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Audition Times Available!
May 3, 17, 24, 2009
Call (608)849-6884 for your audition appointment now.
Or, email for further information
Wisconsin Singers blog!
Read about “life as a Wisconsin Singer”!
Get your FREE audition DVD!
-Kyle Alban
Lead trumpet
2003-2005
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.
- 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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Click on each heading below for expanded information. Click again to collapse.
Who are the Wisconsin Singers?
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Q. Why be a Wisconsin Singer?
A. Love the stage? This is where you will find the thrill of performing for more than 50,000 people each year while going to an internationally renowned University. If you play an instrument, sing, dance, love to work behind the scenes in the areas of lighting/sound/stage management or any combination of the above, Wisconsin Singers is YOUR place to shine!
Furthermore, after you graduate you'll carry with you lifelong friends, a network of alumni connections in many different areas, and a comprehensive set of skills including performance, time management, communication, public relations, and professionalism that will serve you well in whatever area you pursue.
Q. What does "we do more than just sing" refer to?
A. Wisconsin Singers aren't just singers! The troupe consists of singers, dancers, actors, instrumentalists, stage technicians, and all are teachers of workshops throughout the state, entertainers, and ambassadors for the University of Wisconsin.
Q. What kind of music is performed?
A. The Singers bring their own unique brand of pop, Broadway, jazz, rock, and country to the audiences across the state and nation each year. Their Broadway-style review is written by professional arrangers especially for these collegiate musicians. Students learn all about vocal, instrumental and dance styles in all areas of pop music.
Q. Who can be a Wisconsin Singer?
A. Any UW-Madison student, including freshmen and transfer students, is eligible to audition. ALL majors are welcome - you do not need to be a music student!
Q. What does the band consist of?
A. The band is a full ten piece jazz combo. The rhythm section includes drums, electric bass, piano, guitar and synth. The horn section consists of trumpet, saxophone and trombone. Many band members have been able to show off their skills on other instruments in the past, including flugelhorn, flute, violin, auxillary percussion, and others, so be sure to list any other instruments you play when you sign up for an audition!
Q. What makes the Singers band special?
A. The Singers band is not just a back-up band. The band is fully integrated into the visuals of the show and have fully choreographed band features where the singer/dancers are off stage and the band becomes the star of the show.
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Scheduling an Audition
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Q. When are auditions?
A. Auditions are held April 16, May 4,14,24, 2008. You only need to come to one day out of those four.
Q. Where are auditions held?
A. Auditions are held in the Humanities Building on the UW campus. The street address is 455 N. Park St.
Q. How do I schedule an audition?
A. Contact the Wisconsin Singers office at 608-849-6884 to schedule your audition time. Auditions cannot be scheduled via email. Audition appointments will be taken any time AFTER March 1, 2008.
Q. I live out of state and can't make it to Wisconsin in May. Can I still audition?
A. Initial vocal / instrumental videotapes may be sent in lieu of a live audition for out-of-state enrolling students. Deadline date is April 15, 2008. Contact our office for further details.
Q. I live nearby but can't make it to those dates. Can I still audition?
A. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have a conflict with the scheduled dates. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Q. What if I have to change or cancel my audition?
A. Contact our office as soon as possible if a conflict comes up. We will do our best to accommodate you.
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Audition Preparation
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Q. What does the audition consist of?
A. Instrumental auditions include solos on all instruments, demonstration of different playing styles, sight reading, and a short interview. If you can read from chord charts, you will be asked to do this too.
Q. How long will the audition last?
A. Instrumental auditions last about 45 minutes, about 20 minutes of which is playing and the rest being a short interview.
Q. Will I need an accompanist?
A. Instrumental auditions are generally performed without accompaniment.
Q. Can I bring a tape?
A. No. Tapes are not allowed.
Q. What kind of solos should I prepare?
A. You should come prepared to perform two short solos, one up-tempo and one down-tempo. Solos should be no longer than two minutes.
Q. Any tips or tricks?
A. Pick solos that best demonstrate your skills on your instrument. Be prepared to play in various styles and be ready to do some short sightreading.
