The Audition

The categories of talent utilized in a Duquesne University Tamburitzans performance are:

1. Dance
2. Vocal
3. Instrumental

Remember that you are in competition with other applicants. Because of the nature of a Tamburitzans performance and because of the limited number of scholarships, all auditionees should prepare their presentations in a way which demonstrates talent in as many categories as is possible.

Dance: The dance portions of a Tamburitzans production are mainly folk and character styles. Ballet training is also desirable, as many of the choreographies which the Tamburitzans present also utilize ballet techniques. If at all possible, the auditionee's dance presentation should be
oriented towards these dance types; however, a jazz, tap, or ballet presentation is a perfectly acceptable means of conveying the auditionee's abilities, and will by no means be given less consideration. It is recommended that a modern (interpretive or non-rhythmic) dance
presentation be avoided.

Vocal: Although the Tamburitzans show is based upon folk styles, the vocal presentation can be of any style or type - folk, pop, classical, etc. Even if your talent is strictly instrumental or strictly dance, it is recommended that your audition include a vocal presentation. If you do
not include it, the judges may request that you sing something on the spot in order to determine your vocal abilities. If singing is not your specialty, then pick a song that you like and know fairly well ("Happy Birthday" would be fine). If your presentation is strictly vocal, please know that
although it is certainly possible, the Tamburitzans rarely select an auditionee solely on the basis of his/her vocal talent.

Instrumental: The Tamburitzans have a need for a wide variety of instrumentalists. The following is a list of the musical instruments commonly used in a Tamburitzans performance:

1. Tamburitza Family: Prim, Brac, Celo, Bugarija, Berde

2. Accordion: Piano, Button

3. Woodwinds/Reeds: Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone (soprano)

4. Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass

5. Fretted: Guitar, Mandolin

6. Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba/Euphonium

7. Percussion: (limited) Snare, Various hand drums, Tupan (folk drum)

8. Other East European Folk Instruments: Kaval, Balalaika, Domra, Bandura, Panpipe (Nai), Frula, Cimbalom (hammered dulcimer), Gadulka, etc.

9. Keyboard

If your instrumental specialty is not included on the list, still include it in your audition. For example, a piano performance will at least indicate an understanding of music and a level of musicality, but should be limited to a maximum of three minutes.

The time limit for the audition is exactly 15 minutes. If your presentation exceeds this time limit, you will be asked to stop. On the other hand, if the total audition is less than 15 minutes, this is not a problem; the auditionee will not be given less consideration. Occasionally, an auditionee may be asked to wait a few moments before continuing.
In this case, the pause will not be counted towards the 15-minute total.

Arrange the audition so that little time is wasted. Instrumental and vocal presentations should be presented first, and the dance presentation last. In this way we will not have to wait for you to catch your breath. It is recommended that the presentation be balanced in such a way so as to give an adequate sampling of each talent category - no one talent
category should exceed 10 minutes. For example, if you will be making presentations on more than one instrument in addition to dancing and singing, make sure that the total instrumental portion of your audition is 10 minutes or less. Remember: the Tamburitzans is a performing ensemble, so above all, perform your audition - do not just present it. It is a plus for the auditionee to show that he or she already knows how to smile and gesture for the stage. Also, do not expect the judges to respond like an audience (i.e., applause, laughter, etc.). Much of the time, you can expect them to be looking down at their rating sheets and writing.

Any accompaniment to your audition must be prerecorded onto a cassette tape only. DO NOT BRING TAPE PLAYERS AND/OR CD PLAYERS.
The Tamburitzans will have a variable speed audiocassette player available.

ANY MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT FOR YOUR AUDITION MUST ONLY BE
RECORDED ON AN AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE. NO LIVE ACCOMPANIMENT,
ASSISTANTS OR PARTNERS CAN BE INVOLVED IN YOUR AUDITION.

The auditions will be video taped for our own purposes of review. Copies of video tapes will not be available to applicants.