CVPA Admissions Office Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Suitland High School 5200 Silver Hill Road

Forestville, MD 20747

Phone: (301) 817-0092 Email: suitl.cvpa@pgcps.org

Web: www.pgcps.org/~suitland www.pgcps.org/~svpa

Suitland High School www.pgcps.org/~suitland

1. Choose one of the disciplines from the list below in which you would like to major and audition. 2. Read the audition procedures and expectations listed below for your chosen audition area. Please come to the audition prepared to do exactly what is expected. 3. Complete all parts of the application. Double check application for completion prior to mailing. Applications missing key information may not be processed. 4. Provide sealed recommendation forms. The included recommendation forms should be completed and sealed by the recommending teacher. Additionally, it should be returned along with the application. 5. Provide a current school report card denoting the program’s minimum required 2.0+GPA for each quarter with no failing grades. April registration cannot take place without having met the minimum 2.0 GPA. 6. Provide Student Identification Number: All PGCPS students have an assigned student number. Private school and home schooled students must acquire a PGCPS student number from their boundary school to complete this application. 7. Mail completed application and corresponding documents to the provided address. The application will be complete when we’ve received: A) Application, B) student essay, (included), C) latest report card, D) recommendation form, E) Student identification number. Confirmation of application receipt will be provided by email only if provided. Due to the volume of applications, it is not possible to provide confirmation via phone.

DANCE The dance audition consists of a class with approximately 10 students. The class covers some ballet, modern and jazz techniques. Dancers are assessed on the basis of these techniques as well as, natural flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, ability to pick up and remember steps and musicality. After the brief class, each student will perform a two minute dance, which is choreographed by the student or someone else prior to the audition. Students should be in dance attire (black leotards, flesh colored footless tights) and bring their own dance music on a CD. The audition class process lasts about one hour. Applicants with longer hair must wear it in a bun.

MUSIC All music applicants are expected to demonstrate sight reading ability. The audition assessment is based on the student’s technical ability, interpretation of tempo, style, dynamics, phrasing, tonal quality, and accuracy of intonation. Band: Wind & Brass: Play two contrasting pieces from the Rubak method book or equivalent | Play major scales 3 sharps and 3 flats| Play one Chromatic Bflat Scale | Sight read. Band: Percussion: Play 3 of the 26 basic rudiments | Play scales in 3 sharps and 3 flats on a melodic percussion instrument | Sight read. Strings: Play any two contrasting pieces from the Suzuki Book III or IV or equivalent | Play major scales 3 sharps and 3 flats | Sight read. Vocal Choral: Sing any selection from the Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias published by Schirmer| Sing The National Anthem | Perform rhythmic and melodic sight reading. (Examples can be found in See and Sing Vol.1 by Ehret). Piano: Bring current repertoire book | Play scales 3 sharps and 3 flats and two octaves | Perform a two-part sight reading exercise.

THEATRE Students are required to memorize a two-minute monologue from a published play and prepare it for presentation. Students are also asked to participate in pantomime and improvisation during the audition process.

VISUAL ARTS Each applicant is expected to complete the 5 assignments listed below as well as 5 independent assignments for a total of 10. It is acceptable for students to include cartoon and superhero drawings on any kind of paper as part of their independent assignments. Applicants are required to bring the specified number of assignments. Sketchbooks are welcomed. The program is looking for students with artistic potential to learn, grow and become artists. During the audition, students and parents will be able to meet teachers and students, learn about the art and academic programs as well as tour the art studios and other facilities. Applicants will present their artwork and do an onsite drawing assignment as part of the audition. Instructions and supplies will be provided. Applicants must bring their work with them on audition day.

VISUAL ARTS APPLICANTS’ PORTFOLIOS MUST INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENTS: A self-portrait from a mirror observation. A color design. A drawing of a bicycle, a motorcycle or car using pencil or pen & ink from observation. A still-life drawing of objects from observation (examples—a bowl of fruit, or sneakers) An interior view of the corner of a room in your home or school, any medium or material.

