Dr. Jon Tuin, Director

Larkin High School 1475 Larkin Avenue

Elgin, I llinois 60123-5198

Tel: 847 .888.5200

Fax: 847.888.6996

U-46.org

September, 2015 Thank you for your interest in the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Larkin High School! We are very excited that you are considering application to our program. To be eligible to apply to the Visual and Performing Arts Academy, students must:

Be in good academic standing

Successfully complete an individual audition

Submit a completed onlineacademy application In order to be considered for acceptance, students must audition in their area of interest. For audition requirements and to set up an audition, please contact Mrs. Smith, VPAA Administrative Assistant, at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201. Information may also be found on the U-46 website at: HTTP://DISTRICT.U-46.ORG/ACADEMY If you are interested in applying for more than one academy, you need to fill out an application for each school. Indicate your first and second choice. Applications must be submitted online by Friday, October 9, 2015. Sincerely, Todd Duty Visual & Performing Arts Academy Divisional

9/11/15

Larkin High School

Visual and Performing Arts Academy

1475 Larkin Avenue

Elgin, IL 60123-5198

AUDITIONS Dance

Saturday, November 7 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Drama Wednesday, November 11 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Instrumental (Strings, Winds, Percussion)

Wednesday, November 11 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Visual Art Portfolio Review Thursday, November 12 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Vocal Wednesday, November 11 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

You must schedule an appointment for an audition with Mrs. Smith at

847.888.5200, ext. 5201

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

DANCE AUDITION

Each student applying for admission in Dance focus will be asked to:

1. Participate in a class, which will consist of ballet barre, center work.

2. Choreograph and perform a piece for the selection committee. Audition piece should be one minute to two

minutes in length. Choose your own music and pick a dance style from the list below:

Ballet

Modern

Jazz/Lyrical

Tap

To reserve an audition time call Mrs. Smith, VPAA Administrative Assistant, at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

Questions about the Dance audition call Mrs. Hill, VPAA Dance Instructor, at 847.888.5200, ext. 8420

Revised 9/11/15

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

DRAMA AUDITION

In addition to a personal interview, your audition will consist of three different performances: reading a story,

improvisation, and two prepared monologues. We will provide the story and the improvisation suggestions;

however, the monologues are your responsibility!

1. Find and rehearse two, 1-minute contrasting monologues. Examples of contrasting monologues include, but

are not limited to comedic & dramatic; elderly character & young child; or modern & classic. The material you

select should not only highlight your strengths as an actor, but also demonstrate your ability to portray a wide

range of characters. Monologue collections can be found at your local library, or online. (Google “male or

female monologues.”)

2. MONOLOGUES MUST BE MEMORIZED!!! SCRIPTS CANNOT BE USED during the audition!

3. Bring THE AUDITION RUBRIC and YOUR MONOLOGUE SCRIPTS with you to the audition.

To reserve an audition time call Mrs. Smith, VPAA Administrative Assistant, at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

Questions about the Drama audition call Ms. Wilson (847.888.5200, ext. 4502) or Mr. Hernandez

(847.888.5200, ext. 4501), VPAA Drama Teachers

Revised 9/11/15

LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY DRAMA AUDITION RUBRIC

Complete the following: NAME (Please print clearly!) ________________________________________________________________ MIDDLE SCHOOL _______________________________________________________________________ In addition to a personal interview, your audition will consist of three different performances: reading a story, improvisation, and two prepared monologues. We will provide the story and the improvisation suggestions; however, the monologues are your responsibility! 1. Find and rehearse two, 1-minute contrasting monologues. Examples of contrasting monologues include, but are not limited to comedic & dramatic; elderly character & young child; or modern & classic. The material you select should not only highlight your strengths as an actor, but also demonstrate your ability to portray a wide range of characters. Monologue collections can be found at your local library, or online. (Google “male or female monologues.”) 2. MONOLOGUES MUST BE MEMORIZED!!! SCRIPTS CANNOT BE USED during the audition! 3. Bring THIS RUBRIC and YOUR MONOLOGUE SCRIPTS with you to the audition.

BREAK A LEG!!!!

_______________________________DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE_______________________________

COLD READING 1 POINT 2 POINTS 3 POINTS 4 POINTS 18%

Character Voices

Lacking character Minimal character Consistent character

representation Exaggerated character

representation

Technique

No projection, articulation or character

differentiation

Minimal projection, articulation and character

differentiation

Consistent projection, articulation and

character differentiation

Powerful projection, clear articulation and well-defined characters.

