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 Mondays 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 Tuesdays 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.
Where & when are auditions?
Auditions will take place Monday, September 20, from 2:05-5:00 in the WHS Chorus Room.
When & where will the results be posted?
The final audition results for both groups will be emailed to students in the evening on Thursday, September 23.
What do I need to do to audition?
For your audition, you should prepare a 30-60 second solo: one verse & one chorus of a contemporary pop song.
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 audition sheet.
You will be scored by Mrs. 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.
How do callbacks work?
If callbacks are necessary, the process will be explained at the time.
What else should I know?
Current members of the groups must re-audition each year.
Rehearsals will begin on September 27.
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 will I be assessed?
Your audition will be viewed and scored by Mrs. Morel using this
Audition Rubric
.
How do I sign up?
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 Mrs. Morel directly.
