All S.O.U.L. 2010 applicant must read this page.
This page will serve as the official "job description" for the S.O.U.L. Singers.
Minimum required qualifications:
Age 18 years or older
Travel or touring experience
Choral or ensemble music performance experience
Socially comfortable leading a group activity
Friendly and open character
Ability to read western music notation
Culturally or legally a citizen of a country other than the U.S.A.
Additional preferred qualifications:
Age 22 or older
International music touring experience
Five or more years of choral music participation
Formal music education (university diploma for performing, teaching, or conducting)
English skills sufficient enough to teach American students about home country
Work experience as a music teacher, conductor, performer, or composer
Visit all pages on this website to learn more about Singers Of United Lands. The mission of Singers Of United Lands (S.O.U.L.) is: developing international and cultural relationships through vocal music from around the world.
S.O.U.L. will fulfill this mission by forming a four-voice vocal ensemble team of singers ("S.O.U.L. Team") to travel together for approximately 20 weeks (January through May 2010) throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. Each singer will come from a different country of the worldeach one representing a different culture and nationality. The S.O.U.L. Team will travel to many different towns and cities during the tour giving CONCERTS and PRESENTATIONS.
CONCERTS will be performances of approximately 60 minutes. Each concert will include songs from each of the four singers countries. Each song will be introduced in English by the appropriate singer.
PRESENTATIONS may range anywhere from 5 minutes to 90 minutes. Each presentation will be unique. But all presentations will usually include some songs by the S.O.U.L. Team as well as interactive programming. The presentations may also include the S.O.U.L. Team teaching traditional native music or games to the audience, answering questions, showing native artifacts, teaching something about native culture and language, etc.
Some audiences will be young students ages 5-12. Other audiences will be students ages 12-18. Some audiences will be adults over age 18. The S.O.U.L. Team needs to be prepared to offer Concerts and Presentations to audiences of ALL ages!
Concerts and Presentations may take place in schools, religious communities (churches, temples, etc.), social community buildings, libraries, offices, restaurants, theatres, auditoriums, art galleries, radio or television studios, indoors, and outdoors. Each S.O.U.L. Singer must be willing and able to share information about their native country, religion, culture, language, history, family, and most importantly, their songs in ALL types of environments and locations. Each Concert and Presentation is an opportunity for the S.O.U.L. Team to share about cultures and songs from their respective countries.
Hosts may ask S.O.U.L. Singers to teach songs to the audience or lead discussions on topics concerning the language, religion, politics, geography, and economy of their country. Even if the members of the S.O.U.L. Team are not experts in these subjects, they will be expected to share what they do know.
Some Hosts will request the S.O.U.L. Team to visit their community for more than one day. In this case, the S.O.U.L. Singers should be prepared to give more detailed presentations of their native songs and cultures. This is a good opportunity for each S.O.U.L. Singer to teach songs to American audiences!
Each S.O.U.L. Singer will be expected to:
Contribute equally to each Concert and each Presentation.
Perform in a variety of venues (schools, relgious spaces, offices, restaurants, etc). - Comply with all visa requirements (see below).
- Bring photographs, recordings, scores, instruments, costumes, native artifacts.
- Lead rehearsals, teach vocal parts, encourage students to perform.
- Spend most nights with a Host Family.
- Interact socially with audiences after all Concerts and Presentations.
- Assist with miscellaneous life-on-the-road touring duties.
- Engage audiences in cultural activities, dances, songs, etc.
- Have a positive teamwork attitude.
- Sacrifice personal comfort for the comfort of the S.O.U.L. Team.
- Follow the programming decisions made by management.
S.O.U.L. 2010 Questions and Answers:
How are S.O.U.L. Singers selected?
The selection process for the singers who will form the S.O.U.L. 2010 Team requires close attention. We expect a high level of musicianship of each of the selected singers. We expect each singer who is selected to have completed at least one university music degree and/or have several years of experience in choral and solo singing. Each S.O.U.L. singer must also have the ability and desire to teach small and large groups of students of all ages. Any candidate who wants to be considered for the 2010 S.O.U.L. Team must submit a resume and a recording example of themselves singing as a soloist and in a vocal ensemble. Though musicianship and singing skills are very important for selection, personal character and a willingness to be a "cultural ambassador" are more important to be a S.O.U.L. candidate.
