MoTab Auditions

Those of you who know me really well know that I have always had a dream of being a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  Although I never intended on staying in Utah when I came to school here, I am now proud to call myself a Utahn and have the opportunity of living within a 100 mile radius of Salt Lake City.  A couple of years ago, I was itching to sing again (hadn’t since college) and to my dismay, learned that you have to be at least 25 to audition for the MoTab.  I joined the Wasatch Chorale instead, hoping that would get me back into my singing groove while I waited.

Well, the moment has arrived!  Every July, the MoTab allows choir hopefuls to begin the audition process.  Today, I printed out my packet, which must be returned by the end of the month.  I have gone through many, many auditions in my short life, and I usually don’t feel any nerves until right before I walk into the room.  This experience is totally different.  I have felt the nerves the past few weeks just thinking about auditioning, and I felt them again today as I printed my packet.  If I can’t control my nerves now, what’s going to happen if/when I walk into the audition room and see Mack Wilberg sitting there?  AAAAAA!

Anyway, here is the process for those who aren’t familiar:

1. Send in my packet, which consists of an application, a bishop’s recommendation letter, and my CD recording.  I will be recording one of three hymns a capella, and must play and announce my starting pitch before and after to prove I can stay in tune.  Next, I have to sing a portion of the hymn with a straight tone, in sotto voce, and fortissimo.  Next, I have to perform a series of vocal exercises.  I’ve looked them over, and they are definitely not your simple mi me ma mo mu’s!

2. If they like my recording, I get invited to take the music theory skills exam.  I have to pass with at least 80%.  I have taken this exam before (when I auditioned for the BYU Music Major in 2001) and passed, but it has been so many years and I have no idea how I will fare now.

3. If by some miracle I pass the theory test, I go in to sing for the artistic directors.  I sing another hymn of my choosing, perform more vocal exercises, and sight sing.  Sight singing has been a strong point for me in the past, but once again, I haven’t done it much recently and I’m not as confident as I used to be.

I am extremely excited and nervous about this opportunity!  If anyone knows someone who has a recording studio that is reasonably priced, please let me know.  Wish me luck, and I’ll keep you posted!