Audition materials for the 2023-24 school year are now being accepted at https://app.getacceptd.com/kinderhspva.  The deadline to submit materials is February 3, 2023. 

Instructions:

1. If you have not already created an account with Acceptd, you will need to do that first.  Acceptd is a platform used by some of the best colleges, universities, conservatories, summer programs, and competitions.  This platform is NOT connected with CHOOSEHISD.org and your username and passwords do not need to match.  We suggest that you sign up as a parent, and when adding your student, indicate that the student does NOT have an email account.  If you include your student’s email address, they will need to verify the account before you submit their application.
2. After creating an account, you’ll need to browse programs and search for “HSPVA” or make sure you are logged in and click HERE
3. Complete the application and upload materials as directed.

For technical questions, please visit Acceptd's Applicant Help Desk.

2023-24 Vocal Music Audition Requirements

Overview

The Kinder HSPVA Vocal Music Department is a pre-professional program that prepares students for further study and careers in all types of vocal music, from classical to commercial. The department provides in-depth vocal training, building on a foundation of classical solo singing in many languages.  Each year, every vocalist is a member of one or two of the award-winning HSPVA choirs and ensembles. Vocal majors learn to read music and sight-read, and they take diverse vocal department curriculum courses that include music theory, music history, vocal technique, and solo recital preparation. They participate in masterclasses given by nationally renowned experts in vocal performance, acting for singers, music business, singer-songwriting, etc. Kinder HSPVA graduates attend major universities and conservatories throughout the country and are highly sought after. Six graduates in the last seven years have won places in the prestigious Young Arts Foundation in Classical Voice, Jazz, and Pop and one of those students advanced to the televised round of American Idol last year.

What is the Kinder HSPVA voice faculty looking for in an audition?

• Pitch and Rhythmic accuracy
• Good tone quality and vowel production
• Appropriate middle school level technique
• Musicality and stage presence
• A good ear

When are auditions and callbacks?

The first stage of auditions for the 2023-24 school year will be virtual. 

Submissions will be accepted from January 10, 2023 – February 3, 2023.  Please check our website at that time for uploading instructions.  Each assignment and video will be uploaded individually.  The submission deadline for materials is Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:59 PM CT.

Callbacks are by invitation only.  The format of callbacks is TBD.  You will be notified if you have received a callback no later than February 10, 2023.  Callback instructions will be provided to students at that time.  Hold the date of Saturday, February 18, 2023, for a possible in person callback.

What do I need to prepare?

Using a phone, tablet, laptop, or other recording device, the student will make and submit three (3) videos. Each video should show the singer standing and singing with good posture.  Zoom in so that the video the student is shown from head to knee. Dress professionally and make sure that the final version that you submit represents your best work.

1. Memorize and video record ONE VERSE of one of the following songs from “Reliquary of English Song: Volume 1”

• The Willow Song
• The Three Ravens
• You Gentlemen of England

We have posted the sheet music and background tracks and we will be posting a video of current HSPVA students singing the pieces.  Your video should include you singing the memorized solo with the accompaniment track OR with a live pianist (please observe social distancing). This should not be sung a cappella. If the track is used, make sure that we hear the piano part (do not use headphones to listen to the music).  If a live pianist is used, he/she/they should not be seen. 

2. Memorize and video record ONE VERSE from one of the patriotic selections listed below. 

• America (My Country Tis of Thee)
• America the Beautiful

3. 30-60 second introduction – Brief Introduction of who you are and why you want to attend Kinder HSPVA’s Vocal Department

4. Students auditioning as an incoming 11^th or 12^th grader may be asked to submit additional material.

How do I upload my materials?

Submissions will be accepted from January 10, 2023 – February 3, 2023.  Please check our website at that time for uploading instructions.  Each assignment and video will be uploaded individually.  The submission deadline for materials is Friday, February 3, 2023 at 11:59 PM CT.