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Frequently we receive calls with inquiries about Show Card auditions.  Below we’ve addressed the most frequently asked questions. Read through them & you’ll be better informed about the process of becoming a Show Card. 

Mr. and Mrs. Parks

FREQUENTLY ASKED SHOW CARD AUDITION QUESTIONS:

1.  I’d like to be in Show Cards, but I play sports.  Can I do both?

Absolutely!  We have singers/dancers who play football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, run track, who are cheerleaders, Academic Quiz Team members, honor students, and participate in many other activities.  We ask that individuals notify the coaches/directors of these activities of their Show Card obligations and work out a schedule that is fair and equitable to both organizations.  Most Colerain High School coaches/directors are cooperative and willing to work with the Show Card organization to provide our students with a wide variety of experiences and opportunities to develop their talents to the fullest.  Activities or organizations that are not a part of Colerain High School are likely to present schedule conflicts, and students selected for the Show Card organization are advised to avoid participation in these.

  

2.     Will I be able to keep up with homework and participate in evening rehearsals?

That is up to you!  We will begin learning our competition show in the late summer and early fall, and will rehearse Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 PM once school starts.  As competition season nears, additional rehearsals may be scheduled.  The vocal music room will be opened in the afternoons before practice for those who would like to study and receive tutoring from their peers.  We have many students who are at the top of their class academically.  All Show Card progress notices and report cards are monitored by the directors.  Academic standing is a matter of high priority in the Show Card organization.

  

3.     I’ve heard that it is expensive to be in Show Cards.  What if I can’t afford it?

Student expenses include pay-to-participate fees, costume purchase, and any trips we may take during the year.  In years past Show Cards have raised money for competitions in New York and Branson, MO.  Many students paid their way entirely by fund raising.  Still others were able to pay for their trip and cover the cost of costumes as well in this manner.  We have a wonderful parent organization and a fund raising committee that is already planning for the upcoming season.  For those of you who hate selling things, there are many other fund-raising options available.  If you want to be a Show Card, don’t let money stop you from auditioning.  Approximate costs for singer/dancers have been in the area of $1,200.00 per year, depending upon scheduled trips and costume expense.  A schedule of monthly payments has been established for the convenience of parents.

  

4.  I like to sing, but I’m not a great dancer.  Do I stand a chance?

YES!  Selection into the group will be based on the following four criteria:

                                                1.     Vocal Ability

2.     Interview

3.        Stage Presence

4.     Dance

 

VOCAL ABILITY is the most important factor in selecting Show Cards.  Without strong singing, we would have no chance of being successful in competition.  It helps if you can develop a wide vocal range, as Show Cards sometimes have to switch sections on parts of the show.  

Of equal importance is the INTERVIEW.  This is a critical ingredient in the selection process.  It is during this meeting that we are able to ascertain the level of cooperation, motivation, and dedication you are likely to bring to the group.  Chemistry and teamwork are crucial elements in building a championship show choir.  Therefore, do not enter into the interview lightly.  Structure your thinking to make sure that we know all we should know about you when the interview ends. 

STAGE PRESENCE is your ability to “sell a song,” look comfortable on stage, and engage the audience.  Facial expressions have a lot to do with this.  It may sound silly, but practicing in front of a mirror will help you develop confidence and a convincing manner as you sing.  Be thorough, even ruthless in your preparation for this.  Short, simple gestures go a long way. 

Finally comes your knowledge of DANCE.  If you are not a trained dancer, but have a commanding stage presence, you can be taught steps and combinations.  On the other hand, we occasionally see someone who is a gifted dancer and a passable singer, but because of their dance skills they are accepted into the group.  In competition, approximately 80 of 100 points are based on vocal technique, so the reasons for our emphasis on singing become readily apparent.

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5.     When are auditions?

 VOCAL AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS

Because the Show Card organization has become highly competitive, we’ve found it necessary to add another dimension to the audition process.  In addition to the vocal and dance try-outs, students are also required to interview.  Vocal auditions and interviews will be conducted together and will take place in the CHS Vocal Music Room (138), 3:00-5:00 PM, during the announced week.  CHS students will need to see Mr. Parks to sign up for a vocal audition/interview session.  Students at Colerain or White Oak Middle Schools may see Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Baker to sign up for a time slot.  Students transferring from other schools may call Mr. Parks at 741-5079 to schedule the vocal audition/interview.  Please prepare one song to sing for us.  You may use taped accompaniment or sing a cappella (without accompaniment—like the early rounds of American Idol.)  Don’t be surprised if we stop you mid-song.  As Mr. Parks says, “You don’t have to eat the entire cake to know if it’s good!”  The entire vocal audition/interview should take no more than 15 minutes.

