How to Prepare
Please review the details below on how to prepare your student for the LaVilla 2023 Open Studio Audition.
Chorus/Vocal Music
Students interested in auditioning for chorus/vocal music should be prepared to participate in a vocal range exercise, demonstrated by the choral director. Students will be asked to echo a few simple melodies after hearing it played on the piano. Students should also be prepared to sing 30 seconds of a song of his/her choice that best compliments his/her voice. The song can be as simple as “Happy Birthday.” The audition can be a cappella or with a recorded accompaniment played from a student supplied device. If using a track, no other voices may be heard on the accompaniment. Sight singing is not required, but those with sight reading ability can try an example if they choose.
Creative Writing and Cinematic Arts
Students interested in auditioning for Creative Writing should bring a 3-prong soft folder (no hard cover binders) containing three original pieces they've written THIS school year. The folder should be labeled with the student's first and last name on the cover. The pieces should demonstrate at least two types of writing such as poetry, short story (fiction), or creative non-fiction. The pieces may be typed or handwritten. The students should also include a 4-6 sentence Personal Statement on why the student loves writing and why the student wants to be in the Creative Writing Department at LaVilla. The student folder WILL NOT be returned, so please only provide COPIES. Finally, students will also participate in a personal interview and an on-demand writing timed writing prompt. Students will also participate in an oral recitation during the audition process.
Our Cinematic Arts Program is currently waiting on approval to be declared an official arts area major. Until then, our Cinematic Arts Screenwriting class will be housed under our Creative Writing Department. Students interested in having a Cinematic Arts focus will apply under our Creative Writing Department and will create and electronically submit a video by February 6, 2023. Instructions on what should be included in the video and how to upload the video can be found through THIS LINK.
During the live audition, students interested in a Cinematic Arts focus will respond to a movie idea writing prompt and a storyboarding exercise led by the instructors (no drawing skills needed). Students will also participate in a short interview discussing the student’s interest in story making.
Dance
Students interested in auditioning for dance should be dressed in proper ballet attire (Girls: pink tights, black leotard, pink ballet slippers and in a bun pinned, clipped away from the face, neck, and ears. Boys: white T-shirt or tank top with black tights or sweatpants, and ballet or jazz shoes. Long hair should be off face and neck). The students will participate in a group ballet and modern dance class. It is not necessary to come with a preset dance routine or costume. During the audition, all dancers will be required to perform the ballet combination demonstrated HERE.
Instrumental Music
(Band, Orchestra, & Classical Guitar)
Band: (wind instruments and percussion)
• Students who wish to join LaVilla Bands in 6th grade do not need to have prior experience on an instrument. To audition, they will take the Music Aptitude Test, an aural test that does not require advance preparation. If the student has prior experience, they may also choose to play a live audition.
• Students who wish to join LaVilla Bands in 7th or 8th grade must have prior experience on a band instrument. To audition, they must attend an Open Audition, during which they will perform 2 contrasting prepared selections for our faculty.
Orchestra: (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)
Students auditioning for Orchestra will not take the Music Aptitude Test. Orchestra students should prepare to play two major scales and arpeggios (broken 3rds encouraged) in 1, 2 or 3 octaves from the following:
C, G, D, A, F, Bb, and Eb
Minor scales are not required but welcome
One piece of solo literature or etude. Suggested sources include:
Violin: Suzuki (any volume)
Solos for Young Violinists by Barbara Barber (any volume)
Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Violin Bk 1 or 2
Viola: Suzuki (any volume)
Solos for Young Violists by Barbara Barber (any volume)
Wohlfahrt Foundation Studies for the Viola Bk 1 or 2
Cello: Suzuki (any volume)
Solos for Young Cellists by Barbara Barber (any volume)
Schroeder 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello
Bass: Suzuki (any volume)
Bottesini Method for Double Bass Volume 1
Simandl New Method for the Double Bass
Students should be prepared to take a brief note-reading assessment that will cover all notes in first position on all 4 strings.
• If a student has no prior experience on a stringed instrument but would still like to audition for Orchestra, please reach out to Mrs. Maynard directly - griffinc4@duvalschools.org). The Orchestra Program has multiple performance levels - there is a place in the program for students of all ability levels, including students with no prior experience on a stringed instrument.
Guitar
• Students interested in auditioning for guitar should bring a classical guitar, please no electric guitars. Students should be prepared to play two short pieces; one classical and another in the style of their choosing. During the audition, students will be asked to perform at least two Major Scales, basic chords, as well as sight read a simple music notation. Applicants must bring their own guitar and music to the audition.
Piano
Students interested in auditioning for classical piano should be prepared to play two pieces or exercises of different styles. Students are also required to play at least two major scales. Students with experience will be asked to sight read.
Theatre
Students interested in auditioning for our theatre department will engage in a three-part audition. Part I will be a 30 second monologue from a published play or published monologue book. A monologue may be selected from the internet if it was written to be performed on stage. The monologue should be age appropriate. For instance, if a student is 10 years of age, the character in the monologue should be between the ages 8 and 12. Poems, commercials, monologues from TV shows and movies are strongly discouraged. Be clear on who your character is. You should understand the words that you are saying and what your character hopes to get by speaking them. Part II will be a 30 second improvisation. Part III will require students to respond authentically to a prompt that will be provided. Students should have hair pulled back and out of the face and wear clothing that permits the student to easily move around a room comfortably. Do not wear a costume.
Visual Arts
Students will be required to upload a still life drawing to THIS LINK by January 23. If students pass this portion of the audition, they will be invited to attend a live audition at the LaVilla Art Studio.