Bringing the Story To Life

Monotone reading Minimal story interpretation

Consistent story interpretation

Lively, entertaining story interpretation

IMPROVISATION 1 POINT 2 POINTS 3 POINTS 4 POINTS 18%

Character No characterization; does

not follow direction Minimal characterization; struggles with direction

Consistent characterization; able

to follow direction

Bold, exaggerated character choices; takes

direction well

Use of Space

No awareness of performance space;

no movement or gestures

Minimal awareness of performance space with

little movement or gestures

Consistent awareness of performance space; varied movement and

gestures

Fills performance space with energetic

movements and gestures

Creativity

No creative interpretation of suggested characters

or situations

Minimally-creative interpretation of

suggested characters or situations

Consistent creativity shown in

interpretation of suggested characters

and situations

Unique, expressive performance created

from suggested characters and situations

INTERVIEW 1 POINT 2 POINTS 3 POINTS 4 POINTS 6%

Communication Skills

Mumbled or otherwise inaudible answers to questions; insecure

presence

Offers short, incomplete answers to questions;

speaks quietly, and lacks confidence

Consistently communicates well;

thoroughly answers all questions

Confident, effective communicator exhibiting

a strong, energetic presence

LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY DRAMA AUDITION RUBRIC

MONOLOGUE #1 1 POINT 2 POINTS 3 POINTS 4 POINTS 29%

Performance Skills

Lacking memorization, projection, articulation

and focus

Minimal memorization; inconsistent projection, articulation and focus

Lines are memorized; adequate projection, articulation and focus

Lines are delivered clearly and confidently; strong

focus

Character No character is evident in voice or bodily expression

Minimal character is present in voice and

bodily expression

Character is consistently evident in

voice and bodily expression

Character is confidently portrayed using both verbal and non-verbal

expression

Energy / Presence

Performance lacks energy and stage presence

Performance contains minimal energy and stage

presence

Energy and presence are consistent

throughout performance

Performance is delivered with

strong, energetic confidence

Level of Difficulty Script selection is below the age appropriateness

for the performer

Script selection offers little challenge for the

performer

Performer is somewhat challenged by the

script

The script’s level of difficulty offers the

greatest challenge to the performer

Professionalism

No rehearsal apparent; lacking poise; audition

requirements not fulfilled

Minimal rehearsal apparent; lacking poise

Rehearsal is apparent, but lacking; some poise

exhibited

Performance is fully rehearsed and delivered

with confidence

NOTES:

MONOLOGUE #2 1 POINT 2 POINTS 3 POINTS 4 POINTS 29%

Performance Skills

Lacking memorization, projection, articulation

and focus

Minimal memorization; inconsistent projection, articulation and focus

Lines are memorized; adequate projection, articulation and focus

Lines are delivered clearly and confidently; strong

focus

Character No character is evident in voice or bodily expression

Minimal character is present in voice and

bodily expression

Character is consistently evident in

voice and bodily expression

Character is confidently portrayed using both verbal and non-verbal

expression

Energy / Presence

Performance lacks energy and stage presence

Performance contains minimal energy and stage

presence

Energy and presence are consistent

throughout performance

Performance is delivered with

strong, energetic confidence

Level of Difficulty Script selection is below the age appropriateness

for the performer

Script selection offers little challenge for the

performer

Performer is somewhat challenged by the

script

The script’s level of difficulty offers the

greatest challenge to the performer

Professionalism

No rehearsal apparent; lacking poise; audition

requirements not fulfilled

Minimal rehearsal apparent; lacking poise

Rehearsal is apparent, but lacking; some poise

exhibited

Performance is fully rehearsed and delivered

with confidence

NOTES:

TOTAL SCORE

Evaluator: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _____________________

Revisado el 26/09/13

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION

Each student applying for admission to the Instrumental Music focus area will be asked to do the following:

Brass and Woodwind

1. Prepare and perform the required etude for your instrument listed in this packet.

2. Prepare and perform the required Jr. High IMEA scale sheet for your instrument.

3. Sight-read a short excerpt provided by the selection committee at the audition.

String Instruments

1. Prepare and perform the required etude for your instrument listed in this packet.

2. Prepare and perform the required Jr. High IMEA scale sheet for your instrument at a minimum tempo of

quarter note=60 beats per minute. The selection committee will choose two.

3. Sight-read a short excerpt provided by the selection committee at the audition.

Percussion Instruments

1. Prepare and perform the three required etudes listed in this packet for timpani, mallets, and snare drum.

2. Play the following major scales by memory on the xylophone: A, D, G, C, F, Bb, E

b. Scales should be

played two octaves in quarter notes at a minimum tempo of quarter note=120 beats per minute.

3. Sight-read three short excerpts on the following instruments: timpani, mallets, and snare drum.

(Contact Mrs. Smith for a list of private instructors)

To reserve an audition time or for general questions about the application process, call Mrs. Smith, VPAA

Administrative Assistant, at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

Questions about the Wind or Percussion audition call Mr. Dobbeck, VPAA Instrumental Focus Teacher, at

847.888.5200, ext. 4500 or e-mail BrendynDobbeck@u-46.org

Questions about the String audition call Ms. Cavanaugh, VPAA String Focus Teacher, at 847.888.5200, ext.

