Audition Information
What are the a cappella groups at WHS?
She Major - treble voice, audition-only, competitive pop a cappella group
Voices of Steel - mixed voice, audition-only, competitive pop a cappella group
In Big Treble - mixed voice, non-auditioned, non-competitive pop a cappella group
What am I expected to be able to do?
As a member of Voices of Steel or She Major, you should:
Be able to sing their part independently
Be comfortable singing in front of an audience
Be able to sing in tune & in time
Be able to move well
Work cooperatively in a small group of peers
Remain academically eligible throughout the year
Make a commitment to the group in terms of time & work ethic
What kind of songs do the groups sing?
The groups all sing modern pop songs. See the group pages on this site for lists of songs.
Who can be in the groups?
She Major is comprised of treble voices & Voices of Steel is comprised of mixed voices.
Both groups may include WHS students in grades 9 through 12.
Both groups are comprised of about 16 members.
Although it is not required, membership in a curricular choral ensemble is highly recommended.
Students who are currently enrolled in curricular choral classes may be given preference over those who are not.
Previous experience in a cappella / singing / leadership / dance / theater / sound engineering is highly recommended.
What is the time commitment for She Major / Voices of Steel?
VOS rehearses on Mons from 2:30-4:30 & on early release days from 11:15-12:15, with additional rehearsals from time to time.
She Major rehearses on Tuess from 2:30-4:30 & on early release from 11:15-12:15, with additional rehearsals from time to time.
Both groups perform often throughout the year, & attendance at all rehearsals & performances is mandatory.
Major performances are scheduled in advance & additional performances will be added depending on members’ availability.
How does the audition process work?
Auditions are for She Major & Voices of Steel only.
The audition this year is in three parts:
You will need to record an audition video which includes the following parts:
Introduce yourself, Range Check (not part of your audition score), Audition Song, Part Singing, Vocal Percussion
You will need to submit a Sight Reading Factory assignment.
You will need to fill out the Audition Google Form.
This form is lengthy and includes your Personal Statement. You will also submit your video via the form.
Where & when are auditions?
Auditions will be held virtually this year.
The deadline to submit the first round of auditions is Friday, June 12, at 11:59pm.
Callbacks will be scheduled if necessary, and callback information will be emailed directly to those students.
When & where will the results be posted?
The final audition results for both groups will be emailed to students in the evening on Monday, June 15.
What do I need to do to audition?
The audition this year is in three parts:
You will need to record an audition video which includes the following parts:
Introduce yourself, Range Check (not part of your audition score), Audition Song, Part Singing, Vocal Percussion
You will need to submit a Sight Reading Factory assignment.
You will need to fill out the Audition Google Form.
This form is lengthy and includes your Personal Statement. You will also submit your video via the form.
How do callbacks work?
The call back list will be posted on this website in the evening of Wednesday, May 22nd.
The call back round will take place in 2 groups: Group 1: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm | Group 2: 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
If you are selected for a call back, you will be contacted with call back materials via email.
You will be expected to prepare a part of an a cappella arrangement for group performance.
All materials will be given to you in advance of & will be rehearsed at the call back.
You will also be asked to demonstrate your stage presence & ability to move at the call back.
What else should I know?
Current members of the groups must re-audition each year.
Rehearsals will begin as soon as school begins in September.
I really want to be a member of In Big Treble, what should I do?
Email Mrs. Morel. You do not have to audition to be part of In Big Treble.
Can I choose between Voices of Steel & She Major?
Students will be able to submit their preference on their audition form. Preferences will be considered, but may or may not be honored.
What about call backs?
Callbacks will be scheduled if necessary, and callback information will be emailed directly to those students.
What is the time commitment for In Big Treble?
In Big Treble rehearses on Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30.
IBT performs two to three times a year, and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
Can I play sports / be in marching band / do theater / take art / etc, and be part of one of the a cappella groups?
In a word, yes.
At WHS, 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 Mrs. Morel if you have further questions.
Do I have to be in Treble Choir / Chamber Singers / Chorale to be part of Voices of Steel / She Major?
Although it is not required, membership in a curricular choral ensemble is highly recommended.
Students who are currently enrolled in curricular choral classes may be given preference over those who are not.
What are the User Fees to participate in A Cappella?
All students who are accepted into Voices of Steel or She Major will need to pay the $100 Performing Arts Activity Fee to Wakefield High School in September.
Members of In Big Treble also need to pay the $100 Performing Arts Activity Fee.
Fees are due before the first performance.
How should I do all this?
Please see the
Detailed Audition Guidelines. Note, you will need to be signed into your wpsk12 account to view this document.
The Google form is linked
here.
How do I submit my video?
You will complete your audition by 1) Filling out the
Google Form & 2) Submitting your video on the Google Form.
You should either upload your video directly to the form OR upload your video to YouTube (unlisted) and submit the link on the form.
You will need to be signed into your wpsk12 account to fill out this form.
How will I be assessed?
Your audition will be viewed and scored by Mrs. Morel using this
Audition Rubric.
