Choir Audition and Scholarship info for
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
More than 40 incoming freshmen singers are expected to win $1000 choir
scholarships this year. This page has a lot of info about choir scholarships, but you have to keep reading.
David, Tyler and Zach think you should audition!
CHOIR SCHOLARSHIP
AUDITION DAYS
Thursday, January 31 (afternoon and evening)
Saturday, February 2 (morning and early afternoon)
Tuesday, February 19 (afternoon and evening)
The three dates listed above are set aside specifically for choir scholarship auditions, BUT it is possible to schedule an audition for almost any school day between October 1 and February 22 (except over the Christmas holiday and when the choirs are away on tour). So, choose a day that works for you, come to campus, join a choir rehearsal that afternoon, and sing a scholarship audition with Dr. Nichols. You can contact the Admissions Office (or Dr. Nichols) to arrange everything.
Dr. Nichols gave us ice cream after our audition. Probably because we were really good . . . but maybe 'cuz we cried a little.
If you are interested in a choir scholarship, please read the information below:
What should I sing?
You should prepare two solo songs that allow you to demonstrate the
quality of your voice and the level of your musicianship. It is
important that you audition with solo songs and not simply your part of
a choir song.
Feel free to pick any types of music that you like to sing. Students have successfully auditioned with classical songs, Broadway hits, pop songs, etc. The songs you would sing for an MSVMA solo/ensemble festival are perfect choices!
If you are not sure what to sing, please give Dr. Nichols a phone call at (989) 463-7221 or send him an email at nichols@alma.edu
What about a pianist?
Our pianist, Mr. Anthony Patterson, is
available to accompany most auditions. He can play absolutely anything!
Any type of music, any style, any speed, any key. Bring a copy of your
music for Mr. Patterson and he will make it easy for you.
Taped accompaniments are not acceptable without prior approval from Dr. Nichols.
How does the audition work?
High school seniors usually arrange with Dr. Nichols to join a rehearsal of one of the choirs on the day they plan to audition:
College Chorale / M, W, F from 12:30 – 1:20
Women’s Glee Club / M, W, F from 1:30 – 2:20
Alma Choir / M-Th from 5:00 – 6:15, and most Fridays at 4:00 pm
You can sing with us for an hour to warm up your voice and to get a
feel for how the Alma Choirs work and interact. After the rehearsal you
will have a moment to go through your audition pieces with the Choir
accompanist, Mr. Anthony Patterson, before singing for Dr. Nichols. The
audition only takes about 15 minutes.
Who should audition for a choral scholarship?
Anyone who loves to sing and would like to sing with the Alma College
Choirs. Students who have participated in high school or church choir
are especially encouraged to audition.
Do you have to be a great soloist to get a scholarship?
No! Dr. Nichols is looking for people who enjoy singing and who will be valuable/reliable members of the choirs. A solo voice is not a requirement. The potential to be a good choir member, and a positive personal attitude, are requirements.
Do I have to be a music major to get a choir scholarship?
No! The majority of choir scholarship recipients are not music majors -- they just happen to love to sing. Of course, students planning to major in music should audition for a scholarship.
Is the audition serious?
Of course it’s serious, you are auditioning for a $1000 award! Everyone is nervous before auditioning (that’s the way it should be), but it is hardly ever fatal!
What mistakes do students make in the audition process?
Generally, students who don't earn choir scholarships make one of the following mistakes:
1) they don't audition!!!
2) they come to audition without preparing their audition solos.
Is there a deadline for scholarship auditions?
Yes! Please plan to complete your audition by February 22, 2013.
IF YOU'VE READ THIS FAR, YOU MUST BE SERIOUS ABOUT SINGING, AND ABOUT AUDITIONING -- SO
Who do I contact to arrange and audition?
Dr. Will Nichols at (989) 463-7221 or nichols@alma.edu /
or the Admissions Office at (800) 321-ALMA
