MUSIC DEPARTMENT » Campus & Community » Auditions

audtions

Please direct all questions to:
Debbie Brown
Music Department Secretary
music@bbc.edu
570.585.9295

Students audition for two purposes: to join one of our performing ensembles or as part of their application to a music program.

ensemble auditions

Auditions are required of both non-majors and music majors who want to participate in any of our performing ensembles – Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale, and One Accord.

Audition preperation
The audition process in which the music faculty will determine your vocal range, aptitude for both tonal and rhythmic memory, and your level of sight-reading ability. While there is no specific way to prepare for such an evaluation, daily use of your singing voice is recommended during the weeks preceding the audition.

Audition time
Several options are available, depending on whether you are a new student or returning student:

New students:

Music majors - You may audition for an ensemble during your program entrance audition (see below) or wait until registration weekend at the beginning of the fall semester.

Non-majors - Auditions will take place during Registration Weekend at the beginning of the fall semester. Time and place will be announced.

Returning students:

Audtions are held for openings in all ensembles at the end of the spring semester.

program entrance auditions

An essential step in beginning a major or minor program in music is the audition. Its purpose is to evaluate your background and determine your potential as a music student. Designed as an introduction to what you will be doing as a member of the musical community at Baptist Bible College, the audition contains three components:

Performance. This allows the faculty to evaluate your level of achievement and to determine where to begin your work as a college student.

Interview. This helps the faculty discover important aspects of your musical background and experience.

Questions & Answers. This is a time for you to begin a conversation with your music teachers that will continue through your years at the college. Our faculty value communication and encourage questions on all topics dealing with your educational career.

Eligibility

NOTE: Acceptance into Baptist Bible College does not constitute acceptance into any of the degree programs offered by the Music Department. Successful completion of the audition process, in addition to acceptance by the college, is needed for admission to music programs.

Students wishing to audition for admittance into the music program must:

Have completed their junior year of high school.

Submit an Audition Application to the Music Department.

Submit an Application for Admission to Baptist Bible College.

Make a declaration of music as their major or minor field of study.

Audition dates
Although you can audition as late as your arrival on campus to begin your first semester of study, we highly recommend early auditions for all of our applicants. Check with the Music Department on dates and times.

Audition Dates	Audition application requested by
September 2-4 iView College Days	August 20
September 13 Teacher Education Visit Day	August 27
September 27  Pastoral Visit Day	September 10
October 11 Business Visit Day	September 17
October 22 Communications/Drama Visit Day	October 1
November 6  Campus Visit Day	October 15
November 11-13 Growing Leaders	October 22
November 15 Counseling, Camping, Sports, Women’s, and Specialized Ministries Visit Day	October 29
January 27-29  WinterDaze	January 7
February 7 Missions Visit Day	January 21
February 18-21 Sibling Visit Weekend	January 28
February 21 Presidens Day Visit	February 4
March 3-5 Spring College Days	February 11
March 25 Office Professionals	March 4
April 8 Music Visit Day	March 18
April 9 Camp Ministries Visit Day	March 18

Audition application
All prospective students who schedule an audition must submit an audition application. This form must be received at least two weeks prior to your audition date.

Note for vocalists and instrumentalists: An accompanist will be provided for your audition. Please include copies of your music when you submit the audition application.

Send completed form to:

Debbie Brown
c/o Music Department
Baptist Bible College & Seminary
538 Venard Road
Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Audition content
Church Music, Music Ministries, Music Education, Worship Pastor, and Music Minor applicants will:

Perform two contrasting works from the standard repertoire in your field of study (voice, piano, or instrumental). Voice and piano applicants must perform one of these by memory.

Perform major and minor scales in forms appropriate to your instrument or voice.

Demonstrate sight-reading ability in your field of study.

Demonstrate aural skills (tonal memory, pitch accuracy, and vocal sight-reading).

 

For Composition applicants:
Students who choose composition as their applied proficiency will:

• Audition in piano, voice, or instrument (see above).
• Submit examples of your work at your audtion. If you have not yet produced any compositions you must demonstrate, after your second semester, an aptitude for composition as well as a grasp of functional theory. This should include keyboard improvisational skills.