Im doing an audition...?

Question

In the school musical its all pretty soul/belt music. (but on an easy level) I want to audition and the director really likes songs that show off volume and range. Specifically high notes.

Answer 1

There are many things to consider in this question... Let's see...

What show are you auditioning for?  Is it a musical in the classic musical theatre sense, or is it a modern show that features a score similar to pop music?

If it's a modern show, then you might consider doing an actually Pop or R&B song from the charts.  Songs from Christina, Pink, and Kelly Clarkson all require high powered notes.

If it's a more traditional musical, then almost all musical comedies have a character who belts, along side a character who sings lyrically.    My particular favourite for showing a high powerful range is "I resolve" from "She Loves Me"  Or "Shy" from "Once Upon a Mattress".

The second thing to consider in your question is what do you specifically mean by  "volume and range".  There's a big difference between range and volume/power in characters who belt, and range/volume/power in characters who sing lyrically.  Think of Eponine /Fantine vs. Cosette in Les Miz, or The Bakers Wife/Little Red Riding Hood vs Cinderella/Rapunzel in Into the Woods.

If it's a traditional lyrical soprano part that needs to show volume or range, then you'd need to find songs from musicals sung by that type of character.  "Come to My Garden" from Secret Garden, anything sung by Rose in the Mystery of Edwin Drood, or "Ice Cream" from She Loves Me are fantastic songs.  I visit She Loves Me again because it's a fantastic musical containing classic examples of all main character types, with songs covering large ranges for each.

After thought:  There are a number of soul/belt songs in the rock musical arena, such as anything from Mary Magdeline in Jesus Christ Superstar, or a really good source would be any of Maureen's songs or "Out tonight" from Rent.  Tango Maureen is a good one too...

Hope that helps.  Break a leg!