<p>I'm at OCU still, in the Business center. I'll update when I get back, but this was an AMAZING audition experience. The students and faculty both made me feel very relaxed.
PS, I knew Kristin Chenoweth came here, but to see pictures of her on the wall from shows OCU has done was REALLY cool.</p>
<p>It was an overall enjoyable experience, but what a whirlwind of a weekend! </p>
<p>First of all, it was cool meeting other CC'ers! So let's see, I met Ericsmom and Eric, fingers_crossed, and Chrisr's son. The audition went really well - My g was great on Green Finch and Linnet Bird, though I was really nervous all through the singing portion. The monologue was flawless! I'm so happy; I was having a lot of trouble with that. I also liked how that part was more personable. And the campus was neat - this is the first actual "campus" I've toured (the other was Emerson). I liked being able to see the dorms, too, which apparently doesn't often happen on the tour. This was also my first time in a state in the middle of the country, let alone Oklahoma. </p>
<p>So on to the rest of the weekend. Anyway, I flew in to OKC Thursday, and we drove around and saw the memorial and went to dinner, and all that. I was really tired, so I even went to sleep early (I got like 10 or 11 hours!) Then I woke up and had the audition, which was well organized, and quick, and a nice experience. We left from OCU for the airport, where our flight was 50 minutes late, and we couldn't get any other. Luckily (?) our transfer flight in Phoenix was also late... so we didn't miss it. However, because of the late flights, we were late getting into LA, so it cut into my Disneyland time, :( and I only had 1.5 hours there with the band, though I still got three rides in! We got back to the hotel at like 1:30 and went to bed soon after, and woke up to have WBA marching band champs the next morning. We got 9th in prelims, so we made it to finals, where we tied for 6th in the state! We left Long Beach after awards, but when we stopped to get gas for the bus before the Grapevine, the bus wouldn't start, so we were stuck there for over 3.5 hours! However, we wouldn't have been able to go anyway, because the Grapevine was closed (it reopened by the time we got started). Finally, we left, and arrived back in San Jose by 10:30. I went home, took a shower, and left for my Beauty and the Beast rehearsal from 1-7. Then I went home and slept. </p>
<p>And while I know that was long, I just wanted to tell you all about my crazy first audition weekend! :)</p>
<p>be a star, sounds like you had a wonderful weekend! Thanks for sharing it with us! Best wishes to you for a positive result from OCU and the rest of your auditions this year. :)</p>
<p>Whew,be a star, you make me tired just listening to your audition week-end. Good luck to you. I think if there is one thing I learned from this past week-end is that it is better to get an earlier audition time if possible. My d audition was scheduled on Saturday between 4 and 5. Apparently OCU had over 100 applicants that week-end and on Saturday they were running behind. We took the tour at 2:00 and also appreciated seeing the dorms (very cute and somewhat private with a partial divider). The audition wait was difficult. Fortunately my d ran in to someone from O.C., Ca. she knew and was not aware that he was auditioning for OCU let alone the same week-end. Seeing him and spending some time with him (he had auditioned the day before and was waiting for a friend) helped the time go by a little quicker. He left around 5:00. D was shifted a couple of times from monolog place to singing station. She was doing OK until she was the next to go in for her monolog and a girl from the show that night was able to cut in front of Alexa as she had to get ready for the show that evening. Normally that is not a problem but she had been waiting a long time and hungry (she doesn't like to eat a meal before her audition except crackers. She was feeling a little shakey. She finially got in around 6:20. She told me the monologue person (fogive me I forgot his name) was very nice and funny and she felt her monologue went well. Next it was back upstairs for her songs. By the time she went upstairs for her songs there were only a few auditioners left. Auditioners had to prepare 3 songs. From what I understand at first they were hearing all 3 songs but started cutting by early afternoon. D was able to sing her entire classical and they asked her two M.T. songs and they chose which one they wanted to hear. Unfortunately it wasn't her favorite of the two but she did love all 3 songs. They asked her a few short questions Like "What is your SAT's scores and GPA. and then she was thru at around 7:00. We were able to catch he shuttle to our hotel, drop off all her audition material, quick change and then back to the school to see Pirates. BTW very good show and a FRESHMAN had one of the leads (nice to know). They were all very talented! Anyway, after all this rambling on, back to my original statement. Earlier audition time is better - I THINK.</p>
<p>lexismom</p>
