Help: Anyone ever had to audition?

Subject: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Branwen23
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:33 PM

A couple of friends of mine, who are members of a good, well-established, and successful band in the area, have told me that they would like to get another band going on the side, and will be wanting to recruit one female vocalist, and one female fiddle player.

They are really serious about putting something very professional and worthwhile together, and say that they will be holding actual auditions....

These guys are casual friends of mine, and incredibly talented... I would really, really, really love to get the chance to play with them.... But I've never auditioned for anything in my life....
I know that there is generally some sort of format and protocol, but I am clueless as to what it is or what I need to do to be prepared.

Help!


-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: MMario
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:36 PM

protocol and format tend to differ depending on who does the auditioning - or do I mean for whom you audition.

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:40 PM

I auditioned for both college level applied music classes in both classical guitar and violin. I was nowhere close to great, but I got accepted. Good luck, Brannie!

--Matt

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: sophocleese
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:42 PM

I've auditioned for choirs and for bits in local theatre(many years ago). First of all ask them what they want in an audition. Usually you need to have a prepared piece that you can play or sing to show them what you sound like. Make it a piece that you do well, not horrendously complicated that you can barely manage and not so easy that anybody can do it. Then often you'll need to play or sing some other stuff from sight and/or from a lead that they give you. You'll also need to let them know what kind of music you like to play and what you've played in the past. In a choir audition the director wants to find out your range as well and so would get you to sing scales or arpeggios to figure that out.

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: MK
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:43 PM

I've done many times, both as a sideman auditioning for work with a band, and, as a band leader auditioning singers and different musicians.

Be as well versed and prepared in the style(s) of music the band performs, (research them) and offer no execuses or apologies if called upon to play something. Show up early if there are others auditioning as well so you can have a look-see and know what to expect and anticipate. Make sure any instruments or equipment you have to bring are in good working order. And try and relax after you get through the first number and let them think you're enjoying yourself and them, (even if you're having a nervous breakdown inside. *G*)

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Branwen23
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 01:44 PM

Well, one of these guys has a degree in music...
He's got a master's or something... and from talking to him a little about this, I get the feeling he's planning on doing it as professionally as possible.

I'm just looking for as much advice as I can get, so I can try and be prepared for anything.

Oh, by the way, I'll be auditioning as a vocalist. I don't do a lot of other things besides vocals... I can play bodhran and whistles, but I'll be mainly vocals. I don't play guitar, so I can't accompany myself at an audition... I guess I'd be a capella... that information might be helpful to anyone willing to offer advice...
Still hoping for suggestions...


-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 02:00 PM

Just sing you pretty little heart out!

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: bbelle
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 02:35 PM

Branwen ...

First of all, don't worry about the degrees ... it may give someone a full head, but it doesn't make them a better musician, necessarily.

Second ... Relax and take deep cleansing breaths so your voice doesn't sound strained. Don't imbibe any dairy products beforehand so your voice won't wound "milky."

Third ... Be yourself and keep breathing.

I've never had to audition for a singing/guitar gig, but I'm auditioned many times for singing/acting gigs, and this is the best advice I can give.

Break a leg ...

moonjen

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 02:53 PM

I've auditioned, but not for a band. For musicals or chorus work, they usually want one ballad and one tempo, and will ask you to sight read -- which I don't think sounds like what you're going to do.

Michael K's advice is good -- Fake it 'Til you Make It. I'm almost always dying inside of shyness and embarrassment, but I've learned to just notice that that's with me again and invite it to sit on a little chair out front while I sing. You won't get rid of the jitters, but you can not let them run the show.

I wonder if you're right though that you'll be singing unaccompanied, if these guys are looking for someone to sing with their band? Wouldn't they be more likely to want to see how you worked with them?

So, do you sing with other musicians? Have you sung with them? If so, do have a good grasp of the type of music they do and work with an instrumentalist or two on that particular music. KNOW WHAT KEY YOU SING IT IN, AND AT WHAT TEMPO!!!

