What if I “can’t read music” or don’t read very well?

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  • You should remember that if you sing, you are already prepared to learn to read music. If you have ever looked at notes of music to sing or play, you are already familiar with the language – you simply need to learn to do it faster, or understand it better.
  • Perfection is not expected in sight reading.
  • Sight reading alone does not determine eligibility for choral ensembles. We are here to help you improve your music reading abilities.

What do I need to prepare for my audition?

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  • Prepare to sing the required piece for the appropriate ensemble, a cappella (unaccompanied).
    • VYO Chorus: If you will be in high school for the 2014-2015 school year, download the music for the audition piece. A recording of the piece is available here.
    • Vermont Youth Concert Chorale: If you will be in 3rd-8th grade for the 2014-2015 school year, download the music for the audition piece (“All things must perish”). A recording of the piece is available here. You will be asked to sing it as a solo first, and then in a round with the choral conductor.
    • If time remains at the end of the audition, you may also sing an excerpt from a song you enjoy singing. Please keep in mind that the conductors are hoping to hear choral-style singing, rather than solo pop-style singing.

What happens in my audition?

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You will meet the conductor or audition panel and talk a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in music, or your experience and interests in choral singing. The audition is sequenced in four parts:

  1. Vocal exercises led by the Choral Conductor. You should warm up prior to the audition. If you’re unsure about warming up, follow the warm up routine used by your school choral director
  2. You will then perform the required piece for the appropriate ensemble, a cappella (unaccompanied).
    • VYO Chorus: If you will be in high school for the 2014-2015 school year, you will sing the piece that will be used for Vermont All-State auditions. Visit (abbreviation) for more information.
    • Vermont Youth Concert Chorale: If you will be in 3rd-8th grade for the 2014-2015 school year, download the music for the audition piece (“All things must perish”). A recording of the piece is available here. You will be asked to sing it as a solo first, and then in a round with the choral conductor.
    • If time remains at the end of the audition, you may also sing an excerpt from a song you enjoy singing. Please keep in mind that the conductors are hoping to hear choral-style singing, rather than solo pop-style singing.
  3. Pitch matching exercises: sing short melodies after they are played for you on a piano.
  4. Sight Reading: You will be given one or two short sight reading passages to sing. Sight reading does not make or break an audition – it is only part of the process! Music reading ability is not required to join VYOA choral ensembles, but it is recommended, especially for returning students