Practice Materials

Audition Materials

Attached is the song students should be practicing, as well as a digital version of the permission slip that has gone home with students who have signed up to audition. 

AUDITION DISCLAIMER: 

Our goal is for every student to grow as a musician and performer, whether they are selected for an auditioned extracurricular group, or they continue participating through general music class during the school day.

Why Do We Hold Auditions?

As the music program has grown and recovered post-covid, participation interest from students has exceeded what we can safely and effectively support. Limiting the number of students in extra-curricular music groups reduces safety concerns, increases our ability to meet each students’ instructional needs, and increases rehearsal effectiveness. 

Auditions are everywhere in the world of music and theater, and our program gives the students a genuine and important opportunity to engage in that experience. My goal is not to disappoint children, it’s to introduce this difficult process in an environment where they have ample support to develop resilience. Many elementary schools (and higher education) in APS and across the country utilize the audition process in their program. 

If My Student Isn’t Selected

Not being selected does NOT reflect a student’s worth or potential as a person and musician. There are many reasons why a student may not be selected, such as ensemble needs and balancing, number of available spots, and preparation. 

If your student does not make it into their desired group, I am always happy to review their audition video with them and give direct and specific feedback. Additionally, I maintain a waitlist of students to pull from if positions open up during the year. General music class also develops these skills and builds confidence as well, while providing additional performance opportunities for all students such as the winter concert and Spring Showcase. There are also many local community music and theater programs in the area to consider outside of Sarah Smith if your student wants even more experience.

The Results Process

By signing up for auditions, students and families are choosing to participate in the audition process and understand that selection is not guaranteed. 

To support students emotionally, I post results to parents and teachers first via ParentSquare to give parents a chance to prepare for their students’ reactions, and then physically post it for all students to view on my bulletin board later. This gives the parents an opportunity to talk with and support their student before results are announced to everyone. It is also encouraged to discuss with students ways to be graciously excited if they are chosen. My hope is that every student, regardless of their results, feels encouraged, respected, and supported. 

The Evaluation Process

What Ms. Henson and I are looking for in an auditioning student will be clearly outlined in the paper that goes home to parents to sign and approve. In fact, that paper will be the exact paper we use to score and evaluate, which is why it is incredibly important that it is filled out and returned. A copy of that form will be uploaded to ParentSquare and this music website as well. Students will be informed about auditions during class, but it is their responsibility to prepare for their audition on their own time. In my experience, preparedness is the #1 contributing factor to a student feeling confident in their audition. While natural ability can play a role, students who practice consistently, accept feedback, and come prepared give themselves the best chances to succeed. 

Past Performance