Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 9/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am a 15 year old soprano 1.  I am going to audition for my school's musical this year, Fiddler on the Roof.  The problem is that I don't have much experience in auditioning, as I have only done it a couple of times.  Because I don't have much experience, I am having a really hard time finding a song to sing for the audition.  I really want to play the part of Hodel or Chava.  If you could suggest any songs that would be fantastic.

ANSWER: Hi there, Allison...And thanks for writing.

Since I do not know you personally nor do I have the opportunity to see you on the stage or hear you, it is really difficult for me to answer this question thoroughly.  But let me try to give you some tips on finding songs that I think will help.

Congrats on the audition BTW.  That is awesome.

First, I would say that if you know your range, that is a great start.  In the library, there usually are sections of songs classed in ranges.  The best thing to do is to go to the library and listen to songs in your range.  From there, pick a song that you can identify with (something in the words or music clicks with you), that you can understand, and that you can sing.  Then rehearse it well to prepare.

Another way to find a song is to talk with someone at your school - like a director or vocal coach or choir teacher.  Get them to help you find a song.  They will know you better than I do and will be able to point you to some resources that are useful for you and that are easy for you to access.

And finally, do you know any musicals that you like?  For e.g. Wicked or Hair Spray.  Are there any songs in musicals like these that you identify with or you like?  Go to your library and see if you can find these musicals to listen to.  Choose a song that works and there you go.

You can also choose from songs that you like and that you think could be or should be acted out.  

Does that help you?

Wanda



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

QUESTION: Thanks for the advice, but I have been told before that I shouldn't pick songs from well-known musicals because they are more likely to be sung by a lot of people.  Should I be worried about this, or should I just pick a song that I really like and connect to?  (there are only about 500 in my high school and about 60 that will audition for the musical if that helps at all)

Answer
Hi there, Allison...

Well, finding a song that is not a really well known song or from a well known musical would be good.  For sure.  But if you cannot, then finding one that you can really relate to is the better choice.  Try to pick a song that is not necessary one that everyone in the world knows and you should be good.

Does that help you?

Wanda