Application Bring the completed packet to the Audition on April 1, 2017 Theatre/Musical Theatre Visual Arts Music (Instrumental & Vocal) Dance Mount Vernon City School District Evelyn Collins, Director of Arts & Gifted and Talented Education Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School 100 California Road Mount Vernon, NY 10553 Phone: (914) 665-7547 Email: ecollins@mtvernoncsd.org Web: http://www.mtvernoncsd.org This program is available to students entering grades 6th - 9th in all schools in Mount Vernon in September 2017. For questions, please contact the Director of Arts at the above email address. Arts Magnet Application
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. One recommendation is required. a. The recommendation must be from a current teacher, public or private. b. Recommendation should be placed in an envelope and sealed by the teacher completing the form. c. The recommendations should be returned along with the application in their sealed envelopes as part of the application packet. 5. Provide a current school report card with no failing grades. 6. 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) DANCE The dance audition consists of a class. 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 one-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 Hair: Pulled back off the face and secured neatly. Wear a bun if possible. Jewelry: Post earrings only. THEATRE 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. Feel 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. Arts Magnet Application 2
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 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 String Auditions are for violin, viola, cello and string bass. Audition material: you may select one solo from either of the following: Suzuki Book volume 1 or 2 Solo Time for Strings book 1 or 2 Strictly Strings - book 1 or 2 a solo/song, not an exercise Essential Elements book 1 or 2 a solo/song not an exercise Scales: prepare 2 different scales; one octave each. Play with long slow bows. PIANO VISUAL ARTS 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. 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. 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. Arts Magnet Application 3
Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School Parent or Guardian should complete application form 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) School /Teacher a friend open house district s website performances other Artistic Area of Interest Please select one area of interest for which you wish to audition by placing an X in the corresponding box. Dance Theatre Visual Arts Musical Theatre 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 Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date Date Arts Magnet Application 4
Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School 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 Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School 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 Arts magnet fits into your 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. Arts Magnet Application 5
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. Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School Teacher Recommendation #1 Page 1 Recommendations must be received with the application. Recommendation Please print neatly Student Last Name Student First Name Student ID# Name of person making recommendation Address City State Zip Phone Email Address Title How long have you known this student and in what context? What are the first words that come to mind when describing this student? The Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School is a program that requires its students to elect advanced placement classes in high school and prepare academically for success for college or conservatory. Additionally, students are expected to be disciplined and capable of performing and studying the arts commencing in 6 th grade 12 th grade. Give us your opinion of this student's aptitude for success under these conditions. Arts Magnet Application 6
Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School Teacher Recommendation Page 2 Recommendations must be received with the application. 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 Arts Magnet Application 7
Before you mail your application packet, do you have the following items? Completed application Student Essay (form included in this packet) Current Report Card Completed and sealed recommendation forms (1) Mail completed applications to: Performing and Visual Arts Magnet School Attn: Evelyn Collins 100 California Road Mount Vernon, NY 10553 Arts Magnet Application 8