<p>What a great weekend! I was lucky enough to already be friends with a senior musical theatre major, so I got a very behind the scenes look at the program. But before all that, the audition itself was a very exciting experience. The second I stepped into the building I felt a rush of good vibes... it was strange, but I guess that's just one of those 'this is a good fit for me' kind of moments. I was introduced to Dr. Herendeen, a few of the voice teachers, and some other faculty and all were very enthusiastic and informative. The biggest thing I'd have to say about all of the faculty there, was that you could really feel that they WANTED you to do well. I know everyone tells you that, but as an auditioner, it often feels like quite the opposite at auditions. I felt very welcome at OCU, and FELT like they wanted me to do well; and that worked out well, because I did end up doing well. I was one of the Sat afternoon auditioners, so my vocal audition was an hour late. I was very surprised though when I sang my first song (which they let me pick), then they asked for my classical, and THEN they went further to ask me to sing my third piece. I knew that they were cutting things short, so I feel good about that. Lol, another thing too, was that when I was introduced to Ms. Birdwell, she said I "looked interesting" (before auditions) haha, what does that MEAN? I'll take it as some sort of compliment. In the musical theatre world, that can be good i suppose!</p>
<p>Something interesting that they talked about a lot that I never read online, was that when looking at prospective students, the musical theatre department looks for both talent and personality. They want students that are pleasant to work with. So you get the feeling that even if you mess up your aria or your monologue isn't up to par, they still may want you because of who you are. I really like that.. a lot. Dr. Herendeen especially emphasized that.</p>
<p>Pirates was very well done. If nothing else shows what OCU is all about, the shows will. The talent on stage was amazing. From the leads to the ensemble, there was not a single person up there who couldn't hold their own on a professional stage. (And I came to learn that many DO have professional jobs outside of school.) I also saw DVDs of Seussical and Guys and Dolls.. more of the same there. It's very refreshing as well to see the same kids in the operas and the musicals. That's exactly the kind of training I personally want in a school.</p>
<p>I was lucky enough to go to a Pirates cast party too, and talked to a lot of students, all of which were very nice. They all love it there, and you can tell.</p>
<p>I made a visit to admissions, and even they were extremely extremely nice and upbeat. (They had made a mistake somewhere along the line and sent me mail with my last name, and the first name of Amanda. I am a guy, so that was something I wanted to fix.. haha) regardless, my counselor was a very nice woman and we had a good laugh over it and she answered all of my questions (and, of course, fixed the mistake).</p>
<p>I really can't say enough good things about this school. There's no doubt that OCU turns out very talented and well-trained students, but aside from that, they're so dang nice.. and that really makes a good impression. It's also a plus when you're a nervous auditioner and they make you feel good about being there.</p>
<p>That sounds like a very, very Birdwellian quote.</p>
<p>Im glad to hear you had a good audition. I wish I could have made the PIRATES cast party and met you for myself but a lot of us had papers we had put off and were behind in many classes. I dont think one of us underclassmen went to it. Tech week really does put a damper on your schedule!</p>
<p>My student loved Pirates, thought it was an amazing production and had a wonderful audition. However, didn't feel that the school and people would be the right fit and has taken it off the list of possibles.</p>
<p>I have another student auditioning in February who will hopefully have a better experience. You just never know.</p>
<p>I'll keep you posted</p>
<p>I am glad it went well for those who have posted above. Fingers crossed!!
xxx,Mary Anna</p>
<p>I hesitated to post this so as not to discourage anyone, but I think it helps to be well informed......OCU's vocal audition will be the only thing to admit you to this school. They do want good kids, but that won't be taken into account at this point. They will score your vocal audition and if you receive a certain score, you're in. If you receive below that, you're out. This was told to me by staff last year. I could certainly be wrong. Maybe it has changed. The facts are that this is a school of music, very focused on opera. And I think that if you called and asked them exactly how they determine who they make offers to, if they will tell you anything at all, this is the process they will give you. And please let me add that I wish you all the very best and hope you do get in there if that is your desire. they do have a great mt program.</p>
<p>ocuyankee, I have a strange feeling I may have met you regardless.. are you from ma?
