Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Application Complete Packet Due February 1 st Admissions Office 5200 Silver Hill Road Forestville, MD 20747 Phone: (301) 817-0092 Email: suitl.cvpa@pgcps.rg Web: http://www1.pgcps.org/suitlandhs This program is available to students county-wide. Northwestern High School in-boundary and current Hyattsville Middle School CPA students MAY choose to apply for, but may NOT apply for both. For questions, please contact the program coordinator. Access School Finder (http://gis.pgcps.org/schoolfinder/findschool2.asp) to check eligibility for the Northwestern High School program. Application Effective Date October 1, 2017: Please disregard ALL previous copies
Incomplete applications will not be considered for placement. 1. Choose one or more of the disciplines from the list below in which you would like to major and audition. 2. Read the audition procedures and expectations listed below for your chosen audition area. Please come to the audition prepared to do exactly what is expected. 3. Complete all parts of the application. Double check application for completion prior to mailing. Incomplete applications will not be processed and students will not be allowed to audition. 4. Two recommendations are required. a. One recommendation must be from the current Creative Arts teacher, public or private. b. One recommendation must be from current classroom/homeroom teacher. c. Recommendations should be placed in an envelope and sealed by the teacher completing the form. d. The recommendations should be returned along with the application in their sealed envelopes as part of the application packet. 5. Provide a copy of your current resume. Include performance experience and work experience, as applicable. 6. Provide a current school report card denoting the program's minimum required 2.0+ GPA for each quarter with no failing grades. April registration cannot take place without having met the minimum 2.0 GPA. 7. Provide Student Identification Number: The student number is a 9 digit number starting with 000 or 100 and is listed on their PGCPS report card. Parents and/or legal guardians may obtain a student ID number by going to their neighborhood/boundary school with a valid proof of ID, proof of residence (deed or current lease) and birth certificate. Private school and home-schooled students must acquire a PGCPS student number from their boundary school to complete this application. 8. Mail completed application and corresponding documents to the provided address. Confirmation of application receipt will be provided by email. Due to the volume of applications, it is not possible to provide confirmation via phone. The application will be complete when we've received: a. Application b. Student essay (form included in this packet) c. Current report card d. Recommendation forms (submitted in sealed envelopes in this packet) e. Student identification number DANCE Total Audition time: Approximately one hour. The dance audition consists of a class with approximately 15 students. The class covers some ballet; modern, and jazz dance techniques. Dancers are assessed on the basis of these techniques as well as natural flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, ability to pick up and remember steps, and musicality. After the brief class, each student will perform a two-minute dance, which is choreographed by the student or someone else prior to the audition. Dance pieces may be in any dance form including (but not limited to) ballet, modern, jazz, ethnic, or hip-hop. The dance should showcase the dancer to share what they believe are their strongest dance attributes. Students must bring their own solo music on a CD. Auditioning students should be in appropriate dance attire. Ladies: Leotard and footless tights Gentlemen: White T-shirt, jazz pants or sweat pants, athletic support Shoes: No dance shoes are required. However, bring ballet slippers if you own them. Hair: Pulled back off the face and secured neatly. Wear a bun if possible. Jewelry: Post earrings only. 2
THEATRE Total Audition Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes Prepare and memorize two contrasting monologues, a maximum of two minutes in length for each monologue. One must be classical and the other should be contemporary. Please bring a written copy of your selected materials with you when you audition. You may use monologues from this packet (http://tinyurl.com/dramaaudition) or you may present others of your choosing. Fee free to choose any monologue (one classical and one contemporary) that you like that shows off your strengths as a performer and showcases your skills with language. There will be an interview with each student. Be prepared to discuss your selected monologue. Students will be asked to participate in improvisational activities to assess their quick thinking and ability to work with a partner to create characters, situation, and the world of the scene. For more information about improvisation, please read this article from the Washington Improv Theatre: http://www.washingtonimprovtheater.com/pages.php?pagename=what-is TV/MEDIA PRODUCTION Total Audition time: Approximately 30-45 minutes Students must create a storyboard and a script for an original one-minute commercial and bring it to the audition. The commercial must be creative and unique. The directions and materials for completing the storyboard are located here: http://bit.ly/mediaartsstoryboard There will be an interview with each student. The student will share the one-minute commercial, explain his/her idea and creative process, and discuss why he/she is interested in the Media Production Program. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Total Audition time: Approximately 30-45 minutes All music applicants are expected to demonstrate sight reading ability. The audition assessment is based on the student's technical ability, interpretation of tempo, style, dynamics, phrasing, tonal quality, and accuracy of intonation. WOODWIND & BRASS Perform specific audition excerpts and scales, which may be found online at http://bit.ly/1oon1h1 PERCUSSION Perform specific audition excerpts on timpani, snare drum, and bells, which may be found online at http://bit.ly/1oon1h1 STRINGS Perform specific audition excerpts and scales, which may be found online at http://bit.ly/1oon1h1 PIANO Audition Time: 20-30 minutes Bring current repertoire and play a prepared selection. Play scales up to 3 sharps and 3 flats for two octaves. Perform a two-part sight-reading exercise. 3