CVPA Audition Criteria

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts | Suitland High School 5200 Silver Hill Rd. Forestville, MD 20747 www.pgcps.org/~svpa / Forward questions and comments to suitl.cvpa@pgcps.org

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Application Deadline Yearly on or before January 29

Applicant Information (Please print neatly) Student ID #_____________________________

___________________________________________________________ Last Name First Name MI Date

___________________________________________________________Date of Birth Gender Expected Grade Level Next August

___________________________________________________________Home Address Street Name Apt #

___________________________________________________________City State Zip Home Phone Parent Cell Phone

___________________________________________________________Parent/Guardian Name Work Phone

_____________________________________________________________________Parent Email Address Student Email Address

___________________________________________________________Name of Current School ___________________________________________________________Where did you learn about this program? (circle one)

___________________________________________________________Student Signature Date

___________________________________________________________Parent / Guardian Signature Date

Artistic Area of Interest Please select one area of interest for which you wish to audition by writing the number 1 in the corresponding box. Students proficient in more than one area should mark their second choice with the number 2. Students may be invited to audition in a second area as space permits.

Instrumental Vocal

Name of Instrument ________________________ Dance Theatre Visual Arts Music (Choose either Instrumental or Vocal)

Participation Policy: Once the artistic adjudication process has been completed, a team will review the results of the audition, applications, report cards, personal essay and teacher recommendations to determine admission. Every student who successfully auditions into the program must meet the minimum cumulative 2.0+ GPA requirement by registration time in April in order to register at Suitland High School. Students who successfully audition into two majors must choose one before the registration date.

Middle School Meeting www.pgcps.org a friend CVPA open house program’s website other

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 29 OF EACH YEAR Center for the Visual and Performing Arts | Admissions | Suitland High School | 5200 Silver Hill Rd. Forestville, MD 20747

www.pgcps.org/~svpa / www.pgcps.org/~suitland

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Student Name____________________________ Personal Essay

Use your best English skills and penmanship to describe in 400 words or less the reasons for which you would like to be enrolled at the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts at Suitland High School and include the following:

• The reason(s) for which you should be considered for admission into CVPA • Describe your previous involvement and/or training in your selected arts major. • What do you consider to be your weakness and strengths both academically and artistically? • How does CVPA fit into your post high school plans? • Describe the artistic you. Describe the academic you.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

You may use additional sheets of paper to write or type your personal essay.

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Teacher Recommendation #1 Application

Recommendation Please print neatly

___________________________________________________________ Student Last Name Student First Name

___________________________________________________________Name of person making recommendation Title

___________________________________________________________Address City State Zip

___________________________________________________________Phone Email Address

How long have you known this student and in what context?

What are the first words that come to mind when describing this student?

CVPA is an extended school program that requires its students to earn nearly double the required number of high school credits. Give us your opinion of this student’s aptitude for success under these conditions.

Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by January 29

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Teacher Recommendation #1 Application

__________________________________________________________________ Student Last Name Student First Name

How do you rate this student in terms of:

Creativity

Self motivation

Discipline and work habits

Academic achievement

Interpersonal skills

Interest in the arts

Written expression of ideas

Potential for growth

Ability to follow directions

Respect of others

Below Average Average Good

Very Good

Excellent (top 10%) No Basis

Additional Comment:

Thank you for taking time to provide this recommendation.

Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by January 29

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Teacher Recommendation #2 Application

Recommendation Please print neatly

___________________________________________________________ Student Last Name Student First Name

___________________________________________________________Name of person making recommendation Title

___________________________________________________________Address City State Zip

___________________________________________________________Phone Email Address

How long have you known this student and in what context?

Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by January 29

What are the first words that come to mind when describing this student?

CVPA is an extended school program that requires its students to earn nearly double the required number of high school credits. Give us your opinion of this student’s aptitude for success under these conditions.

Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Teacher Recommendation #2 Application

__________________________________________________________________ Student Last Name Student First Name

How do you rate this student in terms of:

Creativity

Self motivation

Discipline and work habits

Academic achievement

Interpersonal skills

Interest in the arts

Written expression of ideas

Potential for growth

Ability to follow directions

Respect of others

Below Average Average Good

Very Good

Excellent (top 10%) No Basis

Additional Comment:

Thank you for taking time to provide this recommendation.

