Middle School 2013-2014 Audition Information

Everything you need to know for your middle school PVA Magnet Program Audition

Dear PVA Magnet Applicant and Family, Thank you for signing up for a Middle School Performing and Visual Arts Audition. These auditions will give us the opportunity to glimpse the talents that PVA applicants are hoping to foster in this Magnet program. All students expressing an interest in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition, regardless of whether or not they have had formal or informal training. Please take a few moments to review this guide to learn important information about the day of your audition, specific audition details for each prime arts area, and the criteria used to score the auditions. If you have any questions, please contact the Magnet Office at 410-222-5391 or 410224-7284 or 410-636-2967 extension 6071 We look forward to meeting you at your PVA Audition! Sincerely, The AACPS Magnet Office
Note: Registration for and participation in an Audition does not guarantee eligibility for a Magnet program.

Table of Contents
An Overview of the Day.... 4 Specific Audition Information Creative Writing/Movement.. 8 Dance.. 12 Instrumental Music 17 Visual Arts. 23 Vocal Music. 27 Where to go for More Information.. 31 3

An Overview of the Day

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General Information
Each PVA applicant will have one audition for each prime arts area that he/she applied to. This means that you may complete two auditions. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled audition. Each Prime Arts Area has different audition requirements. It is your responsibility to understand the requirements of each audition and bring the necessary materials when you arrive to your audition. All PVA applicants will also participate in a brief one-on-one interview (see page 7 for details). All auditions are closed to observers. Parents/Guardians are not permitted to wait with their child after the student is registered (Dance applicants will be separated from their parents after their Dance orientation); parents choosing to stay will wait in a designated Parent Waiting Room.

What to bring to your PVA Audition

Your Student ID #/SIF/Lunch Number/PermNum/UserName. The Magnet ID(s) you were given when you completed the online application. You may view your Magnet IDs by logging onto your Application Account using your Student ID/UserName and Password at: https://magnet.aacps.org. Specific requirements vary among Prime Arts Area Auditions. Please see the Specific Audition Information in this guide for detailed information about each type of audition. Non-AACPS applicants who have not yet submitted their Transcripts, Test Scores, and/or Proof of Residency (i.e. electrical bill) can scan and upload these documents on the day their PVA Audition.

An overview of the day

On the day of the audition you will register in the main lobby at the designated school and be directed to your correct audition location. Dance, Instrumental Music, and Vocal Music students will have the opportunity to warm up before their audition. Before or after your audition, you will be directed to the PVA Interview where you will be asked the following questions: Tell me why you are applying for the PVA Magnet Program? What skills do you possess or what experiences have you had that would make you a good candidate for this program? What are your academic goals for next year? If offered a seat in a Program of Choice, what strategies would you use to keep your grade above the minimum GPA required? Students may not use prepared notes during their Interview. The length of time from the time you arrive to the time you are ready to leave will vary by Prime Arts Area, available staff, and each individual student.

Specific Audition Information

Creative Writing/Movement
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Creative Writing/Movement Auditions: General Information

You will deliver your portfolio on the day of the audition. You will have a short orientation prior to your on-site audition. An instructor will guide you through the on-site writing process in a class setting. No preparation or material is needed for the on-site creative writing audition. All students expressing an interest in creative writing/movement in the PVA Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition, regardless of whether or not they have had formal or informal training.

Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

Creative Writing/Movement Auditions: Portfolio Requirements

On the day of your creative Writing/Movement Audition you must submit three original sample works with one from each of the Creative Writing Genres:
1. Poetry/Song (maximum one single-sided page). 2. Prose Fictionshort stories, an excerpt from novel or longer work (100-150 words). 3. Dialogueexcerpt from a play, screening writing or skit (one single-sided page).

Please complete the selections on separate pieces of paper and place in a folder. The maximum length for each entry is one single-sided page. You may write about anything on any topic as long as it is school appropriate. Entries must be your own, original work (not copied!). Label the back of each entry with your name, school, and the number of the visual exercise.

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Creative Writing/Movement Auditions: Scoring Criteria

You will be scored on the following criteria: Organization2 points Creativity2 points Content/style2 points Mechanics2 points Meets the requirements2 points Creative Writing/Movement Applicants must score at least an average score 6 on their audition (including on-site audition and portfolio) to be eligible for this program. Please note that the on-site audition score is weighted. Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org 11

Specific Audition Information

Dance
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Dance Auditions: General Information

There is a limit to 30 dancers per audition due to studio space. There will be a short orientation for parent/guardians and dancers before your audition. Parent/guardians are not allowed to stay with their child after the orientation. You will warm-up immediately after orientation. You will be guided through the audition by a dance teacher who will demonstrate all parts of the audition. You do not need to prepare a combination to bring with you. You may not bring food, gum, or drink to the audition. If needed, you may bring a leak proof container of water into the studio. The same audition material will be presented at all auditions and the same judges will judge all auditions.

All students expressing an interest in dancing in the Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition.
Questions? Contact Glenna Blessing, PVA Department Chair: 410-226-5240 x275/gblessing@aacps.org

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Dance Auditions and Scoring: What to Expect

Your audition will consist of several sections. All movement will be demonstrated by a dance teacher. You need to prepare no choreography. You will be taught movement phrases and presented with opportunities for improvisation that emphasize and assess: Alignment and Physical Structure 2 Points Control and Balance 2 Points Accuracy in Learning, Performing and Style 2 Points Creativity 2 Points Energy , Communication and Performance Quality 2 Points

Dance applicants must score at least a 6 on their audition to be eligible for this this program.

