Students make effort to show best skills

The task of auditioning for a collegiate-level program for high school students is typically an intimidating venture. 

Potential UNC students gathered in a large studio Saturday in Frasier Hall to wait for their audition for the University of Northern Colorado’s School of Music.

“I was nervous and excited when I auditioned,” said A.J. Otti, a freshman music major. “I was really happy. It was a huge relief when I got the letter. I thought I did well, but I messed up. And when you mess up, you think more and more of how badly you did.”

Angela Jensen, a senior at Northglenn High School, auditioned on cello. To prepare for the auditions, she said she performed in front of family members and friends.
Jensen also said she prepared three pieces but only performed two.
She also auditioned for the Colorado State University School of Music in Fort Collins.

“UNC has a better atmosphere,” she said. “I was not as stressed out. The faculty here is more supportive and willing to help than CSU.”

Brittany Poitra, a prospective transfer student from the University of Wyoming, sat patiently to wait for her audition for vocal soprano. She said she prepared a piece by

Debussy and another by Bellini. And although she said has never performed these songs in concert, she said she felt positive about her audition.

“I have been really working hard on these pieces for about six months,” she said. “I hope it goes well.”

Poitra also said she received help from a graduate student from the University of Wyoming who was able to give her a collegiate perspective of what to expect out of the music programs.

“I had auditioned at a number of other places, but UNC is much nicer,” she said. “The faculty is more helpful and positive; they really want to help you succeed.”

Poitra also said her goal is to teach high school-level choirs and open up a studio for private lessons.

“I never got the opportunity for (lessons), probably because Wyoming is not as prevalent in the variety of musical abilities as Colorado,” Poitra said.

David Caffey, the director of the School of Music, said there has been a gradual increase in numbers of students auditioning.

“One reason could be that the economy has restricted more out-of-state students because of the cost, so they have to stay closer to home,” Caffey said. “This means that the number for in-state students has also risen.”
Caffey also said the faculty is a factor for bringing students to UNC. He said there are many professors whose reputations solidify students’ choices to audition, and the new faculty members are attracting more students from everywhere to audition, as well.