NATS Boston Virtual Student Auditions 2021
We are excited to announce that the 2021 NATS Boston Student Auditions will take place online! Please see details below for general information, recording instructions, and division requirements.
General Information
Eligibility: Participants should be actively studying with a chapter member of NATS Boston; singers & their teachers do not have to be currently living in the Boston area to participate.
All NATS Boston member teachers who submit any students to the chapter auditions must be available to serve as a judge for one of the audition categories. Teachers will adjudicate divisions in which they have not submitted students. Judging will take place February 5-14, 2021.
Application/Submission Fee: $10 per singer per division (singers may sign up for up to three divisions at $10/per division.) If this fee presents financial hardship, please email [email protected] for scholarship information.
Application:
Deadline: Submissions will be accepted from December 14, 2020 through February 1, 2021 at 11:59pm EDT.
Finals Concert: The finalists from each division will be announced during the week of February 15. Finalists will select one of their submitted videos, and NATS Boston will air the recordings in a streamed concert with live judging to follow. Finals Concert date TBA.
Prizes: NATS Boston awards cash prizes to the finalists in each division, with the number of finalists determined by the number of participants in that division. Other prizes may be awarded as determined by the finals judges. All prizes will be announced at the conclusion of the finals concert.
NATS Boston Student Auditions are non-progressive, but we do encourage singers to participate in auditions at the Regional level as well. For more information, please visit http://www.nenats.com/
Questions? Contact: Liz Eschen at [email protected]
All NATS Boston member teachers who submit any students to the chapter auditions must be available to serve as a judge for one of the audition categories. Teachers will adjudicate divisions in which they have not submitted students. Judging will take place February 5-14, 2021.
Application/Submission Fee: $10 per singer per division (singers may sign up for up to three divisions at $10/per division.) If this fee presents financial hardship, please email [email protected] for scholarship information.
Application:
- Participants will complete all registration information and submit their audition videos in the application.
- Participants will submit video recordings as UNLISTED Youtube video links in the application form. See below for recording instructions and instructions for preparing Youtube submissions.
- Upon completion of the form, singers will be directed to the payment form.
Deadline: Submissions will be accepted from December 14, 2020 through February 1, 2021 at 11:59pm EDT.
Finals Concert: The finalists from each division will be announced during the week of February 15. Finalists will select one of their submitted videos, and NATS Boston will air the recordings in a streamed concert with live judging to follow. Finals Concert date TBA.
Prizes: NATS Boston awards cash prizes to the finalists in each division, with the number of finalists determined by the number of participants in that division. Other prizes may be awarded as determined by the finals judges. All prizes will be announced at the conclusion of the finals concert.
NATS Boston Student Auditions are non-progressive, but we do encourage singers to participate in auditions at the Regional level as well. For more information, please visit http://www.nenats.com/
Questions? Contact: Liz Eschen at [email protected]
Recording Instructions
Audio and Video Recording: Participants should record their video in the spirit of a live audition or recital performance.
Submitted videos can be of any duration. Please be aware that judges will only listen to the amount of time listed under each division’s “Audition Time Limit.”
Please do not submit recordings over one year old.
Participants may (but are not required to) use an external microphone to record the sound in the room at the time of the video recording. Lip-syncing is prohibited.
Set the input/gain level of the audio recording equipment to ensure a quality audio recording without clipping or distortion.
Record a separate video for each selection on your repertoire list. No-mid performance cuts or edits should be made to the video.
Accompaniment: Singers may work with a live pianist or use a pre-recorded accompaniment for their audition videos. . Accompanists must play from authorized copies that are compliant with the NATS Copyright Policy (see below.)
If a singer is unable to provide their own recorded accompaniment, NATS Boston will provide a pianist to record a track; please email [email protected] by January 8th to submit a request.
Copyright Policy: NATS requires students, teachers and other participants in NATS affiliated events, auditions and competitions to affirm compliance with the NATS Copyright Policy, and to use only authorized reproductions of copyrighted works. All singers will need to sign their compliance of this policy in the application in order to participate in the Auditions. https://www.nats.org/Copyright_Resources.html
Repertoire:
Preparing YouTube Videos for Submission:
Settings:
Submitted videos can be of any duration. Please be aware that judges will only listen to the amount of time listed under each division’s “Audition Time Limit.”
Please do not submit recordings over one year old.
Participants may (but are not required to) use an external microphone to record the sound in the room at the time of the video recording. Lip-syncing is prohibited.
Set the input/gain level of the audio recording equipment to ensure a quality audio recording without clipping or distortion.
Record a separate video for each selection on your repertoire list. No-mid performance cuts or edits should be made to the video.
- Introduce each selection at the beginning of the video. Introduce yourself by saying: “My Name is__________; “I will sing—Title of Composition---by—Composer—and (if appropriate)—from---Title of Work”. The identity of your teacher, school, or studio should not be revealed.
- Face straight forward to the camera as you would appear to adjudicators in a live audition.
- Video recordings must clearly show the singer’s face and most of their body from the knees upward.**
- **Singers, pianists, and teachers should follow the health guidelines/regulations issued by their institution/venue wherever they are recording. Therefore, during this pandemic, masks are allowed to be worn in NATS audition videos.
