We're so glad that you're thinking of auditioning! Below is the information that you will need in order to audition for Retro Revue. We will also have two interest meetings after school in room 2142 in November (dates TBD) if you have any questions. This page has everything you need to know.
General Audition Info: December 8, 9
Everyone who wishes to audition should come to room 2140 immediately after school on either December 8th (for instrumentalists) or December 9th (for singers).
All bands have a drummer, keyboardist, bassist, guitarists, and singers, but other instruments are encouraged to audition as well. If you have multiple musical talents, try out for ALL of them on the same day, but please keep your auditions separate (no singing + playing guitar together). Everyone should prepare a 1 minute cut. Don’t use a backing track (this goes for EVERYONE).
If you are auditioning with an instrument you may bring it in the morning and leave it in Mr. Johnson's room 2106 until your audition after school (we are NOT liable for your instrument if something happens-- make sure your NAME is somewhere if you decide to do this). If you have any scheduling conflicts, please email 72alicrope@csdecatur.net.
Tips from the Band Leaders
Drummers: No Metronome or Backing Track! Play a groove that you know you can keep the tempo on. Please add in some fills so we can see your diversity. Don’t play the same thing over and over again but also don’t do something you know you’re not capable of. In terms of genres, if you wanna smash some hard rock music go for it, but don’t be afraid to play something more subtle or a hip hop beat. Lastly, if you mess up, KEEP PLAYING and try to stay on tempo and get back in your groove. Good Luck Drummers!!!! (A kit will be provided for you. Preferable for you to bring your own sticks but they will be there if you forget).
Keyboardists: Playing the keyboard in retro revue is very different than playing classical music. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try out if that's all you've ever played!!! Retro Revue is an incredible way to broaden your musical horizons and express your skills, even if you've never played similar music to whats played in retro revue. We're looking for your knowledge over chords, scales, and just general skill of the piano, like dexterity and agility. DON'T play classical music we are not looking for how well you can memorize pieces of sheet music, rather how good you are at learning on your feet and adjusting to other band members. Keyboard isn't a huge part of retro revue but it's an important part! The keyboard is like the cherry of a milkshake. It's not a huge part of the milkshake, but the milkshake is not complete without the cherry! Overall, play something you can do confidently without stopping, and have fun playing!
Bassists: No backing tracks. We're looking for: rhythm, tempo, correct notes, groove (articulation+presence), fills, extended techniques (slapping, hammer-ons, pull offs). This is in order of importance. If you can’t show all previous items on the list don’t worry about the rest of it. For example, if you can’t cleanly play a slapped bassline, or you can’t incorporate hammer-ons/pull offs well, it will be more impressive to play a regular bassline cleanly with no extended techniques. The most important thing to remember for a bass audition is to not stop playing. If you mess up a note, keep playing! It will show us that you can hold a groove no matter what.
Guitarists: Show that you can do rhythm guitar — ideally play something with at least some bar chords and strumming. If you can do lead as well though go for it. What’s most important is that you can consistently sound good as part of a band, so pick a song you can play really cleanly even if it’s not the most complex. And no metronome or backing tracks; make sure you can play without them. Really any genre we’d play in the show is fine as long as you can show off your skills with it.
Vocalists: Hi vocalists!! We are so excited to hear you all! We have a few tips that may make you feel more comfortable, and ensure you ace your audition. First off, we want to highlight the importance of choosing an audition song you LOVE! Try and stick to the music styles we perform (AKA please don’t use any musical theater songs or the like), but besides that choose a song you think shows off your ability. Sing acapella, and preferably from memory (having music/lyrics will hurt you). Also, STAGE PRESENCE IS KEY!! We don’t expect you to become Freddy Mercury level hype at your first audition, but showing us that you can be comfortable in front of an audience is a great way to make a lasting impact in our minds. Finally, choosing a song with some dynamic changes allows us to see your ability to sing solo AND provide vocal support when other vocalists are taking a lead! Each band has multiple singers, and being able to back other vocalists during their solos is a vital part of being a RR vocalist. Incorporating a bridge+chorus combo can show us how well you can handle vocal shifts, so it’s something to consider when you are selecting your cut. Best of luck!!
Horn Players: Repertoire: preferably more oriented towards the genres we play, however fusion/Latin horn lines permitted. Must be FROM MEMORY (if you use sheet music it will hurt your audition significantly). Good aural/listening skills and ability to learn by ear is preferred. Don’t use a backing track. Main things we are looking for (in NO particular order): tone, rhythm, articulation, intonation, improv/solo ability, extended technique (growling, flutter tongue)
Crew
Sound: If you would like to help with sound please email William Baggenstoss at 24willbagg@csdecatur.net. You can both audition for Retro Revue and do sound if you aren't placed in a band. Doing sound will be a lot of working with equipment like speakers, monitors, and soundboards as well as helping set up shows.
Stage Management: If you would like to train to be a stage manager for Retro Revue next year, contact 72alicrope@csdecatur.net / 404-435-8131 to put your name down or if you have any questions about it. Underclassmen only please.
Emceeship: If you’re interested in being an emcee for Retro Revue 2024, also email 72alicrope@csdecatur.net! An emcee will be able to get a crowd hyped up during a show. We’ll select emcees in the spring, but you can put your name down now. The audition process for emcees is subject to change, and will be announced once we’ve determined how much interest there is.