Q. Do I need to bring my own keyboard/amplifier/ drumset?
A. The Singers will provide a keyboard for piano auditions and an amplifier for bass/guitar auditions. The Singers drumset will be set up for percussion auditions, but you should bring your own sticks.
Q. What else can I do to make my audition the best it can be?
A. Dress professionally for your audition. Make sure you arrive 15 minutes early - there will be some forms to fill out. Make sure your instrument is in good working order and your music is marked clearly and ready to go. Most importantly - relax!
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Being a Wisconsin Singer
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Q. When do you rehearse?
A. We learn the entire show in two sessions during the summer. Vocal Camp, where the entire troupe assembles to get to know each other and to learn the vocal score (band and techs too!) takes place over a weekend in July. This weekend is filled with great bonding activities and well as costume fittings and photography sessions.
Dance Camp, where the whole troupe learns the entire show, takes place over 16 days at the end of August, running daily from August 16th - August 31st, 2008.
During first semester, rehearsals are on Sundays from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm.
During second semester, there are no official rehearsal times, though we do spend an hour or two rehearsing on site before each show.
Q. What is the performance schedule like?
A. We do about 40 shows a year, almost exclusively on weekends.
Q. How do you balance school and Singers?
A. Understand that Wisconsin Singers values your academics above all else. It is a proven fact that those who learn time management skills are head and shoulders above their peers. You will always have your performance schedule in handin plenty of time to plan for the entire semester. Because shows are generally on weekends, that leaves plenty of time for classes and homework during the week. To be honest, when speaking with professors about your participation in the Singers, you immediately become a student that is recognized as a committed achiever. Performances are never scheduled during exam week.
Q. Can I have a job and be a Singer?
A. Absolutely. Many Singers hold down part-time jobs during the school year. The key is finding a job that works with your schedule.
Q. I'm interested in another group too. Can I do both?
A. Many Singers in years past have participated in other groups at the UW, such as the Marching Band or the UW Choirs. The important thing, as with any other committment, is keeping on top of your schedule.
Q. How do you balance having a social life and being a Singer?
A. Being a Singer IS having a social life. One of the best qualities of the troupe is how close everybody becomes over the course of just those few weeks of camp during the summer. Freshmen tend to find that being a Singer makes the transition to college easier, as they've already got 25 good friends before the rest of the freshmen even show up at the dorms. Of course, there is life beyond Singers. Our students generally have plenty of time for other activities.
Q. What other opportunities does Singers offer?
A. Besides performance, the Singers offer multiple positions of leadership within the organization called, collectively, the "student staff." Positions available include Company Manager, Assistant Music Director, Site Manager, Dance Captain, Vocal Captain, and others and are generally available after your first year as a Singer.
Q. How do scholarships work?
A. Scholarships are awarded based on years of membership, staff position, and years on staff, if applicable. First-year Singers receive their scholarships during second semester, while Singers in their second year or more receive scholarships during both semesters. The amount of scholarships available varies from year to year.
Q. Can I get class credit?
A. Singers is worth 1 intermediate level music credit. Performing staff members receive 2 credits.
Q. What's this about Spring Break?
A. Spring Break is spent traveling the country, performing in Ohio, Kentucky, and Florida, followed by some much-deserved free time. Past years have seen visits to Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Vero Beach.
Q. How do summer shows work?
A. Summer shows are shows scheduled during the break between Spring and Fall semesters. They are expected, though not required. Exceptions are made for students working or living out of state or with jobs that don't allow them time off. Because they are not part of the regular show schedule, Singers who participate in summer shows are paid per show.
Q. Does it cost anything to be a Wisconsin Singer?
A. Costs associated with the program are minimal. Singer/dancers have to pay a deposit on their costume, which will be returned to you at the end of the year when you turn in your costume. Occasional meals on the road are the only other expense. Spring Break usually includes a few social activities, but every effort is made to keep these costs to a minimum. Money should not be an issue in deciding to be a Singer.
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