Preble High School Show Choir Audition Packet

Preble High School Show Choir Audition Packet

Dear Show Choir Auditionee, Thank you for your interest in the Preble High School Show Choirs. We admire your willingness to audition. You never achieve anything in life unless you are willing to take a chance on yourself. While obviously everyone who auditions will not be selected, the groups will be chosen from those willing to take the chance. We have compiled as much information as we can in regards to the 2016-2017 season including, rehearsal and performance calendars, payment schedules, and other expectations. Please make sure that you have read and understand all of the information included so that you can make an informed decision regarding your commitment to this organization. Please note that all audition forms are due at the time of auditions. We can promise you that if you make the commitment to perform with Center Stage or Rendezvous and take every opportunity to perform at your best, it will be an experience that you will never forget. We appreciate your enthusiasm and interest in auditioning for Preble High School Show Choir. Sincerely, Preble Show Choir Directing Team Included in this Packet: General information for auditions General membership information Potential Calendar Dates Attendance policy for members Parent/Guardian Expectations Audition application

Below is a brief description of each opportunity: Center Stage, our Mixed Show Choir requiring an advanced level of vocal proficiency, dance technique and a vibrant performance personality. Many of these students are leaders in choir, school and community. They are involved in other school sports and activities and many take private voice lessons. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. Center Stage practices December-April Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Thursdays 3:30-5:30 p.m. Rendezvous, our Women s Show Choir has won many awards over the past few years and has earned a reputation as top women s show choir in Wisconsin. Many of these students have the same qualities that we are expect from Center Stage members. They will be leaders in the curricular choral ensembles and many students take private voice lessons. Members of this group are willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. Rendezvous practices December - April: Tuesdays 3:30-5:30 p.m. and Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m. Auditions for this group will occur simultaneously with the Center Stage auditions. For the 2016-17 season any member of either show choir may audition acts for the annual Cabaret Mainstage or Dessert Show Performance. Commitment throughout the year will be a factor in being considered for a spot in the Cabaret show. There are nearly 100 students involved in the program between singer/dancers and combo members. There over 150 students who audition for the right to be a member of the Preble Show Choirs. In order to respect everyone who auditions for the group we have spelled out with great detail the commitment needed for this group. To make all of this possible, we will need a commitment from every single member of Center Stage, Rendezvous and their parents/guardians. Please take some time as a family to examine the cost information and rehearsal/performance calendar carefully so that you know and understand the financial, as well as the time commitment you and your family will be expected to meet.

Frequently asked Questions 1. What costs are associated with Show Choir? All Students will pay for transportation to and from competitions, team dinners, bio boards. $150 Potential for overnight lodging fee may add to transportation and housing. $50 (est) COSTUMING Both groups will have a main outfit and a costume change. Please note that all dresses will be new dresses this season. From this season forward, all dresses will be one year dresses. (Matching sizes, fabrics, quality is difficult from year to year.) Ladies Outfits: Dresses: $100-$185 Dance Brief/Bungee: $11 Secondary outfit: $100 Dance Shoes T STRAPS/New Style - $40.00 Nude leotard - $30 Ear Rings - $11 Make Up - $10 Men s Outfits: Primary Outfit/Blazer/Suit - $150 (est) Shirts (2) - $60 Pants (2) - $60 Tie - $35 Shoes - $55 Performers are responsible for other costs such as: nylons/tights, socks, clear strap bra, and any replacement of lost or damaged items. Dresses and Suits are custom made and once measurements are submitted the costs cannot be refunded. There are other items that may be added to the season as the concept of the show is further developed. Billing statements will be released as soon as an initial cost is known. All student accounts must be in good standing in order to participate in the ensembles. (Please note, any present members of Preble Show Choirs who have not paid their fees or made arrangements to so for the 2015-16 year and any past due fees will not be allowed to audition for the 2016-17 ensemble.) Fundraising: There are fundraising opportunities offered through the Preble Music department that put money into student accounts. Money from these accounts can be transferred to pay for various items throughout the student s years at Preble. Major Dates: Early August: Dance Camp November 29: Regular Weekly Rehearsals Begin January 7: Potential Competition January 21: Potential Competition February 4: New London Competition February 17: Sing Out Weidner Center March 10/11: Potential Competition/Overnight Potential April 7/8: Cabaret

