Optional Selections (choose one):
Swing North Big Band has had only two principal vocalists in its 40 year history. The recently deceased "Voice of St. Johnsbury", Don Mullally started singing with the band in 1978 and retired in 2003. Don was succeeded by Janet Edmondson who recently moved to Virginia. We now need to select a new vocalist who can carry on the great tradition of these two marvelous songbirds.
Vocalist Auditions
Audition Information:
These selections are just a sampling of the 30+ arrangement we currently have for vocalist and big band. Additional titles include "How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You", "All of Me", "Angel Eyes" and "What a Wonderful World" along with several Christmas/Holiday selections. Our chosen vocalist will eventually learn our entire catalogue and suggest new selections to be added.
Required Selection:
NOTE: Video examples are provided so you might have a fuller sense of the accompanying band arrangement. We are not asking those auditioning to copy Janet Edmondson's stylings and interpretations. Please make these songs your own so we can know you really want to sing them.
To be considered for an audition:
- Please submit a resume of your experience to Phil Brown, manager at stjjazz@sover.net
- Prepare the required selection below (PDF and video demo provided)
- Select and prepare one of the optional selections listed below. Be sure to indicate your optional selection when you submit your resume.
Rehearsal on September 12 begins at 7:30. From 7:30 to 8:00 the band will run through the instrumental parts for the audition pieces. This will give everyone an opportunity to hear the accompaniments before they sing. Starting at 8:00 we will hear auditions in a random order. Each singer will announce his/her two numbers and sing them with the full band and our regular P/A system.
Regular band members will have a simple rating sheet to complete for each candidate. These sheets will be compiled to rank the candidates and select our new vocalist. Everyone who auditions will receive notification of the results within one week of the auditions.
We are interested in the following criteria: Vocal quality and presentation, background, experience and professionalism, and overall ability to contribute to the bands mission of providing live classic swing and dance music for northern Vermont and New Hampshire.
Each person will be singing a required number, "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and a second selection which they have chosen from our repertoire. (see links below) The order of auditions will be chosen by random draw. After each person sings, band members will complete a ranking form with consideration for the following:
- Vocal quality: accuracy of chosen pitches, vocal tone (as appropriate for our vocals), appropriate range.
- Musicianship: interpretation, ability to follow chart, alignment with rhythmic and harmonic structure of arrangement.
- Presentation: quality of speaking voice, expression of song context, interaction with audience (ie, you).
- Organizational assets: knowledge of repertoire, recognition within the community, ability to promote band and/or attract an audience.
Vocalists will "announce" each piece and "interpret" the songs stylisticly within the context of the arrangements. It is not necessary to audition in "performance dress".
Auditions will be held Tuesday, September 12 - 7:30 - 9:30 pm at the St. Johnsbury School in St. Johnsbury, VT.
Please contact Phil Brown, manager at stjjazz@stjjazz.com if you are interested in auditioning. Audition requirements are listed below.