All Vocal applicants shall sing one of the following selections to evaluate their vocal quality, expression, and song preparation skills:

• Shenandoah  (Shenandoah)

• To The Sky (choose the option best for you)

  • Low (To The Sky - Low)

  • High - best for changing voices  (To The Sky - High)

• Amazing Grace (Amazing Grace)

• Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Over the Rainbow)

Prepared selections should be performed from memory. The applicant does not need to bring their own accompanist, as the school will provide accompaniment. Applicants may not sing a cappella.

In addition to the prepared selection, all applicants will complete the following additional proficiency tests:

1. Tonal Recall—The vocal faculty will play three to six pitches on the piano, and the student will sing them back on a neutral syllable. This is to determine pitch retention abilities and intonation quality.

2. Rhythmic and Melodic Sight Singing—The student will be asked to sight-sing two 8-measure examples, one rhythmic and one melodic. They are allowed to use solfege (do-re-mi), numbers (1-2-3), or a neutral syllable (‘la’ or ‘doo’). The vocal faculty will play an ascending and descending scale for the student to sing along with to establish the key center before their study time begins. Applicants will have 30 seconds to study the example before performing it.

3. Vocalise(s)/Warm-up(s)—The vocal faculty may ask the singer to vocalize additionally beyond the prepared piece, both ascending and descending. This is to determine the student’s range and vocal quality.

 Applicants will be interviewed briefly to evaluate how their goals, aspirations, work ethic, and academic status align with Douglas Anderson culture and mission statement.