Choir Auditions

For All Auditions, Regardless of Ensemble

Each Choral Audition Should Include:

  • Vocal Audition Registration Form (Student to fill out info for Sponsoring Teacher to enter into Opus)
  • A video recording of each component below. All three components must be a separate file, and each file must be recorded in one continuous take. No part of the audition needs to be memorized. Your video file cannot be larger that 250 MB – if it is greater than 250 MB, you will need to compress it! See Guidance for Video File Auditions for more information. The audition components are:
    • Scales
      • All-State Scales for All Voices
        • Must be unaccompanied, in key corresponding with student’s voice type.
        • Students may use numbers, solfége, or neutral syllables. Humming is not permitted. Tonic chord and starting pitch are permitted at the start of the recorded audition file. Please note you MUST start on the correct designated pitch or else the score is automatically a zero for the scales.
    • Alma de Coré
      • Alma del Coré for All Voices
        • Must be unaccompanied. Tonic chord and starting pitch are permitted at the start of the recorded audition file. Please note you MUST start on the correct designated pitch or else the score is automatically a zero for the Alma.
    • Solo
      • Solo piece is selected by sponsoring teacher and student.
      • The solo portion of the audition is the best way for our judges to really hear you. Through a solo selected to highlight strengths in your technique and artistry, you show what you can contribute to the ensemble and demonstrate your readiness for selection to All-State.

        Your best two minutes is enough. It’s okay if it’s an abrupt start and stop. You are allowed to trim your video at the beginning and the end in order to get your best excerpt, but the file you submit cannot be trimmed or spliced in the middle. It MUST be continuous. It doesn’t have to be 2 minutes exactly, but we recommend a video length between 1.5 – 2.5 minutes for the best uploading experience.

        The technical and musical concepts required of typical All-State Choral repertoire include: a demonstration of the full or extended vocal range, clarity of articulation/diction, fluency in technical passages, as well as vocal tone/pitch/intonation. Solos are evaluated for consistency and accuracy across the following categories: tone (clear, resonant), technique (breath support, articulation, registers), rhythm and tempo, diction, intonation, and expressive musicianship. Past All-State Choir repertoire can be referenced here: SSAA Choir, SATB Choir, TTBB Choir.

        It is important to note that your audition solo need not be limited to repertoire in the classical tradition. Students and their teachers are encouraged to select and prepare a solo that considers the student’s strengths, interests, goals, and access to materials and instruction.

        Students may use an accompaniment but it is not required. A pre-recorded or computer-generated accompaniment is acceptable. Judges will not be adjudicating the quality of the accompaniment. While the accompaniment can be pre-recorded, it CANNOT be added after (see Digital Ethics Policy on page 2 of Audition Requirements).

  • Please note that students can audition for multiple voice parts, just as a student in Winds/Brass/Percussion or Strings could submit auditions for different instruments. Each student audition must be separate and paid for individually (ie: a student submits auditions for Tenor 2 and Bass 1. They would sing two different scales and two different Alma’s. The student would pay $30 per audition, for a total of $60.)  Students can only be accepted as one voice part for one ensemble. Please make sure to note on the registration form and in Opus the student’s preferred voice part. 

Resources:

Questions? Email auditions@mmea.org