Skip to main content

Chorus and Vocal Evaluation Checklist


Chorus groups receive evaluations on several factors and not all of them are musical. Performing is more than just getting the notes right and producing a technically perfect performance. Whether you are involved in a solo performance or performing as part of a choir, knowing what the adjudicators are looking for will help you get a high score on the performance.

General Information

General information is going to include the group or performer’s name, date, location, and basic contact information. This is a standard section completed ahead of the performance. The performer or group will then submit several copies to the judges so that they can take individual notes and come up with a blind collective score.

Repertoire

The repertoire includes all of the works in the concert if it is a performing group. If the evaluation is for a soloist, they may be required to list everything that they performed within the semester. If this is the case, the judges may choose any piece from the repertoire list. Often a soloist is only required to sing two pieces and they may not have to sing the entire piece. An ensemble will typically put on an entire concert.

Diction

Diction is very important for singers. Many people mistakenly believe that if you have a voice you can sing. While this is true on some level and nobody should be discouraged from singing, professional singers have a higher standard. Articulation and clarity of the words are very important for a singer. Singers spend years learning how to properly pronounce words so that they are clear and audible. The judge will grade the singer or group on how well they articulate words.

Appearance

The appearance of the group is another important factor. As performers, singers are expected to dress the part. Wearing jeans and a T-shirt to an audition is highly inappropriate and may even get a singer removed from a studio. Appearance goes along with professionalism and singers need to dress the part. Performers are not just heard, they are also seen, so appearance is important.

Musicianship

Finally, performers are graded on overall musicianship. This includes the ability to accurately interpret phrases, rhythmic precision, and how well they interpret the intent of the music. This is mostly subjective, but judges with years of experience are able to accurately assess the performers’ level of musicianship.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sunday Stories: The Power of Audiation in Music Composition

Happy Sunday! Today, let’s explore the transformative power of audiation in music composition and share an inspiring story about a composer who mastered this skill. Audiation, the ability to hear and understand music in your mind, is a crucial tool for composers, enabling them to bring their musical ideas to life with greater detail and precision. What is Audiation? Audiation is the process of hearing and comprehending music in your mind without any external sound. It is similar to thinking in a language, where you can understand and manipulate words and sentences internally.  For composers, audiation is an essential skill that allows them to imagine, develop, and refine their musical ideas before they are played or written down 1 . The Benefits of Audiation for Composers 1. Enhanced Musical Understanding Audiation helps composers develop a deeper understanding of music. By hearing and analyzing music internally, they can grasp the relationships between different musical elements, ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Similarities of Classical and Baroque Music

Music has evolved through the centuries and undergone drastic changes. One of the most significant transitions was from the Baroque to the Classical period of music. In this paragraph, I will compare and contrast some of the main features of these two styles, such as ensembles, instrumentation, and counterpoint study. The Baroque and Classical periods of music have many similarities. While the style of music changed drastically, certain key elements remained the same between the two styles. Composers in the Classical period sought to simplify music and create clearly audible musical lines. In contrast, composers from the Baroque period were interested in creating complex and highly ornamented musical lines. The Baroque period occurs from approximately 1600 to 1750, and the Classical period extends from 1750 to 1820. Ensembles Ensembles are groups of musicians that perform together. Both the Baroque and the Classical period had similar types of ensembles, such as operas, orchestras, str...
Post a Comment
Read more

Exploring Minimalism in Music Composition

Minimalism is a fascinating and influential movement in music that emerged in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by simplicity, repetition, and gradual change, creating a hypnotic and meditative effect. This blog post will delve into the principles of minimalism in music composition and how you can incorporate these techniques into your own work. What is Minimalism in Music? Minimalism in music is a style that focuses on reducing elements to their simplest forms. It often involves repetitive patterns, steady pulses, and a limited harmonic palette. The goal is to create a sense of stasis and gradual transformation, allowing listeners to experience the subtle changes over time. Key Characteristics of Minimalist Music Repetition : Minimalist music often features repeated motifs or phrases. These repetitions can create a trance-like state and highlight small variations. Steady Pulse : A consistent, steady beat is a hallmark of minimalist music, providing a rhythmic foundation that s...
Post a Comment
Read more