MUSIC. THEATRE. DANCE.
2016 UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION, INTERVIEW &
PORTFOLIO REVIEW GUIDELINES
2016 UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION, INTERVIEW
& PORTFOLIO REVIEW GUIDELINES
Admission to Shenandoah Conservatory is highly competitive. Not only must students be
academically admissible, they must also successfully complete and pass the mandatory
audition and interview process. Audition dates are limited and may fill and close well in
advance of the audition date.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
MUSICAL
THEATRE & VOCAL
PERFORMANCE
MAJOR APPLICANTS
All audition confirmation materials will be sent to the applicant via e-mail.
UNDERGRADUATE APPLICANT MATERIALS
1. Complete the undergraduate application for admission: www.su.edu/admissions
2. Submit official transcripts. High school transcript and/or college/university
transcripts from each institution attended.
3. Submit official SAT or ACT scores.
4. Submit online prescreening (if required) or audition registration.
5. Submit artistic résumé and headshot.
REGISTER FOR THE AUDITION
After the student has submitted the required application materials, they must register online
for an audition or portfolio review. Applicants are welcome and encouraged to submit
application materials and register for the prescreening/audition concurrently. However, the
audition will not be confirmed until all application materials have been received.
Musical Theatre applicants and Vocal
Performance major applicants have a
two-step audition process:
1. Prescreening: Applicants must
first submit a recorded audition
for prescreening , following the
appropriate audition guidelines.
• Musical Theatre & Vocal
Performance major applicants
must first submit a recorded
audition for prescreening (see
details on p. 6 for Voice & p. 7 for
Musical Theatre).
• The recorded prescreening
must be submitted between
September 15, 2015 and
January 15, 2016 through the
Shenandoah Conservatory online
audition link.
• No tapes, DVDs or YouTube
videos will be accepted.
• Submit recorded prescreening
audition along, with artistic
résumé and headshot, to:
www.su.edu/auditions
• NOTE: Musical Theatre applicants and Vocal Performance major applicants have a
two-step audition process. See the Special Requirements Box.
• Student must register with the online Audition Form: www.su.edu/auditions. Audition
registrations must be received at least two weeks prior to the audition date.
• Student must follow the Audition Guidelines as they prepare for their audition.
www.su.edu/auditions
• Student must upload an artistic résumé and headshot to the online Audition Form.
Professional photos are welcome, but not required. A candid shot or senior yearbook
photo is fine.
• Student will receive an email confirming the audition that will provide them with
information regarding arrival time and schedule for the day. Audition times are not
assigned until the day of the audition.
AUDITION GUIDELINES
Applicants must prepare for their audition and interview process by following these
Shenandoah Conservatory Undergraduate Audition Guidelines.
In order to ensure a successful audition experience, applicants are encouraged
to follow Audition Guidelines carefully, submitting all requested materials in a
timely fashion.
DISTANCE AUDITIONS. Applicants who live more than 250 miles from the Shenandoah
University campus have the option to complete an online audition. It is strongly
recommended that students verify the distance requirement with their admissions
counselor prior to submitting the online audition. Applicants must follow the audition
guidelines when preparing and submitting the online audition.
The online audition is available at: www.su.edu/auditions
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• Applicants will be notified of
prescreening results within three
weeks of submission.
2. Live Audition and Interview:
Applicants who successfully
pass the recorded prescreening
audition will be invited to
Shenandoah to complete a live
audition and interview with the
faculty.
• Live auditions and interviews
take place in December 2015
and January or February 2016.
Live audition invitations will
be extended by the Office of
Admissions.
2016 AUDITION, INTERVIEW
& PORTFOLIO REVIEW DATES
PRESCREENING FOR MUSICAL THEATRE AND VOCAL PERFORMANCE MAJOR APPLICANTS
Opens September 15, 2015 and runs through January 15, 2016
DANCE DAY & DANCE DIVISION AUDITIONS
October 30, 2015 | January 29, 2016 | February 13, 2016
-Dancers spend a day on the Shenandoah campus attending dance classes, meeting with faculty and auditioning.
Dancers and their families are invited to attend a Dance Concert as part of the audition day activities.
MUSIC DIVISION AUDITIONS
December 5, 2015 | January 23, 2016 | January 30, 2016 | February 20, 2016
- Auditions for Church Music, Collaborative Piano, Composition*, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Music Performance,
Music Production & Recording Technology, and Music Therapy.
*For Composition applicants only:
Composition portfolios must be submitted electronically and in hard copy a minimum of two weeks before an applicant’s
scheduled audition date. Refer to the Composition audition guidelines for full information regarding the contents and
format of the portfolio.
