This has always been a tough one for me. How do I determine if someone has got what it takes to be in our band? Here’s what we’ve done up until this point. At a week out, I ask the auditioner (don’t know if that is a real word) to send me 2 songs he/she would like to sing. After receiving these, I pick one they gave me and ask him/her to learn one I picked based on his/her range. This helps me determine 2 things… No 1. what is this persons vocal range/style… No 2. is this person going to be able to get out of his/her vocal comfort zone. When he/she arrives at the actual audition, I ask him/her how they came to Revolution and clarify the churches vision and mission. This is key to me… that each person involved in the band understands why we exist and who we are trying to reach.
The next step is to let them sing. I’ve tried this step a variety of different ways from having him/her sing a cappella, with just an acoustic guitar, to singing with a full band. It really depends on the types of songs that he/she is auditioning to. I’m never the only person in the room to hear the performance. I always want at least 2 other trusted musicians there with me… sort of like American Idol.
I don’t let them know how they did initially. I send an email out to them the next day letting them know if he/she made the cut or not. Keep in mind, I intentionally let the auditioner know up front that this is a cut and dry process and I’m gonna be completely honest with him/her whether it hurts his/her feelings are not. However, there is tact involved.
I think that about covers it. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the matter. What do you do different?
**UPDATE** I now realize that I only hit on vocalists. Stay tuned for our instrumentalists audition process.
