AUDITION & INTERVIEW GUIDELINES

Sound Engineering Degree - Interview Guidelines
All candidates interested in the Sound Engineering program are required to interview. Perspective students should call the Commercial Music Department Chair at 409-984-6520 to schedule your interview. Students residing outside Southeast Texas may interview by telephone, with permission from the department chair. You should arrive at your interview prepared to discuss such topics as your personal and professional goals, your musical interest, and your experience so far in the music industry.

Performance Degree - Audition Guidelines
Students in the Performance: "Session Musician" major are selected by audition. The audition is designed to help you demonstrate your strengths while helping us assess your overall musicianship, technical proficiency, and potential to succeed in LSCPA's performance program.

Please plan to arrive at the audition 30 minutes prior to your audition time so you have time to warm-up. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to accommodate any delays caused by traffic or getting lost along the way.

Here are some specific details regarding your audition day:

• Amplifiers for guitarists and bass players will be provided.
• A standard 4 or 5 piece drum set with a hi-hat and 2 cymbals will be provided for the audition. Any drummer who wants to play their own kit must have it assembled and ready to play prior to the scheduled audition time.
• A keyboard will be provided for auditioning pianists.
• A CD/Cassette/iPod compatible stereo will be provided for vocal accompaniment tracks.

Scheduling Your Audition
A notice will be posted on the department home page, www.lscpacm.com, as well as the Lamar State College – Port Arthur Facebook page, identifying when auditions will be scheduled. Prospective students need to call the Commercial Music Department Chair at 409-984-6520 in advance, to schedule a time slot for the auditions days.

The Audition

For Vocalists:

• Selection of 2 differing genres of music (Country, R&B, Blues, Classic standards, Jazz or Rock and Roll) should be presented by the vocalist to the audition committee.
• There should be some contrast between selections so that vocal versatility is displayed.
• Your interpretation of these songs is important, as this will show the committee your "style" and creativity.
• You are responsible for providing your own accompaniment (pre-recorded, live musician, or self-accompanied). However, only 1 of the 2 songs may be a cappella.
• This audition will be without the use of microphones.

For Instrumentalists:

• To prepare for your audition, please listen to and play along with the practice track provided for each song.
• At the time of your audition, you will play your part along with the performance track (which has your specific instrument missing).
• Use the provided practice track and chord chart as a reference.
• Except for where notated on the chart, exact duplication of the pre-recorded performance is not required. This allows you to show your "style" and creativity to the audition committee.
• You may also be asked to play a short selection of your choice, showing off any talents not showcased in the Audition Tracks.

Touring Band Auditions
Students accepted in the Commercial Music Program: "Session Musician" are assigned an ensemble, based on instrumentation and skill level. Those students wishing to be performers with the prestigious Touring Band must audition at the beginning of each semester. The Touring Band is appropriately named because this is the band that performs gigs in the greater Southeast Texas region, usually two performances a month.