THEATRE DIVISION AUDITIONS
January 30, 2016 | February 6, 2016 | February 20, 2016
-Auditions for Acting and Musical Theatre.
- Portfolio reviews and interviews for Theatre Design & Production with emphasis areas in Costume Design, Lighting
Design, Scenic Design, Stage Management and Technical Production.
NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL THEATRE AUDITIONS
January 23, 2016 | January 24, 2016
- New York City Regional Auditions for Acting, Musical Theatre and Theatre Design & Production only.
- Specific details and registration information available on-line at www.su.edu/auditions.
UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION FAQS
• An audition day includes: curriculum sessions with faculty, information sessions for parents and students, campus tour,
theory diagnostic skills assessment and/or interview (if applicable) and, of course, the audition.
• Vocalists are required to perform with live accompaniment and must bring music to the audition. An accompanist will be
provided; however, applicants are welcome to bring their own.
• Instrumentalists who wish to audition with accompaniment must bring their own accompanist.
• Jazz applicants must bring a CD of recorded accompaniment for the jazz portion of their auditions.
• Admission decisions are not made until all application materials are received and the audition has been completed.
Conservatory applicants must successfully pass their audition and/or interview (if applicable), and complete the theory
diagnostic skills assessment, in order to be admitted.
• Notifications regarding Conservatory Awards and other finacial aid are made in March, provided the student has been admitted
to the University.
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DEADLINES & ADMISSIONS CALENDAR
August 2015
Applications for admission are accepted from August 25, 2015 – February 1, 2016.
Complete your online application at: www.su.edu/admissions
September 2015 - February 2016
Prescreening and auditions for Undergraduate Conservatory Applicants: Conservatory applicants who wish to be considered for
financial Conservatory Awards must audition on one of the dates in October, December, January or February.
January 31, 2016
Students competing for a Presidential Scholarship must have all application materials and audition
requirements completed. Theatre Program applicants (Acting, Musical Theatre or Theatre Design & Production) wishing
to be considered for a Presidential Scholarship must complete their live audition by February 6.
February 1, 2016
Deadline for applications for all Conservatory programs of study.
February 15, 2016
Priority date: Applicants should submit their FAFSA application to the Office of Financial Aid.
March 2016
Financial Aid packages mailed to students who have been admitted to Shenandoah University and submitted their FAFSA
paperwork to the Office of Financial Aid by February 15.
UNDERGRADUATE AUDITION GUIDELINES
DANCE
CLARINET
Two contrasting concerto and/or sonata movements from the
standard repertoire (e.g. Mozart, Weber, Poulenc, Saint Saëns,
etc.). One etude demonstrating technical excellence. Sightreading is required.
All applicants participate in a technique class (ballet, modern
dance, and jazz combinations) and present a two-minute
solo dance (applicant’s or teacher’s choreography; transfer
students must choreograph their own solos). Music for
solo should be brought on an iPod, iPad, or similar device
that can be plugged into the sound system. Burned CDs are
NOT recommended, although a CD player is available if this
is the only option available to the applicant. Two current
photographs must be provided at the audition: one in first
arabesque position (side view) and a headshot.
COMPOSITION
Applicants must submit a portfolio, electronically and in
hard copy, a minimum of two weeks before an applicant’s
scheduled audition date. The portfolio will be reviewed by the
Composition faculty, and discussed with the applicant during
an interview with the faculty on the audition day.
Composition portfolio must include:
MUSIC – CLASSICAL IDIOM
MUSIC THEORY DIAGNOSTIC SKILLS ASSESSMENT
All students auditioning for music curricula must complete a music
theory skills diagnostic assessment in addition to the audition. This
assessment involves sight-singing, tonal memory and rhythmic skills.
BASSOON
Two contrasting etudes (from Weissenborn, Milde, Ferling,
etc.) and one solo work demonstrating level of proficiency (a
single movement is acceptable). Scales (major required, major
and harmonic minor preferred) and sight-reading are required.
•C
omplete and bound scores for 2-3 recent, representative
works, accompanied by recordings.
– Arrangements will not be accepted.
– In-progress works will not be accepted.
– MIDI recordings will be accepted.
– For Decision Desk uploads, scores must be in pdf
format. Do not upload Finale or Sibelius files.
•A
100-word artist statement.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers or
professionals in the field familiar with your work.
CELLO
First movement of a standard concerto. One movement
of Bach Solo Cello Suite. One Popper Etude from the High
School Studies. All major/minor scales in three octaves and
sight-reading are required.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
In addition to their interview and review of their portfolio, all
applicants audition in either a major instrument or voice (classical
idiom). Please refer to the appropriate instrument section for
detailed information regarding the audition requirements.
