Auditions

Audition Info 2023

GET HYPE, Audition season has returned!

Come to the Rice A Cappella Info Session on Tuesday, August 29th from 7-8PM in Herring Hall, Room 100.

You can also visit our booth at the Club Fair on Friday, September 1st from 12-3:00PM at the RMC.

FAQs

When are auditions?

Auditions will take place on Friday, September 1st from 6:30-8PM and Tuesday, September 5th from 6:30-8PM. Both audition sessions will take in the Jones PDR. Callbacks will take place on Saturday, September 9th starting at 11AM in the Jones PDR.

Can I audition for multiple groups?

Yes! Feel free to audition for any of Rice’s six a cappella groups. The number of groups you audition for will not influence your chances of being selected.

What makes the Phils unique?

The Phils are one of four all-gender a cappella groups on campus, including Nocturnal, Chimes, and Basmati Beats (the Low Keys are all-female, and the Apollos are all-male). Each group has its own creative vision. We believe that the Phils are set apart by the wide range of genres we cover; our longstanding traditions; and the opportunities for members to compete nationally, record albums, and tour the country.

How many rounds of auditions are there?

For the Phils, the initial round of auditions is followed by one or more callbacks. Auditionees are then asked to rank their groups in order of preference. The new Phils are selected soon after auditions end.

How many new Phils are chosen?

The number of new Phils varies each year, depending both on the graduating seniors and the talented auditionees. The Phils are a highly competitive group, but we encourage you to forget about the numbers! Just give each audition your best shot.

Do I need professional training to be in the Phils?

Each Phil has a different relationship with music—some are classically trained, and others learned by ear. While it’s great if you have an extensive musical background, it certainly isn’t a requirement to be in the Phils! All we ask is that you are passionate about singing and/or beatboxing.

What is the weekly time commitment like?

In a typical year, the Phils have three rehearsals a week, each lasting about 1.5 hours. Being a part of the Phils can be demanding, but it won’t prevent you from pursuing other interests. And even though the long rehearsals may seem taxing, time flies when you’re with your phriends!