Auditions
FAC Voice Audition Timeline:
November 28, 2023: FAC online application for new and returning students for the 2024-2025 school year will go live via BACKPACK.
January 26, 2024, at 11:59p.m.: Deadline for applications and pre-screening materials. Late submissions will not be accepted.
February 9, 2024: Notification of pre-screen results to applicants and communication of final round audition date/time to all applicants.
February 24, & March 2, 2024: Whole school Audition Days
March 14, 2024: Notification of audition results sent via BACKPACK.
IMPORTANT: APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Step 1: Complete your application for the FAC Voice Program via BACKPACK by Jan 26th.
2. Step 2: Video record your Pre-Screen prior to the deadline (see below for detailed information)
3. Step 3: Fill out the Pre-Screen form and upload your Pre-Screen Video to the form by Jan 26th deadline.
Pre-Screen Form Link- Click Here
4. Step 4: An application is considered COMPLETE when the applicant has successfully submitted all application materials by the Jan 26th deadline (BACKPACK Application & Pre-Screen Form with Video Attached). This MUST be completed by the deadline of January 26th to be considered for callbacks.
**If only one of the steps is completed by the deadline, the application will NOT be considered for a callback and therefore incomplete.
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR PRE-SCREEN VIDEO :
IMPORTANT: Pre-Screen Video is due at the time of application submission.
(SEE EXAMPLE BELOW):
Video Recording of 1 Vocal Selection-
1. The 1 song must be chosen from the standard Classical Repertoire (art song or folk song) OR from the standard Musical Theatre Repertoire. You are only required to sing 1 song for the video pre-screen. Please pick something that shows off your range and performance skills. Pick a song that fits your voice and that shows your personality.
2. The Selection MUST be memorized.
3. The selection must have accompaniment (piano track, backing track from YouTube, or live accompanist in video). If you can not find an accompaniment for your piece, please e-mail Daknox@greenvilleschools.us
4. Please introduce yourself at the beginning of the video. Ex:
“Hi my name is___________ and I will be performing (Title of song)”
5. Please check your video for sound. Dress appropriately for the video as if it were the real audition. Make sure you are videoing yourself straight on (not from an angle). Please stand while you are singing your piece. Please video yourself from the knees up. Your full torso should be in the shot. Check for sound balance prior to submitting. Make sure the accompaniment track is not too loud or overpowering your singing. Most of all, have fun and show your personality.
Example of Classical Art Song: (Anything from the 24 Italian Art Song & Arias book or an English Folk Song Arrangement Book)
"Caro mio ben" by Giordani * Can be sung in Italian or English
Caro Mio Ben Accompaniment Track (C major)
Caro Mio Ben Sheet Music (low key)
Example of Musical Theatre Song: (Anything from a Broadway Musical, Jr. Musical, Disney Musical/Movie, or Movie Musical is acceptable)
"Wouldn't it be loverly" from My Fair Lady
Example of Pre-Screen
Claire Shirley, Junior FAC Voice Studio
Things to think about when doing the pre-screen-
Pick a song you are excited about singing that fits the audition requirements and shows off your voice.
Find an accompaniment track for your song. You can ask an accompanist to play for you or you can find a track online. Performance of piece must be memorized.
Set up camera (phone cameras are great for this) so that you are filming yourself from the knees up. Not too far away. Your torso should be in the shot. Make sure the angle of the camera is straight on (not from below or above).
Pick a place in your house that is free from distraction. A Blank wall is preferable but if you do not have a blank wall to film in front of, pick a spot that doesn't distract from your performance.
Lighting- look at your video and make sure the lighting is so that your face is seen clearly.
Sound- do a rehearsal video to test for sound. Making sure that your voice can be heard clearly. The accompaniment track and voice must be balanced.
Have fun! We are not looking for perfection. The panel is looking for talent, personality, musicality, and love of the music.
Final Round (call Backs):
Students will be notified about Pre-Screen results via e-mail. Information on what to prepare for call backs (TBD). Thank you so much!
Important Note to Applicants:
Please only apply to the Fine Arts Center if you can commit to following the application and audition instructions, checking your email and your Backpack account regularly, and showing up to your audition time if you are offered an audition.
In order to receive an audition with us, you must be a student in good standing at your school. We will look at your discipline record and grades to ensure that you will be a successful student in the rigorous, independent learning environment of the FAC.
*Students who will not be attending a GCS High School next year - Charter School, Home School, Private School, Virtual School:
Charter school students within a district that has chosen to partner with Greenville County Schools, private school students and home school students are eligible to participate in assigned FAC programs on a space available basis with regularly enrolled in-district students having priority. Students who attend/are planning to attend a non-GCS High School may audition; however, priority for admittance will be given to students who attend/are planning to attend a GCS High School. GCS students will be granted admission first, and if there are remaining spots in the program, they will be offered to non-GCS students based on their audition score.
Charter school students within a charter district that has not chosen to partner with Greenville County Schools will not be allowed to attend the FAC.
You are responsible for confirming that your class schedule will not conflict with the FAC schedule. We will not allow students to leave FAC early or arrive at the FAC late due to your school's class schedule. Please ensure that there are no conflicts before applying to the FAC.