- 100 N. Dupont Road, Wilmington, DE 19807, (302) 651-2700
- A Red Clay Consolidated School District Public School | Grades 6-12
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Middle School Applications
All Middle School Students MUST assess in two arts areas.
Communication Arts
• Bring two samples of your writing (article, poetry, short story) in a binder or protective sleeve. Please do not bring loose pages of writing! If you have had any of your work published, bring a copy.
• Optional: Bring any existing examples of your photography in a binder or protective sleeve. Please do not bring loose photos! If a student does not have any photos, it will not affect his/her assessment.
• Optional: Bring the web addresses (URLs) of any websites that you have created. (All students in this major will be using the Internet to create their own web pages). If student does not have a website, it will not affect his/her assessment.
• Be prepared to participate in a group writing activity. Students must bring a pen—no pencils.
Dance
• Students assessing in dance must bring their music on either a CD and come prepared in proper dance attire (no street clothes).
• Assessment of students into the middle school dance program will include:
o A 1 to 1 1/2 minute dance solo in either ballet, modern or jazz
o A short dance class with ballet barre work, modern axial stretches, and dance
combinations.
• A recommendation letter is strongly advised but not required.
• Note: The dance assessor may choose to videotape auditions.
Instrumental Music
Applicants should have at least one year of experience in playing a wind, piano or
percussion instrument. Guitar is NOT offered and is not considered a valid instrument for assessments. Piano is offered only as “a second choice.”
• All instrumentalists minimally must be able to read music at a fifth-grade level. Students who cannot read music should not apply to the school for instrumental music choices.
• Applicants will perform a practiced solo, piece of band music or exercise that demonstrates their highest attained level of proficiency. This should be about thirty seconds to one minute in length.
• Additionally, applicants will perform a piece of sight-reading music that will be selected by the assessment panel, and be prepared to play scales (2 octaves).
Piano
NOTE: Major or Minor for 6th & 7th Grade; minor only for 8th Grade.
• Demonstrate proficiency in major scales (one octave) – C, G, D, A, E, F, and B
• Perform a solo piece of your choice 3-4 minutes in length; bring the sheet music with you.
• Demonstrate proficiency in sight reading – piece will be provided
(Student must be able to read music.)
Strings
.Prepare a solo of your choice.
• Prepare two scales (G, D or A scale suggested – 1 or 2 octave).
• Student will be asked to sight read during the assessment. (Students must be able to read the notes on the D and A strings for staff and G, D, and A strings for bass).
Theatre
• Prepare one 90-second monologue. This monologue can be from any source that has meaning to the actor and should be age appropriate. All monologues must be memorized.
• Students will participate in group improvisations to show their creativity and unique qualities.
• Recommendation letters from instructors or directors are accepted, but not required.
Visual Arts
The portfolio prepared by the student must include:
• A self-portrait, preferably done in pencil and using a mirror.
• A landscape drawing or painting.
• A still life of at least three (3) everyday objects grouped and drawn/painted from observation.
• One (1) additional piece of the child’s choice; this piece can be a 3-dimensional work.
• In-class timed drawing. Subject to be selected by instructor. Students must bring a pencil.
All work must be the original work created by the applicant. Animation or cartoons of any kind will not be accepted.
Vocal Music
• Sing Dona Nobis Pacem as found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dona_Nobis_Pacem_(round) or http://www.personal.umich.edu/~msmiller/donanobis.html. Be prepared to sing it as a round with other singers.
• Sing a song from a Broadway Show or a Disney animated movie. Some of the more popular possibilities are: “Castle on a Cloud” from Les Mis, “Maybe” from Annie, “Tomorrow” from Annie or “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music. OPTIONAL: Bring the choral music you sang in school to substitute for the Broadway piece. The Broadway piece is preferred. You may contact Mr. Lassman by email (martin.lassman@redclay.k12.de.us), or by phone 651-2700 ext. 226, to see if he has the accompaniment music. If he does not, you will need to bring the sheet music.
• Sing back a series of pitches the instructor will play on the piano to demonstrate Aural Memory and the ability to sing higher notes in head voice.
• Bring a letter of recommendation from a music teacher.
A group practice time, when students can sing through ‘Dona Nobis Pacem’ with other students, is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 6 p.m. in the school lobby. Parents and students are welcome. Attendance is not required. Attendance will not affect the student’s assessment score.
Apply online (You may apply online if you reside in New Castle County, Delaware)
Download paper applications. PLEASE NOTE: If you live within New Castle County, please use the online application link and not the paper applications. You must apply using paper applications if you reside outside of New Castle County.