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Church Music applicants must also perform sight-reading of
accompaniments and sight-reading of a simple tune. Choral
experience is helpful.
DOUBLE BASS
Two works from the standard solo literature contrasting
in both tempo and style. One etude or standard orchestral
excerpt. Scales and sight-reading are required.
PERCUSSION
Upper grade solo selection and/or orchestral excerpt to
display applicant’s technical ability and fundamental
technique. All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in
all three primary percussion areas: snare drum, timpani and
keyboard percussion. Major scales on mallet instrument.
Sight-reading is required.
EUPHONIUM
Prepared etude and solo demonstrating level of proficiency.
Scales and sight-reading are required.
FLUTE
Major and chromatic (minor, as known) scales required at
audition, two and three octaves (where possible). Major
(minor, as known) arpeggios are required at audition, two
and three octaves (where possible). Perform two pieces
(etudes) in contrasting styles from the Baroque, Classical,
Romantic and Contemporary periods (e.g., Mozart and
Hindemith) to demonstrate applicant's highest level of
technical proficiency and artistic expression.
PIANO
S
olo Performance: A memorized program of 20 minutes
to include a work from the Baroque era, and a classical
Sonata, with the remainder comprised of works from the
Romantic and/or later eras.
GUITAR
Performance Majors
Applicants should prepare three pieces of contrasting styles
chosen from among the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical,
Romantic and Contemporary repertoires. Applicants will be
asked to play examples of their work in the technical study of
scale and arpeggio exercises and/or etudes. Focus will be on
the performance of the three prepared pieces; the applicant
will also be asked to demonstrate sight-reading skills.
ollaborative Piano (Accompanying): Audition repertoire
C
should include at least 10 to 15 minutes of a major
instrumental work or works (e.g., duo, trio, quartet)
with piano (no orchestral transcriptions); 8-10 minutes
minimum of piano/vocal art song repertoire, which
may include an example of operatic recitative & aria;
a solo piano work or works (8-10 minutes) by memory.
Applicant is responsible for obtaining support performers
for the audition and is responsible for the overall quality
of the performance. A demonstration of sight-reading
is required as is a thorough performance knowledge of
major and minor scales and arpeggios.
Composition, Music Education, Music Production &
Recording Technology, and Music Therapy Majors
Applicants should prepare three pieces. Although music from
the classical guitar repertoire is preferred (see the Performance
Major audition description), the inclusion of popular music
selections featuring finger-style playing techniques is also
acceptable. Applicants will be asked to demostrate sightreading & knowledge of scale and arpeggio patterns. Sightreading is required.
usical Theatre Accompanying: A program of 20 minutes,
M
to include one work from the Baroque era, one work from
the classical era and the remainder of works from the
Romantic era and/or later. The auditionee must also perform
two accompaniments (contrasting in style and tempo) from
the standard American musical theatre repertoire. Applicant
is responsible for obtaining singers for the audition, and is
responsible for the overall quality of the performance.
A demonstration of sight-reading is required.
HARP
Two solos from contrasting periods (classical and modern)
and one orchestral excerpt. Two scales and arpeggios of
choice and sight-reading are required.
Composition, Music Education, Music Production &
Recording Technology, and Music Therapy: Major
and harmonic minor scales, sight-reading. Memorized
material representing three periods, such as: 1) Bach,
Little Preludes, 2) Clementi, any Sonatina from Op. 36, and
3) a piece from Schumann’s Album for the Young.
HORN
First movement of a Horn Concerto by Mozart, Richard
Strauss or Franz Strauss, or an equivalent piece from the
standard horn solo repertoire. One additional solo or etude
of your choice. All Major scales two octaves, as possible, and
sight-reading, are required.
SAXOPHONE (ALTO)
One etude from either the Voxman Selected Studies or the
W. Ferling 48 Famous Studies. Perform one of the following
selections: 1) Paul Creston, Sonata for Alto Saxophone,
movements 1 and/or 3; or 2) Jacque Ibert, Concerto for Alto
Saxophone, movements 1 and/or 3. Sight-reading and all
major and minor scales (performed on full range of the
instrument at sixteenth notes = 100) required.
OBOE
Major and minor scales. W. Ferling studies, one slow and
one fast. Solo concert (e.g., Marcello, Mozart, Haydn) or
similar sonata, two contrasting movements. Sight-reading is
required.
TROMBONE
Prepared etude and solo demonstrating level of proficiency.
Scales and sight-reading are required.
ORGAN
Piano performance of a Two-Part Invention (Bach) or a
movement of a classical sonata. Organ performance of
one of the Eight Little Preludes and Fugues (Bach) and a
Romantic or 20th century selection. Major and minor scales.