DANCE/STAGE PERFORMANCE AUDITIONS

Each auditioning student must check in at the Vocal Music Room (138) no later than 8:30 AM on the appointed Saturday.  The dance/stage performance portion of the audition process will take place from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM in the CHS gymnasium.  All students must attend the entire day’s audition.  A professional choreographer will teach you a short dance routine, and you’ll also learn a song excerpt.  You will spend part of the morning practicing in small groups.  Your group will then proceed to the audition area for the actual try-out.  In addition to being scored for execution of the song and choreography routine, you will be awarded points on your facial expressions, stage presence, and ability to engage an audience.

 

6.  What about lunch?

We will break for an hour lunch at 12:00 noon.  Please bring a sack lunch or plan to go off campus.  If you choose the latter, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation.  You must be back at school, in your position, and ready to dance at 1:00 PM sharp.  Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

 

7.  What should I wear?

Wear loose clothing that will allow you to move freely.  If you have dance wear that you typically use for auditions, that’s fine.  Jazz or character shoes are a good idea for the choreography audition, since tennis/gym shoes tend to stick to the floor and impair your ability to perform.  If you don’t have these, a light, flexible canvas shoe will work.  Sandals are never a good idea for auditioning!

 

8.  What can I expect once I get there?

When you check in at the Vocal Music Room, you will be given a number to wear throughout the day.  This number will become your new identity; make sure it is securely fastened to your clothing and do not lose it!  You will also be assigned to a group.  You will need to stay with that group throughout the day (except for lunch) or until you are given further instructions by the directors or choreographer.

In the Vocal Music Room you will meet the choreographer and a vocal instructor who will discuss with you the audition process.  At this time you will be taught the audition song (which you will later sing and dance).  You will then proceed to the gym where you’ll be taught the audition choreography.  At this point no one will be judging you; ask questions and take your time.  At the end of the teaching session you will go with your group and a graduating Show Card to a specified area for practice.  Again, you are not being judged.  Take advantage of this time to ask questions and get clarification on the steps.  The graduating Show Card will facilitate the practice and assist you as needed. 

After a reasonable amount of time, the groups will be alerted by the directors that the audition is to begin.  Group members will proceed to the gym and will go through the routine several times.  This ensures that all auditionees are seen at least three times, and in various positions.  Those judging the auditions will travel from group to group, observing and instructing.

During the afternoon, there may be callback auditions. Callbacks occur after everyone has had an initial try-out and are for students we feel we need to hear and see again. In most cases, this is because we cannot tell enough about the student or make an appropriate decision without another look at him/her.  Other students may be dismissed before the callback sessions. This does not mean that these students HAVE or HAVE NOT made the group.  It just means that we know all we need to know about them in order to reach a decision. NO ONE may audition on Saturday who has not already completed the vocal audition & interview during the previous weeks.

 

9.  When and how will I know if I make it?

All students auditioning will stay for the entire audition unless otherwise notified by the directors (i.e. only students we need to see again are kept for callbacks).  The selection team will make their decisions and compile the list of the 2007-08 Show Cards.  This list will be posted on the double glass doors of Colerain High School between the main building and the Career Center by 7:00 PM on the audition day.  CMS and WOMS choral directors will also be sent a copy of the list.

 

10.  How many spots are available?

All positions are open for audition.  Returning Show Cards are required to audition alongside first-time auditionees.  Acceptance into the Show Card organization is not guaranteed from year to year.  Approximately forty singer/dancers are chosen.

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If you have other questions contact Mr./Mrs. Parks at the following number or email addresses:

Vocal Music Department @ CHS: 741-5079

Email: parkra@nwlsd.org or parkmi@nwlsd.org

  

Remember, see Mr. Parks to:

1.     Schedule your vocal audition and interview

2.     Turn in your audition application

3.     Turn in your audition workshop application