2012 Mixed Company Auditions
So you want to join the Mixed Co family?! Fantastic! The first step is to audition for us. We understand that auditioning can seem intimidating and even a little scary, but as former auditionees ourselves, we want you to know that you have nothing to lose from it—and everything to gain! We'll be rooting for you from the moment you walk in to sing for us, and to ensure that you feel as prepared as possible on the big day, we have written this step-by-step walkthrough of the entire experience. Auditions will be held during the first week of classes on Tuesday, Sep. 25 and Wednesday, Sep. 26, so start reading this now to give yourself a head start!
First things first! Before you audition...
Step -2: Sign up for an audition slot in White Plaza
We will be manning a table in White Plaza all day throughout NSO (New Student Orientation). Audition slots are 10 minutes long, and you may audition on either of the two available days. Be sure to sign up early to secure a time slot that's convenient for you, and leave enough time for you to show up a few minutes early that day!
NOTE: We are aware that Yom Kippur and auditions conflict this year. If you are unavailable on Sep. 25 and Sep. 26 for any reason, please still stop by our table and we'll figure out an alternate time for you!
Step -1: Choose a song to perform during your audition
You will be asked to perform a song of your choosing toward the end of your audition. We don’t care which song you choose — in the past, members have sung top-40 hits, classic rock ballads, choral hymns, and even "Happy Birthday" — just pick a song that shows off your own personality and vocal abilities. Dazzle us, like the amazing singer you are!
NOTE: We are always looking for beat boxers / vocal percussionists, so feel free to drop a beat for us if that's your thing.
Step 0: Choose an object of personal significance to bring to your audition
This is purely for fun–we'll have you tell the story behind your object to help us get to know you better!
On the day of your audition...
Step 1: Arrive on the second floor of Tresidder (map) 5 - 10 minutes before your audition slot
Some friendly group members will sit outside the audition room and chat with you while you fill out a form asking a few demographical questions. The purpose of this is to help relax you—because we really don’t want auditions to be scary!
Step 2: Enter the audition room!
When you enter the room for your audition, you will be greeted enthusiastically by The Co, who absolutely can’t wait to meet you.
Step 3: Scales
To start your audition, we will have you sing up and down a few scales as we accompany you on the piano. You can sing these on any vowel, word, or syllable you prefer. The purpose of this exercise is to warm up your voice and get a general idea of your most comfortable singing range (e.g. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass).
Step 4: Pitch recall
For pitch recall, we will play a sequence of three or four notes for you on the piano, and ask you to sing the sequence back to us the way you heard it. Then we will play another, slightly longer (four- or five-note) sequence for you. Finally, we will play six notes in sequence. Don’t worry about getting them all right; it’s designed to be hard, and only a few of our current members actually sang all of the pitch recalls perfectly.
Step 5: Rhythm recall
Rhythm recall is similar: we clap a simple two-measure pattern for you, and you clap it back. Again, they’re designed to be hard. Just relax, put on a smile, and do your best.
Step 6: Your solo
And now, your solo—this is your chance to let loose! Your solo will really give us a better feel for your voice and your personality as a performer, so we encourage you to choose WHICHEVER song you love to perform the most.
Step 7: Show and tell
Phew! With the hard part behind you, the final step is to show and explain the object that you brought with you (just another opportunity for us to meet the person behind the voice). After this step, you will have finished your entire Mixed Co audition! If you have any more questions, feel free to look through our Frequently Asked Questions, stop by our table in White Plaza, or send us a message at officers@mixedco.com. We look forward to meeting you!