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS The following information is provided so that parents can make a fully informed decision when making a commitment to involvement in Preble Show Choir. While some of the information may seem harsh, it is intended to give our choirs the best possible experience. Singer Membership Center Stage and Rendezvous are extensions of the curricular choral offerings at Preble High School. These advanced show choirs require a high level of vocal proficiency acquired through participating in a choral ensemble. Successful students will be proficient in music theory, sight singing, ear training and vocal technique. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. While participation in a performance class is no longer a pre-requisite for participation in the groups, it is highly encouraged and will only help to strengthen the group and make us better at competitions. Combo Band Membership - The show choir bands are extensions of the curricular band offerings at Preble High School. The show choir bands are advanced offerings requiring an advanced level of proficiency gained through participating in an instrumental ensemble. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. While participation in a performance class is no longer a pre-requisite for participation in the groups, it is highly encouraged and will only help to strengthen the group and make us better at competitions. Show Choir Dance Camp Attendance - During the camps, we will focus primarily on choreography and transitional aspects of our competition show. At this time, all blocking and moving assignments will be given; therefore, any absence during camp will be extremely detrimental to the ensemble. Frontline performers will be selected from members present at camp. Only under extreme circumstances will members be excused from any portion of camp. If this situation should arise, it is up to the student to draw up a contract explaining a makeup plan, including a time line, and other students involved in teaching the makeup. The contract will be signed by all of the students involved, their parents and Miss Enderby, Mrs. Tolksdorf and/or Mr. Tolksdorf. This will need to be taken care of at least 30 days prior to the camp. Rookies will not be excused from camp for any reason. Pre-excused Absences - Please indicate on the permission form any days/date(s) that you may have a conflict. Please explain the nature of each conflict so that I can make a determination as to whether it will be an excused absence. We need to know about conflicts in advance. If you are selected as a member of Center Stage or Rendezvous and you have notified the directors of a conflict on this form, you will be excused from that event. Failure to notify the directors in advance may result in an unexcused absence, which may also result in your removal from the group. School Attendance and Performance/Rehearsal Eligibility - You must be in school all day in order to be eligible to perform in any performances that takes place on that same day. You must be at school for half of the day in order to rehearse with the group. The code of conduct details this policy. If you are sick from school, stay home and get better. Don t get the rest of us sick. Academic eligibility First and foremost your responsibility is to your grades. Students will need to sign a code of conduct form. It clearly states that a student with two F s cannot perform with the group until the grades are raised. Parents are encouraged to regularly check Infinite Campus to review student

progress and get them off to a good start to the year. When Show Choir starts in December grade trends are well established. Directors will do what they can to assist students who are on the watch list. There are many students in Preble Show Choirs who are more than willing to help tutor a struggling student. Please do not be afraid to ask for help. Rehearsal Attendance - All Center Stage and Rendezvous members are expected to make their commitment to their team a priority by attending all rehearsals, performances and competitions. a. All absences (even if you were gone from school) require the completion of the Preble Show Choir Absence Form. This form is available on the website and must be completed prior to returning to rehearsal. Until this form is completed and your absence is reviewed you will not be allowed to participate in any competitions or performances. b. Extended Illness or injury In order to fully understand what is happening we require a note from a doctor detailing the nature of the injury, illness and what we should expect for participation from student and detailing any restrictions or accommodations that may be necessary. An unexcused absence from rehearsal may result in a suspension from Preble Show Choirs for at least one competition or performance. Two unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the group. a. No one will be excused because of work or birthdays. Make sure you clear your work schedule in advance. b. Any absences, with the exception of emergencies, or illness that are not cleared with the directors at least two weeks in advance may be considered unexcused. Concerts, or other performances for Preble ensembles are exempt from this policy. c. Three tardies will be considered an unexcused absence. d. DRIVERS ED will not be considered an excused absence. During a period from December to April the directors will make one attempt to modify the schedule so that Center Stage and Rendezvous rehearsals will be at uniform times on Tuesdays and Thursdays to allow for a consistent open block for 3-4 weeks. This schedule modification will take place once class schedules are known for the season. If your eligibility to take the class does not align with this period you will need to wait until after the season, or find a school that offers classes that fit within your show choir schedule.

PARENT/GUARDIAN EXPECTATIONS 1. Parent Involvement - The show choir members need your parental support. We need parent help with the PMP, fund raising, chaperoning and most importantly as fans. We hope that you will take an active role in supporting the Preble Family of Show Choirs. 2. Communication with Parents The directors will do everything they can to communicate in a timely manner with the parents/guardians of our students. Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date with the directors. If you feel you have not heard from the directors and may be missing information please contact us directly or visit www.prebleshowchoirs.weebly.com to check for any updates. 3. Payments/Fees - Please be prompt with your payments. All payments can be dropped off at rehearsals or may be deposited in an envelope labeled Show Choir Payment in the PMP mailbox inside the choir room. 4. Volunteer Responsibilities Parents/guardians are expected to be involved with the show choir and other elements of our music program at Preble School. Every parent/guardian is expected to serve on a committee for Cabaret, our biggest fund raiser of the year. Additionally parents/guardians are expected to volunteer in at least one of the following areas/events: chaperoning, food coordination, set construction, costume helper, team and fan apparel and at Solo/Ensemble hosted by Preble PMP. 4. Supporting your favorite choirs at competitions: a. Wear your Preble Show Choir Fanwear b. Sit in the first two rows for the performance c. Oh Yeah... One other thing. The kids ask you to cheer them on even if you notice mistakes. They can see you gasp in horror in the front rows and it can have a negative effect on the rest of their performance so no matter what happens keep cheering them on or as we tell the kids fake it. 5. Parent/Fan Etiquette at Competitions The Preble Show Choirs take great pride in their shows and are proud to represent Preble High School and the community both on and off the stage. We talk to the kids about this and I would like to mention to you that it is very important to be careful what you say in the hallways, cafeteria and the performance space while at competitions. People s ears have a way of perking up when they hear someone talking about their school and groups and we want to be positive and supportive of other groups. Negative comments have a way of being broadcast for all to see and it can make us all look bad. The same goes for social networking sites especially showchoir.com. The saying we have for our students is Save it for the bus. 6. Teamwork - Please remember that we work hard to create a family of show choirs where everyone works together. Each show choir supports the other. The chaperones work together, the directors work together, and the kids need to work together for a shared goal. We want to build an environment where we can grow relationships and memories through teamwork. We want every show choir to be the best they can be, and at the same time support every other show choir in the family so that they too can thrive. We expect that all performers, parents and fans will be respectful and supportive of all the show