8301 or e-mail RuthCavanaugh@u-46.org

Scale sheets and required etudes are available at the Open House and upon

request from Mrs. Smith at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

Revisado el 26/09/13

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AUDITION

REQUIRED ETUDES

Flute Second Book of Practical Studies for Flute p.10, #12

By Ralph Guenther (CPP Belwin)

Oboe First Book of Practical Studies for Oboe p.31, #2

By Kenneth Gekeler (CPP Belwin)

Bassoon Second Book of Practical Studies for Bassoon p.25, #97

By D. McDowells (CPP Belwin)

Clarinet Second Book of Practical Studies for Clarinet p.40, #74

By Nilo Hovey (CPP Belwin)

Bass/Contra Clarinet Second Book of Practical Studies for Tuba p.19, #97

By Robert Getchell (CPP Belwin)

(Note: m.1-24: change to treble clef and key of F; m.25-end:

change to key of C)

Saxophone Second Book of Practical Studies for Saxophone p.26, #96

By Nilo Hovey (CPP Belwin)

Cornet/Trumpet Second Book of Practical Studies for Cornet & Trumpet p.41, #81

By Robert Getchell (CPP Belwin) (m.1-25 only)

French Horn Second Book of Practical Studies for Horn p.28, #109

By Robert Getchell (CPP Belwin) (lines 6-9 only)

Trombone/Euphonium Second Book of Practical Studies for Trombone p.9, #72

By Gerald Bordner (CPP Belwin)

Tuba Second Book of Practical Studies for the Tuba p.19, #97

By Robert Getchell (CPP Belwin)

Percussion Musical Studies for the Intermediate Snare Drummer p. 27

By Garwood Whaley (J.R. Publications)

Percussion Modern School for Xylophone, Marimba & Vibraphone p.32 & p.33

By Morris Goldberg (Chappell & Co.)

(Note: Etudes are Yankee Doodle & Irish Washerwoman)

Percussion Modern Method for Tympani p.48, #32

By Saul Goodman (Belwin-Mills Pub.)

Revisado el 26/09/13

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AUDITION

REQUIRED ETUDES

Violin Foundation Studies for the Violin p.13, #13

By Wohlfahrt, Edited by Aiqouni, Book 2

(Carl Fischer)

Viola Essential Elements: Advanced Technique for Strings - Viola p.24, #96

(Hal Leonard)

Cello 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello p.22-23, #35

By Alwin Schroeder

(Carl Fischer)

Bass New Method for the Double Bass – Book 1

By Franz Simandl / arr. by Frederick Zimmerman p.76, #13

(Carl Fischer Inc.)

Resources for purchasing required woodwind, brass, string and percussion etude books, if desired:

Music Education Centers of America, Inc.

222 Randall Rd.

South Elgin, IL 60177

847.741.3324

www.MusicArts.com

Music and Arts Center

907 W. Irving Park Rd.

Itasca, IL 60143

888.731.5396

www.jwpepper.com

Pepper of Chicago

130A E. St. Charles Rd.

Carol Stream, IL 60188

630.462.0787

Scale sheets and required etudes are also available at the Open House and upon

request from Mrs. Smith at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

VISUAL ART PORTFOLIO REVIEW

In your Personal Interview, you will be asked about your work, your ideas, inspirations, and what you

would like to learn. When reviewing your work, the committee will be looking for:

ability in one or more areas

originality

creativity

artistic potential

inventiveness

interest in an arts-based career

use of art vocabulary

motivation through self-direction

You must bring along your VISUAL ART PORTFOLIO, presented in a portfolio case, to discuss during

the Personal Interview.

After the Personal Interview, you will also be asked to create a twenty minute On-Site Drawing: a Still

Life Drawing based on objects set up by the committee.

VISUAL ART PORTFOLIO

A Record of Your Artistic Abilities

A portfolio is a continuing record of your artistic development. When you apply for admission to this

Academy, a portfolio with examples of your best artwork is required. Always remember to show a variety

of your work in your portfolio. Emphasize your strongest area of talent, but make sure to include samples

of different techniques and media. Presentation is important - matting of 2-D work is the best way to

show your work.

Your portfolio may include the following items:

drawings, paintings, graphic designs, calligraphy, printmaking, photographs,

ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, sketches, and computer art

2-Dimensional Art

When matting your 2-D artwork, white, shades of gray, or black would be an excellent choice.

Place a sheet of paper between each drawing to prevent dust transfer or color pick-up.

Sketches should be neatly mounted or in a sketchbook. DO NOT INCLUDE copies of

famous art or more than one example of cartooning.

3-Dimensional Art

If you plan to bring any 3-D artwork as part of your portfolio presentation, please package it

carefully. Digital media can also be shown during your portfolio review.

