Twenty-five people auditioned for the Fall 2012 Applied Music Program at the Burnight Center on Wednesday Aug. 15

Although 25 people showed up to audition, 10 students were selected to participate in the program. An undisclosed amount of alternates were also selected.

Micki England, Intermediate Typist/Clerk for the Music Department out tests to the musicians and vocalists who waited to audition.

The first step of the audition process was a test that gauged the students knowledge of musical terms such as the different values of musical notes and the knowledge of music terminology. The test also tested knowledge of how to read musical notes on a keyboard.

The next step in the audition process was the singing and instrument portion of the auditions.

Upon completion of the required tests, musicians preformed in front of Dr. Christine Lopez, who is the director of the Applied Music Program as well as the Keyboard Studies Program and music instructor Dr. Anna Dimichelle, who is the director of Vocal and Choral Studies.

According to Lopez, they were evaluating the skill sets for each person that auditioned by judging things like the pitch and rhythm of a song.

“If we have the music in front of us, we can tell by looking at the music how accurate they are in playing the notes that have been written for that piece,” said Lopez.

Music major John Eric Santamaria was one of the first people to audition. His musical instrument of choice was a classical guitar.

Although he has been playing for eight years, his first formal lesson took place a year ago in a fundamental music class at Cerritos College.

Santamaria said he hopes to get into the program and then move on to transfer to Cal State Fullerton, he also plans to continue playing classical guitar.

“It’s been my dream to form a band, get out there, get your foot up and start playing and spreading your word.”

Ariel Salazar, a vocalist and psychology major, also auditioned for the program.

Salazar’s interest in singing began when he was 13 years old.

“In high school, I took choir and I learned a little bit of techniques and transferring to college here[Cerritos]. I learned how to extend those techniques and make it even better so my voice has transformed through the years.”

The vocal audition brought out excitement in Salazar.

“I was excited because I really want this. I love to sing so I wasn’t really nervous. It was more of an ‘I have been ready since May.’”

Lopez recommends that students who don’t make it into the program take other classes that will help develop their skills.

“We [Lopez and Dimichele] suggest that they continue playing in a band or singing in a choir or playing in an ensemble because it gives them the opportunity to know more about our program but then again it builds their skills singing or playing an instrument.”

During the Applied Music Program, students are to be co-enrolled in a conducted ensemble the list included: Band, Orchestra, Choir, Piano ensemble or Jazz band.

Students enrolled in the program are scheduled to receive a private lesson with an instructor.

They are also enrolled for a recital class that is held on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. or 6 p.m.

The recital class is a chance for the students who are enrolled in the program to perform in front of their peers which is different from the private lessons they will receive.

Students are also assigned a specific level of study in the program and they must check in with England in order to begin the enrollment process for their assigned level.