Arts Magnet Program

Audition/Portfolio Review Requirements Each student must present a performance, portfolio, or video sample before a panel of Arts Magnet instructors and will be interviewed as to their previous experience and why they wish to be admitted to the program.

Instrumental Music:

Come to your audition ready to play two short 1-2 minute solos on your instrument that feature the best of your musical ability. Students may play excerpts from longer works or ensemble pieces. The two selections should be contrasting in some way (i.e. fast vs. slow, jazz vs. classical, energetic vs. lyrical, technical vs. expressive, etc) and show two of your musical personalities. Students are encouraged to play pieces that they know well and feel comfortable playing rather than taking on a premature challenge—this is an opportunity to show what you can do, not what you can’t do yet.

Choral Music:

Bring a 2-3 minute vocal solo that features the best of your musical ability. Classical or musical theatre are preferred, no pop/R&B selections please. A professional piano accompanist is provided if requested. Please bring three copies of your sheet music in the key you need performed.

Dance:

Students should prepare to perform a 2-3 minute solo in their strongest dance style (jazz, contemporary, lyrical, or classical ballet) that includes the following elements:

1.   Travelling turns 2.   Pirouettes 3.   Leaping sequences

Theatre:

Students should prepare to perform a 2-3 minute comedic or dramatic monologue written before 1960.

Broadcast Journalism: Students need to have prior video/film production experience and provide a 2 - 3 minute video sample of their work that meets the quality expected. The video should include the following elements. 1. A original story - it must include a beginning, middle and an end. 2. The video must include all the production aspects of music, graphics and voice over. 3. All shots needs to be in focus and framed correctly. 4. No jump cuts. 5. Audio that is mixed properly and to standard broadcast industry levels. 6. Opening 10 Second Slate that includes title, date, producer and total running time. 7. A brief paragraph that explains the story, concept and production process. Drawing & Painting:

1. One pencil drawing from direct observation of either objects, animals, or people, showing skill in shading value and rendering life-like forms.

2. A portrait of a person, from a photograph or from life in pencil or pen, showing understanding of the proportions of the face.

3. A watercolor painting of a landscape or creative piece showing understanding of different watercolor techniques.

4. An acrylic painting of a small still life, a person, or creative piece showing understanding of the medium and color theory.

5. Any original artwork that shows ability to create a finished work that expresses something the artist is interested in and shows creativity. (any medium)

Graphic Design:

Five pieces that demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign. These pieces must show a grasp of two-dimensional design principles, especially knowledge of composition in terms of asymmetrical balance and emphasis.

Some suggestions for projects include: 1. An original logo design created in Adobe Illustrator

2. Various Adobe Illustrator compositions, highlighting such techniques as a) Op Art, b) Cubism, c) Perspective, and/or d) Color theory.

Angelic Art Supplies

Diam nd Bikes

3. An abstract visual representation of a celebrity icon created in Adobe Photoshop—specifically, the alteration of an existing photo, utilizing various filters, brush tools, and colorization techniques, in the style and tradition of Andy Warhol.

4. A “printed piece” (e.g. book jacket, movie poster, CD cover) created in InDesign, with selected elements imported from Illustrator and/or Photoshop.

Digital Photography:

Five Photos demonstrating:

1.   Understanding of the basics of composition, i.e.; Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Framing, etc.

2.   Understanding and use of B&W photography.

3.   Creative thinking in content. Is it just a snapshot or a well thought out image?

4.   Understanding of the mechanics of a camera and lenses and how they

work together (understanding of how to operate a camera manually and not just point and shoot).

5.   Knowledge and experience in PhotoShop CC