There are usually two options for people wishing to put themselves forward to sing a solo in one of our concerts.
Main Solo: singing a solo to piano or CD accompaniment, standing at a microphone between the choir and the audience (the choir is seated during these).
Bitpart Solo: some of our choir repertoire calls for short solos within pieces. These are sung from your usual position in the choir and a microphone is give to you before the piece.
The MD usually starts asking for volunteers around the half way point of the rehearsal term with auditions taking place a week or so later. A list of possible Bitpart solos will be made available, and anybody wishing to audition for one of these can sign up. Those wishing to sing a Main Solo can discuss potential pieces with the MD.
The Audition Process
A signup sheet is created enabling you to pick an audition time on the audition evening which usually starts at 6.30pm before a main NES rehearsal. The audition is conducted by the MD and another member of the choir who is picked by the MD to support them in audition decision making. Any member of NES is welcome to attend the auditions as an audience member and often people auditioning will stay in the room to watch others auditioning. This helps create a performance environment for those auditioning. For people auditioning for Main Solos, their accompaniment score needs to be given to the MD at least a week before the audition. People auditioning for Main Solos are also expected to audition without any sheet music. It should be noted that Main Solos are performed in the concerts without music. Those auditioning for Bitpart Solos are welcome to audition with their sheet music and use it at the concert, although this is not recommended.