by the Friends-in-Art Board of Directors
During the past several years, we at Friends-In-Art (FIA) have instituted several innovations that we hope are making our world-renowned annual Showcase, which is held each July in conjunction with ACB’s national convention, more enjoyable to audiences and artists alike. Every year since 1996, a talented group of choristers have come together to rehearse and perform two arrangements of well-known tunes scored and conducted by FIA members.
Last year marked the debut of our “house band” with the unforgettable name “Grade Four Braille and the Funky Fonts,” which accompanied several of the vocalists. And, most important, we have attempted to streamline the show so that audience members and performers can still have ample time to take part in other convention activities (mostly parties) after the last note fades away!
These streamlining efforts make it necessary to be more selective in our performance criteria. Previous experience has shown that 23 acts (including the chorus and one band number), with each act in the spotlight for no more than five minutes, makes for a good well-balanced show. To increase your chances of performing in front of an adoring audience, here are a few points to consider:
1. We tend to have a shortage of up-tempo acts, as potential performers often bring more meditative material to the microphone. If your preference is the latter, give some thought to preparing an upbeat backup.
2. Variety is key to achieving a successful show. Therefore, we usually judge within genre: that is, voice performances with accompaniment by piano will be compared to one another, while dramatic readings will be judged against other dramatic readings. Although music is the most popular mode of entertainment, all performing arts media are welcome, and we especially encourage new talent to audition.
3. Come well prepared. Polish and flair will both capture your audience, and go a long way toward ensuring your place in the show.
4. Let us know what you need in advance:
Piano accompaniment: For the first time in several years, a sighted accompanist will be available to play from a printed musical score. If you plan to use this resource, please send a copy of the music to us as soon as possible (see address at the end of this article) so that it can be forwarded to the accompanist. As always, several talented people are available to improvise accompaniments to show tunes, jazz standards, and gospel hymns.
Using a pre-recorded track: To those considering performing with the assistance of a pre-recorded accompaniment, please send a copy — not the original, as our best efforts at returning materials have sometimes gone awry — to us as soon as possible so that it can be “burned” onto a CD. Please affix your name to the cassette or CD. Note that since your five minutes in the limelight are best spent displaying your own talent and style, overly lengthy instrumental interludes will be edited.
Fronting the band: To those considering using our “house band,” please alert us to the title of the song you wish to sing (note that while we are not equipped to accompany tunes performed by such bands as Nine Inch Nails, Limp Bizkit, or the Raucous Rumps, we can play swing, pop, and R&B standards). You’ll need to schedule some time to rehearse with the band during the mornings of either Monday, July 2 or Tuesday, July 3.
Join the Chorus: To those interested in singing in our world-famous chorus, and who have not previously received a rehearsal tape, please send us your name and street address. Rehearsal tapes and lyrics will be sent in mid- to late May. Please be prepared to attend rehearsals on Sunday, July 1 after the FIA mixer and Monday, July 2, at 10 p.m.
Audition procedures: Everyone, including those who have alerted us previously of their interest in auditioning, must sign up for a rehearsal time slot during our mixer on Sunday, July 1st. We’ll need your name, the title of the selection you are planning to perform, and the name and room number of the hotel where you are staying. Auditions will be held in the FIA Suite from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday, July first. Pianists be advised that a full 88-note weighted keyboard will be available. While getting in touch with one another is always difficult at conventions, we plan to inform all performers of audition outcomes on Monday night or early the following morning.
Wrapping it up: We at Friends-In-Art appreciate the flexibility and cooperation of those interested in auditioning for the Showcase. We hope this article sets the stage for yet another memorable show. Our pleasure is in encouraging and supporting your best performance. And, to those NOT interested in auditioning, we hope that you will come and enjoy!
Please send all scores, cassettes, requests, and feedback to Gordon Kent, 35 Amity St., Little Falls, NJ 07424; phone (973) 256-8374; e-mail: dbmusic@cybernex.net.