2017-2018 APPLICATION & ADMISSION GUIDE

Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts

at Morton High School

6915 Grand Avenue - Hammond, IN 46323

P (219) 989-7316 F (219) 554-4227

www.HammondAPA.com

2017-2018

APPLICATION &

ADMISSION GUIDE

Acting—Band—Choir—Dance—Guitar—Piano—Technical Theater

Welcome to the world of the Performing Arts!

Our goal as a performing arts community is to offer experiences and opportunities that

impact our students in positive ways and prepare them for a fulfilling life in the arts. It is a fact that

participation in the performing arts boosts academics, test scores, social awareness, self-esteem,

and so much more! Through dedication and commitment to an artistic discipline students learn

life skills such as reflection, refinement, problem solving, communication and teamwork.

The world of performing arts is immensely rewarding. Some students come to us with many

years of training, and others are completely new to the arts. Based on experience, our staff and

counselors work to create a pathway tailored to individual student needs. Whether you have per-

formed for years or you are making a choice to start now, HAPA is the place for you!

Many of our students have gone on to study at some of the most prestigious dance, music

and theater schools in the country. Several alumni have pursued arts education, arts performance,

and many have earned national and international performance opportunities.

As you read the material provided in this admission guide, visit our website, and discuss the

possibilities of joining the HAPA Community, please know that your comfort in this decision is our

top priority. If you have any questions about the enrollment process, requirements or just have

general inquiries, please feel free to call or email at any time.

Yours in Arts Education,

Mr. Daniel Cummins, Director

Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts

6915 Grand Avenue—Hammond

219-989-7316

www.HammondAPA.com

MISSION:

To provide rigorous and relevant education in the arts and academics in order to prepare and inspire students to become the artists and audiences of the future.

1. Preparing for your audition is important, and will reflect your desire to be admitted to the program.

2. Notification will be mailed the week of March 17, 2014 regarding the status of the student’s acceptance.

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

REQUIREMENTS

The Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts maintains high standards in both academics and behavior. Our programs are rigorous in nature and for that reason students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for an audition:

I. 2.5 Cumulative GPA

II. No more than 10 unexcused absences during the current school year

III. No unsatisfactory discipline record during the current school year

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can attend HAPA? HAPA is open enrollment which means HAPA is open to any student in the state of Indiana for free. Currently there are students from all over Hammond and the surrounding communities who attend HAPA.

What is the schedule for HAPA? Most HAPA Students attend school from 8:20am-3:20pm, however there are options to meet students 'needs.

Is there transportation to HAPA? Free Round-Trip Transportation is provided for Hammond Students between their home school and HAPA.

Will I be able to graduate on-time and get all required courses? Absolutely! HAPA is housed at Morton High School where we a wide array of courses including programs in PLTW and Advanced Placement.

Should students apply who have little or no experience? Yes! All students and ability levels are encouraged to apply. HAPA offers courses from novice to advanced.

Is there a fee or cost to participate in the program? HAPA is tuition free for Indiana students.

Do I have to already be a Morton student to attend HAPA? No! When accepted into the HAPA, a school transfer will be initiated. Specific information will be communicated upon acceptance into the program.

Can I participate in MHS Athletics and HAPA? Yes! HAPA and the Athletic Department work together and share many students.

How do I find out more info about HAPA? Plan to attend our Open House on January 25th or visit our website www.HammondAPA.com to see pictures, calendar, and different courses that are offered!

ADMISSION PROCEDURE

The Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts is accepting applications from Indiana students who will be in grades 9-12 for the 2017-2018 school year. The application window will be open through the January 27, 2017.

PLEASE FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE DESCRIBED BELOW IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION

1. Submit the completed application by Friday, January 27.

2. The student recommendation form must be submitted by Friday, January 27.

3. Eligible students will be notified of their audition time no later than Friday, February 3. Please prepare to block off the day in preparation for your audition time.

