A new year brings a new crop of students and new members to campus groups. But for many, they must first pass the dreaded audition.
Clubs like a cappella groups New Chords on the Block and Section 8 and comedy group OU Improv hold auditions at the beginning of each year for students to show off their talents and join a performance group.
Lauren Albers, the vice president of New Chords on the Block and a junior studying communication studies, said not only does the group welcome new faces but everyone already in the only co-ed a cappella group on campus has to re-audition.
“It’s an opportunity to get fresh blood in the group to fill spots left by graduating members,” Albers said. “It sort of rejuvenates the group after a year.”
New Chords on the Block has their potential new members sing not only a 30-second solo piece of their choice, but the group also holds information sessions to teach an a cappella arrangement that prospective members audition with in quartets.
“The freshmen are always really nervous and excited and the most prepared group we see,” she said. “The older students are more casual in their auditions.”
Hannah Ticoras, the president of OU Improv and a junior studying English, said bringing in new faces can help the organization grow in different ways.
“People have now seen us perform so they understand what they’re auditioning for,” Ticoras said. “It’s this thing where they’ve seen us for however many years and now they can join us, which is what we want.”
Anyone can audition for the improv group and “once you’re in, you’re in,” she said.
“We do warm ups in the beginning but then we jump right into scene work,” she said. “It’s kind of like a cold bath.”
While it might seem intimidating, the improv auditions are more about seeing how auditioners deal with uncomfortable situations, Ticoras said.
“It’s all unscripted but it’s really just like having a conversation,” she said. “You just have to relax and know that it’s all going to be fine.”
Though Grant Johnson, a sophomore studying music, was a member of the male a cappella group Section 8 his freshman year, he has to re-audition this year.
“As a freshman, it was scary because I didn’t know what to expect but the guys made it more comfortable,” Johnson said.
While auditions can be frightening, those in performance groups agreed that there was a common theme of advice for newcomers.
“Just relax,” Albers said. “Don’t compare yourself to everyone else.”
@sophie_mitchem
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If You Go:
What: New Chords on the Block
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3 Info/Help Session
7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5 Info/Help Session
12:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 Auditions
Where: Glidden Hall
What: OU Improv Auditions
When: Tuesday, September 3 8:00 pm
Where: Baker University Center Room 512
What: Section 8 Auditions
When: 7-10 p.m. Thursday September 5
Where: Location had not been announced at press time.
