Audition Information

Voices of Steel - mixed voices, audition-only, competitive pop a cappella group Mic Drop - mixed voices, non-auditioned, non-competitive pop a cappella group

As a member of Voices of Steel, you should: • Be able to sing your part independently and confidently • Be comfortable singing in front of an audience • Be able to sing in tune and in time • Be able to move well while singing independently and confidently • Work cooperatively and respectfully in a small group of peers • Remain academically eligible throughout the year • Make a commitment to the group in terms of time, attitude, and work ethic

Both groups sing modern pop songs, from the 50s to today. Here are some recent examples: Come Go With Me (VOS signature song), Stand by Me (MD signature song), Before I Sleep (Joy Williams), Hercules (Sara Bareilles), Jackie Onassis (Sammy Rae), Buddy Holly (Weezer), Still Into You (Paramore).

• WMHS students in grades 9 through 12 • Voices of Steel averages about 16 members • Although it is not required, membership in a curricular choral ensemble is highly recommended • Students who are currently enrolled in school choral ensembles may be given preference over those who are not • Previous experience in a cappella / singing / leadership / dance / theater / sound engineering is encouraged • Private voice lessons are encouraged

• VOS rehearses on Mondays from 2:15-4:30 and Wednesdays from 2:15-3:15, with additional or longer rehearsals scheduled during competition season. Rehearsal times are subject to change. • They perform often throughout the year, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. • Major performances are scheduled in advance and additional performances will be added depending on members’ availability.

Mic Drop rehearses on Wednesday from 2:15-3:00. They perform two to three times a year, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

In a word, YES. At WMHS, we cooperate and communicate to allow students to participate in their chosen activities. We want students to be able to get the most out of the high school years, or to quote former Asst. Principal Mr. Denis O'Leary, to "fill in their dash." That being said, here are several things things to consider: 1) Students are in school to take classes. Extracurricular activities should not supercede curricular ones. 2) Communication is key. If activities conflict, all parties will be more easygoing if excellent communication takes place with lots of advance notice. 3) Ultimately, it may not work. It depends on the student and the activities. Ask Ms. Morel (mailto:ana.morel@wpsk12.org)if you have further questions.

Although it is not required, membership in a curricular choral ensemble is highly recommended and beneficial. Students who are currently enrolled in curricular choral classes may be given preference over those who are not.

Email Ms. Morel or come see me in Room 2416. You do not have to audition to be part of Mic Drop.

Auditions will take place Monday, May 4, starting at 2:30 in the WMHS Chorus Room. More times will be added if needed. If needed, call back auditions will take place Thursday, May 7, after school in the WMHS Chorus Room (Room 2412).

For your audition, you should prepare a 30-60 second solo: one verse & one chorus of a contemporary pop song. • Choose something that you love to sing and feel good about • Please do not sing jazz, classical, opera, or musical theater. • Please have your solo memorized, including the lyrics. • If your song goes longer than 60 seconds, you may be asked to stop. • You will also demonstrate your range, aural skills, & sight reading skills. • You will be scored according to this (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_XgV_8uOklw7_fDRTbGNearLDhIOfZACdvMJjKg932o/edit)audition sheet. • You will be scored by Ms. Morel, other members of the WPS Performing Arts Dept., and/or other a cappella pros. Please arrive warmed-up to your audition, at least 5 minutes before your scheduled audition time.

Your audition will be viewed and scored by Ms. Morel using this Audition Rubric.(https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_XgV_8uOklw7_fDRTbGNearLDhIOfZACdvMJjKg932o/edit)

Callbacks will be scheduled if necessary, and callback information will be emailed directly to those students.

If callbacks are necessary, the process will be explained at the time.

The final audition results will be sent in the evening on May 9, by email.

• Current members of the groups must re-audition each year. • There will be rehearsals which include new members in May and June.

All students participate in Voices of Steel or Mic Drop will need to pay the $100 Performing Arts Activity Fee to Wakefield High School in September. Fees are due before the first performance.

Sign up to audition by 1) Filling out the Google Form 2) Signing up for a 5 minute time Fill out the Google Form here. After you submit the Google Form, you will be directed to Sign Up Genius to choose a time. If you need to change your time after you sign up, please email Ms. Morel directly.

Please contact Ms. Morel at ana.morel@wpsk12.org.(mailto:ana.morel@wps12.org?subject=WAC Auditions)