I'm going to go resurrect a thread I started some time back on "what do you want from me?" in asking band members what they want to hear/see in a singer. I'll post a link to it in just a minute.

Best of luck.You'll be brilliant.

WyoWoman

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 02:56 PM

Try this: What they want

ww

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 03:03 PM

Ok, let's try this again. If the blue clicky thing doesn't work, the thread is refreshed and it's called "What Do You Want From Me?"

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 03:06 PM

Oh, hell. Just go there ....

ww

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: hesperis
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 03:12 PM

One thing I've found helpful for 'nerves' is to realize that
1) It's actually backed-up 'nervous energy' which just means it's extra energy produced in advance of something that you think you'll need extra energy for
2) If you take that energy, and 'pretend' that you are circling it around your body in a constant stream, the feeling of 'jitters' just goes away. 3) You can build up a really thick stream of that energy, and as soon as you are actually called on to perform, just put it out through the music.

When you put that energy out through the music, the audience will receive it, and give their energy back to you. You then cycle that energy back to them, and the whole thing just grows! That's why people are 'high' after a performance.

That is why people with a lot of stage fright usually don't want to stop performing once they've started: because once they start playing, the energy is moving. It's only when it's stuck that it's a problem.

But most people don't know that, or know how to control it, so they get scared of it, and mess up. That energy is given to you before a performance so that you can blow people away!

So go blow 'em away, Branwen!
Have fun with it.

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Branwen23
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 03:22 PM

Lots of good tips...

I do sing with a group now, and I have been onstage with the band in which these guys currently play a couple of times. I'm familiar with the sort of music they're playing in their current band, but I don't know if they're wanting to do the same sort of thing or if they want to go in a different direction...

When I said that one of these guys has a degree in music, I didn't mean that he's a good musician on paper... He's an incredible musician. I mentioned that he has the degree just as an example of his dedication to music. I respect and admire both of these guys, not only because they're great people, but also for their musical abilty and passion, and I think that to be able to play with them and "make it happen" musically would be a truly awesome experience.

Lots of great advice, you guys... Keep it coming.


-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 03:35 PM

Good luck, Branwen- it sounds worth it! One thing I've learned from years of auditioning is that no audition is wasted- even if I don't get in, I grow as a musician from the experience of preparing and auditioning. And if you aim high and audition for "professional" groups, you will start to feel like a professional yourself- which will affect how others see you. Have fun!

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: BigDaddy
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 04:43 PM

I've auditioned for a variety of positions at our local renaissance festival, from individually as a "street character" and solo performer, to auditions as part of a musical ensemble. I also just showed up at a cider mill and told the owner that we'd (a duo) like to perform for his weekend crowd. If he liked us he could hire us, if not, then we'd had fun rehearsing outdoors on a lovely autumn day. I always got the job, and was always amazed! hesperis and WyoWoman really hit the nail on the head. As a wise person once said, "when you believe it, you will see it." We're with you.

J.

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Mbo
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 08:04 PM

Here's a hint. My guitar teacher (in preparation of my sophomore classical guitar recital) said that eating bananas is a good thing. Seems the stuff in it (Niacin, I believe) causes the release of endorphins into the bloodstream, thus reducing nervousness. He also said to eat pasta the night before for lots of energy. All I know is that if you sing anywhere NEAR what I've heard on HearMe, they jump at the chance to hire you. And if they don't, well, they're morons. Just because you have a masters degree doesn't make you able to recognize true beauty when you hear it. I had a relatively technical background in music, but I still love Oasis, so go figure!

--Matt

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 09:21 PM

You've already gotten lots of good advice, but I might as well add my 2 cents. Know your material well...3 good pieces should do it. Pick songs you really like, and enjoy yourself. Don't eat a lot before singing...it's very hard to sing well on a really full stomach...a small snack is okay though, so your blood sugar isn't low at the time.