4. Auditions are Saturday, February 11th

Audition preparation recommendations are listed and should be followed completely.

Open House—Thursday, January 25th

5:00-7:00 p.m.—Open Rehearsals—Meet Staff and Students—Submit Applications

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

DANCE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

The student will be in a group setting and will perform basic dance technique to assess the student’s current dance level. The student may also be taught simple dance combinations to perform.

The student is required to prepare a 30 second solo in any dance style.

The solo must be accompanied by school appropriate music on CD or mp3 player.

The student will be asked questions about background and interest.

AUDITION DRESS:

No jewelry or baggy clothes.

Hair should be pulled back off the face.

Form fitting but appropriate exercise clothes or dancewear.

Ballet shoes, jazz shoes or barefoot.

No street shoes or socks.

DANCE FAQS:

Should students with little or no experience apply? Yes, HAPA welcomes students of all levels of experience.

Should a student with many years of training/experience apply? Yes, students who have prior training will be challenged in advanced levels and different areas of dance.

Can I choose what style of dance to major in? HAPA strives to give students a well rounded education in dance, and therefore the curriculum reflects what we deem the best training for dance students. There are options to choose certain dance electives.

What dance styles and courses are offered? We have novice and advanced courses in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Social/Folk, Choreography and Yoga/Pilates.

Do my classes count for a P.E. Credit? Currently, Yoga/Pilates class does count for one of the two required P.E. Credits.

Since the audition is in a group setting, how long is the audition? Expect the audition to last 45-60

VOCAL AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

The student is required to sing 30 seconds of an a cappella song (without music) that best showcases vocal range and ability.

The student is required to sing The Star Spangled Banner (The National Anthem).

The student is required to sight read and clap one rhythm and solfege example.

The student will be asked to match pitches and intervals for auditory assessment.


MUSIC FAQS:


Should a student with many years of training/experience apply? Yes, students who have prior training will be challenged in advanced levels

What kind of song should I sing/play? It is recommended that you prepare multiple pieces that compliment your range, skill level and style.

Can I sing/play to a CD accompaniment? No, please be prepared to audition without a CD.

INSTRUMENTAL AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (ALL INSTRUMENTS):

The student is required to prepare 2 minutes of contrasting material from their repertoire (Solo/Etude).

Piano students should memorize a piece and bring the sheet music to the audition

The student is required to perform at least two major scales through 3 flats and 3 sharps with arpeggios—one octave

The student is required to sight read two short pieces to assess music reading level

Band students are asked to prepare an excerpt of a provided piece. Go to hammondapa.com to download the piece.


If a true novice, who doesn’t play an instrument, the student should prepare a 300 word essay on his/her desire to learn.

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

ACTING AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Students will be in a group setting and asked to do basic acting exercises, movement and group improvisations.

Students may also be given sides from a script and asked to read “cold”.


AUDITION DRESS REQUIREMENTS:

No jewelry or baggy clothes. Hair should be pulled back off the face.

Clothes that are comfortable to move in.

Typical exercise wear like shorts or sweat pants are appropriate.

ACTING FAQS:


Should a student with many years of theatre training/experience apply? Yes, students who have prior training will be challenged in advanced levels and different areas.

Is there anything to prepare? No, but please show up ready to take risks and show enthusiasm for the art of acting.

What is meant by “sides” from a script? A side is a 1-2 page excerpt from a published play. This material will be given at the audition only.

What does it mean to read “cold”? You will be given 1-2 minutes to look over the side and prepare with an assigned partner. Therefore you will essentially be reading “cold” without a long preparation period.

Since the audition is in a group setting, how long is the audition? Expect the audition to last 30-40 minutes.

TECHNICAL THEATRE AUDITION/INTERVIEW REQUIREMENTS:

Student is required to prepare a typed 300 word essay that describes any experiences in lighting, sound, props, construction, make-up, backstage or stage management. Essay should include major areas of interest plans for future use and interest level in after school activities.

