Auditions | Drawn to Scale

SPRING 2024 AUDITIONS

AUDITION TIMELINE

Monday, February 26th – Saturday, March 2nd (Close @ 6PM SHARP): Round 1 — Online Auditions
Sunday, March 3rd, 6–8 PM: Round 2 — Callbacks (invitation only)
Wednesday, March 6th, 6–7 PM* (10 minute slot): Round 3 — Second Solo (invitation only)
*subject to extend to 8PM based on number of invitees

If you are interested in auditioning for us, please fill out the preliminary audition form.

Online Audition Instructions

Please record with video, along with audio. If you are able to, we appreciate it if you can consolidate your intro and all recordings into one video file or one Google Drive link to an organized folder (please make sure it is fully accessible to us beforehand).

Introduce yourself (preferred name, pronouns, major, graduation year).
Record yourself singing two vocal warm-ups (necessary for Vocal Percussion auditionees as well). Start on the pitch of the example audios and keep singing until you have reached the end of your vocal range.
1. "Vee-Vah" ascending warm-up (example)
2. "Yah-Yah-Yah" descending warm-up (example)
Introduce the title and artist of your chosen solo song. Record yourself singing a cappella (no instrumental), one verse and one chorus.
(For Vocal Percussion/Beatbox Auditionees only) Record yourself showcasing a range of your Vocal Percussion skills in a one minute performance.
Send your video file(s) to cal.drawntoscale@gmail.com with the subject line:
“DtS SP24 Online Audition - First Name Last Name”.
Please make sure you have filled out and submitted the preliminary audition form.

Callback auditions will be on Sunday, March 3rd, 6–8 PM. Please check your email regularly. You will receive an audition update late in the evening of Saturday, March 2nd with results from your audition, and how to move on to the next steps if you are called back.

Check below for some auditions FAQ and please don't hesitate to contact us at cal.drawntoscale@gmail.com with any questions or clarifications about the audition process. Thank you for your interest in DtS!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q : How do auditions work?

A : Our audition process comprises a round of preliminary auditions with tests of vocal range, tonal memory, sight singing, and solo ability, and a second round of callbacks. Preliminary auditions last 15–20 minutes. You will be notified a few hours to a few days after your preliminary audition about whether you have made it through to callbacks. Callbacks can take up to the entire day depending upon how many auditionees are called back. However, we do make accommodations for those with time constraints.

Q : What do I need to do to prepare for a preliminary audition?

A : We strongly recommend that auditionees warm up prior to the preliminary audition, as we will be testing your upper and lower range, and ability to follow our warm-up exercise. We expect auditionees to prepare a solo piece between 1-2 minutes long – about the length of a verse and chorus of a pop song.

Q : But I can’t sight read! What should I do?

A : Don't worry! We want to see how quickly you can learn music, and one of those methods is sight singing. Some people learn better by reading music, while others learn by ear. Either is fine.

Q : What song should I sing for my audition?

A : Sing a part of a song that showcases your voice well and you enjoy singing. Be sure to have your lyrics memorized.

Q : But I'm nervous!

A : We understand that the audition process can be a nerve-wracking one. We’ve been there and were probably nervous trainwrecks at our own auditions, so we understand. We’ll try to get you to relax so you can perform to the best of your abilities. We'll be there for you throughout the entire audition process. Feel free to email us regarding any specific questions or accommodations you have.

Q : How do callbacks work?

A : Callbacks are given on an invitation basis. If you are given a callback, congratulations! You will be given 1-2 short pieces to learn. The purpose of this is to see how well your voice is able to blend with the current group. You will also be asked to perform your solo piece again, along with some of the exercises from the preliminary audition individually in front of all of the members of the current group.

Q : What are the time commitments involved?

A : Our rehearsals are Sundays and Wednesdays 6-9 pm, apart from weekly one-hour sectionals. We also have weekly Sproul performances on Friday at noon, with warm-ups beginning at 11 am. We also have other events during the semester as well as a concert near the end of each semester. We expect members to be able to make all rehearsals and Sproul performances, and a number of other events. Being a member of an a cappella group could be a significant time commitment, but we enjoy every moment spent together as a performance group!

Q : Should I audition again if I have auditioned previously?

A : Definitely! Selections at the preliminary and the callback levels are always very difficult for us due to our limited time and the number of voices per part we need changes from semester to semester. We have seen many wonderful singers who showed great promise and simply needed a little bit more experience. Some of our members have also auditioned multiple times before getting into the group, so don't be afraid to re-audition.