One of the most competitive aspects of the fine arts programs are the auditions for All-State Choir, Region Orchestra, and Region Band. North Augusta High School students in fine arts programs such as choir, orchestra, and band prepare for months to compete against students from across the region and state, hoping to be placed in an honor ensemble. North Augusta High School is widely recognized for consistently having multiple students in each of these ensembles.
Due to the global pandemic, this year’s audition process has looked different than years past. Some students from the fine arts department at North Augusta have decided to share their experiences with this year’s changes.
A consistent aspect this year is recording a video audition in one take. Sheri Norris reports, “The audition process for region orchestra was to record two prepared pieces and scales. I had a fast past piece and a contrasting slow and lyrical song. We then had to record the songs and scales in one take to send.” With choir, Olivia Bridges reports, “the process of auditions was very different. Instead of going to the church to audition in a quartet, you recorded yourself solo and sent it in.” Lastly, Trey Beck, member of the North Augusta High School band, reported that, “This year, we had to practice by ourselves for a couple months to have the solos down, then we auditioned on an app called HeartOut. The app allowed us to audition from wherever we wanted, as long as they could see our instrument and technique.”
Next, the students discussed which audition process they prefer. Sean Fowley, with choir, says that he “prefers this way of auditioning over the previous ways because in addition to singing a solo, you had to sight read also which is really hard.” Marshall Robinson, member of the North Augusta High School band and choir, says that he “prefers in-person auditions” because he feels as if “some videos do not capture the pure sound, musicality, and expressions that is happening in real time.” He also found this year’s process to be “very stressful trying to get the perfect take without critiquing himself too hard,” but ultimately was “able to be successful after around three takes.” Andrew Towner, member of the North Augusta High School orchestra and choir, stated that he “really liked the audition process this year” and found the process to be “pretty simple in the layout.”
Andrew Towner, one of the students at NAHS who was interviewed for this article.
Photo Credit: Emma Carter
Pictured Here: Andrew Towner
This year has brought many difficulties, but music continues to involve these students, despite the challenges, and they offer advice for anyone considering auditioning for these ensembles. Norris suggests that you “practice until you can’t get the song wrong and to know that you tried your best despite your results.” Fowley also suggests that “You should definitely audition, it may seem like a scary process, but it is easy and fun.” Lastly, Bridges advises, “remember to practice, practice, practice! Be confident in your performance because more than likely, you are doing it correctly. Always remember to keep going and never stop singing/playing, just keep going and you’ll fix yourself.”
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