AUDITIONS OVERVIEW

Stay tuned for our spring 2025 audition schedule

Just prepare a 30-60 second solo of your choice for the initial audition. If you are someone who loves playing around with special vocal techniques like beatboxing or even mouth trumpet, let us know! Auditions are very, very low pressure, and above all we want to make sure you're having fun.

Feel free to reach out to us on Instagram or via email if you have any questions that aren't answered by the FAQs below, or if you just want to say hello. Additionally, please contact us if you would like to audition but are unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts. Can’t wait to meet you soon!

The Touchtones highly value diversity and inclusion and encourage students of all backgrounds and identities to audition. The Cornell student body is incredibly diverse, and we are committed to fostering an environment that reflects that student body – one that is inclusive of everyone. 

Auditions FAQ

Is it hard to get in?

Because we are usually comprised of around 13-16 people, The Touchtones is a selective group. That being said, we encourage everyone to come in and sing for us, regardless of prior experience; we've had members join with backgrounds ranging all the way from professional recording artists to shower singers! The number of members we take varies each semester depending on our needs.

Can I audition for more than one group?

Yes, we encourage this! Cornell is home to so many fantastic a cappella groups on campus, and auditioning for a group doesn't mean that you're obligated in any way to join. We want you to have the best shot at finding your home in the a cappella community at Cornell, and the best way to ensure that is to try out for as many groups as you'd like!

What song should I audition with?

Your audition song should be something you're comfortable with vocally and something you enjoy singing! Choose a song that best showcases your strengths, and don't worry about choosing a contemporary or popular song. Have fun with your song - as long as you enjoy it, we'll enjoy it!

What are rehearsals like?

Usually we meet three times a week for two-hour rehearsals in preparation for our concert, which is a standard schedule for most groups. We have a lot of fun during these rehearsals, but also stay productive and motivated. The commitment level is high, but it does not prevent you from doing other activities – many of our members are involved in other organizations on campus, like pre-professional fraternities, Tour Guides, and social sororities!

Why the Touchtones?

If you ask anyone in The Touchtones past or present, they'll all tell you the same thing: the friends you make in this group are some of the best you'll have at Cornell, and these relationships last a lifetime. We represent nearly all of Cornell's 7 schools, and come from many different backgrounds, but we're brought together by music. Whether it's singing at an alum's wedding, goofing around at an off-campus retreat, or going on pre-rehearsal boba runs, being a part of the Touchtones has given us an extra family at Cornell that we'll cherish forever. 

Being the first officially recognized a cappella group on campus, The Touchtones have been a part of the history of Cornell a cappella from the very beginning. As a part of ACAC (the A Cappella Advisory Council) the Touchtones are fully integrated with the rest of Cornell's a cappella community – if you're a member of the Touchtones, you'll not only get the chance to sing and bond with other 'tones, but also get a chance to befriend groups all over campus, whether through attending each others' shows, hosting arch sings together, or just hanging out!

The Touchtones pride ourselves on our unique sound and style. We're always introducing new songs, and cover anything from R&B to jazz to funk! Our members are highly motivated, and this work pays off – we've gotten to perform at gigs all over the country, at President Martha Pollack's inauguration, and countless other locations. 

At the end of the day, being a part of the Touchtones is about being surrounded by talented, supportive, strong women who are dedicated to bringing joy to others through music. We would love to see you at auditions!