Compete in VoiceJam
VoiceJam Dates for Competitors
- Dec. 1- Jan. 31: Submit your audition video
- Feb. 5: Competition groups announced
- April 12: Competitor Masterclasses and Take 6 Concert
- April 13: Festival workshops, sound checks and VoiceJam Competition
Audition Process
1. Submit your audition application and video Dec. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024.
2. Criteria:
- Maximum video length: 5 minutes.
- Good sound quality is required: the selection committee must be able to hear clearly.
- At least 50% of the singers in the audition video must be current members. Previous years’ concert footage can be used, as long as more than half of the singers intend to compete at VoiceJam 2024.
- Have questions? Email VoiceJam@waltonartscenter.org.
3. Now that your video is ready, what next?
- Complete the audition application (online form) and hit Submit!
Format your YouTube video submission like this:
- Title video auditions: “VoiceJam 2024 Competition [YOUR GROUP NAME HERE]”
- In the video info section, enter your group name and title/arranger for each song performed.
- Whether your video is posted publicly or privately, please make sure we are able to view the link!
- Deadline for audition: 11:59pm, Jan. 31, 2024.
4. A selection committee will review submissions and narrow down a field of finalists.
5. When will we know if we made it?
- The groups selected to compete will be notified on Feb. 5 by email and must commit to the competition by purchasing discounted festival passes no later than Friday, Feb. 19 ($25 per person.)
- Each group selected to compete will receive a masterclass with an a cappella professional on Friday, April 12, 2024.
Competition Information
How many competitors will be accepted?
- Up to 8 groups will be selected as finalists for the live competition, April 13, 2024.
How many singers can be in your group?
- Groups should consist of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 20 singers.
Who is qualified to audition for the competition?
- There is no age restriction. All genres of a cappella are invited to audition. We welcome everyone to participate!
Will the competition be timed?
- Yes. Each group will have 10 minutes to perform one set each. Time starts on the first note sung.
How will the competition be judged?
- Judges will consider pitch, blend, overall entertainment value and level of difficulty. Each of these categories will be scored 1-10.
- The judging panel will include a cappella experts and professional musicians.
- Each group may receive their score sheets for feedback after the competition.
What does the winning group WIN?
- A professionally produced video of their VoiceJam set! Three+ camera angles, professionally mixed audio, and unlimited bragging rights!
- All groups will be recorded and may purchase their video.
What if we didn't get selected to compete - can we still come to VoiceJam?
- YES! Even if not selected to compete, we encourage you to come experience VoiceJam. All groups that submit an audition receive access to discounted festival passes (includes festival workshops, a group masterclass, Take 6 tickets and Competition tickets.)
- All participating groups are responsible for their own travel and lodging in Northwest Arkansas. Hotel discounts are available.