After a successful seven weeks of competing on NBC’s The Sing-Off, Vocal Point finally faced elimination from the a cappella competition and had to sing their swan song. Their catchy arrangements of popular songs, impressive vocal abilities, and outgoing personalities helped them gain a strong fan base. The group’s popularity with viewers landed them an invitation back to the television stage for the special episode “A Sing-Off Christmas,” where they sang “Let It Snow” with show host Nick Lachey.
As a top-five finalist on NBC’s The Sing-Off, Vocal Point members have become BYU’s campus celebrities; however, due to graduation and other circumstances, new faces have now been added to the nine-man a cappella group. The audition process to become a Vocal Point member is a reflection of the energy, talent, and dedication needed to sing in the successful group. The newest Vocal Point members include Jacob Tengelsen, Trevor Johnson, Jon Rose, and Landon Peay.
Over 100 people auditioned to fill the four available spots–the largest audition turn out Vocal Point has ever had. “The quality of performers and talent in the auditions has improved,” said James Stevens, artistic director. “Thanks to The Sing-Off so many more people have become aware of Vocal Point and its capabilities.”
With the group’s recent success comes a high expectation for this year’s upcoming performances. To help overcome the nerves, those who auditioned spent hours practicing in front of mirrors, family, and friends. They practiced sight-reading and prepared solos they hoped would set them apart from other singers.
“When people are auditioning, we want what they do best and for them to show where they shine,” said Stevens. “We sing a lot of different styles, everything ranging from ballads to rock, so we need a lot of different personalities that can be featured depending on the song choice. We really want to see their overall blend in working in an ensemble and as a soloist.”
The individually selected and prepared solos were the start of the audition process. Next, while in small groups of four or five, individuals were asked to perform their piece for Vocal Point members and James Stevens. The judges looked at the soloist’s song choice, vocal tone, pitch, and range. They also considered previous experience with vocal performance, piano playing, and music arranging. A major factor in the audition is personality. Vocal Point member Ross Welch said, “Throughout the auditions we’re looking for someone who can not only sing but who will fit in and have good chemistry with the group.”
After everyone had auditioned, judges compared notes and chose 15 of the 100 for the second round of auditions the next day.
“The callbacks are my favorite part of the audition process,” said McKay Crockett. “We put them through a typical Vocal Point rehearsal, where they learn harmonies and movement and then get to sing with the current Vocal Point members. It’s fun watching the people that are going to be a part of Vocal Point because they are so excited to be there.”
The callbacks were also a favorite of those auditioning.
“I loved learning one of the vocal parts of ‘Jump, Jive, and Wail’ and getting to sing it with the members of Vocal Point,” said new member Trevor Johnson. “It was so fun. I thought, ‘How did I think I could live without this?’”
More than just a performing ensemble, Vocal Point teaches its members about all the work required to create and market a successful music group. To improve the well-roundedness of its performers, Vocal Point provides opportunities to learn vocal-arranging skills, music-business basics, venue and presenter relations, merchandise sales, and how to setup sound and song selection, or “show flow.”
From February 29 through March 3, Vocal Point will tour through Arizona, giving the new members a chance to fulfill the group’s mission statement: “To enlighten the hearts and minds of all people who are within the sound of our voice unto the filling of their souls with joy.”
Source: Performing Arts Management