<p>We just got back from Chicago, and wanted to let people know about D’s experience in auditioning for Otterbein. D had a tremendous audition experience with Otterbein…she spoke with Dr. John and whoever else was in the room (I am not sure who the other auditor(s) was/were, but assume it was a vocal instructor.) After doing her monologue, and singing her two numbers, they worked with her on some techniques…each time she sang her ballad, she saw some improvement from the techniques she was given. She later told me, by the time she finished doing Dr. John’s suggested technique, and sang her ballad…she was almost in tears…but was afraid to admit it. The fact that they took the extra time (which none of her other auditors did), says more about their program for me, than say alumni success rate or what have you. That is what I am looking for in a program…not a machine that cranks out product, but instructors and professors that will treat my D as an individual, with individual needs.
I have been doing theatre for over 30 years, including professional theatre and professional opera, and have tried to stay on the outside with her development and training, as I have seen too many overbearing “stage parents” over the years (if that is you, I’m sorry)…and wanted her to “discover” what I discovered all those years ago. I didn’t want her to do theatre because Dad does it, or because she thought it would make me happy, I wanted her to do it because she has her own driving passion for it…and she truly does. I help from time to time, but do not “coach” her…and only in preparation for Unifieds have I helped her get things “organized.”
Her vocal music teacher at school has been relatively indifferent, so D has basically self-taught and has made select regional, All-State choirs and ACDA choirs, and achieved many things on her own. She may not have had years of private voice and has had only a few years of dance, but you would be hard pressed to prove it otherwise.<br>
But I digress…I would like to recommend that parents give their child an opportunity to audition for these folks, as they truly seem to care about the student, and each student’s potential. Even if she doesn’t make the cut, which we hope she will, I wanted people to know how great these people are, and how well they treat their auditioners. Bravo/Brava!</p>
<p>I have to agree! I was not accepted to Otterbein or in the deferral pool, but when I auditioned in November I definitely enjoyed the experience. They talked to me about what my song really “meant” and had great suggestions as well as talking with me in a way that was less of an “job interview” and more of a real conversation! It was very refreshing.</p>
<p>Best of luck to your D!</p>
<p>I just auditioned for Otterbein in Chicago too, and had a very similar experience to your d. Dr John and the others took time to work with me, and it was a really amazing experience! Even if I am not accepted to Otterbein, the 25 minutes I got to spend with them will be unforgettable!
wishing luck to your d!</p>
<p>Letter arrived today saying D is still in consideration, pending remaining audition results. So, we are sending e-mail confirmation expressing D’s continued interest, and will hope for the best.</p>
<p>Thanks Luv2croon! Great information!</p>
<p>daughter did not get an offer, but is attending an equally fine school (Elon). Good luck to all, and break legs to the future auditioners.</p>
<p>Elon seems like a great school too. Best of wishes to your daughter!</p>