OVERVIEW

Each audition is approximately 5 minutes long.

The audition (what you need to prepare):

• 1 minute of any song of your choice. This segment should show off your range, musicality and any other vocal talents you may have.
• If you are able to beatbox, let us know and show us your stuff!

The audition may include some of the following, depending on time constraints:

• Tonal Memory – See a piece of sheet music and have the short melody played twice; you sing it back the third time.
• Sing a few diatonic scales within your range.
• Ear training – three-note combinations are played twice; you sing them back the third time.

You will be notified by email if you are invited to our callbacks!

Schedule

Auditions (walk-in)

August 26, 5:00 to 7:30 pm – Lincoln 149
August 27, 6:30 to 9:00 pm – Lincoln 140
August 28, 5:00 to 7:30 pm – RPCC 218
August 29, 7:00 to 9:30 pm – Lincoln B08

Callbacks (invite only)

August 30, 8 to 11 pm – Lincoln 140
August 31, 7 to 10 pm – Lincoln 140

Auditions FAQ

Is it hard to get in?

Because we are usually comprised of around 14 people, The Touchtones is a selective group. That being said, you by no means have to be a musical genius! Whether you're an experienced vocalist or shower singer, we encourage everyone to come in and sing for us, regardless of prior experience – you never know what we're looking for in any given semester! The number of members we take varies each semester depending on our needs.

Can I audition for more than one group?

Of course! Cornell is home to so many fantastic a cappella groups on campus, and auditioning for a group doesn't mean that you're obligated in any way to join. Just be sure to inform us and the other groups that you'll be trying out for multiple groups. We want you to have the best shot at finding your home in the a cappella community at Cornell, so we encourage you to try out for as many groups as you'd like!

What song should I audition with?

The song you choose to audition with should be in your vocal range, and showcase your strengths. If you aren't sure if you've got the right song for you, feel free to have a friend listen to you sing it and have them critique you. Don't worry about choosing a contemporary or more popular song – we just want to see what you have to offer and hear what you do best!

What are rehearsals like?

We rehearse for 2 hours three times a week, usually in Lincoln Hall (where we hold our auditions and callbacks). We have a lot of fun during these rehearsals, but also stay productive and motivated! The commitment level is high, but it does not prevent you from doing other activities – many of our members are involved in other organizations on campus, many of which they are on the e-board of.

Why the Touchtones?

If you ask anyone in The Touchtones past or present, they'll all tell you the same thing: the friends you make in this group are some of the best you'll have at Cornell, and these relationships last a lifetime. We represent nearly all of Cornell's 7 schools, and come from many different backgrounds, but we're brought together by music. Whether it's singing at an alum's wedding, goofing around at an off-campus retreat, or going on pre-rehearsal boba runs, being a part of the Touchtones has given us an extra family at Cornell that we'll cherish forever. 

As the first group to be founded as an cappella group, The Touchtones have been a part of the history of Cornell a cappella from the very beginning. As a part of ACAC (the A Cappella Advisory Council) the Touchtones are fully integrated with the rest of Cornell's a cappella community – if you're a member of the Touchtones, you'll not only get the chance to sing and bond with other 'tones, but also get a chance to befriend groups all over campus, whether through attending each others' shows, hosting arch sings together, or just hanging out!

The Touchtones pride ourselves on our unique sound and style. We're always introducing new songs, and cover anything from R&B to jazz to funk! We also feature choreography in all of our concerts (don't worry, it's nothing you're not capable of!) and focus on bringing powerful, moving performances to our audience. Our members are highly motivated, and this work pays off – we've gotten to perform at gigs all over the country, at President Martha Pollack's inauguration, and countless other locations. 

At the end of the day, being a part of the Touchtones is about being surrounded by talented, supportive, strong women who are dedicated to bringing joy to others with music. We would love to see you at auditions!