The Yorkshire Youth Choir Voice Tests 1st October - What to expect

The Yorkshire Youth Choir Voice Tests - What to expect

It is not long until our next set of voice tests, they will be held on The 1st of October 2017. The word test always triggers nerves, no matter how old you are or how much experience you have. So whilst we may tell you countless times that a voice test for YYC is nothing to worry about, we completely understand that our reassurances may not be enough to eradicate all of your fears. The best thing we can do is to describe the process to help you feel more at ease.

Step 1. A friend has invited you to come along to a Yorkshire Youth Choir voice test or perhaps you have seen our advertising on social media or flyers out and about. Now is the time to have a look at our website, social media and other blog posts (links all above) to find out more about the choir and it's values. This will most likely lead you to the conclusion that YYC looks like an educational barrel of laughs - something which you would like to be a part of.

Step 2. You've established that you are interested in joining so now you need to fill out a voice test form. You can find the form on our website in the 'join us' section (www.yorkshireyouthchoir.co.uk then click 'join us', there will be a PDF link for the voice test for you to download). If possible it is better to fill out and send off the form as soon as possible so you have plenty of time to prepare, however do not worry if your choice to sign up for a voice test is quite a last minute one and you only have a few days left before the test. If this happens we would recommend ringing one of the phone numbers on the voice test form just to check that there is still time for you to sign up.

Step 3. You will be contacted by someone from YYC to inform you of the details of your test.

Step 4. Choose your songs. In the voice test you will perform 2 pieces. It is recommended that one of these is classical and that the other is of a contrasting style, this is not compulsory however. If you have little or no experience singing with a choir and feel as if you do not know any classical pieces to sing try not to worry. Concentrate on choosing 2 songs that you enjoy singing, perhaps a song that you have sung at school, a Christmas carol or a song from a musical. If you have piano accompaniments for the songs which you have selected that is wonderful, make sure to bring your original copies along to your voice test, you will be provided with a pianist. Alternatively it is okay to perform your songs a cappella. 

Step 5. You might be getting a little anxious by this point, the best thing to cure this is to practise. This will help you to feel more confident about your songs so performing them at the test will be a little less daunting. 

Step 6. As well as performing your chosen songs you will also have some aural tests (for example: singing a note from a chord, clapping pulses and rhythms, singing back short phrases that have been played for you) and some sight reading (you will be given a short piece of music and a starting note then you will attempt to sing it, you might be given some help if you are struggling, this is to see how quickly you can learn new music). There are videos on YouTube and websites online which can help you to prepare for these. The tests will try to challenge you but not to overwhelm you. Try to remember that the people in your voice test are not there to trick you or to pick on you about what you find difficult, they are there to help and encourage you and establish your current level of musical ability so we will know how best to support you in the choir.

Step 7. You still have time before your voice test, why not invite another friend to sign up for a test with you!

Step 8. Allow plenty of time to get to your voice test, it is better to be early than be late and flustered.

Step 9. Remember to bring a drink with you! You'll have a chance to warm up once you arrive and you may need a drink before you go in.

Step 10. Meet the other people auditioning and some of the YYC staff. There will be someone from YYC to greet you as you wait to go in for your test. They are there to help you feel comfortable and to answer any questions you might have about the choir. Your parents or anyone else who has accompanied you will wait here whilst you go in for your test. You may also have the chance to meet someone else awaiting their voice test, you never know, they might be your room mate at your first course! Making new friends with the YYC team and people waiting for tests will help to distract you from any nerves you may be feeling.

Step 11. It is time for your voice test. The test will be with our two conductors: Alison Pryce Jones (junior choir) and John Pryce Jones (senior choir). They are both welcoming and friendly and will be very excited to meet you and to support you through your audition. This will help to make your voice test fly by in no time at all!

Step 12. It is all over now, you can breath a sigh of relief and go back to meet who ever came with you and let them know how it went. The YYC team who are at your audition will give you some indication as to how long you should expect the wait to be before you hear back from us.

Now you have all this information there is nothing left to do other than download a form and get filling it in. We look forwards to seeing you all at our voice tests at Northern Ballet on the 1st of October 2017.