Schools Spectacular
Enquiries
Student core choir
Applications for this category are now closed.
The student core choir is made up of approximately 30 talented choristers in Years 7 to 12 from NSW Public Schools who provide the basis for the choral sound of the Schools Spectacular. Students are auditioned individually and need to be experienced at singing in ensembles and holding both basic and complex vocal parts within an ensemble setting. Students should discuss their intention to apply with a contact teacher at their school.
Audition process
The student core choir audition occurs in two parts:
- video audition round
- live audition round.
Video audition round
1. Record video audition
Students are asked to prepare and present the set excerpt, 'Wild Mountain Thyme', for the panel to assess pitch and range. Auditioning students must video themselves singing the piece through once with the piano backing and in the same take, sing the piece again, acappella.
'Wild Mountain Thyme' audition resource
The piece is in Eb Major and ranges from a Bb below middle C, to a C above middle C. Tenors, baritones and basses will sing the piece an octave lower. We strongly encourage students to use the audition track when filming their video, as this has a voice count-in to start the acapella section after the accompaniment.
2. Upload videos and submit an application form
Students who were a part of the student core choir in the 2023 Schools Spectacular need to submit an application form; however, you will not be required to upload a video audition.
3. Email confirmation
Students will receive a confirmation email once the application has been submitted. The student's parent/carer and school principal will also receive an email asking them to endorse the application. Please note, that endorsement from the student's principal and parent/carer is required to be considered for the Schools Spectacular student core choir.
4. Notification of results
All applicants will be notified of their video audition results by Term 2 Week 2.
Live Audition Round
1. Live Audition
Successful applicants will be invited to attend the next part of the audition process, the live audition round in Sydney. For the live audition, students will need to prepare a set piece, which will be distributed one week before the audition date. The audition will also involve some sight reading of vocal parts in groups.
2. Notification of results
All applicants will be notified of their final live audition results by Term 2, Week 9.
Key dates for student core choir
| Date | Time | Details | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 29 Jan | Applications open | ||
| Mon 8 Apr | 5:00 pm | Applications close | |
| Mon 6 May | Video audition results sent | ||
| Fri 24 May | Assigned session time | Student core choir live audition | The Arts Unit, Lewisham |
| Fri 21 June | Live audition results sent | ||
| Sun 20 Oct | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm |
Student core choir rehearsal 1 and program photos |
The Arts Unit, Lewisham |
| Tues 22 Oct | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Secondary choir rehearsal | Salvation Army Hall |
| Sat 2 Nov | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Student core choir rehearsal 2 | The Arts Unit, Lewisham |
| Sun 3 Nov | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Student core choir rehearsal 3 | The Arts Unit, Lewisham |
| Fri 8 Nov | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Student core choir rehearsal 4 | The Arts Unit, Lewisham |
| Thu 14 Nov | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Direction day | Fairfield RSL |
| Mon 18 Nov | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Secondary choir rehearsal | Salvation Army Hall |
| Sat 23 Nov | TBC | Stage band sitzprobe | Fairfield RSL |
| Sun 24 Nov | TBC | Orchestra sitzprobe | Fairfield RSL |
| Tues 26 Nov | TBC | Student core choir soundcheck | Qudos Bank Arena |
| Wed 27 Nov | TBC | Mass choir rehearsal | |
| Thu 28 Nov | TBC | Second combined rehearsal Dress rehearsal |
Qudos Bank Arena |
| Fri 29 Nov | 11:00 am and 7:00 pm | Schools Spectacular performance | Qudos Bank Arena |
| Sat 30 Nov | 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm | Schools Spectacular performance | Qudos Bank Arena |
Cost
The costume and prop fee will be $100 per student.
Costume and prop costs will be direct debited from the students school. Students will need to pay the costume and prop fee directly to their school once they are notified of their acceptance into the production.
Some assistance may be available for students with financial hardship in extenuating circumstances. Following discussions with the school, if students require further support, please email enquiries to schoolsspectacular@det.nsw.edu.au.
Audition tips
- Make sure the balance between the soloist and the accompaniment (such as the backing track, piano and band) is correct. It is critical that the person auditioning can be clearly heard.
- Students should discuss and review their audition video with their school music teacher prior to submitting it.
- Record your audition in a room with a neutral acoustic. The school hall or auditorium will often have too much echo to record a video. The school’s music classroom will normally have the best acoustic for recording your audition.
- There should be no pre-recorded vocals in the audition video.