TRUMPET
Prepared etude and solo demonstrating level of proficiency.
Scales and sight-reading are required.
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TUBA
Prepared etude and solo demonstrating level of proficiency.
Scales and sight-reading are required.
BASS (ELECTRIC OR UPRIGHT)
Two jazz standards in contrasting styles, demonstrating
melody, walking, and solo improvisation. Those who play
both Electric and Upright Bass should demonstrate skill on
both instruments. Scales and sight-reading are required.
VIOLA
A concerto movement or concert solo and a contrasting
work (such as an unaccompanied Bach, concert piece, sonata
movement or contemporary work). Scales in three octaves
are required.
DRUM SET/PERCUSSION
Perform one medium or up-tempo swing piece; one ballad
with brushes; one contemporary jazz-fusion piece showing
four-way independence; one medium/upper grade snare
solo or orchestral excerpt. Play all major scales one octave
on a mallet instrument. Sight-reading on drum set and
snare drum.
VIOLIN
A concerto movement or concert solo and a contrasting
work (such as an unaccompanied Bach, concert piece,
sonata movement or contemporary work). Etude or caprice
demonstrating level of proficiency. Scales in three octaves
are required.
GUITAR
Perform two jazz pieces including: (1) One jazz solo ballad
such as Misty or I Can’t Get Started, where the melody
and chords are voiced together and (2) One jazz medium
tempo selection demonstrating melody, improvisation and
comping. Major scales and sight-reading of notation and
chord symbols.
VOICE
(Applicants for the Bachelor of Music in Performance must
submit a prescreening prior to receiving an invitation to
attend a live audition on campus. See Special Requirements
box on page 2.)
PIANO
One memorized classical piece (e.g. Bach, Little Prelude
and Fugue, Clementi, Sonatina, Schumann, Album for
the Young); major and harmonic minor scales; jazz solo
ballad; jazz medium tempo selection in piano trio format,
demonstrating melody, improvisation and comping; sightreading of notation and chord symbols.
For prescreening, no recorded accompaniment is allowed;
please follow the live audition guidelines, below. Note: No
prescreening is required for applicants to the Composition,
Music Education, Music Production and Recording
Technology or Music Therapy degrees.
Two memorized songs from standard classical solo vocal
repertoire, one in English and one in another language;
material should be appropriate to the applicant’s voice
and current musical development. Examples of standard
classical vocal music in English include, but are not limited
to, solo songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Roger Quilter,
Aaron Copland, John Duke, Richard Hundley, Ned Rorem,
and Samuel Barber as well as folk song arrangements by
Benjamin Britten and John Jacob Niles.
SAXOPHONE
Fast and slow etude (e.g. Voxman, Selected Studies or
W. Ferling, 48 Etudes); two jazz standards demonstrating
melody and improvisation and showing basic knowledge of
jazz style through texts comparable to Niehaus, Basic Jazz
Conception; major scales (in eighth notes, quarter = 80) and
sight-reading are required.
TROMBONE
One prepared classical solo (grade 5-6) or two classical
etudes of equal difficulty; two jazz standards in contrasting
styles, demonstrating melody and improvisation; major and
minor (natural, harmonic, and melodic) scales; sight-reading
is required.
MUSIC – JAZZ IDIOM
MUSIC THEORY DIAGNOSTIC SKILLS ASSESSMENT
All students auditioning for music curricula must complete a music
theory skills diagnostic assessment in addition to the audition.
This assessment involves sight-singing, tonal memory and
rhythmic skills.
TRUMPET
One of the following: an etude (comparable to Arban
characteristic study), the first or third movement of a
major work for trumpet (e.g. Haydn or Hummel concerto,
Hindemith, or Kennan sonata), or a complete trumpet
solo (e.g. Carnival of Venice, Bride of the Waves); two jazz
standards demonstrating melody and improvisation, scales
and sight-reading are required.
Note 1: Applied majors in the jazz idiom are available in
Jazz Studies, Music Education (Jazz Emphasis),
Music Production and Recording Technology (Jazz
Emphasis) and Music Therapy (Jazz Emphasis).
Note 2: All applicants must provide a recorded
accompaniment (such as the Jamey Aebersold
series) for the jazz portion of the audition.
Note 3: Amps are provided for electric guitar and electric
bass auditions.
Note 4: Drumset is provided for jazz percussion auditions.
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THEATRE
MUSICAL THEATRE
(See Special Requirements box on page 2.)
ACTING
Two memorized monologues, one from a Shakespeare play,
20-28 lines in length; the second from a contemporary play,
two minutes maximum, reflecting the applicant’s age. Bring
a standard 8 x 10 headshot and résumé to the audition.
