Application  Bring  the  completed  packet  to  the  Audition  on  June  2,  2017  

   

 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.  

       

   

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.

   

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 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.

VOCAL MUSIC Students select 1-2 minutes from a Broadway musical or gospel song.

VISUAL ARTS

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.

   

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 Date

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

   

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.

   

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 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?

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  6th  grade  –  12th  grade.  Give us your opinion of this student's aptitude for success under these conditions.

   

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  

Weak  or  Non-­‐existing  

Basic   Proficient   Superior   Exemplary  

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  

Additional  Comments:  

                           

Signature Date

   

Before mailing 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