What to do before, the day of and at the audition.

Brian Wismath gives practical advice in this simple checklist for before, during and after the audition.

Before the Audition:

• Go to a concert. Hear the choir in action! (Note the repertoire, skill level, fit, etc.)
• Get in touch with the administrative body to find out about the audition requirements. Ask them what they are looking for. (Head to their website if they have one.)
• Perform/share with a friend. (Deal with the nerves first.)

The Day of the Audition:

• One or several pieces of music (Maybe in different styles and/or languages – depending on the ensemble).
• Sight-reading skills (Prepare accordingly).
• Scales to test range, tone quality, and flexibility.

After the Audition:

• Don’t take decisions personally. (It may not be a good fit for your voice.)
• Understand the commitment necessary when joining a choir.
• Get a sense of the community in that organization.

Brian Wismath

Brian Wismath is music director of Civic Orchestra of Victoria, Linden Singers of Victoria, Victoria Choral Society, Victoria Conservatory of Music Chorale, and Vox Humana Chamber Choir. With a rich musical background, Mr. Wismath is in demand as a clinician and has served as director of Vancouver Peace Choir, University of Victoria Chamber Singers and Tucson Masterworks Chorale, associate conductor of Orpheus Choir of Toronto and Chorus Niagara, and assistant conductor of St. Jacob’s Youth Choir (Stockholm, Sweden), Ontario Youth Choir and Opera in Concert Chorus (Toronto).