SFYCA: Live Audition Requirements

When you come to your live audition, be prepared to sing the steps A-F below. You’ll also be asked to sight-sing (step G), which is an opportunity to work with one of our faculty and a benefit of attending the live auditions. A pianist will be provided for you at the audition.

Please print out the Audition Information Form and bring it, along with a letter of recommendation from your music teacher, to your scheduled audition time.

A

Sing a song of your choosing, accompanied or unaccompanied (be sure to bring sheet music if you wish to be accompanied). Announce the title and composer of your song.

B

Sing the first verse of America the Beautiful (“O beautiful for spacious skies for amber waves of grain, for purple mountain majesty above the fruited plain. etc.”) in the key given for each voice type.

• Soprano I: F
• Soprano II: E-flat
• Alto I: A (begin on E above middle C)
• Alto II: G (begin on D above middle C)
• Tenor I: E (begin on B below middle C)
• Tenor II: D (begin on A below middle C)
• Bass I: B-flat (begin on F below middle C)
• Bass II: F-sharp (begin on C# below middle C)

C

Sing exercise #1 on “ah” (no initial consonants) in the manners indicated below, demonstrating your ability to sing different dynamic levels and articulations. You may repeat individual exercises if you wish.

Exercise 1

(MM=60)
a) mezzo-forte – legato
b) fortissimo – legato
c) piano – legato
d) forte – marcato
e) mezzo-forte – staccato – presto

D

Sing exercise #2 on “ah”, beginning in the middle of your range. Repeat the exercise, each time a half step higher, until you have reached the upper limit of your useful range. Please announce at the beginning in what key you are starting.

Exercise 2

(MM=60)

E

Sing exercise #3 on whatever vowel you wish, beginning in the middle of your range, at the same tempo as exercise #2. Repeat the exercise, each time a half step lower, until you have reached the lower limit of your useful range. Please announce at the beginning in what key you are starting.

Exercise 3

(MM=60)

F

Sing the prescribed passage from Bach’s Fürchte dich nicht (BWV 228), measures 29-44. Tempo: quarter note = 54. Note: As the excerpt is specially arranged for the audition, use only the version provided through the SFYCA website. Download the SFYCA 2012 Audition Excerpt. If you need a printed copy, email Elin England or email the SFYCA.

Motet 228 excerpt, midi (this is the audition excerpt version)
[SFYCA Excerpt - Motet 228 - MIDI recording]

Motet 228 excerpt, Helmuth Rilling (Note:  this recording does not match the audition excerpt.  Use this for reference only)
[SFYCA Excerpt - Motet 228 - Rilling Performance]

G

At the live audition you’ll be asked to sight-sing two different exercises to help us determine your level of musicianship.

If you have questions about the audition process, send an email to Elin England or call her at 541/346-1320 or 800/457-1486, or email the SFYCA.