Leicester University Chamber Choir is a group of auditioned singers, performing sacred and secular repertoire in Leicester and further abroad. To join the choir, all members have had to audition, and now it’s your turn!
We know that auditioning can be a scary experience, so here are some tips and tricks to do great and wow us.
First thing you need to know is that all our members are auditioned by our musical director Roxanne Gull and our student president, David, and that during your audition you will be accompanied by John Gull. They will make sure the audition is in a laid-back atmosphere, so don't panic! You'll do great.
The audition starts with a little chat where you can present yourself, your studies, your music experience. We want to get to know you and we want you to get to know us. We will explain how rehearsals work, our projects for this year, and most of all we want you to feel at ease before you start singing.
Our wonderful pianist John Gull will then give you some vocal exercises to reproduce, which will allow him to explore your range. It will allow us to see what you can do in terms of range and with your musical ear. This is a great opportunity for you to warm up as well!
Then it's your time to shine! You can sing your audition piece. Choosing a good audition piece is crucial. You need a song which you feel very comfortable singing, that shows off your range or your ability of interpretation. Don't worry about the repertoire though, we've had successful auditionnees sing David Bowie songs, musical theatre pieces, opera, sacred repertoire, it's entirely up to you!
Don't forget to send your music early to John, especially if you want a piano accompaniment.
You don't need a ton of choir experience to fit in. You'll be great as you are!
Lastly, we'll ask you to do a short sight-reading exercise, which is super easy, still accompanied by our very own John Gull.
My little tips and tricks to really nail your audition would be:
- Stay hydrated and let your voice rest on the days before the audition.
- Before going in, make sure to be warmed up well, and that your warm-up is adapted to the piece you're going to sing: if your song is on your lower register, take your time to warm up well in this register.
- When you arrive on the audition location, go to the bathroom or somewhere where you can make a bunch of noises. You will feel more comfortable knowing your voice is still here!
We know auditioning can be nerve wracking, but please remember that stressing will not serve you in blowing us away. Try some herbal tea, deep breaths, meditation, anything to make you feel less stressed out!
Finally, and it’s something I wish people had told me when I failed an audition, is that we are not judging your talent. Not being accepted should not mean you have to give up on your passion and your dreams. We can only accept a certain number of singers in the choir, our standards get higher each year, and sometimes, a voice simply cannot fit into a group of singers. It does not mean that you should question your talent. Keep going and remember that you are enough!
We can't wait to welcome you in the Chamber Choir! Break a leg. You'll do great.