The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Audition Requirements: Chorus

(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Applicants will perform one memorized selection. Applicants should prepare to perform the piece in its entirety. The song
should be an art song or folk song (see list below). The selection should not be a pop song.

1. The selection may include but is not limited to the following:

a. Royal Conservatory of Music Songbook, Series 1-6
b. Pathways of Song Series
c. 36 Songs for Young Singers
d. Twenty-four Italian Art Songs
e. Twenty-eight Italian Art Songs
f. The Spirituals of H.T. Burleigh
g. Folk Songs for Solo Singers, Volume 1 or 2
h. 10 Spirituals for Solo Voice (Mark Hayes)

2. Applicants should provide the original sheet music for this selection and/or a taped accompaniment without vocals.

We encourage you to bring an accompanist. If you cannot, one will be provided for you. Vocal applicants will sight-read a
melody selected from the FVA sight-reading practice exercises which are available on-line at www.FVA.net. The audition
process will conclude with a personal interview.
PLEASE NOTE: Student auditions times/dates cannot be re-scheduled to adjust to the schedules of accompanists. Parents are
encouraged to work out these details prior to submitting the application. Potential audition dates are listed on the application.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Creative Writing
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

1. Writing Portfolio
Students should submit a portfolio of their work WITH the application. If a writing portfolio is not submitted with the
application, the student will not be granted an audition. Please note that the portfolio will NOT be returned. The portfolio is
due by January 9, 2017 – at same time the application is submitted.
 The portfolio should consist of 15-20 pages of your writing. This may be short stories, poetry, creative non-fiction,
screenplays – any kind of creative writing.
 Book reports and other academic writings are not appropriate for the portfolio.
 The sample work in the portfolio may be complete projects or selections from longer works.
 The portfolio MUST also include an essay on the topic below.
 The portfolio should be computer-printed (not handwritten) and stapled or bound in a “flat” manner. No three-ring
binders or report cover/presentation folders will be accepted.
Essay Topic – Please write 5 -7 typed, double-spaced pages (with 1” margins) on the following:
If you could only take 5 books and/or movies with you on a journey, which 5 would you choose and why?
2. On-Site Essay
Students who are selected for audition will be asked to write an on-site essay. Students will have access to a laptop computer
to complete this task, however students may choose to hand-write this essay. The topic/length will be given at the audition.
3. Audition Interview
Students will also participate in an interview.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Dance
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

The audition will consist of a ballet barre followed by modern across-the-floor and center floor work. Acceptance and
placement in the program is determined by this audition and each student will be placed in the level commensurate with
training and demonstrated skills.

The audition process may take approximately three hours, including short rest breaks.

Each applicant will have an interview with a panel of evaluators. The interview will focus on the applicant’s interests,
activities, experience, and goals for the future.

The dance attire for the audition is as follows:

1. Ballet Barre: Solid color leotard, pink or black, tights, (tights need to be footless or split sole), ballet shoes or white
socks if you do not have shoes.
2. Modern Center: Dress, same as Ballet. Center combination will be done in bare feet.
 White T-shirts and sweat pants are acceptable if you do not have dance attire.
 No exposed midriff.
 No jewelry.
 Long hair must be in a bun. All hair must be pulled off face and neck.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Guitar
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Guitar applicants shall perform two contrasting selections. Applicants are encouraged to play one classical guitar selection
and one selection in a style of their own choosing.

Applicants should be prepared to perform 4 major scales of choice in two octaves. Applicants may substitute a pentatonic
and/or blues scale for 2 of the major scales.

Sight-reading of standard notation or tablature will be required. Judges will supply the material. Reading tablature but not
standard notation will not be grounds for disqualification, however all students admitted must be willing to learn to read
standard musical notation.

Each applicant will have an interview with a panel of evaluators. The interview will focus on the applicant’s interests,
activities, experience, and goals for the future.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Jazz
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

(Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Bass (Electric or Acoustic), Guitar, Drums/Percussion)

All applicants, except percussion and piano, must bring their own instrument(s). Please complete a separate application for
each instrument for which you wish to audition. Applicants will participate in a personal interview.
Applicants may demonstrate improvisational skill using 12 Bar Blues in F major (not required). Tracks may be found on
Aebersold Volume II “Nothin’ But Blues,” which can be purchased at www.jazzbooks.com