- over please -

VISUAL ART PORTFOLIO FORMAT

1. Artworks: Your portfolio should include eight to twelve of your best examples. There are 6 required

pieces and 2-6 more items of your choice (see table below). DO NOT INCLUDE copies of famous

art or more than one example of cartooning. It is essential that you use your own creativity in

interpreting a portrait, landscape, or still life. Use unlined paper (no notebook paper), and make sure

to indicate the date the work was produced on the back of each piece.

Your Portfolio Must Include 8-12 Pieces Total

Number Description of Artworks

1 Self Portrait, drawn using a mirror on 9” x 12” paper

4 Drawings From Observation, (Portraits, Landscapes, or Still Lifes) which specifically

means drawings that are not copied from photographs or other works of art.

1 Value Drawing from Observation, a realistic drawing from observation demonstrating a

full range of lights, darks, and gray tones, drawn on 9” x 12” paper

2 - 6 2 – D and 3 – D artworks of your choice, created during the past 2 years, including no

more than one example of cartooning.

2. Presentation: Assemble your work neatly: mount smaller 3-D items, dry-mount photographs, and try

to mat drawings and paintings. (All mats should be clean. Do not use fancy or colored mats. White,

shades of gray or black mats would be an excellent choice. Present the work simply and nicely).

3. Portfolio Containers: Place your artwork in a sturdy and easy to open container, i.e., large black

folder, canvas carrier, or an envelope style container.

4. Label: Put your name, address, zip code, and phone number on the outside of your portfolio.

THE ON-SITE EXERCISE

The review team needs to assess the on-site skill of the person being interviewed. This piece will be done

during the time provided during the Portfolio Review, typically after the Personal Interview. All

materials will be provided.

On-Site Drawing:

1. You will have approximately twenty minutes to draw a pre-arranged still life composition using the

materials provided. Demonstrate realistic drawing skills using proper proportion, overlapping, value,

and composition. Get as far as you can in the time allotted; it is unlikely that you will completely

finish.

To reserve an audition time call Mrs. Smith, VPAA Administrative Assistant, at 847.888.5200, ext.

5201

For Questions about the Visual Arts Portfolio Review, call the VPAA Visual Art teachers:

Mr. Pieske, 847.888.5200, ext. 8419; Ms.Brannon, 847.888.5200, ext 4506; or Mrs. Musatto,

847.888.5200, ext. 8421.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

VOCAL MUSIC AUDITION

Each student applying for admission in Vocal Music focus will be asked to do the following:

1. Prepare and perform the provided music of “Simple Gifts” or a similar song in the folk, musical or art song

genre. Bring 2 copies of your music (if singing something different than “Simple Gifts”). No cassettes or

recorded accompaniment will be allowed. Any questions please contact Ms. Sager, VPAA Vocal

Teacher, at 847.888.5200, ext. 4147 or by e-mail, at markhutson@u-46.org.

2. Sight-sing a short excerpt provided by the selection committee at the audition.

3. Sing one tonal memory pattern provided at the audition.

SUGGESTED AUDITION REPERTORY

Vocal Focus *FOLK SONGS FOR SOLO SINGERS - Vol. I, II - Compiled and edited by Jay Althouse *THE YOUNG SINGER - Compiled and edited by Richard D. Row *SPIRITUALS FOR SOLO SINGERS - Compiled and edited by Jay Althouse *THE FIRST BOOK OF SOPRANO, ALTO, TENOR, BASS/BARITONE SOLOS - Compiled by Joan Frey Boytim & Hal Leonard *PATHWAYS OF SONG - Compiled, arranged and edited by LaForge Earhart *24 ITALIAN SONGS AND ARIAS – Shirmer *26 ITALIAN SONGS AND ARIAS – Alfred

It is recommended that students selected for the VPAA Music Program

TAKE WEEKLY PRIVATE LESSONS WITH A SPECIALIST.

(Contact Mrs. Smith for a list of private instructors)

To reserve an audition time call Mrs. Smith, VPAA Administrative Assistant, at 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

Questions about the Vocal audition call Ms. Sager, VPAA Vocal Teacher, at 847.888.5200, ext. 4147 or

visit our audition website: www.LarkinVocalAcademyAuditions.com

9/11/15

Larkin High School Visual and Performing Arts Academy 1475 Larkin Avenue

Elgin, IL 60123-5198 847.888.5200, ext. 5201

STUDENT ESSAY FORM

(Please submit with online application) ____________________________________

Student Name Date On the reverse side of this form, please write a one-page essay addressing the following questions. Please answer each question as completely as possible.

1. Why would you like to attend this Academy?

2. What career(s) are you currently interested in pursuing, and how do they relate to the Academy’s program?

3. What are your talents and skills?

4. Why do you think you would be an asset to the Academy program?