FAQs

Q: Where and when does Exit 69 rehearse?

A: We meet in the basement of the concert hall, in the first open room we can find.  We try to schedule practices on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings.  Specific times are decided at a scheduling meeting before the start of each term.

Q: When does Exit 69 perform?

A: Exit 69 typically has one large concert per term, sometimes as a lone group and sometimes as a joint concert with another Carleton group. We also perform in various smaller events throughout the term.

Q: Does Exit 69 have any restrictions on the songs they perform?

A: Generally not. We will sing any song that is supported by our members and that one of us volunteers to arrange. Songs are suggested at group “listening parties,” and subsequently voted on by all the members. If even one member is strongly against performing a given piece, it is unlikely the piece will pass.

Q: Does Exit 69 have officers or designated singers for different parts?

A: No, and not really. Exit 69 is a group of equals where everyone solos and has an equivalent voice in group affairs. Some of our members, (such as David, Jon, Molly, or Aaron) arrange more than others because they have greater levels of experience with arranging, but there is no designated “arranger” in Exit 69. Exit 69’s singers know generally where they sing, but have no firmly designated SATB-type role.

Q: Does Exit 69 audition every year?

A: Exit 69 usually carries around 12 singers on our roster. We often have group members off campus, but it is not our practice to audition new singers to temporarily fill their spots. When the inevitable and sad process of graduation shrinks our group, we will hold auditions.

Q: What vacancies in the group are expected for the 2009-2010 school year?

A: Leaving us at the end of this year are all of our old soldiers from ‘09: Don, David, Aaron, Alex, and Michelle. As such, we expect to accept 3-5 new singers (both male and female) into Exit 69 in September of 2009.

Q: What is the audition process, and what are the dates and requirements for auditions?

A: Okay, the big serious question. Auditions are held in the very beginning of each new school year. They are open to students of all ages and with all levels of vocal experience. You can sign up for an audition time at our table at the Activities Fair. Come to the audition prepared with a memorized, unaccompanied solo that showcases your voice and energy. You will also sing scales to test your range, pitch recall exercises to test tone memory and accuracy, and possibly other exercises. The ability to arrange, do Vocal Percussion, or play piano is a bonus, but certainly isn’t required for membership.

After the first round of auditions, Exit 69 will post a callbacks list. This is a smaller group of students that we have decided to hear again. At callbacks, a lengthy and frankly somewhat arduous process, you will learn part of a standard Exit 69 song, and sing in shifting small ensembles with other auditionees. The standing Exit 69 members will then listen for blend and accuracy amongst the groups. After deliberation, Exit 69 will post a list of its new members in the concert hall. Auditions for Exit 69 are very competitive; we really encourage singers that didn’t make it once to audition again. Every year we turn away at least 3 singers who we actively wanted in the group but didn’t have roster space for. It is always worth another shot.

Q: I have no a cappella/little vocal experience. Is it worth my time to audition?

A: Yes! While all of our current members have been singers for a long time, if you’re a nice person with talent and a good attitude, there is no predetermined level of experience or training that is necessary for membership in the group.

Q: Does membership in Exit 69 preclude me from participating in other Carleton a cappella groups?

A: LOLZ! No way. Exit 69 actually functions as a kind of melting pot for the other big groups on campus. We currently have members of the Knightingales and Nightshade in our group; other groups such as I.M., the Accidentals, and the Knights have all had members in Exit 69 as well.

Q: Are you guys weird or cool? Are your rehearsals fun or intense?

A: Exit 69 is one big (occasionally dysfunctional) family, and we behave accordingly. While we do tend to get very serious and kind of snippy once our concert nears, generally we are pretty goofy, friendly, and often just have really unfocused practices. We are all friends in Exit 69, and it is a great place to build connections with upperclassmen. We often eat together as a group, attend musical events that feature our members in situations outside of the group to show them love, and have wild parties as a group several times a term. We have a lot of fun, and are always welcoming new people.

Q: What do I do if none of this helped me?

A: Check yourself before you wreck yourself, hit up our Contact Us section, and shoot us an email.