Saxophone/Trumpet/Trombone/Percussion
1. Scales and Sight Reading
a. Major scales with arpeggios, according to the F.B.A. All-State requirements: Concert keys of: G, C, F, Bb, Eb,
Ab, and Db – performed from memory
b. Chromatic scale covering the range for the instrument, according to the F.B.A. All-State requirements –
performed from memory.
c. Sight-reading will be required.
2. All-State Concert/Symphonic Band Etude
Technical etude for the present grade level. Percussion should play the Snare Drum etude. All-State etudes are
available at: www.flmusiced.org/fba/dnn/AllState/AuditionRequirements.aspx
3. Jazz Repertoire (Percussion should play on a mallet instrument).
a. Two standard songs of contrasting styles (latin, swing, or ballad). Songs may be chosen from the suggested song
list below and may be found in “The New Real Book, Volume I” published by Sher Music Co.
http://www.shermusic.com/new/0961470143.shtml
b. Other standard songs may be used in place of the suggested songs.
c. Songs should be performed at a consistent tempo and with proper style.
Suggested Song List: All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,
Imagination, Misty, Satin Doll, Stormy Weather, Take the “A” Train, Wave, Witchcraft.
4. Drum set– Additional Requirements:
In addition to the above requirements, the following styles/tempos are required on drum set: Rock, quarter note
= 92; Bossa Nova, quarter note = 120; Swing, quarter note = 144; and Jazz Samba, quarter note = 100.
Percussionists must bring their own sticks and mallets.

Bass*/Piano*/Rhythm Guitar*
1. Scales and Sight Reading
a. Major scales with arpeggios: Keys of: G, C, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, and Db – performed from memory
b. Sight-reading will be required.
2. Jazz Repertoire
a. Two standard songs of contrasting styles (Latin, swing, or ballad). Songs may be chosen from the suggested
song list below and may be found in The New Real Book, Volume I published by Sher Music Co.
http://www.shermusic.com/new/0961470143.shtml
b. Other standard songs may be used in place of the suggested songs.
Songs should be performed at a consistent tempo and with proper style.
Suggested Song List: All the Things You Are, Autumn Leaves, Blue Bossa, Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,
Imagination, Misty, Satin Doll, Stormy Weather, Take the “A” Train, Wave, Witchcraft.
*Bass (Electric or Acoustic)
Bassists must demonstrate a stylistically correct bass line (i.e. walking, etc.). Example: “Autumn Leaves” play two times;
first time – play melody, second time – play stylistically correct bass line.
*Rhythm Guitar & Piano
Rhythm guitarists and pianists must demonstrate stylistically correct comping. Example: “Autumn Leaves” play two times;
first time – play melody (with chords in left hand if possible), second time – play stylistically correct comped chords.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Motion Picture Arts
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Applicants should prepare a writing sample proposing a five-minute film to be produced. The sample may be submitted in
any one of the following formats: 5 page screenplay, 2 to 5 page short story, 1 page story synopsis, or a 20-30 frame story
board.

The applicant will have an on-site essay to complete. The prompt will be related to the applicant’s personal connectivity to
film.

Applicants may bring a sample of his/her best film or video work on DVD or flashdrive (not required). The compilation may
be of several short films or a single work. Whether showing a single work or clips of multiple films, works should not exceed
five minutes in length. Applicants should submit a copy of the video as it will not be returned. Screenplay samples should be
submitted in proper script format. (You may consider use of the free screenwriting software found at www.celtx.com if you
do not already own script writing software.)

Each applicant will have an interview with a panel of evaluators. The interview will focus on the applicant’s interests,
activities, experience in video production, and aspirations for a career in film or television.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Musical Theatre
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Applicants should come prepared to:

1. Sing thirty-two bars from a published musical theatre show. (Students should consider providing their own
accompanist. Students may use a CD of instrumental accompaniment. However, the recording may not have
any vocals on the track.) An accompanist will NOT be provided by Harrison School for the Arts.
2. Acting will be assessed within the context of both song and dance.
3. There will be a short dance combination taught and performed. Please arrive in sweat pants, jogging pants,
or leotard and tights for the dance combination. Please bring jazz shoes or tennis shoes. Applicants will be
given time to change back into their personal clothing for the remainder of the audition.
4. Participate in a personal interview.
PLEASE NOTE: Student auditions times/dates cannot be re-scheduled to adjust to the schedules of accompanists. Parents are
encouraged to work out these details prior to submitting the application. Potential audition dates are listed on the application.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Orchestra
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Applicants, except those who will perform on mallet instruments, tympani or piano, must bring their own instruments.
Percussionists must bring their own sticks and mallets. If applicants want to be heard on more than one instrument, they must
bring all instruments to the audition. Please note on the application that you will be auditioning for more than one instrument.

One prepared selection of at least three minutes duration is recommended (Check FBA or FOA music list for suggestions).
All-County and/or All-State material may be used as additional material.

Winds: Eight major scales from memory, complete with arpeggios, at a minimum tempo of MM quarter note = 120. Scales
are to be performed a minimum of 2 octaves where possible. Students who wish to play a 3rd octave may do so. Scales must
be performed in complete octaves. The scales are to be tongued (winds) ascending and slurred descending where applicable.
The student will be asked to perform scales in their transposed form. Scales will be performed in the following order, starting
with the concert key of: A, D, G, C, F, Bb, Eb, and Ab.

Strings: The following major scales and arpeggios must be performed from memory: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab. Violins
must be able to perform the G major scale three octaves, all others scales two octaves. Violas and cellos must be able to
perform the C major scale three octaves, all others scales two octaves. Double bass must be able to perform E, F, and G
scales two octaves, all others scales one octave.

