Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 9/13/2008

Question
QUESTION: "Hi, I will soon be auditioning for a local production of Oliver and I need some suggestions of songs to sing for my audition.  I am a mezzo-soprano and I do not have a very wide vocal range.  I would greatly appreciate any suggestions that you may have."


ANSWER: Hi Kylee...Thanks for writing.  

It sounds to me like it would be good for your to look for alto songs for your audition.  If you go to a large library, you can usually find music categorized in ranges.  

Without knowing you or your voice or your experience, I cannot suggest a particular song.  But what I can do is suggest that you look for a song that you like in an alto range and do your best with it.  

Does that help you?

Wanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much Wanda:
I am considering using "Hello Young Lovers" from The King and I; "Ladies Who Lunch" from Company or "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret.  What do you think of those choices?  I have sung in church choirs and school choirs ever since I was in junior high and I have been active in local musical theater for the past four years.  Thank you so much for your help.

Answer
Hi Kylee...Thanks for writing back.  Sounds like you did some homework.  :)  Good for you.  

Well, the first and last of the musicals you chose are excellent choices.  I'm not as familiar with Company.  But that does not make them bad choices.  Let me ask you some questions to help you decide:

1.  Which song do you most like or are most comfortable with right away?

2.  Which song do you think shows what you can do the best?

3.  How much of a song do you need for the audition?  

4.  Would having a song that is more familiar be to your advantage or disadvantage for this audition?

Once you know, then practice first learning the tune without the words, then add the words, then add actions to tell the story.  And you should be ready to roll.  

Does that help you?

Wanda