An arts placement workshop is an opportunity for you to show what skills and knowledge you already have in your discipline. For example, if you have extensive studio training or private lessons, you may be placed into advanced classes.
In addition, at this time, you will meet with our school counselor and/or academic teachers to determine the most appropriate placement in science, math, social studies, and english classes.
Arts Placement Workshop Expectations
For Instrumental Music placement, student artists should perform a solo musical selection a minimum of 3 minutes in length.
All instrumentalists will be asked to play two different major scales on their instrument.
- Pianists, Woodwinds, Strings, Brass and Percussionists – Prepare a solo work – this should be a selection written specifically for your instrument. Please do not bring in parts from a band piece or selections where your instrument is playing a secondary role.
- Singer/Songwriter guitar – prepare an original work that demonstrates your specific style
- Guitarists – demonstrate your best technical work, ideally demonstrating strumming technique in various strumming patterns and melodic finger picking technique
- Drummers – prepare a variety of styles (rock, Latin, swing, etc.) and a variety of beat patterns
If previous music theory experience, student may be asked to demonstrate current knowledge of music theory concepts.
For Vocal Music placement, student artists should prepare a vocal solo piece. You may sing a cappella or with an instrumental track. Memorization is encouraged, but not required. Example solo piece can include:
- Classical art song (e.g. 24 Italian Art Songs, First Book of [voice part] solos)
- Broadway show tune
- Jazz standard
- Pop, rock or other contemporary genre
- Original song
If previous music theory experience, student may be asked to demonstrate current knowledge of music theory concepts.
For Dance placement students should come dressed for movement and prepare the following:
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Perform: students should prepare a 1-2 minute solo to perform. This may be in any style they are comfortable with including ballet, modern, hip hop, jazz, tap, contemporary etc. This could be their own choreography, or set by another choreographer.
Technique Class: be prepared to participate in a brief dance technique class with a member of our dance department
Students should prepare ALL of the following:
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Singing – 30 – 60 seconds of a song from a musical – please bring piano sheet music – do not plan to sing a capella. (Musicnotes.com is a great place to seek out sheet music, if needed).
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Acting – choose and prepare one of the theatre monologues using the suggestions presented in the document | Download
Dance – be prepared to participate in a brief dance workshop with a member of our dance department. Come dressed for movement.
Student artists should memorize and prepare one of the provided monologues: Download PiM Theatre Monologues. Follow the guidelines listed in the document.
For Visual Arts, your Placement Workshop will consist of the following:
- 3 to 5 samples of best work.
Students may also take a knowledge test.
For Media Arts, your Placement Workshop will consist of the following:
- If you have any video or animation work to show we would like to see a 2-3 minute example of your filmmaking. This can be a highlight reel or a single short film.
- 5 to 6 sample photos.
- 3 – 4 graphic design works or samples of drawings from a sketchbook.
