Auditions for the Stereotypes are now closed. We will next be holding auditions in Fall 2013! If you like to sing, we would absolutely love to hear you! To sign up for an audition, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our Group Coordinator, Michael Schwartz.

Your Audition

Preparation

Try to arrive at least 5-10 minutes early, so you have time to fill out the exceedingly fun Stereotypes questionnaire. Your audition will be approximately 10-15 minutes of pure joy.

Warm-up/Range

Our music director, Jonathan, will play some simple scales on the piano and will ask you to sing along, repeating each exercise a few times, each time moving a half step higher or lower (something like this). We're trying to get an idea of your range, but are also listening for your tone quality and intonation.

Tonal Memory

Jonathan will play several series of 3 or 4 pitches on the keyboard, and ask you to sing them back on something like "doo" or "lah." Don't worry about sounding your sexiest -- we're just listening for accuracy here.

Solo

You should sing a verse and chorus (or about that length) of a song that best shows off your vocal talent -- if you're an opera singer, sing something operatic. If you like musical theatre, sing that. If you drive down the highway with your windows rolled down, blasting your lungs out to whatever's on the radio, sing that. Everyone likes different music, and we want to see how you can add to our musical makeup.

Vocal Percussion

If you indicate on the questionnaire that you can beatbox, we'll ask you to show us your stuff! Free-style percussion is welcome, though it's also helpful for us to hear you perform as if there were a song playing. We're listening for tempo consistency, creativity, and clarity.

Most Importantly

There will be a PHYSICAL CHALLENGE!!  But we can't really tell you about that.

Callbacks

The Callback list will be posted by 8:00am Monday morning, September 3rd. You can find it at the Music School, SoFoHo, and the home page of this website. If you are called back, we'll send you an email with more details. Keep in mind, callbacks will start later that morning (Labor Day), so you should check your email early! Also remember, you can go to as many callbacks as you want. For more information about the callback process, visit the ACAC webpage.

At the callback, you will be asked to warm-up again (including falsetto), sing a chord with the group, learn part of one of our arrangements, and perform another song of your choice. Your callback will be approximately 30 minutes of absolute bliss.

FAQ's

What is ACAC?

ACAC is the governing body for a cappella auditions at Wash U. It is made up of representatives from each group, and together they work to organize auditions every fall. If you want to try out for one or more groups, you will need to understand how ACAC works, so be sure to visit the A Cappella Advisory Council web page.

What if I get called back to more than one group?

Because of the way ACAC runs auditions, you can go to as many callbacks as your little heart desires. To make your final decision for which group you'd like to be in, you have to fill out a preference card. If more than one of the groups you list wants you as a member, the one you list higher (the Stereotypes, duh) will take you. Check out the ACAC website for more information.

Why should I choose the Stereotypes?

This question is answered extensively on the bio page! A shorter answer would be that every group excels in different ways and prioritizes different things - it's up to you to decide what's most important to you.

What are the Stereotypes doing this year?

We'll be producing two HUGE a cappella shows, one in the fall, and one in the spring. We also plan to compete in ICCA again; we'll do everything we can to make it to nationals again this year! We will start recording tracks for our fourth CD, and we'll go on tour in the spring semester to a location you will help determine!

Do I have to have singing experience?

Singing experience is not required to audition or to become a member of The Stereotypes. Shower singers are welcome, as are choir members and famous pop-stars. Our members' various musical backgrounds make the group more interesting.

Do I have to have dancing experience?

No. The Stereotypes choreograph at least a couple songs every semester, but even our most un-coordinated members (there are several) do just fine.

What if I get nervous for auditions?

Nervous is good! Being nervous means that you care, and we know that. Auditions can be scary, so we try to keep the atmosphere as laid back as possible; we really want you to do your best. If you're feeling really nervous when you walk through the door, just tell us. You'll feel a little bit better right away, and we may be able to to offer you a donut or some cookie cake.

Is there anything else I can do to improve my chances?

Practice, and make sure you're comfortable with every step of the auditions process. Be enthusiastic about singing and music. Try to figure out what you can offer the group that no one else can, and make sure we know it!

Can I audition to do VP only?

Unfortunately, no. We always perform a few songs without vocal percussion every year, so every member of the group must be able to sing in the block. However, if you are a crazy awesome beat-boxing machine, we ask that you still try out -- your singing may be better than you give yourself credit for!

How many people are you looking for?

There's never a definite number of guys we're looking for, but we tend to take between three and five new members every year, and the total number of current Stereotypes usually hovers between 12 and 16.

What voice parts are you looking for?

No matter what they say, every group is always looking for low basses. Other than that though, we're just looking for guys whose voices and personalities blend with the group. If that's you, then we can probably find something for you to sing!

Why are you called "The Stereotypes?"

Aside from the requisite musical pun [see: Preamble to "Constitution for Naming an A Cappella Group"], it gives us license to be politically incorrect. It also represents the group's diversity, not only of race and religion, but of musical background and personality as well. We're all very different guys, coming together because we love to sing.

What kind of time commitment is the Stereotypes?

We spend a good bit of time together. Typical weeks include three 2-hour rehearsals (one on the weekend) and the occasional small gig. Each year, we perform two large-scale concerts, so there's about one week each semester when you'll eat, breathe, and live the Stereotypes. Additionally, we have regular CD recording sessions, we compete in ICCA in the spring, and we tour every few years. Even though the Stereotypes is a significant time commitment, we carefully schedule our rehearsals and events in order to be respectful of our members' lives outside of the group, leaving time for studying, resting, and enjoying other parts of college life (use your imagination). As any of us will tell you, the time we all spend together is absolutely worth it!

Other Questions?

Contact one of our members!