Mackenzie McGrath, Campus Carrier asst. arts and living editor
Auditions are more than just a chance for students to showcase their talents—they’re an opportunity to shape the future of both the student and the institution. At Berry College, the audition process is designed to provide prospective students with a glimpse of what their musical journey could look like, all while fostering a sense of belonging. Through every interaction, from check-in to performance, the music department strives to create an environment where students are valued and feel supported.
This year’s audition days for rising college freshmen were Feb. 8 and 15. During the audition days, the students’ role involved a variety of responsibilities.
“Since I work as a choral assistant within the department, I usually spent some time floating around during the audition days and making sure there weren’t any gaps that needed to be covered.” Emily Cribb, sophomore music education major, said. “A team of music majors pitched in to help keep the audition day running smoothly. A lot of us work as assistants to professors or other various positions within the department, so helping with the auditions is an extension of some of our responsibilities.”
The actual evaluation of the prospective students was carried out by the music faculty, which included both vocal and instrumental staff such as Adam Hayes, Paul Neal, Stefanie Cash, Ruth Baker, Indra Thomas, Kris Carlisle and. Kathryn Nobles, who also acted as the staff accompanist for the auditions.
A typical audition day begins with students arriving at the recital hall lobby around 10 a.m. where they check in with a student worker, who provides them with the schedule for their warm-ups, auditions, and evaluations. The audition itself involves students performing two contrasting pieces of music for the faculty. Vocalists also do a brief sight-reading exercise. Once a student checks in and it’s their turn, they head in to perform their pieces. Afterward, if they are a music major, they take the theory placement exam and the piano diagnostic, both of which help determine their course placements but do not impact their scholarship offers.
After the initial performance, prospective music majors or minors take a piano proficiency test with Dr. Carlisle, which helps determine if they can bypass the first few piano classes required for their major. These students also have the option to take a music theory diagnostic to see if they are eligible to be exempt from the Theory One course. At 11:30, both the students and their parents are invited to attend a recital put on by Berry’s music majors, offering a glimpse into the talent within the department. Following the recital, Dr. Hayes leads a Q&A session, giving prospective students and their parents the opportunity to ask questions about the program. Afterward, the students and their families enjoy lunch with the faculty and current Berry students. Once lunch concludes, the final participants finish their auditions, and the hall is reset for the next group. These audition days typically end around 3 p.m. after all activities are done. All faculty members emphasized the importance of meeting students where they are, financially and talent-wise. As well as, having their musical scholarship reflect that.
“I think evaluating prospective students is good for a lot of reasons. Namely, it gives the music faculty a chance to look for potential that could be grown and cultivated under their expertise and direction,” Cribb said.
Auditioning provides the faculty with valuable insight into what track to place each student on during their time at Berry, giving them a head start on understanding the student’s abilities and potential. It also serves as an excellent opportunity for the faculty to meet the students one-on-one, helping to convey how much their talents and presence would be appreciated at Berry if they decide to attend. Ultimately, the audition process is a crucial way for the faculty to assess the student’s abilities and determine an appropriate scholarship offer tailored to the individual. This personalized evaluation helps both the student and the faculty set clear expectations for the student’s future within the music program.
“The kindness around every turn at my audition really stood out to me.” Cribb said, “I was immediately welcomed and comfortable in my audition space. The faculty all seemed to have camaraderie with one another. And I felt like everyone in the room valued my time and what I had to offer. I knew that Berry would give me the chance to grow infinitely into my potential and follow the career path that I had been seeking to pursue. I went home and canceled my other auditions after that day.”
Not every student that auditions ends up attending Berry for their music degree. However, it is necessary to be welcoming to every student no matter what.
“Honestly, it’s just who we are as a college and as a a group of people as a faculty and as a student body. I mean, that’s just what we do,” Ruth Baker, voice teacher, said. “We make sure that they are comfortable in whatever it is they’re doing here. We want to make sure that they have the best experience that they possibly can, even if we know that they probably can’t come here.”
The opportunity to impact every student who walks through the doors at Berry is significant, especially considering how stressful senior year can be. Students transition from being high schoolers to having to make decisions about their future careers, which can feel overwhelming.
“Not only are most of the students auditioning for Berry, but in a way, the music department is auditioning for them,” Caroline Powell, freshman music education major and audition day performer, said. “It’s important to make sure everyone is kind and welcoming, everything is organized, and that the auditionee has a good experience overall. If they don’t, then they may be deterred from Berry and not go to school here, which would be unfortunate because we want them here.”