by Maria Claudia Garcia-Rada ‘13

Senior Melissa Basso-Luca waits to audition in the quickly crowding music hallway. Almost 300 people tried out for Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival over the course of the two audition days.

It is now Sherwood’s 42nd year presenting Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival, one of the school’s most respected traditions. Over the years, students have performed in the annual show held each March, singing, dancing or playing in the band.

However, not all the students interested in performing in Rock ‘n’ Roll can make it in. Nearly 300 people audition and only around 150 students are cast.  Therefore, good auditions are crucial, especially for students who are looking to get a solo.

Senior Matt Kovalsky, a soloist in Rock ‘n’ Roll last year and this year’s show, takes auditions very seriously. “I start working [on my song] as soon as the previous show ends. I start thinking of songs … and once I’ve established it [for the audition], I start learning the song and training my voice to sing it to the best of my ability,” said Kovalsky. Senior Kelsey Rood, a backup singer in last year’s show and soloist this year, prepares for auditions differently. “I go to a vocal coach once a week, and she helps me work on my audition song. It helps me gain confidence and she gives me good advice,” said Rood. Rock ‘n’ Roll auditions can be very intimidating because there are around eight judges, each of whom rates student auditions on a five-point scale. Scores are tallied based on movement, vocals, costumes and stage presence.

Some students have special techniques they use to relax.

“Right before I go into the audition room I take deep breaths and close my eyes. I try to picture myself doing really well and blowing the judges away,” said senior Melissa Basso-Luca, a backup singer in last year’s show and this year’s show.

Auditions this year were held November 26 and 27 and the audition process remained the same as it had been previous years. Like last year, students had to stand in a black square box and sing any song of their choosing.  “A row of familiar faces greeted me in the audition room, many of the same judges from last year. However, this year their faces somehow seemed more friendly and less intimidating,” said Basso-Luca.

Although auditions can be stressful, they are worth it to be a part of Rock ‘n’ Roll. “I like Rock ‘n’ Roll because it combines all my passions from loving old songs to loving singing and dancing,” said Kovalsky.