candidate will conduct straight through the work (or movement), giving the audition panel an opportunity to see the candidate's artistry and physical communication skills a conductor. The candidate may not coach the choir verbally.
Piece #2: Title to be decided upon by the candidate and the Director of Choral Studies. The candidate will choose an episode of the work and rehearse it for approximately 6-8 minutes. The aim is to make as much difference in the performance of the episode as possible in the allotted time.
Auditions Panel
Dr. Richard Sparks, Director of Choral Studies
Dr. Greg Hobbs, Interim Associate Director of Choral Studies
Dr. Joshua Habermann, Lecturer and Director, Dallas Symphony Orchestra Choruses