Recommendations must be received at the Admissions Office yearly by January 29

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 English 9 English 10 English 11 English 12

Math (Algebra 1) Math (Geometry) Math (Algebra 2) Elective (fourth math)

LSN Government World History U.S. History Elective (fourth science)

Science Science Science Elective (AP course)

PE/Health or Foreign Language

Technology Education+ or Foreign Language

Foreign Language Foreign Language

CVPA Major (at least 3 related credits)

CVPA Major (at least 3 related credits)

CVPA Major (at least 4 related credits)

VPA Major (at least 4 related credits)

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Performing

Arts (Music)

Applied Music 09 Piano Theory 09 Major Ensemble 09 (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano)

Applied Music 10 Piano Theory 10 Major Ensemble 10 (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano)

Applied Music 11 Piano Theory 11 Major Ensemble 11 (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano)

Applied Music 12 Major Ensemble 12 Piano Theory 12 or AP Piano (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano)

Performing Arts (Dance)

Modern Dance 1 Ballet 1 Jazz 1

Modern Dance 2 Ballet 2 Jazz 2

Modern Dance 3 Ballet 3 Ethnic Dance Choreography

Modern Dance 4 Ballet 4 Repertory Dance Choreography Dance History

Performing Arts

(Theatre) Acting Studio 1 (2cr) Intro to Theatre Acting Studio 2 (2cr)

Theatre Survey Performance Styles (2cr) Theatric Design Theatre Topics

Repertory (2cr) Playwright (2cr)

Visual Arts Intro to Art Intro to Drawing Intro to Photography

Art History Intro to Painting Intro to Sculpture Intro to Printmaking

Select 4 credits (2 each): Draw/Painting 1 Commercial Illustration 1 Printmaking 1 Sculpture 1 Computer Graphics 1 Photography 1

Select 4 credits from 11 or 12: Draw/Painting 2 Commercial Illustration 2 Printmaking 2 Sculpture 2 Computer Graphics 2 Photography 1 AP Studio (2-D, 3-D, Drawing)

Verjeana M. Jacobs, Esq., Chair Ron L. Watson, Ph.D., Vice Chair

Donna Hathaway Beck Pat J. Fletcher

Heather Iliff R. Owen Johnson, Jr. Rosalind A. Johnson

Linda Thornton Thomas Amber P. Waller

Jonathan Harris, II, Student Member William Hite, Jr., Superintendent of Schools

and Secretary/Treasurer

PGCPS Board of Education

The Center for the Visual and Performing Arts is a college preparatory program that is available to all PGCPS students entering either the 9th or 10th grade. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who have serious aspirations of pursuing a career in the arts. Through a progressive curriculum, CVPA offers educational opportunities designed to prepare students for further scholastic or professional study and career options in the arts. The artistically challenging curriculum at CVPA combines an educational program that is academically sound and that offers training in the areas of visual and performing arts. Through strong association with the professional arts community in the Washington, D.C. area, the program offers students unique opportunities to work with award-winning professionals. The nearly 400 students who participate in the extended-day arts program are provided with transportation to CVPA, regardless of where they reside in Prince George’s County.

About the Center for the Visual and Performing Arts

Why choose CVPA? CVPA students study with professional artists, dancers, actors, musicians and singers as they explore and major in one of the five principal concentrations: Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Dance, Theatre and Visual Arts. This extraordinary training becomes particularly important when students are ready to apply for colleges as college admissions representatives seek to find students who are highly focused and committed. CVPA students go on to attend some of the nations’ most selective colleges, universities and conservatories and each year earn millions in scholarship awards.

Who is an ideal CVPA candidate? Ideal candidates for CVPA are current 8th or 9th grade students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the arts at a rigorous level. Because CVPA is an extended school program (8:30am-4:40pm), candidates must be available and willing to exceed the PGCPS graduation requirements as well as be available to participate in program related events on evenings and weekends.