Himig Kabataan Cultural Society Auditions 2024

Welcome to the Himig Kabataan Cultural Society auditions for the 2024-2025 season!

Thank you for your interest in joining Himig Kabataan Cultural Society (HKCS). We are thrilled to hear you sing and potentially have you as part of our musical family!

It is an honour to invite singers ages 15-25 who express an interest in connecting with their Filipino heritage and language through the beauty of choral music, as choral music is a universal experience and an esteemed method of learning a language. Fluency in any Filipino dialect is not required, as HKCS aims to educate its members and create a sense of belonging among Filipino-Canadian youth who struggle with understanding or speaking the language. All that we require from you is your musicianship and passion for learning about your culture!

What We Expect

As a member of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society, you will be expected to:

  • Commitment to Rehearsals: Regular attendance at rehearsals is crucial. We rehearse weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7PM-9PM, followed by food and fellowship. Rehearsals take place in Surrey; the address will be announced to incoming members.

  • Engage in Rehearsals: Active participation and preparation for rehearsals are important for our collective success. Come to rehearsals with enthusiasm and dedication, even when faced with challenges. A positive mindset helps keep the energy high and the experience enjoyable for everyone!

  • Participate in Performances: Our choir performs regularly throughout the year at various cultural events--peak seasons are typically June (Filipino Heritage Month) and December. HKCS is also anticipating to attend festivals and competitions outside of the Metro Vancouver area, e.g. other Canadian provinces or other countries. All performances are MANDATORY, and we ask for your support and participation.

  • Maintain a Positive Attitude: We strive to create a supportive and respectful environment for all members. We’re all here to learn and grow together, so it’s important to be respectful and open to others’ ideas and feedback. We wish to carry out the Filipino culture of respect and generosity to our fellow choir members, directors, and parents!

In Person-Auditions and Preparation

Audition Details: We are excited to invite you to our in-person auditions for Himig Kabataan Cultural Society! Here’s what you need to know:

  • Date and Time: Tuesday, September 24th (5PM-9PM) and Thursday, September 26th (3PM-9PM)

  • Location: 6260 135B Street Surrey, BC

  • Duration: Each audition slot will be approximately 15 minutes

At the audition you will be asked to:

  • Sing a short song of your choice (or a portion of a song) a cappella (without a backing track)

  • In a quartet of yourself and some Himig Kabataan members, prepare and sing Sarung Banggi on your voice part from measures 19-51 (bar before letter A to bar before letter C). You can audition on more than one voice part if you choose. If auditioning for either Tenor or Bass, please prepare the Tenor 1 or Bass 2 parts respectively. For the sake of the audition, please disregard any changes in tempo markings (rit., Meno Mosso, Mosso) and sing at a medium-slow speed for the duration of the excerpt.

  • Sing some simple scales and vocal exercises to help determine vocal range.

written portion

Himig Kabataan Cultural Society is not only in search for talented singers, but Filipino-Canadian Youth who are interested in exploring their heritage and cultural identity. Application for auditions will include a brief written portion to allow for personal reflection, with the following questions:

  1. What is your heritage? Where from the Philippines is you/your parents/your family from? If applicable, what Filipino language dialects do you hear at home? Are you fluent or able to understand?

  2. Have you gone to the Philippines? If yes, what are your feelings when you visit? If no, why or why not would you be interested in visiting? Maximum 150 words.

  3. Do you have a Filipino song that resonates with you? If so, share the title, who it's by, and why it means something to you. Remember, Filipino is not restricted to time period and geographical location--Filipino artists from outside of the Philippines count too! Maximum 100 words.

  4. What aspect(s) of Filipino culture (e.g. traditional music, Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Spanish influences, Indigenous tribes, Filipino languages, food, etc.) do you want to learn about and why? Maximum 100 words.

  5. HKCS' Mission: To encourage young Filipino-Canadians to embrace their Filipino language and culture, to continue to learn more about it through music and art, and to share this with others, especially future generations.

    HKCS' Vision: Filipino-Canadians of the next generation embracing and celebrating their Filipino heritage in music and art.
    How do you see yourself fulfilling with Mission and Vision as a member of Himig Kabataan Cultural Society? Maximum 150 words.

Answer honestly. Examples will be provided in the application form.

Applications for Auditions will be available until Friday, September 20. Please fill out your form with as much detail as possible. We look forward to hearing your audition and learning more about you!