<p>Since we've been chatting about our past experiences at auditions, I thought it would make sense to begin a thread where those auditioning this season (early 2014) could post up to date information. Please let us know the school, where you stayed and would you recommend the place, restaurants and coffee shops you found and how the school handled the whole day (such as was there parking and the cost, meetings, available seating for parents and students awaiting testing or auditions, how practice rooms were assigned and were there food and beverages provided throughout the session). Share anything that you feel would be of help to those next year and don't be afraid to tell us if you feel that there were things that really didn't go as they should have.</p>
<p>My daughter had her first audition at Lawrence. It was also their first audition day. They were very organized. They said the number of students was low because it was the first day. There were refreshments available throughout the day and they gave us a meal ticket for brunch. There were informational meetings throughout the day and even a yoga class. Warm-up rooms were available. Signage was up to point us to the correct rooms. Current students were eager to talk about their experiences. My daughter said the faculty was warm and welcoming during the audition. They asked her questions about her goals and were very complimentary. She sang two songs although she was prepared for more if they had asked. The department director was her accompanist. She scheduled Lawrence first because there was no pre-screen and she wanted to work out any auditioning kinks on the school she was lukewarm about attending, but honestly she fell in love with Lawrence because of the way they handled things. They are also dabbling in musical theatre and she loves that. All the hotels are pretty convenient and reasonably priced. We drove so I don’t know about the airport. Cute little town of about 70,000 people. But cold. Very cold.</p>
<p>That’s exactly the type of post that is helpful here, Dradsmom, thank! Glad to hear that it went well and that your D was properly prepared (by taking extra pieces along in case they were asked for). Could you let us know what the nearest airport is as well as the nearest city of any size?</p>
<p>There is a small regional airport in Appleton (the city Lawrence is located in). A larger airport would be in Green Bay–about 30-40 minutes to the north (Austin Straubel airport).</p>
<p>University of Maryland is CLOSED today due to weather. My child’s audition is scheduled for 1:30 today. I hope they will be able to work her in tomorrow. This is an airline ticket, ground transportation and 3 days of hotel. Fall or summer auditions would be so much easier.</p>
<p>It’s like 2010 all over again. (By the way, can we ask the moderator to change the title of this thread, which is setting us 90 years in the future?)</p>
<p>My D auditioned at Chapman in October for vocal performance. Very basic - no meetings or anything. She showed up, checked in, the accompanist found her & they warmed up, then went in to audition. So nothing fancy, but everything ran on time & well-organized. The auditioners were warm & encouraging. She’s been accepted there EA & it will be a strong contender if we can afford it!</p>
<p>We are headed to USC Thornton this weekend, which looks to be a little more involved. I will post here after our day there.</p>
<p>Oops! That’s what happens when my large cat, Figaro, sprawls across my keyboard! Thanks, glassharmonica, I’ll contact the powers-that-be and ask to have the date corrected.</p>
<p>POTO Mom - Please let us know if things worked out. I know most schools say to plan your travel with snow delays in mind, but I’m curious how they handle when they have to close!</p>
<p>Also, a general reminder for those coming to Midwest and Northeast schools from warmer climates… Prepare for cold as well as snow. It’s been brutal this winter, with many days having wind chills of -20F or worse. Even if you only have to walk a couple blocks, it will feel extremely cold to anyone not used to it (and even those of us who are!). It may be a bright, sunny day, but BRRRRRRR!</p>
<p>I will second that. Here in the Midwest we have had several days where schools were closed due to extreme wind chill temperatures, and we have had snow almost EVERY DAY for the last month! So, bring snow boots–even if things are shoveled, there is enough snow and ice base everywhere to make it slippery and difficult (especially wearing performance shoes). Hats, scarves and gloves a must!</p>
<p>On a week like this you’d need snowboots and a parka pretty much everywhere on the east coast north of, say, Florida! Don’t forget a portable humidifier, either.</p>
<p>POTO Mom …So sorry to hear about your child’s audition cancelation, which adds another level of stress to the whole process. U of Maryland’s School of Music said they were resuming auditions at 11:00am today. I sure hope you were rescheduled. When you have time, please let us know how the school handled this difficult situation.</p>
<p>This is a great thread–I’m an alum (parent) but I remember these “what to expect” audition threads to be very helpful in my son’s audition year, from those either currently auditioning or for those who had auditioned at a particular school the year before.</p>
<p>The MOST helpful information was about preparation. For example, in jazz 5 years ago with exactly one exception (out of 7 schools) the audition was nothing like what was described on schools’ websites. Knowing what to expect, really, was critical. But knowing that it wouldn’t necessarily go according to plan was critical, because–believe it or not, even with a jazz musician–knowing to expect the unexpected helped manage expectations. Does that make sense?</p>
<p>Anyway, this forum has always been about paying it forward–great job keeping that dream alive!</p>
<p>" For example, in jazz 5 years ago with exactly one exception (out of 7 schools) the audition was nothing like what was described on schools’ websites."</p>
<p>ABSOLUTELY.</p>
<p>Rolling with the punches is essential. Even weather reschedules–grad school bound D had a conflict with a weather reschedule in the East, which then conflicted with an audition in the West. When she called the admissions dept in the West, she got the “sorry no reschedules” answer. When she called faculty, advising them that she would not audition, they set up a private weekend audition. If you don’t hear what you need to hear from the admissions folk, contact faculty that you have (hopefully) already met. (granted this probably works a lot better for the smaller grad school pool of auditioners)</p>
<p>GertrudeMcFuzz–congrats on your D getting into Chapman! My S is a sophomore there getting his BFA in theater performance. Wishing you the best on the USC audition!</p>
<p>Even though we aren’t doing auditions this year, I am so grateful to read everything on this forum as we will be going through this next year with our younger S. I really like the “expect the unexpected” advice.</p>
<p>It is brutally cold in the Great Lakes region this week, next week is looking just as bad and snow is a given.Singers, wind instrument and brass players, make sure to bring scarves and cover your lower face when outside. A small portable humidifier in your luggage will be a help too. Last night, ABC informed us that 80%+ of the surface of the Great Lakes is frozen over and while that should slow the Lake Effect snow, I can firmly state that isn’t happening (I can see Lake Erie from my front porch) it’s the wind patterns are dropping down from the Arctic and bringing a daily dose of snow!
Leave the idea of fashion behind and bundle up in down (those little short jackets don’t offer much in the way of warmth) and don’t forget the boots. Be very careful when walking- wind can sweep the pavement and leave behind black ice and nasty falls can result.</p>
<p>Thanks Momsings - D really loves Chapman & it is relatively close to home, but so far coming in a little pricier than others. Is your S enjoying it??</p>