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Auditions 101: Choosing the “Right” Group

Writer's picture: Maggie HeilMaggie Heil

Introduction

Auditioning for a collegiate a cappella group can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when there's limited information available about the group's culture, rehearsals, and time commitment. When auditioning for the a cappella groups at Michigan State University, you might find yourself taking a shot in the dark. However, our Auditions 101 series is here to help you feel prepared and confident when walking into the audition room. In this blog, we'll guide you on how to choose the "right" group for you based on your interests and preferences.


My Experience

When I decided to audition for MSU a cappella, I looked for information on the groups' Instagram, YouTube, and websites, hoping to get a glimpse of what each group was all about. However, as you may have noticed, most pages displayed similar content – performance photos, senior goodbyes, and the occasional singing video – making it challenging to distinguish one group from another.


Sparticipation, our school’s activities fair, was another opportunity to learn more about the groups in person. But, given the brief interactions and poster boards, it was difficult to get an accurate and sincere understanding of each group's dynamics.


Despite these challenges, it's important to join a group with whom you would be excited to spend 4-6 hours a week. Doing some research ahead of time can help you set realistic expectations and get excited about joining a group that aligns with who you are.


3 Tips to Help You Learn More About the Groups

While you won't truly know what a group is like until you join, these tips can help you gather valuable information before making your decision:

  1. Check out social media. Although social media content is controlled by the groups, you can still glean useful insights. Look for highlight bubbles, culture posts, and YouTube videos to gauge the group's activities and time commitment. Check out our Instagram here to get a sense for our community!

  2. Prepare questions. During the audition, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions that can help you understand the group's vibe. Inquire about social activities outside of rehearsals, members' involvement in other clubs, and the busiest times of the year for the group. Some questions could include: Do you hang out outside of rehearsal? Are members involved in other clubs outside of a cappella? What’s the busiest time of year for your group? Questions like that will help you discover information that may not be laid out on their audition advertisements or websites.

  3. Send a message. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the groups via email or Instagram DMs to ask specific questions or chat one-on-one. Most groups will appreciate the interest and are happy to provide information.

Conclusion

Choosing the right a cappella group is a mutual effort. While the groups seek the right fit for their ensemble, you should also assess if the group aligns with your preferences and personality. Be genuine and true to yourself during auditions, as putting on a persona that doesn't reflect who you are might not lead to a fulfilling experience. Trust your instincts, and remember that the perfect match will happen naturally.


We hope this blog has equipped you with the confidence to approach audition season with a clear understanding of what you're looking for in a group. Remember, finding the "right" group is about finding the perfect fit for both you and the ensemble. Happy auditioning!


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