Design an audition to reflect what you prioritize. There are many “right” ways to hold an audition; many “right” things to prioritize:
- Ear
- Sight singing
- Solo potential
- Heart
- Reliability
- Intellect
- Perseverance
- Passion
- Musicality
Probably your ranking of these characteristics is different than mine, and that’s as it should be. Every ensemble reflects the director, and every ensemble exhibits different strengths. So, does your audition reflect what you prioritize?
The best way to check is this: next audition, grade your auditioners with your audition rubric, and then also completely holistically. If your rubric is accurate in reflecting your values, the ranking should turn out identical.
Every audition has values baked into it; do everything you can to make sure your own auditions reflect your own values.