What is the history of S.O.U.L.?
Marcus LaPratt is the founder and director of S.O.U.L. He started the Singers Of United Lands organization in 2002 after teaching music for three years and touring as a singer to nearly 30 countries on 5 continents. He developed S.O.U.L. as a way for musicians from around the world to share their unique cultures and languages with American audiences in an interactive and educational format.
Singers Of United Lands is a federal nonprofit organization (NGO) and is incorporated in the State of Michigan. Since January 2004 S.O.U.L. has toured with successful visits to over 1,000 schools throughout the USA, Indonesia and Canada!
Which visa will I need to work in the USA?
It is the responsibility of each S.O.U.L. Singer to apply for a visa that will allow them to work for Singers Of United Lands during the S.O.U.L. Tour. The Singers Of United Lands organization will assist with this procedure as much as possible. But it is the ultimate responsibility of the selected S.O.U.L. Singers to receive their necessary visas. The Q Visa is the most appropriate visa for S.O.U.L. Singers to have. Singers Of United Lands will petition the U.S. government to allow each S.O.U.L. 2010 singer to apply for this Q Visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the candidate's home country. It is the responsibility of each S.O.U.L. Singer to follow all rules and laws of the granted visa.
What time commitment is expected?
The S.O.U.L. 2010 tour will be approximately five months from early January to early June 2010. S.O.U.L. singers will need to arrive in Michigan, U.S.A. approximately two weeks before the tour begins. The first and last official days of S.O.U.L. 2009 will be determined by the end of August 2009.
What is "Rehearsal Camp"?
Rehearsal Camp is the first two weeks of the S.O.U.L. project. These days will be used for rehearsals, learning repertoire, and preparing for other touring activities. During this time, the four S.O.U.L. singers will work closely together for several hours each day.
The Rehearsal Camp may also include mini Concerts and Presentations by the S.O.U.L. Team. These events may take place in local restaurants, schools, or businesses. The S.O.U.L. Singers should expect friendly and informal audience environments for these programs. These are meant to be fun and interactive events for the members of the local community to become acquainted with the S.O.U.L. Team.
What happens after the Rehearsal Camp?
After Rehearsal Camp the S.O.U.L. Team will begin the S.O.U.L. Tour. This is the part of the project that will involve lots of traveling, packing, performing, and teaching, traveling again, packing again, performing again, and teaching again. The S.O.U.L. Tour will continue through the end of the project.
Each S.O.U.L. singer will have a Home Base Host Family for the entire tour. This will be a family that lives near the main S.O.U.L. office. When S.O.U.L. is not traveling, the team will return to their Home Base Host Family where each family will provide their respective S.O.U.L. singer with a bedroom, shower, and food. The S.O.U.L. singers will be allowed to store extra luggage in the room of their Home Base Host Family at all times. These families are not expected to provide transportation or social time. They are simply requested to provide a home for the S.O.U.L. singers to rest during portions of the S.O.U.L. Tour that are not scheduled or that take place near S.O.U.L.s main office.
What is the stipend for the singers?
Unfortunately, our small organization can not afford to pay salaries to the singers that compare to many professional singing jobs. We invite singers to apply for this job who are interested more in the experience than in the financial remuneration they will receive. Singers Of United Lands humbly pays each S.O.U.L. Singer a salary of $200 every two weeks. For example, a S.O.U.L. tour that lasts 20 weeks would pay a total stipend of $2,000 to each singer.
Each S.O.U.L. Singer will be provided all housing, meals, and any necessary work-related transportation for the duration of the S.O.U.L. project.
Finally, Singers Of United Lands will pay for one roundtrip/return travel (may be a combination of train/plane/bus) from the largest international city that is closest to the singers home to the S.O.U.L. main office in Dearborn, Michigan. Singers Of United Lands will make the final arrangements for this transportation.
