Audition for the Booker T. Choir

The Music department of Booker T. Washington HSPVA is committed to providing our students with the formal instruction that will prepare them to successfully  enter a program of music study at an institution of higher learning.  The music department consists of 7 full time faculty members for 260 music students. 

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​Our faculty consists of active musicians who perform and maintain a national presence. Nathan Myers (Music Cluster Coordinator, Director of Opera & Vocal Studies), is a proud alumnus of Booker T. Washington HSPVA with graduate degrees in music from SMU and Mannes College of Music. As an RSVP Records artist, he has been featured on gospel and jazz recordings. With 20 years of national and international professional operatic solo experience, he remains in demand for operatic roles, recitals and concerts. Scott Boni (Director of Jazz Studies) holds an undergraduate degree in performance from Berklee College of Music and a Masters degree in Modern American Music performance from the Longy School of Music, and is an active performer and recording artist. William George-Twyman (Choral Director) holds multiple Masters of Music, and is ABD in Choral Conducting from the University of Oklahoma. He has performed internationally as both singer and conductor. Dr. Michael Jacko (Orchestra Director) has served as conductor of the Maryland Sinfonietta and Cover Conductor of the National Gallery of Art Orchestra in Washington DC, at the university level and holds advanced degrees in music and conducting. Larry Schnitzer (Wind Ensemble Director) is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumnus of the Arts Magnet High School at Booker T. Washington. He maintains a busy schedule as a clinician and adjudicator and is affiliated with TMEA and TMAA. Kent Ellingson (AP Music Theory/Vocal Jazz/Jazz Piano) earned his BME and MME from the University of North Texas with emphasis in jazz pedagogy. He is a very active Jazz pianist throughout Dallas and North Texas; has been nationally cited for his successful teaching in AP Music Theory. Leonard Hayes (Director of Piano Studies) earned his Master in Music Performance and Literature from Eastman School of Music. Steve Schrag (Guitar Studies) has played in live bands and studio sessions across the nation, and maintains an active performance schedule in addition to teaching. 
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Audition Requirements and Scoring 
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Booker T. Choir!
The most up to date audition information is listed at https://www.dallasisd.org/Page/44184  Please consult this site for the most up to date information. 

Vocal Audition Material
Perform one selection from memory from one of the following choices:
o Pathways of Song (any volume)
o Folksongs for Young Singers (any volume)
o Any other age-appropriate classical song
 Students MUST bring a copy of the sheet music for their song.
 Perform a series of vocalizes to determine range, vocal quality, and general vocal health.
 Matching of pitches played on a piano.
 Be prepared to sight read.