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-Kyle Alban
Lead trumpet
“Wisconsin Singers has given me an opportunity to continue to play, although I am an electrical engineering major. It is a program for those who love to perform but may not be majoring in it at the UW. Singers has enabled me to escape from my engineering class load during the week and bring something beautiful to new audiences. I have played in the UW Marching Band and lead in the UW Big Band, in addition to a band of my own and found that the sense of pride and purpose is most evident in this performing group. The program also emphasizes important life lessons, everything from personal responsibility and commitment to teamwork and the power of friendship. I am also fortunate to be working with 26 of the most talented vocalists/ dancers/ instrumentalists/ technicians on campus.&rdquo
- Mac Huff
Wisconsin Singers Alum
Arranger
“As a musician, the training I received from the Singers was inestimable. Far beyond the development of musical and theater craft, the Singers experience taught many valuable life lessons...goal setting, discipline, and the value of hard work. We learned important people skills that have lasted a lifetime. There aren't many programs in today's education system that offer all that the Wisconsin Singers offer. ”
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With a big band sound and a unique blend of American popular music styles, Wisconsin Singers allows talented instrumentalists the opportunity to play professionally arranged charts in a 90 minute show that features the band in unique and entertaining ways. As one of only 10 band members in a show that entertains more than 50,000 each year, audiences will recognize you after each show as the gifted player that you are.
How to prepare for your audition
[Download as pdf]
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What to wear
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- Dress nicely, guys should wear a nice shirt and slacks, women a dress or blouse and skirt or slacks. Don’t worry about wearing a tie or jackets.
- Stay away from anything low cut or revealing. First impressions are important
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How to pick a solo
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- Be prepared to play two solos, one up tempo, one down tempo. Pick these solos to showcase your talent. For example, if you have an expressive high register on your instrument, pick a solo that features that range.
- Pep band, musical theater, jazz, and top 40 pieces are all great choices.
- Be sure you are playing the melody of the song for your audition. For example, if you’re playing a pep band chart, play the melody line.
- Music does not need to be memorized nor do we need a copy of it for the panel.
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Preparation
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- Practice talking about your musical experience, and explaining your involvement in musical organizations you’ve participated in.
- When practicing your solos, if you make a mistake, keep playing so you can do this in your audition. We look for the ability to recover from mistakes more than perfect performance.
- Practice in front of a mirror to develop a good presence while playing.
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Sight reading/ other instruments
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- Familiarize yourself with major, minor, and chromatic scales; don’t be concerned about whether the minor scale is harmonic, melodic, or natural minor.
- If you play another instrument, bring it and have a solo prepared to play. We often incorporate doubling instruments into the show.
- You will be asked to sight read. We especially look at your improvement the second time through a sight reading example, so don’t stress about this.
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When you arrive
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- Be sure to arrive 30 minutes early.
- Bring everything you need to keep your instrument in working order, i.e. valve oil, drum key, extra strings etc
- Make sure to warm up before you arrive for your audition. We will have a few forms for you to fill out and will allow you time to play a little before you come into the audition room.
- During the interview portion of your audition, don’t be afraid to ask questions. We use this part of the audition just to try to get to know you better!
- Relax, smile, and have fun!
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The interview
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- We want the real you!
- Be yourself. I cannot emphasize this enough! The whole point of the interview process is for the director, executive board member and the Company Manager to get to know YOU.
- Smile. It is much more advantageous if you present yourself as having a positive disposition on life.
- Answer truthfully. Give some thought to the role you think you would play as a new member..what can you offer?
- Humility is a valued character trait in this business. You don’t have to impress with what you know, but rather, who you are!
- What to expect
- RELAX!!! Take some deep breaths and share yourself with us. We are really interested to get to know you.
- Think about how you can incorporate personal strengths and successes into your answers without coming across as egotistical. It is also nice to hear about real life examples of how you achieved success by overcoming an obstacle, or how you learned from failure.
- Remember that we are not trying to put together a troupe of thirty identical personalities. Diversity is key to keeping one’s sanity when we spend so much time together. We are simply looking for individuals who know their strengths/weaknesses, take direction well, and get along with others.
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What to expect the day of your audition
[Download as pdf]
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A play-by-play of your audition day
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- Show up at least 30 minutes early, check in with the attendant at the audition table, who will take your picture and show you to a room where you can warm up/tune.
- A panel of judges including the Director, Company Manager, Assistant Music Directors, and an Executive Board member will ask you to give a brief introduction about yourself and the pieces you will be performing.
- You will be given a choice on whether to play a chromatic scale to demonstrate range or perform your audition pieces first. Choose what you are MOST comfortable with so your nerves can settle down.
- Play your pieces in the order of your preference.
- Don’t rush the chromatic scale. Take it at a tempo you are comfortable with.
- Next, you will play the sight-reading piece(s).
- You can take time to look through the measures marked to sight read, finger the part on your instrument. Pay attention to the style marking (i.e. swing vs. straight) and go over any challenging rhythms in your head.
- You will usually be given a second chance to play through the measures so know that you will have a second chance. We look for improvement on the second time through, not perfection on the first time!
- Keys/Synth players will then be asked to play a vocal part provided by the panel.
- There will be a brief interview following your audition in order to find out more about you both as a performer and a person.
- You may then be asked to get measured for a costume following the interview.
- We will contact you regarding the outcome of your audition at the end of the audition process (sometime late in May).
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Call 608.263.9499 to schedule your audition or for more information
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