Singers Of United Lands will help each singer open an individual bank account. Salary payments will be paid directly into these accounts every two weeks. Each S.O.U.L. Singer will be individually responsible for paying all local, state, national, foreign, and/or international taxes. Singers Of United Lands does not provide advice to S.O.U.L. Singers regarding taxes.
Where will S.O.U.L. sleep?
S.O.U.L. singers will stay with Host Families during most of the tour. Each singer should be prepared for a touring lifestyle that must accommodate different living environments on a frequent basis. Some accommodations may be in youth hostels, hotels, church convents, etc. But most housing will be with Host Families. Some nights you may be asked to share a bedroom with one or more members of the S.O.U.L. Team. However, you can expect to have your own bed or mattress every night. And you can expect that each sleeping environment will be a clean and safe accommodation.
Staying with host families is one of the most challenging AND rewarding aspects of the S.O.U.L. tour. This style of living requires a very friendly personality and a willingness to appreciate being hosted by a variety of people in a variety of environments. Having a positive attitude can make this a wonderful experience instead of a frustrating one. Most Host Families will make you feel very comfortable. However, you will be expected to stay with the assigned Host Families for each assigned time period unless you are in an unsafe environment.
What is the financial responsibility of the singers?
- Necessary visa applications preparations and fees (approximately $150)
- Insurance that will cover medical, travel, and other needs
- Travel from permanent home to the nearest large international city
- Personal needs (toiletries, clothes, gifts, souvenirs, etc.)
- Communication needs (email, phone calls, faxes, etc.)
- Fair Gas Expense for approved personal use of S.O.U.L. vehicle
Who will conduct the ensemble?
S.O.U.L. is a self-conducted ensemble. Each S.O.U.L. Singer will share an equal leadership role in rehearsing, conducting, preparing, etc. throughout the entire tour. Each Singer will make the final musical decisions relating to their respective native songs that are performed by the S.O.U.L. quartet.
What style of music will be sung?
All songs in the S.O.U.L. repertoire must be songs that are native to the S.O.U.L. Singers and their four respective cultures. Songs can be sacred or secular. Songs can be solos, duets, trios, or quartets. Each S.O.U.L. Singer must bring at least 10 songs that represent their native country (songs by a native composer, in a national or native national language, in a traditional style, etc.). Songs can be any genre- folk, classical, traditional, pop, or contemporary. Most songs should be a capella. But it is okay to include songs that are accompanied by piano or other small instruments.
What is the S.O.U.L. touring vehicle?
The touring S.O.U.L. vehicle will be a Minivan with five seats. Singers Of United Lands will provide all necessary transportation for the duration of the tour. (Personal use of the touring vehicle may be approved by S.O.U.L. management. But a Fair Gas Expense will be expected.) Singers will be limited to one small suitcase and one bag per person for the traveling portions of the tour. It will be possible to store additional personal items with Home Base Host Families. S.O.U.L. may also travel by bus, train, airplane, etc. if necessary.
What is the S.O.U.L. work schedule?
Singers should expect to work an average of 40 hours per week. Singers need to be prepared for many changes to the working schedule. There is no consistency from one day to the next. Some schedules may require Singers to offer six or more Concerts or Presentations in one day. Other days may include only one scheduled Concert or Presentation. Some scheduled activities may begin as early as 7:00AM. And other activities may begin as late as 20:00 (8:00PM) or later. This is another reason why S.O.U.L. Singers must have flexible personalities.
Although it is not guaranteed, Singers Of United Lands will try to schedule at least two days off each week. These off days may include several hours of traveling from one touring location to the next. The S.O.U.L. management will work hard to ensure that Singers have enough relaxation time to remain healthy and rested. The S.O.U.L. team will be expected to schedule additional rehearsals to prepare for all activities throughout the tour without the direction and instruction of the S.O.U.L. management.
What will hosting teachers do during S.O.U.L. Presentations?
