Congratulations on your registration for the WSMA High School State Honors Music Project! To ensure a smooth experience, please review and follow these instructions carefully.
What to Bring: The Essential Checklist
All Performers
- Original Printed Copy: One original of your solo for the evaluator (required).
- Your Solo Music: Your own copy to perform from.
- Personal Gear: Your instrument, reeds, extra strings, etc.
Specific Requirements
| Group | Additional Items Needed |
|---|---|
| Vocalists | Your own accompanist OR a pre-recorded track with your own playback equipment. |
| Percussion & Jazz Drums | All necessary mallets, sticks, and brushes. (Drums/Timpani/Marimba provided, but you may bring your own set if preferred). |
| Jazz Guitarists | Your own amplifier and patch cord. |
| Jazz Ensemble | Note: You do not need to bring CDs or etudes. |
Step 1: Arrival & Check-In
- Report to the Check-In Table: Provide your name and school to the registration staff.
- Receive Your Audition Form: * To ensure an anonymous selection process, your form uses an audition number rather than your name.
- Verify your initials on the form with the staff.
- Action Required: Print the title and composer of your solo clearly on the form.
- Emergency Contact: If an illness or emergency prevents you from attending, contact the Honors Support Team immediately to discuss rescheduling.
Step 2: Preparation & Warm-Up
- Warm-up Areas: Use only the designated rooms for practice.
- Tuning: BE SURE TO TUNE IN THE WARM-UP ROOM. Due to the tight schedule, there is no time for tuning once you enter the audition room.
- Timing: Report to your audition room door 5 minutes early—tuned, warmed up, and ready to play.
Step 3: In the Audition Room
- Maintain Anonymity: Do not introduce yourself or state your school name. The evaluator will welcome you and ask for your audition form and the original score of your solo.
- Solo Details:
- Instrumentalists: Solos are unaccompanied. Prepare a 3-minute excerpt.
- Vocalists: Use your accompanist or your own playback device.
- Order of Events: You may perform audition components in any order, though most students begin with their prepared solo.
- Privacy: All auditions are private. No parents, teachers, or friends are allowed in the room.
Timing & Results
- Standard Auditions: 10-minute intervals.
- Percussion/Drum Set: 15-minute intervals.
- Multi-Auditions: If you are auditioning for multiple groups, we attempt to schedule them within the same hour whenever possible.
- Attendance Expectation: Attendance at Honors auditions is expected. Please ensure you arrive with plenty of time to navigate the building and check in.
- Emergencies: If an emergency arises on your audition day (such as sudden illness or mechanical breakdown) that prevents you from performing, please contact the Honors Support Team immediately to discuss potential rescheduling options.
Final Tip for Success
Preparation is the best cure for nerves! You are performing for professional music educators who want to see you succeed and appreciate your hard work.
Good luck—we look forward to hearing you perform!
For full technical requirements, View/Print the Audition Requirements Here.
