Criteria for the Visual and Performing Arts Academy

Application and entrance requirements:
• One-page student handwritten essay
• Two teacher letters of recommendation (one must be arts specific)
• Portfolio review (visual arts pieces) or audition (dance, drama, music)

Dance audition
Each student applying for admission in Dance Focus will be asked to:
  1. Participate in a class, which will consist of ballet barre and center work.
  2. Choreograph and perform a piece for the selection committee. Audition piece should be from one to two minutes in length, with music to be chosen by the student. Pick a dance style from the list below:
   Ballet
   Modern
   Jazz/Lyrical
   Tap

Drama audition
Each student applying for admission in Drama Focus will be asked to do the following:
   1. Prepare and perform two (2) one to three minute monologues with contrasting themes.
   2. Perform a cold reading of material provided by the selection committee. A cold reading includes reading a story or script without preparation. Material will be provided at the audition.
   3. Perform a short improvisation based on a subject or theme suggested by the selection committee at the audition.
   4. Answer several interview questions by the selection committee.

Instrumental music audition
Each student applying for admission to the Instrumental Music Focus area will be asked to do the following:
   1. Brass and Woodwind
        • Prepare and perform the required etude for your instrument.
        • Prepare and perform both sides of the required scale sheet for your instrument.

        • Sight-read a short excerpt provided by the selection committee at the audition.
   2. String Instruments
        • Prepare and perform the required etude for your instrument
        • Prepare and perform the following major scales from memory in quarter notes at a minimum tempo of quarter note=120 beats per minute.
         – Violin: Eb, Bb, F, C, G, D, A: All scales 2 octaves
         – Viola & Cello: Eb, F, C, G, D, A, E: All scales 2 octaves
         – Bass: F, C, G, D, A, E: 2 octaves Bb: 1 octave
        • Sight-read a short excerpt provided by the selection committee at the audition.
   3. Percussion Instruments
        • Prepare and perform the three required etudes listed in packet for timpani, mallets, and snare drum.
        • Play the following major scales from memory on the xylophone:  A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb. Scales should be played two octaves in quarter notes at a minimum tempo of quarter note-120 beats per minute.
        • Sight-read three short excerpts on the following instruments; timpani, mallets, and snare drum.

Visual Art Portfolio Review
All original work should be presented in a portfolio case. In your interview you will be asked about your work, your ideas, inspirations, and what you would like to learn.
   1. A portfolio is a continuing record of your artistic development. When you apply for admission to this Academy, a portfolio with examples of your best artwork is required. Always remember to show a variety of your work in your portfolio. Emphasize your strongest area of talent, but make sure to include samples of different techniques and media.
   2. Your portfolio may contain the following items: drawings, paintings, graphic designs, calligraphy, printmaking, photographs, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, sketches, and computer art.
   3. Presentation is important – matting of 2-D work is the best way to show your work.
   4. During the interview you will also be asked to create one drawing that is based on an idea suggested by the committee.

Vocal Music Audition
Each student applying for admission in Vocal Music Focus will be asked to do the following:
   1.  Prepare and perform a memorized vocal solo with accompaniment. Students need to provide their own accompanist. No cassettes or recorded accompaniment will be allowed. Standard contest literature is desired. Pop or show tunes are not acceptable. Bring three copies of the solo for the selection with numbered measures.
   2. Sight-sing a short excerpt provided by the selection committee at the audition.
   3. Sing one tonal memory pattern provided at the audition.

Applicants are evaluated on the following:
   • Essay
   • Recommendations
   • Interview and portfolio review or audition
   • Application and transcript