razorback, I didn't intend at all to misinform anyone. Sorry to all if it came out like a misinformed ramble. I was told how the scoring works as well, it's just that Dr. Herendeen repeated multiple times how they look for students they'd want to work with in their auditioners as well as talent. He brought it up at the pre-Pirates talk specifically. Perhaps it's not a factor in scoring, but may be the deciding factor if they're not sure which way they want to go. Who knows but them.. Thanks for the well wishes :) I have my fingers and toes crossed.</p>
<p>Yes, I'm sure if you pass their music audition (and you must do that) and they have too many kids who've done that......they could certainly look at other factors. And, I was not implying that your had misinformed. Just wanted you to know how they score so your expectations can be realistic. I do hope you get in there since it seems important to you and if you had a good audition, I'm sure you will hear good news.</p>
<p>Don't forget about the Theatre Performance degree. I have a student in it now who says she is getting great vocal and dance training as well as acting.</p>
<p>That seems to be a place they put kids they don't want to loose who don't make the vocal cut for MT. Ya?</p>
<p>Or do you think there is a different criteria for TP entirely?</p>
<p>Love to hear any comments,
xxx,Mary Anna</p>
<p>Yes, that degree is considered during the audition. And they may offer you that if they like your monologue and you don't pass vocal auditions. However, you don't get to use the first-tier voice teachers. There's a second level that you will be assigned to. so, you don't get those teachers who have given the school their high mt rep. and mary anna, you asked about the political climate there. I'm not there, so my opinion is not absolute, but.......it's oklahoma so more conservative in general. however, it is a fine arts program and those acting and mt programs tend to be full of kids who have a more liberal bent. so, i would say probably pretty liberal in general, but not as much so as many others. maybe some of the students will address this. that would be your best info. I'd say you could be very comfortable there either way because it's not extreme in either direction. There's a real mixture.</p>
<p>I met more gay guys in the MT program at OCU than I have at my school, and I'm in Massachusetts.. so it really just goes to show that the Musical Theatre world is one of it's own- regardless of where it is in the country.</p>
<p>Hi all..glad to hear that all had a good time at your OCU audition. The music school saw over 100 students in two days...quite a lot!</p>
<p>I would like to address a previous posting made by razorback. In it, they claim that the only thing that will get you into Oklahoma City University is your vocal audition. Unfortunately, this is not the case. So much more is considered in the admission of a student into the OCU School of Music. To give you the deatils from the top, here is a reply from Dr Herendeen, Director of OCU Opera and Musical Theater:</p>
<p>"While it is true that there is a scoring level that must be attained vocally, it is only one part of the score that determines whether an individual is invited
into the program. The posting implies that I, the program director, have no say in the process and that my 20 hours of monologue auditions and
interviews of last weekend were a waste of my time. Not true.</p>
<p>I have organized a very ethical process that does not give one
particular talent facet, or one evaluator's preference (even me) too much
power. Instead, we have an audition experience that gives us a detailed
snapshot of the individual in our environment on that day. There are so
many things that go into the final invitation and we begin evaluating
the students the moment they walk in the door. There are many very
talented people who are not invited into the program. Not being invited into
the program is not a statement that an auditioner is not talented. It
is not a game show where somebody "wins". Instead, it is a pre-professional program that looks for an individual that fits into our design needs this particular audition year.</p>
<p>As for the opera dominance, that is ridiculous. My gals can belt the
heck out of anything and pop off a Schubert ditty in a heartbeat; my
guys can rock with anyone and pursue Purcell. Our students each attain
their rich skill sets from different starting points, but we get them
there. I like that dimension; is the limited alternative better?"</p>
<p>Dr. Herendeen, thanks for posting here and taking such an interest in our modest CC group.</p>
<p>Your response is an interesting one. They say perceptions are everything and one has to wonder why these perception persists about OCU. I am glad to hear your retort.</p>
<p>Also I have students telling me about the "opera" style that they feels permiates the air at OCU. Maybe it's because they just saw Pirates, or maybe they are stuck on an old label that's been branded about OCU.</p>
<p>Another perception that I have heard time and time again is that the TP kids are treated as "second class citizens" Could you please address that myth/perception. My students, parents and I would appreciate hearing from you to get the straight answer.</p>
