Roosevelt High School Vocal Music

Mr. Parker Haley & Mr. Alexander Gray, Directors

4419 Center Street Des Moines, IA, 50312 United States

515-242-7272

Welcome to the Theodore Roosevelt High School Vocal Music website! Our department has a rich history of presenting the highest quality of diverse choral music in Iowa. Boasting nearly 60 performances each year, our students in 7 choirs have opportunities to experience professional music in its entirety. We are grateful for the continued support of our sponsors, donors, parents, school, and community members.

 CHAMBER CHOIR AUDITIONS

AUDITIONS ARE OPEN TO RISING 9th -12th GRADE STUDENTS. The in-person auditions are April 20th - 14th, 2026 (3:30 - 5:30 pm) and May 11th - 15th, 2026 Vocal (3:30 pm - 5:30 pm). The online audition deadline is Friday, May 15th, 2026 at 11:59pm.

In your audition, you will be expected to do the following:

  • Range demonstration (tests how high and low you currently sing; see below for online instructions and tracks)

  • Tonal Memory

  • Sing a short portion of the National Anthem OR Lift Every Voice and Sing

  • Sight-Sing a 4-bar Example

*Lyrics to National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and Sing: Lyric Sheet
*Practice tracks to National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and Sing: Link to practice tracks

In-Person Audition Instructions

If you wish to audition in person, please sign up here: Audition Sign Up. If the audition slots are filled, please contact Mr. Haley to find another time to audition (parker.haley@dmschools.org).

Online Audition Instructions

Submission instructions:

  1. Video or Audio record the range demonstration. (PLEASE see example above.)

    • Click here to listen to instructions and select the appropriate file for your voice type: soprano (high “female” voice), alto (low “female” voice), tenor (high “male” voice), or bass (low “male” voice).

    • Record it with the vocal syllables “nah nah nah”

    • Go as high/low as you can—stop when it gets too high/low

  2. Video or audio record yourself completing the Tonal Memory (echoing/singing back 3, 5, and 7 note patterns): You will need a device to play the patterns AND a device to record yourself. You may also request to do this portion via Teams video call by emailing Mr. Haley (parker.haley@dmschools.org).

    1. Click here for online patterns and submission form

  3. Video or audio record yourself singing the National Anthem OR “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

  4. SIGHT-READING

    1. Pick a Sight-Singing example based on your level of confidence (1 - Beginnger, 2 - Intermediate, 3 - Advanced)

      1. Sight Singing Examples found at this link.

    2. Play your starting pitch from the attached videos

      1. Level 1 AND 2 Starting Pitch use this link

      2. Level 3 Starting Pitch use this link

    3. Take about 1 minute to practice the example (humming, singing, speaking rhythms, etc.)

    4. Record yourself playing your starting pitch and then singing the example.

  5. Sending the recordings:

    • Compile into an e-mail or share the files with us via One Drive

    • Send to parker.haley@dmschools.org AND alexander.gray@dmschools.org (Mr. Haley and Mr. Gray)

    • If e-mailing, put: “YOUR NAME - TRHS CHAMBER AUDITION” in the subject line. In the body of the email, attach the video files.

You will receive confirmation of your audition submission after we’ve reviewed your audition. (This may take a few days.) The audition deadline is Friday, May 15th, 2026.

Audition results will be announced on May 22nd at the end of the school day. Ensemble Rosters will be posted on the Choir Room doors and the TRHS Vocal Music Website.

Theodore Roosevelt High School | 4419 Center Street | Des Moines, Iowa 50311

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