Ralston Valley Choir Auditions

These instructions apply to auditioning for Concert Choir (auditioned mixed choir), Sapphire (auditioned treble choir), and Shades of Blue (top auditioned chamber ensemble).


Sign up for an audition here!

Sapphire Audition Requirements

We will begin with a little vocalizing and aural recall, I will play a short pattern on the piano and you will sing it back on a neutral syllable.

1. Melodic Sight Reading:

  • Keep a slow steady beat (one beat per second is an ideal tempo).

  • Use solfege syllables whenever possible, but if you need to switch to a neutral syllable (“dah”) that will not count against you. You should start and end on the same pitch.

2. Rhythmic sight Reading:

  • Keep a slow steady beat (one beat per second is an ideal tempo).

  • Use beat numbers whenever possible, but if you need to switch to a neutral syllable (“dah”), it will not count against you.

3. Solo Singing

  • You will choose one song for your solo audition. For Sapphire and Concert Choir, you only need to sing the first two pages of the pieces. Whole song memorized for Shades or you can sing an art or folk song of your choice.

    • O Shenandoah (medium low key)

    • Danny Boy (medium high key)

    • She’s Like the Swallow (medium high key)

  • I am listening for your best singing and want to hear your fullest sound.

  • Categories you will be scored on are: note accuracy, rhythm accuracy, tone, expression, intonation.

  • Below you will find all the materials that you need, including sheet music and accompaniment tracks.

Concert Choir Audition Requirements

All of the above, plus

4. Audition Chorale

  • You will learn your part to the selected Bach chorale.

  • Below you will find all necessary materials, including sheet music, part predominant tracks and the mixed voices track.

  • In the audition you will sing your part with the ALL PARTS track.

    • For example: I sing Soprano, but I would sing the soprano part along with all 4 parts, so I can prove that I can hold my part.

  • I am listening for your best singing and your fullest sound.

  • Categories you will be scored on: intonation, breath support, tone, part independence, tempo accuracy, note accuracy, rhythm accuracy.


Shades of Blue Auditions

All of the above plus memorizing the entire song and the Shades project. Create something that reflects your WHY. Why do you sing? Why do you want to be a part of Shades of Blue? Why is choir and music important to you?

Intervals (2 identifying and 2 singing) will also be on the Shades audition this year.