Usually there is a Host Teacher in the schools that S.O.U.L. visits. Some hosts will choose to not participate in the S.O.U.L. activities. However, most will be actively involved. Each experience will be unique. S.O.U.L. should not rely on host teachers to provide any programming assistance.
Where will S.O.U.L. travel during the tour?
The touring itinerary will be updated throughout the tour. A general itinerary may include traveling between Michigan and Florida. The tour may also include Canada.
Most Presentations and Concerts will take place in school classrooms and school auditoriums. Many locations are not intended for musical performances. The S.O.U.L. Team will be expected to share their programming regardless of the acoustics, space, chair set-up, audience position, etc. Most spaces will be sufficient for informal Presentations. Some schools in the U.S.A are large and beautiful with new materials. Others schools are small, ugly, and old. S.O.U.L. must be prepared to work in all kinds of environments.
How is Singers Of United Lands managed?
A Tour Manager will travel with the S.O.U.L. Team at all times and will oversee all daily operations. Marcus LaPratt is the founder and Executive Director of S.O.U.L. A Board of Directors meets periodically to discuss the organizations progress. Together with the Executive Director, the Tour Manager will make all non-music management decisions regarding the tour.
Does S.O.U.L. have an official political or religious affiliations?
No.
What teaching supplies should each S.O.U.L. singer bring?
S.O.U.L. Singers should bring their native songs and any resources needed for leading Presentations of music history, composition, and general culture, language, etc. Singers should also bring visual aids such as traditional costumes, photographs, large posters, native instruments, currency coins and paper money, and any other items that could be of interest when sharing about your culture. At least one visual item from each S.O.U.L. Singer should be used during each Presentation of the S.O.U.L. Team.
What clothing should singers bring?
Dress attire should be comfortable and casual for schools Presentations. Jeans are usually appropriate. Also bring a more formal outfit for certain Performances (black pants/skirt/dress with an elegant shirt or sweater). And finally, bring a colorful traditional costume.
The U.S.A. is a big country with all climates and temperatures. Be prepared for ANY weather! Search the internet for average temperatures in various parts of the U.S.A.
What will be the responsibilities of the Tour Manager?
The Tour Manager is a liaison between the S.O.U.L. Singers, the Hosts, and the S.O.U.L. main office. The Tour Manager will:
- Provide a monthly, weekly, and/or daily itinerary for the S.O.U.L. singers
- Assist with the financial business of Singers Of United Lands
- Communicate regularly with the Singers Of United Lands main office
- Arrange and confirm host families or other sleeping accommodations
- Work with each Host to develop successful programming/schedule
- Make final decisions of daily S.O.U.L. activities
- Mediate any concerns of the S.O.U.L. Singers and management
- Oversee all public relations and marketing activities (T-Shirt, CD sales)
- Be responsible for driving the S.O.U.L. touring vehicle
How can singers know that this project will be a success?
Have a positive attitude and communicate clearly! Singers Of United Lands is a very unique organization. There will be many difficulties. You will get homesick. You will become frustrated sometimes. But the best way to prepare for this project is to have an open mind. Be ready to learn about yourself and others. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in order to benefit the entire S.O.U.L. TEAM! Being a singer with S.O.U.L. requires energy, enthusiasm, risk, assertiveness, patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude!
Musically, S.O.U.L. Singers are usually nervous to meet the other members of the quartet for the first time. The Executive Director of S.O.U.L. makes the final selection of singers to join S.O.U.L. And though it is impossible to know exactly how well the four voices of the S.O.U.L. Singers will blend and work together, each of the past S.O.U.L. Teams has had success with creating a high quality vocal quartet sound. Each Singer comes from a different cultural and educational background. But this uniqueness is what makes the S.O.U.L. Tour so special and exciting. Ultimately, if the individual members are all dedicated to working well together and improving their musical sound throughout the tour, then the singers can expect great success.
A successful S.O.U.L. Singer is someone who:
- Wants to share their native songs and culture with anyone, any time, anywhere!
- Accepts suggestions on how to improve American communication skills.