- To view a short video of best practices for recording a quality audition video click HERE.
Accompaniment: Singers may work with a live pianist or use a pre-recorded accompaniment for their audition videos. . Accompanists must play from authorized copies that are compliant with the NATS Copyright Policy (see below.)
- Live recordings should follow safety protocols including physical distancing.
- Teachers may play for their own students. If the NATS-member teacher is the accompanist, they should not be visible in the video recording directly or on any reflective surface (mirror, piano surface, etc).
- Pre-recorded accompaniments can be piano or orchestral, and must be legally obtained and credited to the track creator or instrumentalists. During this crisis NATS will allow students to submit audition videos using pre-recorded tracks such as found on Appcompanist, Hal Leonard’s Virtual Library, or other similar sources. YouTube Karaoke Tracks are also acceptable. Orchestrated tracks or tracks with other instruments or voices will be acceptable at the chapter level. However, if participants are planning to submit audition materials to the regional or national auditions, please review their guidelines regarding piano-only tracks.
If a singer is unable to provide their own recorded accompaniment, NATS Boston will provide a pianist to record a track; please email [email protected] by January 8th to submit a request.
Copyright Policy: NATS requires students, teachers and other participants in NATS affiliated events, auditions and competitions to affirm compliance with the NATS Copyright Policy, and to use only authorized reproductions of copyrighted works. All singers will need to sign their compliance of this policy in the application in order to participate in the Auditions. https://www.nats.org/Copyright_Resources.html
Repertoire:
- All repertoire must be memorized, including repertoire traditionally performed with sheet music (oratorio). If you give the impression you are viewing sheet music during your audition recording, you may be disqualified.
- Songs written in uncommon languages may be sung in English or the original language, but cannot be a substitute for the required (American or British) art song with English as the original language.
- Spirituals are welcome in either Classical or Jazz & CCM categories, as determined by style.
- Participants in all categories must perform full songs or arias. 16-bar, 32-bar, etc. cuts are not acceptable.
- One original song (composed by the participant) is allowed per division entry.
- See Division Requirements below for further details.
Preparing YouTube Videos for Submission:
Settings:
- Please note that you must select "unlisted" in the Privacy settings found under the broadcasting and Sharing Options section when uploading your video file to YouTube.
- If you select "private," adjudicators will not be able to access your submission(s). If you select “Public”, you may encounter copyright issues with YouTube.
- Each video title should follow this naming convention: the singer’s name, the name of the chapter, and title of repertoire. (i.e. Jane Doe, NATS Boston, Song Title)
- In the YouTube “Notes” section, please include the Title, Composer, and Larger Work (if applicable).
- YouTube channel titles & images must NOT reveal teacher, school, or studio affiliations.
- In the application, provide the web link/address for each video that corresponds to the appropriate repertoire selection – either 2, 3, 4, or 5 total selections, depending on your audition category.
- Please double check the links you provide for each video before submitting your application.
- Videos revealing the teacher’s identity, school, or studio affiliation.
- Videos must not reveal a teacher's identity, school, or studio affiliation.
- Videos with “private” sharing options (see above).
- Videos that pan, cut, zoom, or feature multiple angles during performances.
- Videos with pre- or post-production sound editing, i.e. cuts of multiple takes, adding or reducing reverb, compression, EQ (equalization), or pitch correction.
- Videos with lip-syncing.
- Videos from live operas and theatrical performances.
Division Information
CATEGORIES: Musical Theater, Classical, and Jazz & Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM)
The following divisions will be offered for all categories: Musical Theater, Classical, and Jazz & CCM
Previous 1st Place winners in any division must advance to the next division in subsequent years; for example, a winner in Lower College Musical Theater will subsequently enter Upper College Musical Theater.
In the event that any division does not meet the minimum of 5 participants, NATS-Boston reserves the right to assign these singers to another appropriate category, or offer a refund if an appropriate category is not available or is at capacity.
Singers can view the Adjudication Form here: https://www.nats.org/_Library/NSA_Files/Adjudication_Form_with_rep_2019_July_8_rev.pdf
The following divisions will be offered for all categories: Musical Theater, Classical, and Jazz & CCM
- Juniors (Age 10-middle school)
- High School (9th-12th grade)
- Lower College (0-2 years voice study post-high school)
- Upper College (0-5 years voice study post-high school, all as undergraduate)
- Emerging Professional (4+ years collegiate or equivalent music training, includes graduate training, pursuing professional voice work)
- Adult Avocational (21+, no limit for years of study, not pursuing professional voice work)
Previous 1st Place winners in any division must advance to the next division in subsequent years; for example, a winner in Lower College Musical Theater will subsequently enter Upper College Musical Theater.
In the event that any division does not meet the minimum of 5 participants, NATS-Boston reserves the right to assign these singers to another appropriate category, or offer a refund if an appropriate category is not available or is at capacity.
