Audition Info
Thank you for your interest in Forte! We ask all prospective singers to do a brief interview. Generally, the interviews take place at our regular rehearsal space, St. Andrew’s United Church, 117 Bloor Street East. The church is located half a block east of Yonge, on the south side of Bloor Street, next to the Alliance Atlantis building. You can also enter from Hayden Street, one block south of Bloor.
The interview is not meant to be intimidating or frightening; rather, it is to give our artistic leaders an opportunity to get a sense of what your singing is like, in order that we can best match you with the group. In particular, we want to hear things like the range of your voice, the strength, tonal quality, etc. We also listen to how well you communicate the words, the meaning, and the music of the song. It also gives you a chance to meet us.
We will do our best to keep the process low-key, so please try to be yourself, and don’t let nerves get too much in the way. The interview will be attended by about four or five members of the chorus.
The interview will be comprised of the following:
- A song of your own choosing. If you bring along the music, we will accompany you, but unaccompanied, with your own accompanist or with a recording are all fine (please bring your own media player). Pick anything that you feel comfortable singing.
- Over the Rainbow: The words are printed here. A MIDI file, playable on most computers, will help you to learn the song. There are four key choices, from lowest (bass) to highest (tenor 1). Pick one that seems to suit you the best. Once you have completed the form below you will be offered this material on the following page. The packages will include the MIDI file and the sheet music for each part. We will help you out if you’re not sure.
Somewhere over the rainbow way up high
There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.
Some day I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me;
Where troubles melt like lemon drops away above the chimney tops,
that's where you'll find me; (Big key change!)
Somewhere over the rainbow blue-birds fly,
Birds fly over the rainbow, Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little blue-birds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can't I? - We will ask you to do a few simple music tests. These help us to find out about your music reading skill (if any), and how easily you can learn a little harmony. (You don’t have to know how to read music to sing in Forte, by the way, although you will almost certainly learn to read as part of the chorus.)
- Forte’s performances are often a bit theatrical. If you have a gift for acting or dancing, then so much the better. However, we would like you to come prepared to tell us a joke! Any joke will do, long or short, even a dirty one! Or, if you prefer, you could read a short poem, or a brief speech from a play.
- Please complete the information sheet below. When you click on Submit a copy will be emailed to the Audition Team and you will also receive one as a reminder. You will be contacted by a team member to arrange a date and time for your audition.
That’s it. Remember that Forte is intended to be fun, and that includes the interview. Plan on having fun. We look forward to meeting you.