VOCAL MUSIC Total Audition time: Approximately 30-45 minutes All music applicants are expected to demonstrate sight reading ability. The audition assessment is based on the student's technical ability, interpretation of tempo, style, dynamics, phrasing, tonal quality, and accuracy of intonation. Sing a prepared selection from one of the following: Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias published by Schirmer or an American Art song from Anthology for Beginning American Singers H.E.R.S Publishing or This Shall be for Music by Mary Lynn Lightfoot, Published by Heritage Music. Sing The National Anthem or Shenandoah Perform rhythmic and melodic sight-reading comparable to MCEA middle school level 3. Click here: (http://goo.gl/rb7o6s) to access the chart. VISUAL ARTS Total Audition time: Approximately 30-45 minutes Each applicant is expected to complete the 5 assignments listed below as well as 5 independent assignments for a total of 10. It is NOT acceptable for students to include cartoon and superhero drawings on any kind of paper as part of their independent assignments. Applicants are required to bring the specified number of assignments. Sketchbooks are welcomed. The program is looking for students with artistic potential to learn, grow and become artists. During the audition, students and parents will be able to meet teachers, learn about the art and academic. Applicants will present their artwork and do an onsite drawing assignment as part of the audition. Instructions and supplies will be provided. Applicants must bring their work with them on audition day. VISUAL ARTS APPLICANTS' PORTFOLIOS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENTS: A self-portrait from a mirror observation. A color design. A drawing of a bicycle, a motorcycle or car using pencil or pen & ink from observation. A still life drawing of objects from observation (examples a bowl of fruit, or sneakers) An interior view of the corner of a room in your home or school, any medium or material. 4
Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Application Deadline Yearly on or before February 1 Application form should be completed by Parent or Guardian Applicant Information (Please print neatly) Student ID # Last Name First Name MI Date Date of Birth Gender Expected Grade Level Next August Home Address Street Name Apt # City State Zip Home Phone Parent/Guardian Cell Phone Parent/Guardian Name Work Phone Parent/Guardian Email Address Student Email Address Name of Current School Where did you learn about this program? (circle one) Middle School Meeting www.pgcps.org a friend CVPA open house program's website other Artistic Area of Interest Please select one area of interest for which you wish to audition by writing the number 1 in the corresponding box. Students proficient in more than one area should mark their second choice with the number 2. Students MAY (not a guarantee) be invited to audition in a second area as space permits. Dance Theatre Visual Arts TV/Media Production Music: Band Flute Music: Band Percussion Music: Orchestra Violin Music: Vocal Baritone Music: Band Oboe Music: Band Trumpet Music: Orchestra Cello Music: Vocal Bass Music: Band Clarinet Music: Band Trombone Music: Orchestra Viola Music: Vocal Soprano Music: Band Saxophone Music: Band Tuba Music: Orchestra Bass Music: Vocal Tenor Music: Band Bassoon Music: Band Other Music: Vocal Alto Music: Piano Participation Policy: Audition results, application, recommendation letters, personal essay, and report cards will be considered to determine which students are offered admission to the CVPA program at. However, a minimum 2.0 grade point average with no failing grades will be required to complete the CVPA registration at AND to remain in the Center for Visual and Performing Arts for the subsequent years. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date Date 5
Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts Personal Essay Completed by Student Student Name Student ID# In 400 words or less, describe the reasons why you would like to be enrolled at the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts at including the following: Your previous involvement and/or training in your selected arts major. What you consider to be your weakness and strengths both academically and artistically. How the CVPA fits into your post high school goals. Please use your best composition, writing and penmanship skills when completing this essay. If you use additional sheets of paper to write or type, put your name and the title Personal Essay at the top. 6
Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Please place the completed recommendation in a sealed and signed envelope and return to the student. Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Recommendation #1 Page 1 Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by February 1 Recommendation Please print neatly Student Last Name Student First Name Student ID# Name of person making recommendation Title Address City State Zip Phone Email Address How long have you known this student and in what context? What are the first words that come to mind when describing this student? Suitland s CVPA is an extended school program that requires its students to earn nearly double the required number of high school credits. Give us your opinion of this student's aptitude for success under these conditions. 7
Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Recommendation #1 Page 2 Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by February 1 Student Last Name Student First Name Student ID# How do you rate this student in terms of: No Basis Creativity Self-Motivation Discipline and Work Habits Academic Achievement Interpersonal Skills Interest in the Arts Written expression of ideas Potential for growth Ability to follow directions Respect for others Weak or Non-existing Basic Proficient Superior Exemplary Additional Comments: Signature Date Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Please place the completed recommendation in a sealed and signed envelope and return to the student. 8
Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Please place the completed recommendation in a sealed and signed envelope and return to the student. Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Recommendation #2 Page 1 Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by February 1 Recommendation Please print neatly Student Last Name Student First Name Student ID# Name of person making recommendation Title Address City State Zip Phone Email Address How long have you known this student and in what context? What are the first words that come to mind when describing this student? Suitland s CVPA is an extended school program that requires its students to earn nearly double the required number of high school credits. Give us your opinion of this student's aptitude for success under these conditions. 9
Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts Teacher Recommendation #2 Page 2 Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by February 1 Student Last Name Student First Name Student ID# How do you rate this student in terms of: No Basis Creativity Self-Motivation Discipline and Work Habits Academic Achievement Interpersonal Skills Interest in the Arts Written expression of ideas Potential for growth Ability to follow directions Respect for others Weak or Nonexisting Basic Proficient Superior Exemplary Additional Comments: Signature Date Thank you for taking the time to complete this recommendation. Please place the completed recommendation in a sealed and signed envelope and return to the student. 10
About the Centers for Visual and Performing Arts The Centers for the Visual and Performing Arts are college preparatory programs that are available to all PGCPS students entering either the 9th or 10th grades (The Northwestern is currently an in-boundary program). The programs are designed to meet the needs of students who have serious aspirations of pursuing a career in the arts. Through a progressive curriculum, CVPA offers educational opportunities designed to prepare students for further scholastic or professional study and career options in the arts. The artistically challenging curriculum at CVPA combines an educational program that is academically sound and that offers training in the areas of visual and performing arts. Through strong association with the professional arts community in the Washington, D.C. area, the program offers students unique opportunities to work with award- winning professionals. The students who participate in the extended-day arts program are provided with transportation to CVPA, regardless of where they reside in Prince George's County. Why choose CVPA/VPA? CVPA students study with professional artists, dancers, actors, musicians and singers as they explore and major in one of the five principal concentrations: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance, Theatre, TV/Media Production and Visual Arts. This extraordinary training becomes particularly important when students are ready to apply for colleges as college admissions representatives seek to find students who are highly focused and committed. CVPA students go on to attend some of the nations' most selective colleges, universities and conservatories and each year earn millions in scholarship awards. Who is an ideal CVPA/VPA candidate? Ideal candidates for CVPA are current 8th or 9th grade students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the arts at a rigorous level. Because CVPA is an extended school program (8:30am-4:40 p.m. at Suitland, 8:15-4:10 p.m. at Northwestern), candidates must be available and willing to exceed the PGCPS graduation requirements as well as be available to participate in program related events on evenings and weekends. PGCPS Board of Education Segun C. Eubanks, Ed.D., BOE Chair Carolyn M. Boston, BOE Vice-Chair David Murray Lupi Quinteros-Grady Dinora A. Hernandez, Esq. Patricia Eubanks Raaheela Ahmed K. Alexander Wallace Edward Burroughs III Sonya Williams Donna Wiseman, Ph.D. Mary Kingston Roche Curtis Valentine, M.P.P. Amanya Paige, Student Board Member 11
Before you mail your application packet, do you have the following items? Completed application Student Essay (form included in this packet) Current Report Card Current Resume Completed and sealed recommendation forms (2) Student Identification Number Mail completed applications to: Admissions Office Center for the Visual and Performing Arts 5200 Silver Hill Road Forestville, MD 20747 12