The Audition Process

Singers Audition
An audition for the Celebration Iowa Singers includes performance of a prepared piece or pieces, sight reading, and ear training. The Celebration Iowa staff recommends preparing two pieces of contrasting styles for this audition. A dance audition is also a part of the singer selection process. The dance audition consists of learning and performing choreography similiar to that in the Celebration Iowa show. The audition process is a great learning experience, not to mention FUN! The Celebration Iowa audition staff enjoys working with eager students and loves to see the auditionees perform and smile.

Jazz Band Audition
An audition for the Celebration Iowa Jazz Band includes performance of a prepared pieces or pieces, scales, and improvisation. The Celebration Iowa staff recommends preparing two pieces of contrasting styles for this audition. The Celebration Iowa audition staff may ask the auditionee to perform selected scales. Improvisation, generally a standard progression (like a 12-bar blues) is accompanied by a recording. Like an audition for the Celebration Iowa Singers, the Jazz Band audition is a learning and building experience for the student, an excellent opportunity to learn a bit more about jazz and a fun way to meet other students interested in jazz.

Rehearsal Camp and On the Road

Rehearsal Camp
A day of Celebration Iowa rehearsal camp is hard work, but also very fun! Days being around 8:00 a.m., and conclude at 9:30 p.m. A typical day for a singer/dancer cast member includes choreography practice, which is taught by choreographers from around the state and surrounding areas. They work with the singers/dancers to teach different dancing techniques, and help polish each set. Practices also consist of vocal rehearsals, where vocal coaching and sectionals take place. Jazz band members rehearse jazz charts and show music during their rehearsals, and also learn jazz theory and improvisation techniques. Guest artists are brought to rehearsal camp to coach the jazz band members. Practices are separated with breaks; lunch break is a good time to get to know fellow cast members, as well as watch a little television or check your email. Dinner break is longer than lunch, and many cast members choose to take naps (rehearsal takes a lot of energy!), write letters, socialize, or do the ever-so-popular large load of laundry! After dinner, mass rehearsals take place every evening. This is a great time to see what each group has been up to, and see how amazing the show is becoming!After rehearsals are done for the day, cast members choose what they wish to do until bed check, which is at 11:15 p.m. Most cast members use this time to chat and get to know each other by hanging out in the dorm, playing hackie sack on the library lawn, or frisbee in the parking lot.

On the Road
After a great stay with a host family, cast members board the charter bus (our home away from home), ready for another day of performing! Bus rides can be anywhere from 30 minutes to six hours, depending on the location of the next show site. Cast members tend to like the longer bus rides, because sleep is what the majority of the cast do during this time! Bus time is also a great time to listen to music, play cards, or socialize with your friends. After lunch, cast members unload the truck and set up for the show. Each cast member belongs to a "crew," and has his or her duties for unload and set up. After set up, rehearsal and sound checks take place, followed by dinner, hosted by the town (these are wonderful meals!). Cast then get dressed for the show, meet in the "call circle," and perform another great show for another wonderful audience! After the two and a half hour show, cast members tear down and reload the truck, and then are sent home with their host families for the evening.