APPLICATION and AUDITION PROCEDURES:

Auditions are open until October 25, 2026, 11:59 pm.

A Note About Experience:

The Saskatchewan Youth Choir (SYC) is a welcoming choral community where you do not need to be perfect. It does not matter if you take private lessons, can sight-read, or know music theory. This procedure simply helps us and the guest conductor understand where you are in your musical journey.


MATERIAL SUBMISSION
Singers must submit the following as part of their audition package:

1. Chorister Questionnaire:
          Complete the SYC Questionnaire. This is for both new and returning Choristers.​   
          Questionnaire Link

2. Audio/Video Audition Recording:​
          Submission of your audio/video recording to [email protected] (recording instructions below)

3. Musical Reference:
          A reference letter from the student's choir director, voice teacher or vocal coach, commenting on the student's:
              i. Musicality
             ii. Leadership
            iii. Commitment
             iv. Work Ethic
             *Note: Returning choristers do not need to submit a reference letter.*


Audio/Video Auditions consist of the following:

1. Sing a 1-minute (approx.) solo excerpt of your choosing. Choose a song that feels comfortable for your voice and allows you to show your personality and musicality. It can be pop, musical theatre, classical, folk, etc., that best represents you and your voice.
2. Sing the two Vocal Exercises provided below to show your full range and tone quality. It is okay to have the starting note/chord played.
3. Sing the prepared excerpt a cappella. (Sheet Music Link provided below)

 
Vocal Exercises:

• 5-note Ascending and Descending scale: Can be sung in solfège or numbers.
  • Start in the middle of your comfortable range and move upward chromatically until you reach the top of your comfortable range.​

5-note Ascending and Descending scale: Can be sung in solfège or numbers.

• Start in the middle of your comfortable range and move upward chromatically until you reach the top of your comfortable range.

5-note Descending scale: Can be sung in solfège or numbers.

• Start in your comfortable range and move downward chromatically until you reach the bottom of your comfortable range.

  

Prepared Excerpt:
Please sing verse 1 (mm.1-19) of Danny Boy by Fred E. Weatherly in your preferred key (medium-high, low, etc.).  Sing the piece unaccompanied in the key that feels most comfortable for you. You are welcome to use the sheet music that has been provided, but it is not required. If reading music feels tricky, you can:

• Search YouTube or Google for an audio recording, karaoke accompaniment or a MIDI file.

 

• Ask your teacher to help you with notes.

 

• Danny Boy Sheet Music Link:                                                                                                                                                                          a. Danny Boy in C (Low Voice): https://shorturl.at/WTUeG                                                                                                      b. Danny Boy in D (Medium Low): https://shorturl.at/OaqwA                                                                                                  c. Danny Boy in Eb (Medium High): https://shorturl.at/Bh5L8                                                                                                  d. Danny Boy in F (High): https://shorturl.at/dCaD4  

Instructions on making your audition video:

• No Editing Allowed. Please record your audition as one uninterrupted audio/video, making sure the camera stays on between pieces, no matter how long the pauses.

How do I submit my audition recording?

• Audition recordings can be emailed directly to the SCF Program Manager: [email protected]
• Make sure to label your audition recording as: FirstNameLastNameVoice.mp3 (ex: JaneDoeAlto.mp3 or JaneDoeAlto.mp4)

Submission Materials DEADLINE:

• All audition materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. on October 25, 2026, at [email protected]. This includes the chorister questionnaire, audio/video audition recording, and musical reference.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How should I record my audition?
  • You can record your audition on any recording device that is available to you (i.e. IOS/Android, iPad/Tablet, computer, etc.).
  • When recording:
    • Find a quiet space.
    • Place your device where your voice can be heard clearly.
    • Make sure your face and upper body are visible if possible.
    • Before you begin, say your name and voice part.
    • Complete the solo, vocal exercises, and Danny Boy.
    • Listen to your recording before submitting to make sure your voice can be heard clearly. Some phones have features that remove background noise, which can cause the audio to fade in and out.

 

• Do I need to start over if I make a mistake?
  • We highly recommend that you keep going. It is part of the process. You do not need to start over the whole recording because of one or two mistakes.

 

• Can I take multiple recordings?
  • Absolutely. You can take as many recordings as you like. We will only review the recording you submit.

 

• Does it have to be “perfect”?
  • Send a recording that you feel proud, confident, and happy to click “send”. *Note: Do not be hard on yourself.*

 

• Do I need an accompanist?
  • No. The solo piece, vocal exercises, and the prepared excerpt are a cappella.

 

• Can I ask my teacher for help?
  • Absolutely! We highly recommend asking your choir teacher, vocal teacher or vocal coach for help with your audition. They would be delighted to help!

 

• Do I have to sight-sing?
  • There is no sight-singing requirement in the video/audio audition.

 

• Do I need to memorize my solo and the prepared piece?
  • It does not need to be memorized.

If you have any questions that were not listed above, please contact: [email protected]