2021-2022 Evaluation Information

We are thrilled that you want to be a part of the Round Rock Dragon Choir Department. We have many ensembles designed to fit the needs of all students interested in singing. Evaluations are designed not to exclude students, but to place them in the appropriate developmental ensemble so that we can best encourage your continued musical development. Evaluations are not required but are highly encouraged for all singers. You may enter the choir program by simply enrolling as all students interested in singing are allowed in the Dragon Choirs with or without an evaluation; however, any student without an evaluation will be placed in our Tier 3 or 4 Choirs.

HERE IS A WEBINAR EXPLAINING THE WEBSITE

Please read all directions before submitting your materials. The Dragon choir evaluation process is three steps that will all be conducted digitally and submitted through a google form:

• The Vocal Range Assessment - you will sing scales up and down to determine your range.

• The Musical Artistry Assessment - you will sing "My Country tis of Thee"

• Sight Reading Assessment - you will sing an 8 measure sight reading example.

Evaluation Instructions

RECORDINGS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED VIA THIS FORM BY April 16, 2021.

Required Steps to be evaluated

1. Read the Information Below

2. Record your Vocal Range Video: VOCAL RANGE TRACK

3. Record your "My Country Tis of Thee": SCORE, HIGH TRACK, LOW TRACK

4. Record your Sight-Reading: SR EXAMPLE AND TRACK

5. Complete the Evaluation Form (this form will ask you to upload your vocal range video, My country tis of Thee video, your sight reading video, and a photo of yourself)

Vocal Range

Using the audio file available on this website, record a video of yourself singing a scale starting on G.

• The camera should be placed as close to eye level as possible so that it isn’t facing you at an angle

• Stand with your best singing posture in the video

• Stand far enough away that you are visible from the waist up for the recording

• Before singing the exercises, say in a clear projected voice: “My name is __________________, I am in _______ grade and I am currently in __________________.” State your current grade and the current ensemble (Dragon Chorale, Chamber Singers, Muse, Seraphim, Draco Vocem, Bel Chanson, Middle School Choir, not in choir)

• With the audio file on the website, which gives you your starting pitch of G (let’s call this Do), sing down the scale to your lowest note (Do Ti La So Fa Mi, etc…). You may sing on solfege or a neutral vowel of your choice. Then again with the audio file on the website, which gives you your starting pitch of G (let’s call this Do), sing up the scale to your highest note (Do Re Mi Fa Sol La, etc). You may sing solfege of a neutral vowel of your choice.

• ***Gentlemen, it is okay and advisable to switch into head voice to demonstrate your vocal abilities in your upper range.***

My Country Tis of Thee

Using one of the audio files available on this website, record a video of yourself singing My Country tis of thee. A PDF of the sheet music is provided. There is a high key and a low key. The track will play through it twice and one time will be with Mr. McCaffity singing. Please sing by yourself the second time through.

Sight Reading

The exercise is equivalent to a Level 4 SR example (according to the RRHS Level UP curriculum). Please use the provided prompt to record your video. You will record your practice time (please practice out loud) and evaluation. The track will play through the tonic triad (do-mi-sol-mi-do-sol-do) and then start a 30 second timer. At the conclusion of 30 seconds you will be asked to stop and the tonic triad will play again. You will then sing the line.

Once you have recorded your videos with the proper backing tracks (check the links above) then submit them through the google form : Evaluation Form.

Your directors will fill in any remaining information we need for your evaluation to be complete. If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mr. Jamieson McCaffity, jamieson_mccaffity@roundrockisd.org or Ms. Anarra Whitcher, anarra_whitcher@roundrockisd.org. Thank you and goodluck!

For Sample videos of how each section of the evaluation process works:

Vocal Range

My Country Tis of Thee **You can pick the high key or the low key, I picked low**

Sight-Reading

SHOW CHOIR AUDITIONS

Auditions for the RRHS Show choir auditions will take place online and are open to 10th-12th graders. In order to be considered for show choir you must be available to be in a traditional choral ensemble as well. These video uploads are due by Thursday April 1.

In the recorded audition:

1. Please clearly state your name and current grade.

2. Perform a short excerpt (approximately 16 measures/verse & chorus) of a jazz, pop, or musical theatre solo. Unaccompanied or live accompaniment (piano, guitar, uke, etc..) is required. PLEASE NO PRE-RECORDED BACKING TRACKS.

3. Fill out the Audition form and upload your video there.