Vocal: Classical and Musical Theater
The Vocal Department has two strands:
- Classical Vocal - This strand is rooted in the study of European classical literature, world music and twentieth century music with extended study in Jazz, musical theatre, pop and gospel.
- Musical Theater - This strand has a combined musical theatre vocal repertory with acting. dance, and music theory components.
When requesting a Vocal audition please make sure to clarify which strand you wish to apply/audition for as you must choose either Classical Vocal or Musical Theater. Please read carefully through all audition requirements so you are prepared to audition for either the Classical Vocal or Musical Theatre as described below.
Classical Vocal Audition Requirements: Students auditioning for Classical Vocal must bring the following items on audition day.
- A resume of your musical experience. List music classes, ensembles, private study and personal performances.
- Two readable copies of the music you will perform for your audition with the words, vocal melody and piano accompaniment clearly visible in all copies. A lead sheet or a text of the words alone is NOT adequate.
*Students who do not bring these materials to the audition will not be able to audition. It is recommended that students dress appropriately. Nice shirt & slacks for boys and neat dress with hair pulled away from the face for girls.
Preparation for a Classical Vocal audition, if auditioning for 9th grade (freshman class):
- Prepare a song of your choice with piano accompaniment and bring a copy of your music for the pianist. Classical art song repertoire is preferred, but any style that shows your voice at its best is welcome (please, no pop songs).
- A piano accompanist will be provided or you may bring your own accompanist. You will NOT be permitted to use a recorded accompaniment, to accompany yourself or to sing your audition piece unaccompanied or "a cappella".
- Students will be asked to demonstrate basic pitch matching and sight-singing to diagnose musical literacy, and there will be a short interview with faculty and current students.
Preparation for a Classical Vocal audition, if auditioning for 10th, 11th, or 12th grade:
The following requirements are designed to demonstrate that students auditioning for transfer to SOTA can meet the curricular demands of the classes where he/she seeks placement.
- Auditioning for 10th grade: follow directions 1. and 2. auditioning for 9th grade (freshman class) and also prepare an art song in Italian such as "Caro mio ben" by Giordani.
- Auditioning for 11th grade: follow directions 1. and 2. auditioning for 9th grade (freshman class) and also prepare an art song in Italian, such as "Caro mio ben" by Giordani and a German lied (sung in German) such as "Wiegenlied" by Brahms.
- Auditioning for 12th grade: follow directions 1. and 2. auditioning for 9th grade (freshman class) and also prepare an art song in Italian, such as "Caro mio ben" by Giordani and a German lied (sung in German) such as "Wiegenlied" by Brahms and a French art song (sung in French) such as "les Berceux" by Faure.
*All audition material must to be memorized.
Preparation for a Musical Theater audition.
The musical theater audition will consist of the following:
- Presentation of two (2) contrasting 32-bar excerpts from Musical Theater repertoire (please bring a copy of your music for the pianist)
- Prepare a 1-minute monologue (any style)
- A brief, choreographd combination dance routine that will be taught on the day of the audition (please bring jazz shoes and wear unrestrictive clothing for moving).
*Students who do not bring these materials to the audition will not be able to audition.
About the Vocal Department
The Vocal Department has two distinct areas of study with some overlapping subject material and students focus in either Classical Vocal or Musical Theater during their 4 years at SOTA. Students are required to perform in both solo and ensemble settings. SOTA students entering the department demonstrate fluid singing and the ability to quickly learn new and challenging material. SOTA Vocal students collaborate well with others and are self-motivated, responsible and dedicated to advancing their artistry in a rigorous pre-professional musical environment.