Recorded prescreening:
THEATRE DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Emphasis areas include:
• Stage Management
• Costume Design
• Technical Production
• Lighting Design
• Scenic Design
All applicants will be interviewed by a member of the
Theatre Design & Production faculty during their on
campus audition visit. During the interview, the candidate
will submit a resume and present a portfolio designed
to appropriately represent their work and experience.
Suggested portfolio contents are listed below for each area
of emphasis, however applicants are encouraged to include
any additional materials that represent their individualized
artistic range, skills and interests including, but not limited
to, theatre.
Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design and
Technical Production:
Include photographs of your work, drafting or
design sketches, artwork, and programs. Letters of
recommendation in support of the applicant are
recommended.
Stage Management:
Include programs and prompt books for productions for
which you have served as a member of the production team.
Letters of recommendation from supervisors and/or directors
who can comment on your work are recommended.
Only include the monologue and vocal (no a capella) portions
of the prescreening audition. Please follow the live audition
requirements as stated below when preparing the monologue
and vocal selections. There is no dance requirement for the
prescreening.
Applicants who successfully pass the recorded prescreening
audition will be invited to campus to complete a live audition
with the faculty.
On campus live audition requirements:
• Prepare 16 measures each of two song selections. One song
must be chosen from the Golden Age or pre-Golden Age
musical theatre catalog (see suggested repertoire below).
The second selection should contrast the first but may be
chosen from among the Golden Age, contemporary musical
theatre, or pop/rock catalogs. (Demonstrate your strengths,
not your weaknesses, rather than trying to select material
that is out of your abilities just to show us wider range.)
• Prepare one monologue, one minute or less, ageappropriate and chosen from a contemporary play--George
Bernard Shaw or later.
• There will be a ballet and jazz combination taught at the
audition and evaluated in small groups. Dance attire or
workout attire is required.
• Bring a standard 8x10 headshot and attached résumé to the
audition.
Suggested Golden Age/pre-Golden Age songwriters include
(but are not limited to) Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers
and Hart, Lerner and Loewe, Bock and Harnick, Bernstein,
Loesser, Porter, Kern, and Gershwin.
INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS
Students applying to the following music programs must interview in addition to completing an audition. Interview results
are used in conjunction with academic criteria, applied audition results and the music theory diagnostic skills assessment to
determine admission to the program.
MUSIC EDUCATION
Prospective music education majors will complete an
interview with members of the music education faculty.
The purpose of the interview is to assess the applicant’s
oral communication skill, leadership potential, and other
elements that may contribute to success in the profession.
A writing exercise will be completed. Interview results are
used in conjunction with academic criteria, applied audition
results and aural skills diagnostic assessment results to
determine admission to the program.
MUSIC THERAPY
Prospective music therapy majors will complete an interview
with members of the music therapy faculty. The purpose of
the interview is to assess the applicant’s oral communication
skill, leadership experience and potential, awareness of special
needs populations, and other elements that may contribute to
success in the profession. A writing exercise will be completed.
MUSIC PRODUCTION & RECORDING TECHNOLOGY
Prospective music production & recording technology
majors will complete an interview with members of the
MPRT faculty. The purpose of the interview is to assess the
applicant's oral communication skill and other elements that
may contribute to success in the profession.
MUSIC COMPOSITION
Prospective composition majors will complete an interview
with the Director of Composition to discuss the contents of
the applicant's portfolio, which must be submitted two weeks
prior to the audition date. In addition to portfolio review,
the interview will assess the applicant’s current musical
knowledge, experience, and goals, as well as the student's
communication skills about their own creative work.
FINANCIAL AID
• Undergraduate students may be eligible for financial Conservatory Awards. These awards are based on the student’s talent
as demonstrated at the audition or portfolio review, and on the student’s academic record and potential for success.
• Conservatory Awards are renewable for up to four years (eight semesters) and are reviewed annually.
• Recipients of a Conservatory Award must maintain satisfactory progress in their course of study and are also required to
contribute substantially and productively toward the artistic stature of the Conservatory.
• Notification of Conservatory Awards and other Financial Aid will be sent in March, provided a student has successfully
completed their audition/application process and been fully admitted to the University.
• It is strongly recommended that all new students submit a FAFSA to the Shenandoah University Office of Financial Aid by
February 15.
• For more information go to: www.su.edu/admissions
1460 University Drive • Winchester, VA 22601 • www.su.edu/conservatory
Office of Admissions • [email protected]
www.su.edu/auditions • 800-432-2266 • 540-665-4581
7/15/15