Do some calm deep breathing beforehand, and sing a few scales in your normal range...to relax and prepare your voice. Sing from the diaphragm, not from the upper throat only. Don't pick numbers that push the top end of your range a bit too far.

The suggestion to watch some others audition (if there are any others before you) is an excellent one...you will then understand the format that is expected of you better.

Just do your best. Your best may not be as good as someone else's best...but it should be good enough. If it works out, great! If not, you haven't lost anything, and you've gained some useful experience.

If you believe in anything spiritual, then concentrate on receiving help from that source and give thanks for it. If not, just stick with that good old common sense advice already given in all the other posts.

Best wishes,

LH

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: GUEST,Rose
Date: 01 Oct 00 - 09:35 PM

A question came to mind when reading this thread. I understand why a band would know they want a female vocalist, but a band recruiting a female fiddler? It's obviously not an all-woman band, so I wonder why a group is actively recruiting a female fiddle player, as opposed to just a fiddle player.

Good luck on your audition Branwen. If you're thinking of joining this band to have fun, I hope you will have fun with the audition, as well.

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: WyoWoman
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 01:02 AM

Tawk to 'em for heaven's sake, to see what direction they're wanting to go with the music. They'll probably appreciate that you aren't making any assumptions and that you're taking the time to do your homework.

ww

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Branwen23
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 01:32 PM

I'm thinking meybe they want a female fiddle player to help with backing vocals, also...

i had another thought... In addition to preparing tunes to do at the audition, should I take along a tape as well, to leave with them?

Keep the advice coming...


-Branwen-

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: jeffp
Date: 02 Oct 00 - 02:29 PM

A tape would certainly not be a bad idea. It might give you a chance to show more sides of your singing than a short audition would. You know, fast stuff, slow stuff, serious, fun.... It also would make you look more professional. Now go in there and knock 'em dead!!

jeffp

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Scotsbard
Date: 03 Oct 00 - 01:16 PM

For operas or musicals the audition announcement usually specifies whether they want to hear ballads, arias, uptempo, foreign languages or other details, and they always provide the accompanist and you always provide the sheet music. For less formal groups that have been around a while, usually they want to hear you both solo with a song you perform well and with the group on a song that they frequently present. Often they'll let you know in advance.

In either case, pick audition tunes that display your versatility, but stay well within your vocal range. Convert a little bit of that nervous energy into intensity, but don't let yourself get too uptight ... they really do want to hear you at your best.

~S~

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Matt Woodbury/Mimosa
Date: 03 Oct 00 - 01:40 PM

Branwen,
You said they're friends of yours. Did they invite you to audition? If they've already expressed an interest in you, it's entirely appropriate for you to just ask them what they want you to do in the audition.
Remember, too, that they want you to be good. Listening to bad auditions is excrutiating, and they'll be delighted if they have too many good choices to consider.

A couple of years ago, I was asked to audition for a show, and the director asked me to sing a particular song. I prepared another one as well, not realizing that the real point of the audition was for the music director to hear me, because the director already knew exacly what he wanted me for. When they tell you what to do for the audition, pay attention. It saves lots of trouble.

Dress comfortably, and in what you know flatters you. If they're looking for women, you may as well use your substantial womanly charms.

Let me know how it works out. If you don't, I'll have to ask you.

Mimosa

Subject: RE: Help: Anyone ever had to audition?
From: Branwen23
Date: 03 Oct 00 - 02:39 PM

Yes, Mimosa, they are friends of mine.... and I dont know if it's technically an "invite", but they told me that as soon as they're ready to start putting this together, they'll definitely call me...
As I said, they play full-time in a successful band now, and it will probably be at least a few weeks before they will be ready to get going wih this... I'm just trying to be as prepared as possible... This is something I'd really like to do. I don't know for sure yet whether these guys are planning on actually playing in this group, or if they're just wanting to put it together and sort of manage things... I'm definitely hoping to have the chance to play with them... we'll see.

This is just something that they mentioned to me, an idea that they just recently started playing with. But I'm already psyched... I hope it flies.


-Branwen-