choirs in the family. Whether you are a singer/dancer, in the band or on the stage crew, we must all work together as a family. We are so lucky to have such a positive activity for our kids where they can participate in something they love and are so passionate about, where they can express themselves through song and dance, where they can build relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Audition Information Preble Show Choirs VISIT www.prebleshowchoirs.weebly.com to sign up for an audition slot OR visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0a4aa5ac23a0fb6-201617 Auditions will take place in two phases: 1 Vocal audition: Students must sign up for an audition time. Students will perform a piece of music with accompaniment (piano or recorded track/no backing vocals) from a Broadway or pop song that shows off your range. The piece should be no longer that 1:30 (one minute thirty seconds) in length. Song ideas can be found at www.prebleshowchoirs.weebly.com Students will complete a tonal/pitch memory exercise during the audition. Students vocal ranges will be secured from directors. Ranges will be verified for those students who are not involved in a vocal ensemble. 2 Dance Audition: Students must learn a short dance piece for auditions. Audition workshops will be held on May 11 and May 12 from 3:15-5:00 p.m. in the Preble High School Choir room. Students are encouraged to attend at least one audition workshop. Dances will be posted on www.prebleshowchoirs.weebly.com and made available on the group Facebook sites and sent to middle school directors to share out with their students. Dance auditions will take place immediately following the vocal audition in separate location at Preble. Audition Scoring: Each judge will score the individual based on their vocal quality, pitch accuracy, stage presence in the vocal audition. Choreography accuracy, posture, and stage presence/energy will be judged in the dance audition. Scores will be entered into a spreadsheet and assigned a weighted value as per the scoring rubric. (Rubric available at time of audition workshop) Scores will be added and auditioners placed in rank order. Voicing will be considered in order to produce a balanced ensemble. Audition Results: At the end of the day on Monday your directors will have copies letters available for you to pick up regarding the status of your audition. Every person auditioning will have a letter. Results of the audition will be posted on www.prebleshowchoirs.weebly.com at 5:00 p.m. on Monday May 23.

Preble High School Show Choir Singer/Dancer Auditions **PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY WITH A BLACK PEN AND FILL OUT EVERYTHING** Name: Last First AUDTION # STUDENT I.D. # **New students to GBAPS please leave blank IN THE BOX PROVIDED Gender: Male Female Grade Level In Fall: 9 10 11 12 Present School: PHS RSMS EMS Other: AUDITIONING FOR: CENTER STAGE ONLY RENDEZVOUS ONLY EITHER GROUP Address/Apt #: City Zip Parent Phone ( ) - Birthday / / Student Cell Phone ( ) - Student email address: Father's / Guardian Name: Father email address: Mother's / Guardian Name: Mother email address: Circle the voice part(s) you have recently been singing: (circle) Soprano 1 Alto 1 Tenor 1 Baritone Soprano 2 Alto 2 Tenor 2 Bass I VERIFY THAT THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS CORRECT. I AUTHORIZE MY STUDENT TO AUDITION FOR PREBLE HIGH SCHOOL SHOW CHOIRS. PARENT SIGNATURE DATE:

Name: Last First List the choral groups you have participated in and number of years (i.e. Rendezvous 2) : Are you enrolled in Choir, Band or Orchestra at Preble in the Fall? Do you play any musical instrument? Yes No If so what? Do you play piano well enough to play parts at a sectional rehearsal? (Circle) Yes No Do you play piano well enough to accompany rehearsals? (Circle) Yes No Do you currently take voice lesson? Yes No If so with whom? Do you take private dance lessons? Yes No If so with whom? List other activities you have been involved with clubs, positions held, etc? What extra-curricular activities are you planning on being involved with in 2016-17? (Our season runs from December, following the musical, until the first weeks of April for Cabaret.) Are there any regular conflicts that you will have during the season (November 29-April 9), or trips, etc that you already know will cause you to be absent from rehearsals/events? Please note below: ***Any members of Center Stage or Rendezvous presently must fulfill their financial obligation prior to being allowed to auditions. THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETELY FILLED OUT AND SIGNED AND TURNED IN AT THE TIME OF AUDITIONS. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL IMPACT YOUR OVERALL SCORE.