HOWARD GOSPEL CHOIR Spring 2014 Auditions Packet

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

The HOWARD GOSPEL CHOIR exists to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- the good news of the Creator God who loves the World [you and me] so much that He sent His only Son to show us how to live and died to reconcile us to Himself. Then He sent His Spirit to comfort and guide us through the rest of our earthly journeys. HGC is looking for singers and instrumentalists that are enthusiastic about singing, recording, and traveling to help up spread this important message. PLEASE schedule an audition with us this semester -- we would love for you to join us.

Our Mission and Beliefs

The mission of the HOWARD GOSPEL CHOIR (HGC) is to uplift the name of Jesus Christ through music ministry, and each member makes this statement a personal commitment. The choir is comprised of members from various denominational beliefs (i.e. Baptist, Church of God in Christ, Seventh-day Adventist, etc). Although we do not subscribe to one particular set of denominational beliefs over another, each member professes the Christian faith. The choir is comprised of Howard University students, alumni and people from the community who have answered a calling to music ministry. We each have our own struggles, testimonies and personal relationships with God. We encourage each other to pray and study the Word of God daily, and to become active in a local church. We do this to nurture our spiritual growth and to further enhance the effectiveness of our service to God, both individually and collectively. Members of the Howard Gospel Choir are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is pleasing to Christ at all times.

Attendance Requirements
Rehearsals are held every Monday and Thursday from 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (including holidays such as Labour Day, Columbus Day, etc.) in the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel on the main campus of Howard University. Additional practices and/or sectionals may also be scheduled by the Director or by the Section Leaders. All of the aforementioned are mandatory except in the case of an illness. First year members of the choir are NOT allowed to have a conflict (i.e. a job, class, organization meetings, etc.) that will prevent them from attending regularly scheduled rehearsals. Engagements occur frequently throughout the year (sometimes as often as seven times a month) on both weekdays and weekends. From time to time, the choir performs at events during weekdays. On such occasions, we are excused from our classes in order to participate. As a result, members are expected to be in good standing academically with their professors. Some choir engagements and activities include:

Monthly appearances at the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel (Sunday mornings at 11a.m.) Gospel brunch performances at various venues in the Greater Washington, DC Metropolitan Area 3-day weekend tours (Columbus Day, Veterans Day) The annual HGC Spring Break Tour International tours Monthly business meetings

HGC Boot Camp (Takes place one week before classes start in August. To attend Boot Camp, members that live oncampus will need to participate in Freshmen Move-in) Choir fellowships (on campus and off campus) Choir sponsored workshops and retreats Fundraising activities Community Service events AND MUCH MORE!!!

Members are expected to attend ALL engagements, tours and choir activities. These events do NOT always fit easily into our busy schedules but we make the sacrifice in support of the ministry.

All those who successfully complete the HGC Audition Process and agree to fulfill the choirs obligations will be invited to join the membership of the Howard Gospel Choir.

Financial Obligations

DUES Each choir member pays $20/semester [or $40/year] in dues. ROBE All new members are required to purchase the official HGC Robe which costs $180. ROBE BAG All new members are required to purchase the official HGC Robe Bag which costs $25.

The HGC Audition Process is comprised of two (2) parts, the SCHEDULED AUDITION and the CALL BACK. An individual must successfully complete the Scheduled Audition, in order to be invited to the second part, the Call Back, segment of the audition process. Scheduled Auditions will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2014 in the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel [Howard University Main Campus] Call Backs will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2014 in the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel [Howard University Main Campus] Every individual auditioning must be available for both parts. Additional information about the Call Back segment will be shared upon successful completion of Scheduled Audition. PREPARING FOR YOUR SCHEDULED AUDITION Prepare to sing a portion of two (2) solo selections a capella (i.e. without music accompaniment). Both should showcase your vocal and ministering abilities. Choose songs that you know well and will be able to minister effectively. They should be CHRIST CENTERED and can range from traditional (i.e. Amazing Grace, etc.) to contemporary gospel (i.e. I Need You Now, etc.). All music must be memorized. (i.e. no sheet music or lyrics) Bring your COMPLETED HGC Vocalist Audition Application form. Dress in CHURCH ATTIRE. NO jeans and NO athletic shoes. Your attire should fit appropriately and should not be revealing. INSIDE YOUR SCHEDULED AUDITION There will be a panel of adjudicators sitting inside the audition room. This group is comprised of some of the most seasoned members of the choir. We will be judging you on your entire presentation, including your stage presence, song selection, intonation, voice quality, interview, etc. There are FOUR parts to the Scheduled Audition: i) Solo. You will sing portions of your two songs. ii) Vocal Exercises. You will sing several vocal exercises to determine your voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass), intonation, pitch recognition, and fluidity throughout all parts of your range. iii) Retention. We will teach you a song and ask you to sing it back. You will be judged on your on your ability to retain each element of the line that is taught to you including pitch accuracy, phrasing, dynamics, etc.

