Solo/Small Group Audition Request Form 

    The below are guidelines (that may change) and are at the discretion of the Artistic Director- David, who has final say on the solo process.

    The intention of the early submission date, many months ahead of the concert, is to allow time to PRACTICE.
    David generally works on solo pieces for over a year.

    We believe if you follow the below guidelines, your chances of being selected for a solo are great. 
    You are all amazingly talented!

    Please read the following information carefully if you're interested in auditioning.

    Questions- please email David @  [email protected]  <--- click

    Audition Request General Guidelines

    - Soloist must have been a member for one year prior to request a solo audition
    - Fall 2025 Concert= Holiday themed music; request deadline: May 4th; Spring concert
    - Spring 2026= Patriotic themed music- USA 250th Anniversary; request deadline: December 7th;  Fall concert
    - Auditions are held the second/third (if needed) rehearsal of each season; September & January; 6:00-7:00 pm;
       before rehearsal
    - Audition should be performance ready
    - Accompanist will be Mark, unless other musician/s requested (approved by David)
    - All singers/accompanists must be present at audition
    - The number of performance spots available at David's discretion
    - There may be more audition requests than solo spots available;
       preference may be given to soloists who didn't solo in the previous concert
    - Soloists chosen by Audition Committee
    - Soloists chosen will run through with chorus/accompanist during tech week; mandatory attendance
    - Any exceptions to the above to be approved by David

    Soloist Responsibilities

    1) Fill out the audition request form below

    2) Choose a song

    ​When choosing a song you should consider:
            
    - Is the song appropriate? Does it match the concert theme?
    - Is the song in your vocal range?
    - Can you connect emotionally to the song and provide "vocal storytelling"?          
    - Think about the accompaniment- does it have a straight forward piano part?
    - Is the song meant to be sung/performed with a band/multiple vocalists- will it sound ok as a solo/just piano?
    - Will the song entertain your audience?
    - Is the song well known? Will the audience compare your performance to the original?
    - Be original- pick something off the beaten track! Beware of overdone songs.

    3) Send your song selection to David ASAP for review/approval- email [email protected]  <--- click

    - Email a link of your audition selection sheet music (online retailer)
    - If you have a paper copy, scan it and email; it must be clean, easily read, and not cut off
    - If you cannot email a link or scan a paper copy, email the name of the song, the key of the song,
       the composer, lyrics and arranger

    4) Wait for song approval via email from David

    5) Purchase the sheet music (don't forget to purchase w/accompaniment) in your key

    - Many online sheet music retailers offer a digital rehearsal copy to practice with!  Look for this!

    6) Practice, practice, practice!

    7) You will receive an email with dates/times allowing one pre-audition run through with David in June (for Christmas)
        or December (for Spring), at his studio in Shrewsbury. This is not required, but highly recommended.

    8) Secure any additional singers needed; chorus members only

    - If you are singing with others; one person submit this form and include the names of others performing with you
    - If you want outside singers/musicians (must be acquired by you), email David for approval. [email protected]  <--- click

    9)  Practice with the sheet music recording/accompaniment- not YouTube videos!  

    - Practicing with YouTube will give you a false sense of security!
    - Solos aren't generally successful as karaoke! Arrangements are different than recorded by artists!

    10) Exceptions/changes to the above to be approved by David- email [email protected] <--- click

    HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

    1) Lori Diamond has graciously offered to help chorus members with one free 30 minute coaching session (related to your          solo) in her home. Please book in advance.  Lori has limited open lesson space.

    How can Lori help?

    - Rehearsal/vocal coaching
    - Lori, Fred & Anelise sponsor "open mic night" at 19Carter in Berlin and a Tatnuck Artist Performance Series.
       If registered, it gives you a chance to perform/practice live before your audition or our show!

    Additional rehearsals/coaching with Lori are available for the cost of her normal lesson fee.

    ​Email [email protected] for more information.

    What should I work on after submitting my audition request?

    Practice: Begin practicing immediately. Six month timeframe recommended.  Set a schedule for regular practice and focus on the challenging parts of your performance. You can also try breaking the song into smaller chunks like we do during chorus rehearsal. 
    ​
    Prepare: Set goals and objectives for your performance. Visualize yourself performing well, and mentally rehearse. 

    Memorize: Do your best to memorize the words to your song.  There will be a music stand available.  If you cannot memorize/need words for confidence, print just the words in large text for your use.

    Stage Presence: practice performing with confidence and a smile. Sing in front of a mirror.

    Audience connection: Make a personal connection with the audience and think about how you can use vocal storytelling techniques (emotion & emphasis) to connect with the song and the audience.

    Etiquette:  When you're ready to start singing, make eye contact with your director and accompanist.
    After you finish a piece, give the audience a visual cue that you're done. Practice bowing (after the applause) 
    ​
    Feedback: Seek feedback from trusted mentors, fellow chorus members, and family.

    Click below to submit your Audition Request