Wind and percussion applicants must memorize a chromatic scale covering the range for the instrument (as given in the All-
State Middle School Audition Requirements.) The scale will be performed in even eighth notes at a minimum tempo of MM
quarter note = 144. The scale will be tongued (winds) ascending and slurred descending where applicable.

Sight-reading will be required. Judges will supply material, which will demonstrate knowledge of rhythm, articulation and
dynamics. An accompanist is highly desirable in order to enhance the applicant’s audition. Recordings or tapes will be
permitted as accompaniment only if the sound quality is acceptable. A play-back system will be provided. A piano and
music stand will be provided for all others. The applicant will also participate in a personal interview.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Piano
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Piano applicants will prepare and play two selections of contrasting styles. These selections must be memorized and come
from standard literature in the following eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, or Twentieth Century. (No popular/gospel
selections). Please provide one original score for the evaluators.
The audition process will conclude with a personal interview.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts
Audition Requirements: Theatre/Technical Theatre
(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

THEATRE – Acting

The Theatre Department audition process is comprised of three components:

1. a writing prompt 2. an interview 3. a monologue performance
The monologue must be 1-2 minutes in length, memorized, from a published play (no original material), age appropriate, and
believable. Applicants must supply a printed copy of the monologue to the judges at the audition. A list of suggested
monologues and samples can be found on the website. Applicants are encouraged to find their own material. Monologue
books and plays can be found in libraries and local bookstores, among other places.

A chair will be provided for the monologue portion of the audition and may or may not be used. Dialects are discouraged in
order to hear the natural voice and vocal quality. Props, costumes, and theatrical make-up are also discouraged. The
adjudicators want to see and hear you, the applicant.

Professional acting is not expected, but preparation is. Select your piece in advance, take time to memorize it and make bold
choices. Selecting the audition piece is as important as the performance. Applicants should be passionate about the chosen
monologue and be prepared to explain why.

An opportunity to demonstrate any special skills (singing, dancing, miming, etc.) will also be provided.

THEATRE – Technical

Applicants must bring examples of their creative work and be prepared to discuss them. The creative projects can include
models, inventions, decorations, crafts of all types, art work, special skills or any designs and/or samples of set, costume,
lighting or sound created by the applicant. The applicant should try to bring the following.

1. Best or favorite project 2. Most unusual project 3. Projects using different media

Applicants will participate in a personal interview. In addition, students will write to a prompt during the audition process.

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 The Lois Cowles Harrison Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Audition Requirements: Visual Arts

(ALL AUDITIONS ARE CLOSED TO OBSERVERS)

Applicants have varying backgrounds and differences in their arts areas. These variances are understood and taken into
consideration by all adjudicators; however, applicants are urged to request advice and help of an arts area teacher in preparing
for an audition.

Requirements
1. Portfolio (See below)
2. Each participant will be interviewed by a qualified visual arts committee.

Applicants must bring a portfolio. Each portfolio should include ten (10) examples of artwork using various art media.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their portfolio prior to the date of audition. The ten (10) pieces should include the four
portfolio requirements plus six (6) additional works that demonstrate basic artistic skills and creativity. The portfolio is due
ONE WEEK prior to the audition dates – all portfolios are due by January 17, 2017. It may also be turned in at the
same time as the application.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
TO BE SUBMITTED BY ALL APPLICANTS

1. Draw a bicycle. Use pencil on white drawing paper no smaller than 9” x 12”.
2. Choose a group of interesting objects from around your home and arrange them in any manner you like. Use any
media you like: pencil, pen and ink, paint, colored pencils, crayon or charcoal to create a composition. Your
format should not be smaller than 9” x 12”.
3. Do a self-portrait using any media you like. Although you may describe your physical features, try to describe
other aspects of yourself. This may be achieved through color, facial expression, clothing, body gestures, etc.
Do not work from a photo, work from a mirror.
4. Create something totally from your imagination. You choose the subject and the media. Work done on paper
should be no smaller than 9” x 12”.

Two-dimensional works should be packaged in one portfolio. Each piece of art should be individually labeled on the back
with the student’s name, address and, if desired, title of work. Three-dimensional work may be presented by 2” x 2” slides or
photographs. Slides must be labeled and presented in a plastic slide page.

SUGGESTED FOR PORTFOLIO

Suggested reading: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, and Drawing on the Artist Within, by Betty Edwards. Two-
dimensional works may include: drawing, painting, print making, scratch board or any combination of media. It is strongly
recommended that students work from observation. Three-dimensional works may be included. Any kind of personal visual
journals or evidence of art-related activities, such as contributions to yearbooks, literary journals, stage productions and
public art are also acceptable. These items can be in addition to the maximum ten items in the portfolio.

Keep in mind, the remaining six (6) pieces are of your choice but should demonstrate artistic skill as well as creativity. If
you have artwork that you have done at home, at school or in some other art-related activity, we would like to see it. Pick
your best work that shows your special skills, originality and imagination. During the audition, applicants will have three
thirty minute timed exercises. The audition time will be approximately two hours and a half and will include a personal
interview.

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