The Audition Process

NEW MEMBER FEES = $225

($20 Dues + $180 Robe + $25 Robe Bag) The New Member Fees are split into two payments. The first payment of $125 is due within the first week of membership. If payments are not made by the due dates that member is placed on Financial Suspension and cannot participate in any choir activities. Each member is required to actively participate and make a significant effort to reach all goals with our HGC Fundraising Projects.

In addition to the robes, some engagements and tours require that we wear a SPECIAL ATTIRE. In these instances, the membership is notified in enough to time to acquire the necessary items, if a purchase is necessary. The membership is comprised of mostly undergraduate college students, and it is always our aim to be considerate of financial constraints when determining the attire for the choir.

Special Attires

iv) Interview. You will be asked a few questions explaining your interest in joining the Howard Gospel Choir. NOTE Please be mindful that the components of your Scheduled Audition are subject to modification at the discretion of the Director. AFTER YOUR SCHEDULED AUDITION We ask that you respect our Auditions Process and refrain from discussing these activities with other people. You will be contacted about the results via email and/or telephone, within twenty four (24) to forty eight (48) hours. If you are not contacted within this time frame, e-mail us at auditions@howardgospelchoir.com for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Im really nervous about singing in front of people. What should I do? We realize that sometimes people get a little nervous especially singing in front of people that they do not know. However, as a member of HGC our mission is to MINISTER. Nervousness is natural but you must do your best to conquer your fears. Consider this: Whenever you sing, there is someone who needs to receive the message that God has given you to share. Take a few deep breaths and let God use you! How do I prepare for my audition? Practice your presentation in the mirror and/or with friends. Also, reflect on other singers who have truly ministered to you. What do they do? Are they boring? Take notes and prepare accordingly. By all means, just be YOU. Dont try to be Mary Mary or Yolanda Adams. You are unique and special we want to experience YOUR ministry. Who do I contact if Im running late? Once you have scheduled and confirmed your audition time you will be given a contact number and specific instructions regarding this special situation. What are the most important parts of the actual audition? EVERY component of the audition is extremely important. Your presentation begins from the moment when you walk into the audition room and it ends when you leave. Youll be judged accordingly. What if I miss my scheduled audition time? Should I still come? Yes, you should still come and see if we are able to squeeze you back in to the schedule. This may/may not be possible. Make sure you have an appropriate reason for missing your timeslot. I attended my audition and I have a problem with something that one of the Audition/Adjudication Committee members did. I was offended. Who should I tell? Do you care? Of course! This is very important. Please contact the HGC Auditions Committee and tell them what happened. The best way to contact them is via e-mail at auditions@howardgospelchoir.com. What if I dont know a hymn? Please choose two contemporary Gospel songs and sing them instead. What song should I sing? Should I learn a song to sing? It is critical that you choose a selection that you know very well and one that you will be able to sing without a musician. Choose the selection that best exhibits your vocal ability. I didnt receive an email or a phone call about the results of my audition. Should I just drop by rehearsal? Should I ask my friend who is a member of HGC to ask the Director? NO! In the rare event that you do not receive the results of your audition, please DO NOT come to an HGC rehearsal to inquire. Please contact the Auditions Committee via e-mail at auditions@howardgospelchoir.com and await a response. The results of your audition will only be released to you. I play an instrument and I am interested in becoming a musician for HGC. What do I have to do? When you contact the Auditions Committee, share with them that you are interested in joining the Music Staff and they will give you all the necessary information.

Got more questions? Your questions are important to us! Just email us at auditions@howardgospelchoir.com

VISIT US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

www.facebook.com/HowardGospelChoir

www.youtube.com/HowardGospelChoir

www.twitter.com/HGC1968