BRING ESSAY TO THE AUDITION.

While not required, the student is encouraged to bring any pieces to show skill in the area of design, which can include any set design drawings, costume design draw-ings, etc.


TECHNICAL THEATRE FAQS:

Should students with little or no experience apply? Yes, the HAPA welcomes students of all levels of experience.

Should a student with many years of theatre training/experience apply? Yes, students who have prior training will be challenged in advanced levels and different areas.

What areas does the technical theatre program cover? There is study in basic design of set, costume, lighting, sound, prop and make-up; also set construction, stage management and marketing.

Can I choose a specific area to study? Right now we offer a general technical theatre major, but there are opportunities for students to focus on specific areas of interest as well.

Do students have to be able to draw? No, basic design will be taught during courses.

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

SECTION I - STUDENT INFORMATION Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ First Middle Initial Last Home Address: ________________________________________________________ ______________________ Street Apt. # ________________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Primary Phone: (__________) _________________________ DOB: __________/__________/____________ Student E-mail: ________________________________________________________________________________ Current Grade Level: 8th grade 9th grade 10th grade 11th grade Current School: ________________________________________________________________________________ If current school is outside of Hammond, please attach the student’s transcript to application

I would like to apply and audition for the following area as my major: CHOOSE ONE

Dance Theatre: Acting Guitar Piano

Vocal Music Theatre: Technical Band/Orchestra : Instrument ______________________

Do you have any training in your chosen area? Yes No If Yes, how many years?_____________________ List any experience in chosen area:_________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SECTION II - PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION Parent/Guardian Name:______________________________________________ _______________________ Relationship to student Home Address: ________________________________________________________ ____________________ Street Apt # _____________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip Code Home Phone: (_______) ________________________ Cell Phone: (_______) ___________________________ Parent Email: ________________________________________________________________________________

APPLICATION FOR ACCEPTANCE 2017-2018

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

SECTION III - PERSONAL STATEMENT—2-3 SENTENCES EACH Why do you want to be a part of the Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts?

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What about your chosen area of study makes you want to pursue it as a major?

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What do you see yourself achieving while part of the HAPA community?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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What else is important for us to know? For example, have you received any awards, etc?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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If accepted into HAPA, I agree to perform diligently and faithfully as a respectable member of the program. I understand that this is a year-long commitment in my major. I authorize HAPA and my home school to exchange

records related to my attendance, academic performance, and citizenship.

Parent/Guardian Signature:________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature:_______________________________________________________________________________

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

STUDENT RECOMMENDATION FORM The Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts is a rigorous arts program with high artistic and academic

standards. Each applicant must provide a letter of recommendation indicating his or her ability to achieve and

maintain these standards. The student whose name appears below is an applicant for HAPA. Please answer the

following questions to the best of your ability, being as specific as possible. You may use this form, or type on

another sheet and attach it to this form. Thank you for your time.

PLEASE DO NOT RETURN TO THE STUDENT.

Forms are DUE by January 27, 2017. Please return the form in one of the following ways:

SCH employees may send form through school mail ATTN: Dan Cummins, Morton High School

Mail to: Morton High School, ATTN: Dan Cummins, 6915 Grand Ave, Hammond, IN 46323

Email [email protected]

An electronic copy of this form may be found on the website: www.HammondAPA.com

Name of student applicant: ________________________________________________________________________

Your Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________

In what capacity and for how long have you know this student? ___________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ What is this student’s greatest strength? _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ In what area is this student particularly weak? _________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please comment on this student’s level of maturity and responsibility. Please give an example. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please comment on the academic performance of the student. How will the student fare with the rigorous schedule of academic and performing arts classes? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is there any reason why this student should not be considered for admission to HAPA? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6915 GRAND AVENUE

HAMMOND, IN 46323

PHONE: 219.989.7316

www.HammondAPA.com

Documents

2017-2018 APPLICATION & ADMISSION GUIDE