OK, before I get into details about auditions for parts at the NAC, this is just a reminder that we have 15 double passes to Titanic 3D on Valentine’s Day to give away. We’ll be having a random draw for the tickets on Monday morning. How do you get a chance to win? Just “like” the Canada’s Capital Cappies page and then watch this blog and the Facebook page on Monday morning to find out who the lucky winners are. More details on the draw here.
I just got a note from Gary Morton, Musical Director of the Cappies Gala, with details about this year’s auditions for the Cappies Chorus and the selection process for musicians for the Cappies Orchestra. Both opportunities are amazing, offering a chance to perform at the National Arts Centre in front of a packed house. The only requirement, and it applies to both the Chorus and the Orchestra, is that you attend a school that participates in Cappies and are in Grade 9-12. You do not have to have been in your school’s production this year.
Remember that auditions for the Cappies Chorus are coming up very soon: at Sir Wilfrid Laurier on Feb. 14, at Merivale on Feb. 15, at Earl of March on Feb. 16, and at the National Arts Centre on Feb. 22. All auditions start at 4 p.m. You do not have to sign up to take part — just show up. Auditions are very casual and fun, so no need to be nervous. The auditions are conducted by two very cool cats: Gala Director Jim McNabb and Gala Musical Director Gary Morton. If you’re worried that it might be too much like Hollywood Week on American Idol, don’t worry — there is no nausea, screaming or drama involved, just a very supportive group of people getting together to share a love of music (all together, “Awwwww”). Really. Jim and Gary go to most of our Cappies shows, and they put in an incredible amount of time making sure that everything goes off without a hitch on the big night (which this year, circle your calendars, is Sunday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m.)
Meet Gary Morton, left, and Jim McNabb — you'll be seeing them at our Cappies Chorus auditions. They don't bite...honest. This file photo from the 2009 Gala was taken by Citizen photographer John Major.
If you want to try out for the Cappies Chorus, you have to do a little bit of homework. First, you will want to take a look at the lyrics and music for the audition:
Audition – Read the sheet music here
Audition – Read the lyrics here
Then you should listen to it:
Audition – Listen to the Music here
This year’s audition song is Comedy Tonight, from the musical A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (note that it’s not the song we’ll be using at the Gala). If you didn’t see Nepean’s version of that show in 2010, you missed a great night of theatre. However, their nominated performance lives on in a Gala excerpt that’s on YouTube (watch Gary Morton in action in the background). If you’re going to audition, you might want to listen to that, too. There will be a piano player to play for your audition. It is best if you can learn the melody and the lyric before you arrive, but if you are reading this at the last minute and still want to try out, don’t worry, Jim and Gary do a few group warmups before they’ll make you fly solo.
One of the great things about being in the Cappies Orchestra is that all students are paired with professional musicians from the Stevens & Kennedy Band (such as former Merivale student Ylan Chu, shown here with S&K's Ian Clyne). For several weeks, these pros work one on one with student musicians. File photo by Jana Chytilova.
If you want to be a part of the Cappies Orchestra, you will want to read this note from Gary:
Instrumentalist Positions
I will need the following instrumentalists from within the Cappies schools. The players should be at an accelerated level and at least at a Grade 8 or 10 Conservatory level of playing ability. Good reading ability is a must, good sight reading would be a definite asset. The ability to phrase and articulate in a “pop/show music” style is an absolute necessity.
The student portion of the Cappies Orchestra consists of:
1 Flute/Picc
1 Clarinet
2 Trumpets
1 Tenor Sax
1 Bari Sax
2 Trombones
4 First Violins
4 Second Violins
2 Violas
2 Cellos
1 Guitar
1 Piano/Keyboard
1 Drum Kit /Percussion
Last year’s Cappies Orchestra was fantastic and I salute their enthusiasm and abilities.
Age is of no concern only the ability to produce a good sound, be attentive and have positive attitude.
Please contact me at the email listed below
Gary Morton
gdmorton@magma.ca
The Cappies Orchestra warms up just before the start of the 2007 Gala. File photo by Jana Chytilova.
So there you have it — two chances to perform on a world-class stage. And if you’ve been in the Chorus or Orchestra before, feel free to post your experience on the Canada’s Capital Cappies Facebook page.
