The comperes at the Music Festival provide continuity between the different sections of the evening’s performance.
Comperes
The compere provides the audience with information about the songs and music in the next bracket, the performers about to take centre stage and the conductor. It also helps tide the audience over changes of set on stage.
It is important that the quality of the narration by the comperes is equal to that of the rest of the performances in the Festival. The narration needs to have an interesting tonal range, enthusiasm, clarity and personality.
If you wish to be considered for a role as compere, please read the information below and then apply online by completing the form at the bottom of this page.
Eligibilty criteria
For logistical reasons, the comperes are selected from Year 8 members of the Senior Representative Choir only.
What qualities are needed to be a compere?
Comperes will need to:
- be able to speak clearly and with animation
- be able to learn to correctly pronounce words that may be unfamiliar
- be reliable and able to work independently so that they are on time for their part in the programme
- be able to learn the passage off by heart so that if there is a lighting failure, they will know their words and will still be able to speak with confidence
- be comfortable speaking into a microphone
Selection process
- Applicants must register online for an audition. Senior Choir members will be told about this at the Saturday rehearsals.
- On the first day of the Holiday Course, applicants will be given details as to how they are to audition during lunchtime.
- Applicants will read a small passage of text which is included on this page. Please learn this ahead of the audition.
- Two teachers will listen to each applicant and will decide the successful candidates based mainly on the first two qualities listed above.
- Teachers will then work with the successful candidates during lunchtimes and rehearsals.
- Comperes will be selected on merit ie, ‘the best person gets the job’.
- Comperes will be selected regardless of school, age, gender or ethnicity.
- The teachers’ selection of the comperes will be final; no correspondence will be entered into.
Passage to be read at the audition
The second song that the Senior Choir will sing is “Away from the roll of the sea” by Allister MacGillivray. This song is one of three folk songs composed by MacGillivray that depict perfectly the gentle way of life in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. The words talk about the fishermen safe at home with their boats resting gently in the harbour.
Complete the form below if you are a Year 8 member of the Senior Choir and wish to be considered for one of the compere roles…