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Dance Auditions: Dress

Female Dress Code
Solid, dark colored tight fitting clothing such as black solid leotard, black or pink tights/leggings Ballet shoes (or non-skid socks), jazz shoes (optionaljazz may be done in bare feet if desired) Hair must be secured up off of neck and out of face and not need adjusting during the audition No cover-ups or jewelry

Male Dress Code

Black or white tight-fitting T-Shirt or tank top with black tights (leggings) or mid-thigh shorts or black/dark solid unitard Ballet shoes (or non-skid socks), jazz shoes (optionaljazz may be done in bare feet if desired) Long hair must be secured up off neck and out of face. No cover-ups or jewelry

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Specific Audition Information

Instrumental Music
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Instrumental Music Auditions: General Information

Your ten minute audition (twenty minutes for percussion) will consist of prepared selections, scales and brief sight-reading examples. You will be able to warm up before your audition. Your audition score is based on a rubric that includes technique, correct notes, tempo, phrasing, interpretation, and tone quality. All students expressing an interest in instrumental music in the PVA Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition, regardless of whether or not they have had formal or informal training. Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

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Instrumental Music Auditions: Brass & Woodwinds

Brass and Woodwind applicants should bring their instruments. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave B flat Major scale (scale should be memorized). 2. The PVA audition piece provided for your instrument. These pieces are available on the PVA website at www.aacps.org/pva (PDF format).
Flute Oboe Clarinet Bass Clarinet Saxophone: Alto, Tenor, Baritone Horn, Treble clef Baritone Horn, Bass clef Baritone Horn Trumpet Trombone Tuba

3. A short melodic and a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing.

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Instrumental Music Auditions: Strings

String applicants should bring their own instruments. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave D Major scale (scale should be memorized). 2. The PVA audition piece provided for your instrument. These pieces are available on the PVA website at www.aacps.org/pva (PDF format).
Violin Viola Celle (violoncello) Double Bass

3. A short melodic and a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing.

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Instrumental Music Auditions: Percussion

A snare drum, orchestra bells, bell mallets and drum sticks will be provided in the audition room but students have the option of ringing their own instruments and mallets. You will be asked to play: 1. A one octave F Major scale on bell set (scale should be memorized). 2. The PVA audition piece provided for your instrument. These pieces are available on the PVA website at www.aacps.org/pva (PDF format).
Xylophone Snare Drum

3. A short melodic and a short rhythmic-sight reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading before performing.

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Instrumental Music Auditions: Scoring Criteria

You will be scored on the following criteria: Prepared Selections(s)6 points Sight-Reading3 points Technique (scales, pitch matching, rudiments)1 point Instrumental Music Applicants must score at least a 6 on their audition to be eligible for this program.

Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

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Specific Audition Information

Visual Arts
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Visual Arts Auditions: General Information

You will deliver your portfolio on the day of your audition. There will be a short orientation for artists before your audition where an instructor will guide you through the drawing process in a class setting. During the on-site audition you will create a drawing of a still life from observation. No preparation or material is needed for the on-site drawing audition. All students expressing an interest in visual arts in the PVA Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition, regardless of whether or not they have had formal or informal training.

Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

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Visual Arts Auditions: Portfolio Requirements

Each student applying to the Visual Arts Magnet Program is required to submit three pieces of artwork based on the three Visual Exercises:
1. Create a drawing/painting of one human figure from life. 2. Observe yourself in a mirror and create a self-portrait. The drawing/painting of the face and facial features must be from observation. Consider your personality and interests and use your imagination to create a background that portrays the inner you. 3. Create an observational drawing/painting that focuses on your environment. The subject you choose may consist of an outdoor or indoor setting.

Please complete the artworks on separate pieces of paper and place in a folder. A folded piece of 12x 18 paper can serve as a portfolio/folder. Artworks should be no larger than 9 x 12. Artworks can be done in black and white or color using pencil, pen, charcoal, paint or any other medium. If needed, you may borrow art materials from your schools art teacher. Color copies may be submitted, but do not copy photographs. Label the back of each artwork with your name, school, and the number of the visual exercise.

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Visual Arts Auditions: Scoring Criteria

You will be scored on the following criteria: Composition2 points Proportion2 points Detail2 points Shading2 points Creativity and personal expression2 points Visual Arts Applicants must score at least an average score of 6 on their audition (including on-site audition and portfolio) to be eligible for this program. Please note that on-site audition artwork score is weighted. Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

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Specific Audition Information

Vocal Music
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Vocal Music Auditions: General Information

Your ten minute audition will consist of the prepared selection, pitch matching and brief sight-reading examples. You will be given time to warm up before performing. The audition score is based on a rubric that includes technique, correct notes, tempo, phrasing, interpretation, and tone quality. All students expressing an interest in vocal music in the PVA Magnet Program are highly encouraged to audition, regardless of whether or not they have had formal or informal training.

Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

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Vocal Music Auditions: What to Expect

You will be asked to perform America, the Beautiful, unaccompanied and memorized. This piece is available on the PVA website at www.aacps.org/pva (PDF format). Pitch matching by echoing simple melodic patters after hearing them played. A short melodic and short rhythmic sight-reading example. You will be given time to look at and prepare the sight-reading material before performing.

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Vocal Music Auditions: Scoring Criteria

You will be scored on the following criteria: Prepared selections(s)6 points Sight-reading3 points Technique 1 point Vocal Music Applicants must score at least a 6 on their audition to be eligible for this program.

Questions? Contact Lori Snyder, PVA Senior Manager -410-224-7284 /lfsnyder@aacps.org

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Where to go for More Information

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More Information
Thank you for taking the time to review this Middle School PVA Audition Guide. If you have questions about any of the information in this guide, please contact the Magnet Office at one the following numbers: 410-224-7284 410-636-2967 extension 6071 We look forward to meeting you during your Audition!

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