Audition Advice from
Eliot Mauch & Kamari Richardson-Myles, Voice/Keyboard Seniors
Audition Advice from
Eliot Mauch & Kamari Richardson-Myles, Voice/Keyboard Seniors
The audition process seems a little intimidating but it's really not that bad. I remember when I auditioned, I was scared that I was going to be judged and making mistakes. Mrs. Joiner-Christensen really just wants you to do your best and to help you develop your skills. So it's ok to be nervous but don't let it stop you from doing what you truly want to do!
In SASA Voice/Keyboard, students will...
Voice/Keyboard Concentration students perform regularly in class and on stage in public concerts. Student participate in weekly solo performance for their peers, showcasing songs in styles ranging from classical art songs in Italian, German and French to contemporary and modern genres. Additionally, the Voice/Keyboard concentration produces two main-stage choral performances each year as well as performing smaller concerts in and throughout the community. In June 2017 the Voice/Keyboard students traveled to New York City to sing a performance of Vaughan Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem at Carnegie Hall, under the baton of Dr. Nina Nash-Robertson.
Our students enjoy working as part of a team with the students from the Dance and Theatre concentration. Whether it is a combined Holiday performance with dancers, or as part of a fully staged musical, Voice/Keyboard Concentration students gain experience creating music across a multitude of other disciplines. Additionally, students are encouraged to participate in music making opportunities outside of school, bringing valuable skills they learn here to other organizations in our region.
At the core of a SASA performing arts curriculum is a strong focus on creating beautiful and meaningful art. Voice/Keyboard students gain knowledge of music theory, music history, solo vocal technique, choral singing, basic piano skills, and performance production. These skills are invaluable to our students and allow them to feel confident creating ensembles and performances that are unique and expressive. SASA Voice/Keyboard students take these skills into the real world as they become life-long musicians, regardless of their chosen career paths.
Across all disciplines at Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy, we pride ourselves on our ability to bring working professionals into the classroom. Voice/Keyboard students gain unique opportunities to attend choir and voice clinics with professional conductors and composers. Our students learn from professional singers, share the stage with professional musicians, and have opportunities to ask questions about careers in music. From university professors, to contemporary composers, and Broadway performers, SASA students get to interact directly with professionals in the musical arts.
"Music doesn't change the world, but music changes people.
People change the world."
Voice/Keyboard concentration students at Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy regularly participate in music making activities throughout our community. Our choirs have shared the stage with the Saginaw Choral Society, Saginaw Youth Choir, Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, Saginaw Eddy Band and the choirs of Saginaw Valley State University. Our students are active leaders in community organizations such as the Saginaw Youth Choir and Major Chords for Minors. We sing at community functions, support local causes and work to enhance our community through music.
Students who wish to audition for the Voice/Keyboard Concentration must complete the following steps:
Apply to Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy (SASA). At present this form must be mailed in.
Ask a current teacher to fill out the Applicant Evaluation Form. At present this form must be mailed in.
Set up an audition with Mrs. Joiner-Christensen
For the audition...
Students should prepare a song that best demonstrates their vocal ability. (1:00-1:30 mins)
Students may sing to an accompaniment track (karaoke works as well). There should be no other vocals on the accompaniment.
Students may also sing a Capella. (no accompaniment track/just the voice)
Piano background is not required.
Students with piano backgrounds should plan to perform a short piano selection of their choosing.
Students should prepare a short written response to the following questions and bring them to the auditions:
Why would you like to be in Voice/Keyboard?
What previous music experience do you have (lessons, musical theater, music class, etc.)?
Students may also be instructed to perform teacher-led vocalizations during the audition.
Students may also be given a short written theory assessment. (applies to students 7th and older)
While beneficial, prior piano experience or private lessons is not required for admission to the Voice/Keyboard Concentration.
Basic Music Theory
Pitch class identification with octave designation (Treble and Bass clefs)
Intervals of half steps and whole steps
Introduction to Ledger lines
Introduction to rhythm and counting in simple (duple, triple, quadruple) meter
Metric Accents and Hemiola
Chromatic and diatonic pitch collections
Major Scales
Introduction to Major Keys
Introduction to Piano
Introduction to the keyboard
ABRSM Piano Curriculum: Initial Grade
Introduction to two hand playing in two clefs (treble and bass)
Solo Singing
Basic Solo technique
Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and diction for singers
Art Songs in English and Italian
Solo songs in various contemporary styles (musical theatre, pop, rock, contemporary, etc)
Weekly in-class performance
Choral Singing
Musical Exploration
Basic Music Theory
Pitch class identification with octave designation (Treble and Bass clefs)
Intervals of half steps and whole steps
Introduction to rhythm and counting in compound (duple, triple, quadruple) meter
Metric Accents and Hemiola
Chromatic and diatonic pitch collections
Major Scales
Introduction to Major Keys
Introduction to Piano
Introduction to the keyboard
ABRSM Piano Curriculum: Initial Grade & Level 1
Introduction to two hand playing in two clefs (treble and bass)
Solo Singing
Basic Solo technique
Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and diction for singers
Art Songs in English and Italian
Solo songs in various contemporary styles (musical theatre, pop, rock, contemporary, etc)
Weekly in-class performance
Choral Singing
Musical Exploration
Basic Music Theory
Pitch class identification with octave designation (Treble and Bass clefs)
Intervals larger than 2nds
Rhythm and counting in simple and compound (duple, triple, quadruple) meters
Metric Accents and Hemiola
Chromatic and diatonic pitch collections
Major scales, minor scales and modes
Introduction to minor keys
Introduction to Piano
Basic keyboard harmonization
ABRSM Piano Curriculum: Level 1 & Level 2
Two hand playing in two clefs (treble and bass)
Solo Singing
Basic Solo technique
Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet and diction for singers
Art Songs in English and Italian
Solo songs in various contemporary styles (musical theatre, pop, rock, contemporary, etc)
Weekly in-class performance
Choral Singing
Musical Exploration
Proficiency Exams
8th grade students should pass proficiency exams in piano, music theory and singing to advance to high school concentration.
Information on the grade level high school curriculum can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Joiner-Christensen.
Information on the grade level high school curriculum can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Joiner-Christensen.
Information on the grade level high school curriculum can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Joiner-Christensen.
Information on the grade level high school curriculum can be obtained by contacting Mrs. Joiner-Christensen.
The curriculum outlines shown are general representations of the material learned at each grade level. All curriculums are subject to change and expected outcomes may vary for each individual student.