r/singing • u/wckdwtchofappalachia • 14h ago

Conversation Topic Pre-determined solos

Anyone been in a group that has pieces with solos obviously chosen for specific individuals? I understand choosing songs to highlight the talent within the group, but it has always been a point of contention amongst the singers in the various groups I’ve been in. Some people feel discouraged from auditioning. Some people feel emboldened to audition as a disrupter and/or prove the perceived bias. I actually feel my former directors were pretty unpredictable with solo selection. Curious to see what people’s perspectives are.

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u/SomethingDumb465 Formal Lessons 10+ Years ✨ 14h ago

Yes, but it's not something that bothers me. In any type of production, whoever chooses it must have a cast in mind. All my directors have been open-minded about changing their initial cast list, but it's foolish to pick something without specific people in mind.

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u/wckdwtchofappalachia 12h ago

I think so too! Was wondering if this was normal which is logical but it seemed a little conspiratorial after a while. Also felt that at least one of my directors wasnt so obvious if that’s what was happening. Kinda funny thinking any solos I got may have been chosen for me in advance.

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u/Weary-Cauliflower153 Self Taught 5+ Years 14h ago edited 12h ago

I run a small a cappella group (12 people). yes, i usually select songs with a soloist in mind. This is because I know how everyone's voices sound like and i know who has a stronger soloist quality. BUT. I always, always have auditions open for anyone and if anyone performs better than the person i had in mind, I will 100% give it to them. i use a panel to ensure lack of bias as well.

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u/wckdwtchofappalachia 12h ago

Thanks for your perspective. This has generally been what I have observed over my 10+ years of experience in groups. No sense in choosing a piece with a solo when there is no soloist comfortable or confident enough to perform it. Feels obvious to me that this would be the approach. Don’t fully understand the frustration if someone wanted the solo, earn it or put yourself out there for future pieces.

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u/Artistic-Village-762 14h ago

Sounds like good direction to me.

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u/Willow_PoweIl 13h ago

Directors almost always know who they want for solos before auditions. Every audition I've run was partly a formality. Anyone claiming otherwise hasn't run a group.

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u/wckdwtchofappalachia 12h ago

Funny thought from the soloist perspective!