(Auditions.)
This could be YOU!
We hold auditions every year during the beginning of the Fall semester. If you like to sing, we would absolutely love to hear you!
You can find information about our auditions process below, but first, why should you audition in the first place!?
Every group at WashU excels in different ways. For us, that means a few things.
Being a Stereotype is about fun! We get to sing with our friends, we get to compete with other groups on an international stage, and we get to entertain audiences with our unique (and sometimes quite… odd) concerts.
Part of that fun is growth – being a Stype wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t for our culture of fostering determined musicianship and continued improvement among all of our members. We learn from each other, and we sound good because of it!
Through rehearsals, concerts, and events, we also strongly value community. If nothing else, joining our group gives you the chance to fight your way to the top of our Mario Kart ladder (Noah says good luck, Jackson says you’ll need it)
Your Audition
Warm-Up/Range
Our music directors, James and Wilson, will play some ascending and descending patterns on a piano for you to sing along to. We’re trying to get an idea of your range, and we’re listening for your tone quality and intonation.
Tonal Memory
The MDs will play some short sequences of notes and ask you to sing them back to us. Don’t worry about sounding your sexiest, we’re just listening for accuracy here!
Solo
You should sing a verse and chorus (or about 30-50 seconds) of a song that best shows off your vocal talent. If you’re an opera singer, sing something operatic, if you like musical theatre, sing that. If you drive down the highway with windows down, blasting your lungs out to whatever’s on the radio, sing that. Everyone likes different music, and we want to see how you can add to our musical makeup!
Vocal Percussion
If you are able to beatbox, we’ll ask you to show us your stuff! Free-style percussion is welcome, though it’s also helpful for us to hear you perform as if there were a song playing. We’re listening for tempo consistency, creativity, and clarity.
Callbacks
Callbacks will take place the weekend immediately following auditions. Specifics vary from year to year, so make sure to follow us on Instagram for the most relevant information! Generally, you will be asked to warm-up again including falsetto this time, sing a chord with the group, learn part of one of our arrangements, and perform another solo (preferably a new genre). You’ll also get the chance to hear more about the group, ask any questions you may have, and share your beautiful self with the group for 30 minutes of pure bliss.
You can also visit the ACAC website for more details.
FAQs
Q: “What is ACAC?”
ACAC (the A Cappella Advisory Council) is WashU’s central body for managing the 13 on campus a cappella groups. It is made up of representatives from various groups and works to organize auditions and events throughout the year. If you want to try out for the Stypes or any other groups, you will need to register with ACAC, so be sure to visit their website.
Q: ”What if I get called back to more than one group?“
Because of the way ACAC runs auditions, you can go to as many callbacks as your heart desires. To make your final decision, you have to fill out a ranked-choice preference card. If more than one of the groups you list wants you as a member, the one you list higher (the Stereotypes, duh) will take you. Check out the ACAC website for more information.
Q: ”Do I have to have singing experience?“
Singing experience is not required to audition or to become a member of The Stereotypes. Shower singers are welcome, as are choir members and famous pop-stars. Our members’ various musical backgrounds make the group more interesting.
Q: ”Do I have to have dancing experience?“
Not required, but if you have visual performance experience, we’d love to see that! The Stereotypes choreograph at least a couple songs every semester, but even our most un-coordinated members (there are several) do just fine. We have a Visual Director position that focuses on the creative aspects of our performances to help with this aspect of the group.
Q: ”What if I get nervous for auditions?“
Nervous is good! Being nervous means that you care, and we know that. Auditions can be scary, so we try to keep the atmosphere as laid back as possible; we really want you to do your best. If you’re feeling really nervous when you walk through the door, just tell us. You’ll feel a little bit better right away, and we’ll do our best to make things as comfortable as possible for you.
Q: “Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances?“
Practice, and make sure you’re comfortable with the solo you prepare for your audition (~60 seconds of a song of your choice). Be enthusiastic about singing and music. Try to figure out what you can offer the group that no one else can and make sure we know it!
Q: ”What kind of time commitment is the Stereotypes?“
We spend a good bit of time together. Typical weeks include three 2-hour rehearsals (one on the weekend) and occasionally a small gig. Each year, we perform two large-scale concerts, so there’s about one week each semester when you’ll eat, breathe, and live the Stereotypes. Additionally, we have recording sessions, we compete in ICCAs some years, and we go on tour! Even though membership is a significant time commitment, we carefully schedule our rehearsals and events in order to be respectful of our members’ lives outside of the group, leaving time for studying, resting, and enjoying other parts of college life (use your imagination). As any of us will tell you, the time we all spend together is absolutely worth it!
Q: ”How many people are you looking for?“
There’s never a definite number of guys we’re looking for, but we tend to take between three and five new members every year, and the total number of current Stereotypes usually hovers between 12 and 16.
Q: ”What voice parts are you looking for?“
No matter what they say, every group is always looking for low basses and high tenors. Other than that, though, we’re just looking for guys whose voices and personalities blend with the group. If that’s you, then we can probably find something for you to sing!
Q: ”What are the Stereotypes doing this year?“
We’ll be producing two HUGE a cappella shows, one in the fall, and one in the spring. Additionally, we will compete in ICCAs in February and will go on tour at some point before or during the Spring semester! (locations tbd) All the while, we’ll be singing 6 hours a week and enjoying time together outside of rehearsals.
Until audition season begins!