Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Suitland High School

AUDITION CRITERIA

1. Choose one 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 Major. Please come to the audition prepared   to do exactly what is outlined for your Major. Some auditions may be videotaped for reference purposes only.

3. Write a 1-page essay in which you answer the following: A) Why should you be accepted into the program?  B)  Describe the best experience you’ve had with your talent. C) How does being in CVPA fit into your goals?

4. Bring a sealed letter of recommendation from your current classroom/homeroom teacher.

5. Provide a current school report card denoting the program’s required C (2.0) average for each quarter.

DANCE

The dance audition consists of a class with approximately 10 students. The class covers some ballet, modern and jazz

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 onto two minute dance, which is choreographed by the student or someone else prior to the audition. Students should be indance attire and bring their own dance music on CD or tape. The audition class process lasts about one hour.

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. Band: Wind& Brass: Play two contrasting pieces from the Rubak method book or equivalent | Play major scales 3 sharps and 3 flats| Play one Chromatic Bflat Scale | Sight read. Band: Percussion: Play 3 of the 26 basic rudiments | Play scales in 3 sharps and 3 flats on a melodic percussion instrument | Sight read.

Strings: Play any two contrasting pieces from the Suzuki Book III or IV or equivalent | Play major scales 3 sharps and 3 flats | Sight read. Vocal Choral: Sing any selection from the Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias published by Schirmer| Sing  The National Anthem | Perform rhythmic and melodic sight reading. (Examples can be found in See and Sing Vol.1 by Ehret). Piano: Bring current repertoire book | Play scales 3 sharps and 3 flats and two octaves | Perform a two-part sight reading exercise.

THEATRE

Students are required to memorize a two-minute monologue from a published play and prepare it for presentation. Students are also asked to participate in pantomime and improvisation during the audition process.

VISUAL ARTS

The Visual Arts audition process includes a list of suggested art assignments for students to bring to the audition. Each

applicant should complete a minimum of 5 not to exceed 10 pieces of completed artwork. It is acceptable for students to include cartoon and superhero drawings on any kind of paper. Applicants are encouraged to bring the maximum number as well as a sketchbook if they any. The program is not looking for “trained” artists but for students with artistic potential to learn, grow and become artists. During the audition, students and parents will be able to meet current teachers and students, learn about the art and academic programs as well as tour the art studios and other facilities. Applicants will present their artwork and do an onsite drawing assignment as part of the audition. Instructions and supplies will be provided.

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 magic marker from observation

A still-life drawing from 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.