- Will be optimistic.
- Balances being both a leader and a follower in a small teamwork environment.
- Is proud of their national and cultural origin.
- Will seek solutions to problems using limited resources and limited time.
- Will work independently on their S.O.U.L. repertoire when needed.
- Will be patient, humble, kind, respectful, helpful, and have a positive attitude.
- Is able to travel often and far in a vehicle for long periods of time.
A person who should not join S.O.U.L. is someone who:
- Does not like sleeping in different places regularly.
- Will not help to solve problems.
- Wants to be a S.O.U.L. singer ONLY for the salary that they will earn.
- Complains about American food, American culture, American people, etc.
- Wants to change the objectives or activities of S.O.U.L.
- May destroy family (or other) relationships by being away for several months.
- Expects others to serve them.
- Likes to spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Is arrogant, obnoxious, rude, selfish, or stubborn.
What is the application procedure?
Singers who are interested in applying for a position as a S.O.U.L. Singer must submit the following documents:
- Recording of at least one solo song (CD, Cassette, or mp3 file)
- Recording of at least one ensemble/choral song (CD, Cassette, or mp3 file)
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Contact emails and phone numbers of 3 personal or professional references
- Photo
All information can be sent by email to soulands@hotmail.com or by regular mail to:
S.O.U.L.
3337 Culver Avenue
Dearborn, Michigan 48124
U.S.A.
Ultimately, the success of Singers Of United Lands depends on the commitment that each of the S.O.U.L. Singers and the S.O.U.L. Tour Manager make to the mission of the organization. This job requires the S.O.U.L. Team to commit approximately five months of their lives. This is a long time. A realistic view is that the job of the S.O.U.L. Team continues 24 hours per day for seven days per week for approximately five months! The S.O.U.L. organization understands that this is a major commitment that requires each S.O.U.L. Singer to make personal sacrifices in order to leave their families, jobs, language, native food, and homes in their respective countries. The S.O.U.L. organization appreciates the commitment of the S.O.U.L. Singers and will make every attempt to make the experience a great one! Please remember that this is a long commitment. Singers should not consider joining S.O.U.L. if they think they may get too tired or become too homesick to complete the full commitment.
A unique thing about this job is that it is difficult to make a clear distinction between a personal and a professional relationship among the members of the S.O.U.L. Team and the Tour Manager. Many jobs in the world allow workers to leave the workplace and co-workers after eight hours of working per day. However, with S.O.U.L., you may spend more than 10 hours each day with the other members of the S.O.U.L. Team for the entire tour. In some ways the S.O.U.L. Team becomes like a family of five adults living in one small home. If you have had experience with this kind of family environment, then you know that success requires patience and clear communication in order to get along with one another. All members of the S.O.U.L. Team must be prepared to learn from one another and help make the entire experience a good one.
Musically, the S.O.U.L. singers need to be excellent musicians as soloists, as choral singers, and as part of a small ensemble. But more importantly, these individuals need to be committed to sharing their individual culture and national identities with children and adults in every school and community, at all times, wherever S.O.U.L. travels. The S.O.U.L. singers need to be comfortable communicating to a large or small group of people. However, perfect and fluent English skills are not necessary. Each singer also needs to be willing to teach vocal parts to an entire choir if necessary. They must be willing and able to teach English-speaking students how to sing in a foreign language.
I hope that this information has helped you to clearly understand the job requirements of the Singers who create Singers Of United Lands. This is an exciting and unique job, and I am looking for exciting and unique singers to be a part of it!
Several singers have already expressed an interest in applying for the S.O.U.L. 2010 Tour. We hope to have the final selection of the team made by the end of July 2009.
Please contact me if you would like to be part of the S.O.U.L. 2010 Team. However, if you are not interested in this project, or if you cannot be considered for the S.O.U.L. 2010 Tour because of a job, studies, or any other reason, then please forward this information on to someone who you think would be a qualified candidate.
Thank you for your interest!
Sincerely,
Marcus J. LaPratt
Founder and Executive Director
