Intensive Arts Mentorship (I AM): `Til Dawn A Cappella
Til Dawn, Youth in Arts A Cappella ensemble is an advanced vocal music program for motivated young artists. `Til Dawn celebrates the value of the arts, encourages positive messages about meaningful social issues, and inspires children of all ages. The group performs a mix of rock, pop, blues, jazz and soul standards and contemporary hits, in addition to original songs by group members.
`Til Dawn is a tuition-based program, but no student is ever turned away because of inability to pay.
'Til Dawn Auditions 2022-23
We’re Hosting Auditions for 2022-23!
Saturday, April 30
10am – 4pm
Laurel Dell Elemenatry School, 225 Woodland Ave, San Rafael, 94901
Calling all Marin County High School Vocal Musicians!!
‘Til Dawn, Youth in Arts A Cappella ensemble announces auditions for youth between (incoming) grades 9-12 from Marin County. ‘Til Dawn is an advanced vocal music program for motivated young artists that celebrates the value of the arts, encourages positive messages about meaningful social issues, and inspires children of all ages. The group performs a mix of rock, pop, blues, jazz and soul standards and contemporary hits, in addition to original songs by group members.
What to prepare: 1 minute excerpt of a song in English in the genre of pop, rock, folk, class R&B, or jazz. Be prepared to pitch match and learn harmonies. Headshot/resume not required.
COVID-19 PROTOCOL: Youth in Arts will hold ‘Til Dawn auditions according to CDC and health department guidelines. Auditions will be held outside and all musicians will adhere to social distancing. All musicians will be required to wear a mask at all times. There is a restroom on the facility. Please bring your own water bottle, labeled with your name.
Audition FAQ’s
What should I bring to the audition?
You should be prepared to perform your music and have completed the Youth in Arts ‘Til Dawn Audition Form. We don’t need a resumé or a head shot. We take a digital photo to remember you by.
When is the audition?
10:00 am, April 30, 2022
Where is the audition?
Laurel Dell Elmentary School, 225 Woodland Ave, San Rafael, CA 94901
Is there parking?
Street parking is available, but limited! ARRIVE EARLY!
How long will it take?
It’s partially dependent on how many people audition. You should be prepared to be there from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm, knowing that you may be free sooner.
Can I do a private audition on another date?
No.
What is the process like?
- Step One: Sing 1 minute of a song (preferably your song snippet a cappella.‘Til Dawn’s repertoire typically consists of 20+ songs, ranging from doo wop classics to Motown to Maroon 5. The vast majority of our repertoire is in English, and is pop, rock, folk, classic R&B, or jazz-based. 1 minute of anything in one of these genres will be appropriate.
- Step Two: Pitch matching.
- Step Three: Sing a background part in a quintet/sextet with ‘Til Dawn.
With the other people who are auditioning for ‘Til Dawn in your voice part, we will teach you a background part to one of our songs. Then, one by one, each auditionee comes in and sings their part with a quintet/sextet of group members to hear how well you’ve learned the part, how well you blend, and to get a feel for the experience of working and learning together.
Additional Information
‘Til Dawn rehearses five hours a week, roughly forty-eight weeks a year. In addition to the rehearsals, ‘Til Dawn averages about 25 performances a year; these typically include a mix of community events, fairs, festivals, elementary and middle schools, private parties, mental health centers and periodic radio and television appearances.
The group typically goes on three weekend-long retreats a year to strengthen the interpersonal relationships in the group. We are looking for people who want to learn about music, about performing, about listening and about being a part of an ensemble.
Mentor Artist Austin Willacy
Members of `Til Dawn receive hundreds hours of instruction and mentorship each year from Director Austin Willacy. Austin provides not only vocal training and direction, but also leads `Til Dawn members in discussions and retreats that build the group’s cohesion as well as the critical thinking and interpersonal skills of each member.
Austin is a professional singer and songwriter who performs and records both solo and with Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. artists The House Jacks. `Til Dawn members often have opportunities to see Austin perform with the House Jacks or his own band. Most years `Til Dawn will open for the House Jacks in at least one professional performance. Read more about Austin here.