Audition FAQs
How do I schedule an audition?
Auditions are by appointment. To schedule your time, please contact Director, Susan Hoitt at mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com or call 251-285-2285.
Does my child need to prepare for an audition?
No. During the audition the potential singer will be asked to perform several exercises which will be used to determine selection for Mobile’s Singing Children. The singer will be evaluated for musical ability and potential, as well as focus and ability to follow and respond to instruction. Parents should expect the student to make mistakes – part of the process is to evaluate how the child accepts instruction to correct the mistakes. The student may also be questioned about other musical experience and music theory.
Is prior musical experience required?
No. Mobile’s Singing Children consists of four choirs which allows for an appropriate placement based on multiple criteria, including prior musical experience. Each spring, singers may audition to be promoted to the next level for the next season. Most singers spend one or two seasons in each of the training choirs.
4 Choirs
The Preparatory Choir is a training choir for those singers who need to develop their musical skills and gain more experience with rehearsal/performance situations. The choir aims to instill good vocal habits and build reading skills in its singers. Unison part singing and music theory class is part of the curriculum.
The Intermezzo Choir is for singers who are more experienced in using their vocal instrument. This choir aims to instill good vocal habits and to continue reading skills in its singers. Two-part and three-part singing is introduced. Music theory class is part of the curriculum.
The Concert Choir is is the premier independent community chorus. This choir is for exceptionally talented young singers in 5th – 12th grade with treble voices. It aims to challenge its members with a wide range of literature and performance experiences. Singers in this choir have demonstrated excellent vocal artistry and musical skill for their age, as well as a fine sense of responsibility and behavior. This choir is the main touring group of Mobile’s Singing Children.
Encore! is for High School singers with one or more years of experience. Some Encore! Singers have been members of Mobile’s Singing Children in another ensemble. Some Encore! Singers have no previous MSC experience, but may have trained in a church choir or school choir.
Expectations
What are the expectations for participation in MSC? The commitment is for the entire season. For the Preparatory and Intermezzo Choirs, the season is Aug. 1 – May 31 of each year. For the Concert Choir and Encore!, the season extends until the conclusion of the annual tour, generally no later than June 15. With the exception of tour related rehearsals, the choirs do not have regularly scheduled rehearsals or performances during the months of June and July. Occasionally, a performance opportunity presents itself during these months and parents/singers make a commitment to participate on a voluntary basis.
Singers are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances. Schedules are posted well in advance and should be considered a “prior obligation” for any future activities. Upon advance request, singers who demonstrate exceptional mastery of their music and are self-motivated to work on their own may occasionally be excused from a rehearsal for conflict. It is expected that parents and singers will consider the MSC schedule before pursuing other activities.
The rehearsal schedule is as follows:
Concert Choir – Mondays, 4pm – 6pm
Encore! – Mondays, 6pm – 7pm
Preparatory – Tuesdays, 4pm – 6pm
Intermezzo Choir – Tuesdays, 4pm – 6pm
The Preparatory and Intermezzo choirs typically perform 3-5 times per season. Concert Choir and Encore! perform locally 5–10 times per season. There are multiple performances associated with the annual tour.
Audition Information
MSC Auditions – April, May and June
Auditions for new singers will take place on Zoom or in person at Spring Hill Presbyterian Church, 10 Westminster Way, Mobile. Auditions, which are about 20 minutes, consist of an interview and a test of the singer’s range, tonal memory and pitch matching. No preparation is necessary.
Singers will be auditioning for acceptance into one of four different levels of choir (based on singing ability, knowledge of music theory, behavior, maturity, focus and age). Please complete the audition form and email it to us. We will then email or call you to set up an audition time.
Here is the process:
- Complete an audition application and email it to us at mobilesingingchildren@gmail.com
- We will call or email you to set up a time for the audition.
- A parent or guardian will be required to be with the applicant during the audition.
- The audition will consist of an interview and test of the singer’s range, tonal memory and pitch matching. No preparation is necessary.
- The director will answer any questions after the audition.
- Contracts/results will be mailed out in early June.
Please download the application from our website.
We look forward to a wonderful 2023 – 2024 season.