Applications available December 1, 2011.

Download DSA Application

Parents may pick-up applications at the school’s security counter.
DSA accepts incoming 9th and 10th grade students!

All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 (or above) reflected on the entire 7th grade, and first semester 8th grade report cards to be INVITED to the audition.

Application Deadline: March 15, 2012

Auditions

Auditions begin during the month of April.  Adjudication is conducted by highly qualified DSA arts teachers.  After DSA has received each complete application, parents of applicants are contacted to set up an audition. DSA accepts students by audition only.  Students must pass the audition in order to be accepted for admittance.

DSA's Audition Requirements

Dance Audition Criteria

All students should bring dance clothes or clothes that allow them to move easily. During this time the students will be asked to execute some exercises and movements from different styles of dance. These styles may include ballet, jazz, and modern. The student will be in a class setting and should not worry about level or experience. We will determine admission based upon five different elements: flexibility, coordination, rhythmic accuracy, concentration and ability to execute different styles of movement. (Please see below.)

Students will be asked to perform a prepared dance. During these times, students will also interview and may be asked to submit an on site written essay. Students are asked to come early to auditions. There will be some paperwork to fill out when they arrive. If students are late, teachers might not be able to evaluate all of the applicant’s skills.

Flexibility: the ability to demonstrate sufficient range of movement and muscle elasticity to allow for intensive physical training (shoulders, spinal vertebrae, hips, legs, ankles, and feet.)

Coordination: the ability to move one or more body parts at the same time and/or sequentially in a prescribed movement pattern.

Rhythmic Accuracy: the ability to move naturally to a specific rhythm.

Concentration/Focus: the ability to focus on the task at hand and apply an instructor's corrections.

Movement: the ability to easily or naturally execute different kinds of movements (sustained, sharp, light, heavy, etc.)

Creativity: the ability to develop movement patterns given basic parameters (levels, pathways, shapes, etc.)

Mass Media Criteria

(Radio, Television, Visual Communications, Music Technology)

• Students will write and essay to submit specifically detailing their interest in attending DSA to study the arts and crafts of mass media/broadcasting.
• Students will complete a mass media assessment/interest survey during their interview process.
• Students may submit any self-produced video, writing, or recorded oral presentation that reflects their interest in mass media.

*DSA is not able to return submitted materials such as resumes, portfolios, DVDs, VHSs, etc. Please be sure to retain original copies of such materials*

It is recommended that a parent(s) be a part of the interview process to approve after school and weekend commitments necessary for mass media students. It is essential for mass media students to be available for taping, filming, recording, etc. during non-school hours.

Visual Arts Audition Requirements

The Visual Arts audition encompasses several areas; art production, portfolio review, written critique and personal interview.

Art Production:
Students will create a work from direct observation. Bring with you a pencil and eraser.

Portfolio Review:
Students are asked to bring several of their best original works of art. Work should be no older than two years. No cartoons or anime will be allowed.
Examples may include:

• Still life
• Figure drawing
• Landscape or cityscape
• Photography or sculpture
• A work done in color
• Sketchbook

Written Critique:
During the audition process, students will be asked to write a critique based on a given work of art.

Personal Interview:
Each student will be allowed the opportunity to talk with the Visual Arts teacher.

Students must bring these required references:

• Letters of recommendation from the student's art teacher(s) and guidance
• A letter of intent written by the student
• Any artistic awards or achievements

Vocal Music Audition Requirements

The student should be prepared to:

• Sing one minute of a song of her/his choice without accompaniment (no tapes, CDs, etc.)
• Match pitch within student range
• Demonstrate clear tones on the vowels A E Ah O Ono
• If possible, sight read a simple 4 measure passage

To prepare for this, it would be helpful to be enrolled in a school chorus or private instruction.

Instrumental Music Audition Requirements

Wind Instruments

• Major Scales: C concert, F concert, Bb concert, Eb concert—all one octave.
• Chromatic scale one octave.
• Prepared musical selection. This can be a solo or band piece that best demonstrates the student's ability.
• Sight reading. Students will be asked to play at sight music containing simple rhythms progressing to more difficult rhythms.

Percussion Instruments

• Long roll, open and close.
• Five strike roll open and close.
• Nine stroke open and close.
• Flam
• Para diddle
• Prepared musical selection.
• Sight reading.

Drum Set

• Jazz style
• Rock/Funk style
• Latin style
• Solo
• Sight reading

Orchestra Audition Requirements

Be able to play each of the following major scales: C, G, D, F, and Bb.
Any two of these scales are randomly selected for the audition. This portion of the audition will be scored on knowledge of the scales, intonation, and tempo. Minimum tempo requirement: Quarter note=100MM. One octave is required. Two octaves are preferred.

Prepare one piece of music to perform.
This piece should be 2-4 minutes in length and should display your best abilities. Please select solo or 1 st violin pieces. This portion of the audition will be scored on tone, phrasing, technique, intonation, and dynamics.

Sight reading will be required.
The sight reading will not require shifting. This portion of the audition will be scored on accuracy of rhythm and note recognition.

DSA Arts Instructors

Dance: Mrs. Lisa Reynolds, Mrs. Nicole Burrell
Visual Arts: Mrs. Gayle Glenn, Mr. Henry Boyd
Visual Communications: Mr. John Wood
Media: Mr. Clinton Chico, Mrs. Marsha Sakwa, Beverly Morrison-Green
Music:

• Band: Mr. Ronald Malabed
• Choral: Mrs. Cheryl Valentine, Ms. Shelia Sipes
• Orchestra: Mrs. Cheryl Comer
• Music Technology: Mr. Theodore White, Ms. Shari Fiore