Singers can view the Adjudication Form here: https://www.nats.org/_Library/NSA_Files/Adjudication_Form_with_rep_2019_July_8_rev.pdf
Division Requirements
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Classical
Juniors Years of Study: No limit Age Range: 10 - middle school Audition Time Limit: 8 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Two contrasting selections from classical repertoire. One art song must be in English. High School Years of Study: No limit Age Range: 14-19/ 9th-12th Grade Audition Time Limit: 8 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting selections from classical repertoire. One art song in English. One art song in a foreign language. One additional art song or aria. Lower College Years of Study: 0-2 years post high school Age Limit: 22 Audition Time Limit: 10 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting selections from classical repertoire. One art song in English. One art song in a foreign language. One additional art song or aria. Upper College Years of Study: 3-5 years post high school all as undergraduate Age Limit: 25 Audition Time Limit: 12 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Four contrasting selections from classical repertoire. One aria. One art song in English. One foreign language art song. One additional selection. At least three languages must be represented. Emerging Professional Years of Study: 4+ years collegiate or equivalent music training Age Limit: 21+ Audition Time Limit: 15 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Five contrasting selections from classical repertoire. One operatic aria. One oratorio/cantata aria. One foreign language art song. One art song in English. One additional selection from the classical repertoire. At least three languages must be represented. Adult Avocational Years of Study: No limit Age Limit: 21+ Audition Time Limit: 10 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting selections from classical repertoire. One art song in English. One art song in a foreign language. One additional art song or aria. |
Musical Theater
Juniors Years of Study: No limit Age Range: 10 - middle school Audition Time Limit: 8 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Two contrasting music theater selections from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theater song cycles or music theatre song literature. Only one selection may be chosen from operetta or musical theater song literature. High School Years of Study: No limit Age: 14-19/ 9th-12th grade Audition Time Limit: 8 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting music theater selections from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theater song cycles or music theatre song literature. Only one selection may be chosen from operetta or musical theater song literature. Lower College Years of Study: 0-2 years post high school Age Limit: 22 Audition Time Limit: 10 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting music theater selections from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theater song cycles or music theatre song literature. Only one selection may be chosen from operetta or musical theater song literature. Upper College Years of Study: 3-5 years post high school all as undergraduate Age Limit: 25 Audition Time Limit: 12 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Four contrasting music theater selections from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theater song cycles or music theatre song literature. Only one selection may be chosen from operetta or musical theater song literature. Emerging Professional Years of Study: 4+ years collegiate or equivalent music training Age Limit: 21+ Audition Time Limit: 15 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Five contrasting musical theater selections from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theater song cycles or music theatre song literature. Only one selection may be chosen from operetta or musical theater song literature. Adult Avocational Years of Study: No limit Age: 21+ Audition Time Limit: 10 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting music theater selections from musicals (including film musicals), revues, operettas, music theater song cycles or music theatre song literature. Only one selection may be chosen from operetta or musical theater song literature. |
Jazz & CCM
Juniors Years of Study: No limit Age Range: 10 - middle school Audition Time Limit: 8 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Two contrasting age-appropriate selections from jazz, pop, rock, or other commercial repertoire genres. Singers may specialize in a particular genre and have contrasting selections within the chosen genre OR may select repertoire from more than one genre. Singers may choose to accompany themselves on one or more selections, on an appropriate instrument. High School Years of Study: No limit Age: 14-19/ 9th-12th grade Audition Time Limit: 8 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting age-appropriate selections from jazz, pop, rock, or other commercial repertoire genres. Singers may specialize in a particular genre and have contrasting selections within the chosen genre OR may select repertoire from more than one genre. Singers may choose to accompany themselves on one or more selections, on an appropriate instrument. Lower College Years of Study: 0-2 years post high school Age: 22 Audition Time: 10 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting selections from jazz, pop, rock, or other commercial repertoire genres. Singers may specialize in a particular genre and have contrasting selections within the chosen genre OR may select repertoire from more than one genre. Singers may choose to accompany themselves on one or more selections, on an appropriate instrument. Upper College Years of Study: 3-5 years post high school all as undergraduate Age Limit: 25 Audition Time Limit: 12 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Four contrasting selections from jazz, pop, rock, or other commercial repertoire genres. Singers may specialize in a particular genre and have contrasting selections within the chosen genre OR may select repertoire from more than one genre. Singers may choose to accompany themselves on one or more selections, on an appropriate instrument. Emerging Professional Years of Study: 4+ years collegiate or equivalent music training Age Limit: 21+ Audition Time Limit: 15 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Five contrasting selections from jazz, pop, rock, or other commercial repertoire genres. Singers may specialize in a particular genre and have contrasting selections within the chosen genre OR may select repertoire from more than one genre. Singers may choose to accompany themselves on one or more selections, on an appropriate instrument. Adult Avocational Years of Study: No limit Age Limit: 21+ Audition Time Limit: 10 minutes Repertoire Requirement: Three contrasting selections from jazz, pop, rock, or other commercial repertoire genres. Singers may specialize in a particular genre and have contrasting selections within the chosen genre OR may select repertoire from more than one genre. Singers may choose to accompany themselves on one or more selections, on an appropriate instrument. |
