Recording Instructions

This year we are uploading mp3 vocal auditions and scrambling them so our adjudicator will have no idea which school or student is singing. We have been creating a system that has backups for human error and is as fool proof as possible. Many of you are recording now so please review these recording instructions

Due date for Submission by Internet - November 21th. 

Auditions will be rated over Thanksgiving Break.

Recording Instructions

1 Please take care to prepare the best possible audition recording. Carefully read and follow the instructions below.

2 Singers may audition for only one vocal section.

3 Record using the best equipment and conditions possible.  Auditions will be submitted via web posting as mp3 files but can be recorded in any system that can later be converted.

4 Do not announce the name of the school on the recording. At the beginning of the audition each student should clearly state voice part and order number in which he/she sings. For example, “I am alto 6.” The student, not the teacher, should make the announcement.

5 Carefully observe all metronome markings. For both vocalizes metronome must be heard without over powering the singer and not played during the song.

6 Convert your audition recordings to a single mp3 file for each audition. Vocalise 1, vocalise 2, and song all on one file. Use 128 kbps for your conversion.

7 Only students who submit complete auditions will be considered. It is important to list to each audition completely before submitting the master. If a portion of the audition is cut off or missing the student will not be considered.

8 Please do not submit auditions that are clearly not going to be accepted.

9 Audition recordings must be posted on line by Wednesday Nov 19th

Guidelines to help prepare a successful vocal audition

Please read carefully before recording

1 Carefully observe all metronome markings. For both vocalizes the metronome must be heard (without over powering the singer) throughout the exercise, with the singer and the accompanist following the tempo. The singer must be heard easily.

2 For Vocalise 1: Only the written accompaniment should be played as written

For Vocalise 2: A cappella with metronome. Start the recording with the beginning note for reference.

Legato phrasing in both vocalizes is to be observed (no “ha ha ha” style)

For the Song Excerpt: A tempo range is specified. The tempo of the audition must be within the given range. All breath marks and dynamic markings should be observed.

Record Intro, Vocalise 1, Vocalise 2, the Song.

3 Accompaniments can help or hinder your student. Auditions will be rated on vocal quality and appropriate range, pitch, accuracy and musicality (general musicianship) in all portions of the audition.  Auditions will be anonymous for school and student.

Recommended Recording Techniques

1 Record in stereo

2 The addition of electronic echo/reverb or any other effect will disqualify the student. Be sure if you are using Garageband to record that “no effects” is chosen for “basic track” (for example, If you select female voice effects will automatically be added)

3 Pay attention to balance. The metronome and piano must be audible but should not over power the singer. The metronome should be audibly ticking during the vocalises. For the song allow the metronome to set the tempo but do not have it running during the song.

4 Make every effort to avoid recording in a room which has too much echo or is too “live.”

5 Avoid recording the voice and accompaniment of separate channels

6 Be sure you listen to each entire recording for distortion or editing mistakes.

Labeling instructions

(for those who want to move ahead More help instructions will follow in a week)

iTunes for either Mac or PC operating systems is recommended for both id tagging and conversion of audio files to mp3. I just finished using Garageband to record auditions and highly recommend you try this if you have access to a Mac. PC options will follow with help instructions.

1 On recording student says “I am tenor 4.”

2 Save mp3 song as 128 kbps mp3.

Label “schoolname part number” ex “asijtenor4” or “isshsop5”

3 Use iTunes to label mp3 file with tags

Name – “Tenor 4

Artist – John Smith

Album – ASIJ

Genre - Tenor

Kanto Plain HS Honor Choir Audition Materials

download and print each part

Soprano Vocalises -sop vocalises.pdf  |  Song -

Alto Vocalises - alto vocalises.pdf  |  Song -

Tenor Vocalises - tenor vocalises.pdf  |  Song -

Bass Vocalises- bass vocalises.pdf  |  Song -