MUSIC CAPA AUDITION CRITERIA AND REQUIREMENTS
MUSIC
FAQs and audition advice
Which instruments and styles are suitable for an audition?
Brass, Woodwind, String, Guitar, Bass, Drums/Percussion and Voice. Song choices and musical styles other than Western Music styles are not acceptable for audition. Vocalists are required to sing repertoire in English.
My child has been involved in Concert Band & Vocal Ensemble in Primary School. Is this suitable for a High School audition?
Yes, we encourage students with Band Experience, however parts from their Concert Band are not usually suitable for audition. Chosen repertoire pieces should be selected where the candidate’s part is clearly the featured soloist.
Can my child audition for multiple instruments?
It is recommended that candidates audition with their strongest instrument. You can provide details of additional instrumentation in the application.
What grade repertoire piece should be played?
This varies across a range of instruments and styles with a recommendation of Grade 4 as a guideline. Your child’s private music tutor will be best placed to recommend repertoire. The panel’s suggestions include pieces that reflect the candidate’s delivery of technical skills including pitch, rhythmic ability and timing, dynamics and expressive qualities, stylistic interpretation or understanding of musical elements, as well as confidence and preparation of the repertoire.
How long should should the audition piece be?
Prepare a performance of 2 - 3 minutes in length approx time recommended. 2 short pieces is acceptable
Which instruments are provided?
Please bring all personal instruments. A drum kit, guitar/bass amplifier and piano/keyboard are provided.
What accompaniment is required for auditions?
Backing tracks are the preferred option. Live accompanists must be arranged prior, providing details to the school in advance. Backing tracks are recommended for vocalists and for some instrumental solo arrangements and should be discussed and selected with guidance from your child’s tutor. The track should not have the candidates part, eg, singing along with the original song of a recorded performance. Piano auditions do not require accompaniment.
What to expect during the audition
Candidates will be asked to sight read a short passage of music with vocalists harmonising and performing a sequence of notes given from a keyboard. The panel will ask questions regarding experiences as a performer, within ensemble groups or as a soloist. Discussion of musical interests, private tuition, as well as their interest and expectation as a potential student of Northmead CAPA High School. Please take the opportunity to ask questions during the audition about our program and opportunities. All auditions are filmed for quality and decision making purposes, and will not be shared outside of the auditioning panel.
Where do I wait during my childs audition?
The audition takes about 15 - 20 minutes with parents and carers required to wait in the Reception area. Student representatives escort candidates to their audition. Candidates are to wear their school’s uniform.
When do I find out about my child’s audition result?
A response will be provided within a two week time frame (excluding holidays). Please note that no further correspondence will be entered into after this decision. Unsuccessful candidates will be provided with feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of the audition.
Please direct further correspondence in writing to Audition Registrar Mrs June Stepic
june.stepic@det.nsw.edu.au