<p>thanks so much for your time and interest,</p>
<p>xxx,Mary Anna</p>
<p>Well, this isn't Dr Herendeen, but I will respond as a senior MT student.</p>
<p>If one perceives OCU's music program as "opera" because, like the art form, it is demanding, intense and one requiring skill, then that perception is correct. If this perception is due just because OCU stresses legit voice training and our students cross over from musicals to operas, then the perception is incorrect.</p>
<p>As Dr Herendeen states, opera is only one facet of OCU's music program. It is an important one and OCU produces some top performers in the field of opera. We produce two full main stage operas and one smaller one. We offer an opera workshop and an opera literature module for vocal performance students. We require classical songs as part of a student semester rep.</p>
<p>However, the exact thing can be said for musical theater. Two main stage and one smaller one...musical theater workshop and musical theater literature...musical theater songs as part of the semester rep.</p>
<p>And our graduates certainly display that kind of multi faqcted training. Kristen received a BA in MT and a Masters in Vocal Performance. Kelli O'Hara is a BA in VP, yet has sung "Albertine" and "Piazza" which certianly have opera overtones. What better kind of training can you ask to receive.</p>
<p>Both programs co exist and cross over. No one program gets more attention than the other. But if the "classical" image is one that means a demanding program to produce artist of a high caliber that deliver, then you are correct.</p>
<p>It seems that my post was shared with Dr. Herendeen. I hope it was shared as an opinion which is what I've always prefaced my info as. Now that I know it will be passed on, I'll not post any more thoughts regarding ocu. But, just to explain my past thoughts, if you look in their Schedule, the program is called "Opera Music Theatre." That's one reason for the image of a focus on Opera. And of course, the classical training is an absolute plus for the program. My opinions were formed from info quoted to me by staff in control of the music program. I never meant to imply that Dr. Herendeen's time and scoring was not a part of the process. I did not intend to say that the vocal score is the only thing that gets you in, just that vocal dominates and won't be overridden by personality or what kind of person you are. Dr. H. is terrific and I highly respect him. He's the head of the that program and his input is absolute. He does say </p>
<p>"While it is true that there is a scoring level that must be attained vocally......."</p>
<p>That is what I was referring to, the fact that there is a minimum score to be obtained. That says to me that you must attain that, and once you do, other scoring comes into play. This is the same info I've been given from OCU in the past. And I think that's all I stated, at least that was my only intent. But, please don't put me in a position of debating with Dr. H. regarding his program. These are simply impressions shared to help students understand the audition process as they are all different and OCU has their unique auditioning process. And, of course, I have nothing negative to say regarding their program. I think their program is terrific.</p>
<p>ocuMTinfo - this is such great info. Can you share how talent scholarships are given? Do personal financial conditions come into play? Is it all talent based? Are students ever re-evaluated?</p>
<p>Hi mtabc,</p>
<p>Thanks for your question. Since we're on vacation, I can't ask the official folks. But unless things have changed, the awarding of talent scholarships is simply based on what you present in your OCU audition. Each auditioner is scored on a number system. If you achieve a certain amount, you receive a certain amount of talent scholarship. These points are accumulated in your vocal and acting auditions. Your financial aid status never enters the picture for talent scholarships.</p>
<p>OCU students are not re-evaluated in order to keep their talent scholarships. However, you must maintain a certain GPA standing in order to keep your scholarship.</p>
<p>It's always best to audition as soon as possible if you are interested in talent scholarships (and this goes not just for OCU but other schools as well). If you wait till the very last audition round, there isn't as much scholarships money as there was in the first round. The next OCU auditions are February 10th and 11th. Anyone interested should sign up now as we stopped taking audition slots for one of recent audition days a month in advance. Here's the link to our audition form:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.okcu.edu/music/audition_card.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.okcu.edu/music/audition_card.asp</a></p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>My D has changed her focus to the Dance Management Degree. Since they have only one audition in late March, I'm guessing that this doesn't apply to them. I know this question may not be in your expertise....just asking.</p>