Adjudication Information - Music


Applicants will read and be familiar with the program description for the  Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts. Applicants from diverse background with ability in classical and/or commercial/jazz genres are encouraged to apply.
 
Applicants should be sure that their compositions are legal to use under copyright law. Numerous Web sites make available public domain art songs which can be printed freely. Two such sites are http://www.cpdl.org/ and http://artsongcentral.com/ and http://imslp.org/
 

1.     All music applicants will perform two (2) contrasting prepared selections (2-3 minutes each) and a brief sight- reading exercise. The use of any form of accompaniment for instrumental music will not be allowed. Vocalists must provide their own accompanists/accompaniment and should not perform unaccompanied. The use of pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed. The applicant must provide their own CD/MP3/Cassette player/iPhone/Bluetooth Speaker/etc with clear sound production. Memorization of music is encouraged but not required. Applicant must furnish two
(2) sets of music: one for adjudicators, one for applicant use during audition. The repertoire should be set at a medium level of difficulty or higher. Compositions for auditions will be selected by the applicant from the standard solo repertoire for his/her instrument or voice within the following guidelines:

Instrumentalists may select materials from the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association's (VBODA) Manual Solo Listings in grades IV, V, and VI; however, selections are not limited to those on these lists. In addition, applicants will be required to perform three (3) scales selected by the judges from the twelve major and twelve minor scales (any form of minor will be acceptable). All scales should conform to the practical playing range of the applicant's instrument.

Classical/Symphonic Percussionists will be required to present one of their two (2) prepared selections on a mallet instrument, to perform three (3) scales from the twelve major scales on a mallet percussion instrument, and to play snare drum rudiments. Large percussion instruments will be furnished ONLY upon request. The division gifted education coordinator or private school contact must notify the adjudication director of needed percussion instruments when the names of adjudicants are submitted in November. Percussionists who are able to perform the commercial/jazz audition requirements are encouraged to do so.

Commercial/Jazz Percussionists will be required to perform the following grooves on drum-set: rock, funk, swing, jazz waltz and a 1-minute improvised drum solo. Sight-Read of standard drum set chart is included to gain a sense of the percussionist drum set chart reading ability. In addition to the commercial/jazz audition, percussionists who are able to perform the classical/symphonic audition requirements are encouraged to do so. A drum-set will be provided if noted in the adjudication request however, the student is encouraged to provide their own drum set for the commercial/jazz audition.

Classical Pianists, Guitarists (acoustic), and Harpists should select two (2) pieces representative of two different style periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century, original composition). In addition, applicants will be required to perform three (3) scales selected by the judges from the twelve major and twelve minor scales (any form of minor will be acceptable). Pianists will perform scales hands together, four (4) octaves. A short sight-reading excerpt will be performed.

Commercial/Jazz pianists and Guitarists (electric guitar and bass) will be required to perform a jazz standard from a lead sheet and will improvise at least one chorus on the selection. Sight-Reading of a standard chord chart (lead sheet) is included to gain a sense of commercial/Jazz reading ability. In addition to the commercial/jazz audition, Pianists and Guitarists who are able to perform the classical/symphonic audition requirements are encouraged to do so. Amplifiers/Cords may not be provided at the site. Students are encouraged to bring their own performance equipment.

Vocalists should select material from the Art Song (standard recital literature), Opera, or standard "Broadway Show" repertoire. Applicants should select two (2) songs of contrasting style periods and moods. In addition, applicants will be required to perform a series of vocal exercises (including scales) provided by the judges. Sopranos and altos must indicate voice part I or II on the application where indicated. Vocalists must provide their own accompanists/accompaniment and should not perform unaccompanied. The use of pre-recorded accompaniment is allowed. The applicant must provide their own CD/MP3/Cassette player with clear sound production. Memorization of music is encouraged but not required.

2.     Scales for instrumentalists will be requested by key name, not concert pitch, and should be played at the following tempo:
Wind Instruments
MM = 60 performed in eighth note patterns (slur up, tongue down)
String Instruments
MM  = 60 eighth note patterns. Ascending: 2 slurred, 2 martelé; Descending: 4 slurred. Piano
MM  = 80, 4 octaves, parallel in sixteenth note patterns Melodic Percussion
MM  = 60, 2 octaves performed in eighth note patterns

3.     Auditions are scheduled for ten (10) minutes.

4.     Instrumentalists will be judged on technique, interpretation, tone, intonation, sight-reading, and scales.

Vocalists will be judged on technique, interpretation, tone, intonation, musical effect, sight-reading, and diction. Vocalists should expect to sight-read 4-8 bars  with tonic – dominant relationships using their choice of reading with solfeggio, numbers, or neutral vowel.

5.    Applicants will be asked questions with reference to their art form and their role in group learning.

PLEASE NOTE: So as to expediate the registration process and maintain flow of the overall event, students are asked to arrive 45 minutes before their scheduled audition time/block. This does not guarantee an extended warm-up period before the scheduled audition or block time. Students are encouraged to prepare all aspects of their performance before arrival.