We are no longer accepting applications for the 2012-2013 school year.
How to Apply:
1. Complete an online application form. A separate online application must be submitted for each area of interest.
2. An arts teacher, a community leader, or someone who has worked closely with you, will need to complete the online recommendation portion of the application. Private school, home school, charter school and out-of-county students will need to send a transcript of grades to the Fine Arts Center.
3. Attend an audition/interview at the Fine Arts Center at which time you will be evaluated in your art area. Please note: you may audition for more than one area, but will need to choose only one if offered multiple positions. The interviews are held from mid January through mid-March for classes that will meet the following school year. You must attend the audition /interview in order to be considered for enrollment.
Audition/interview dates will be emailed to you. Following these simple application procedures has made an important difference in the lives and careers of many students in the upstate.
The Fine Arts Center has middle and high school visitation days in November each year. Please go to our website for additional information about visiting the Fine Arts Center to see first-hand the exciting one-of-a-kind programs the Center has to offer.
Calendar for Application Process for 2012-2013
October 13, 2011 – Fine Arts Center online application for new and returning students for the 2012 - 2013 school year will go on website. No paper applications will be accepted. Final deadline for applications – January 27, 2012.
January 17, 2012 – March 9, 2012 - Fine Arts Center teachers will audition/interview applicants.
March 16, 2012 – All audition/interview decisions will be emailed or mailed by this date.
March 25, 2012 - Accepted students will have returned Commitment Forms to complete registration process.
Audition Information
Creative Writing
Creative Writing: Bring typed examples of your writing, preferably in two different genres. You might include poetry, short stories or novel excerpts, plays or scripts and creative essays. Please do not bring research writing such as book reports or term papers. Include your full name, school and the name of your English teacher on the top of each page of your writing. Be prepared for both written and oral interviews. For further information about the Creative Writing program, please visit our website at http://fineartscenter.net/writing.html
Dance
The Dance Audition:
The dance audition will be a dance class that begins with a ballet class followed by a modern/contemporary dance class.
What to wear:
You will need to dance in bare feet for the modern dance portion of the audition, so make sure that your tights allow for that. Ladies are asked to wear leotards and tights if you have them or form fitting clothing that allow for movement. Gentlemen are asked to wear plain short sleeve shirt and shorts or pants that allow for movement. It is best to have clothing that conforms to your body so that your movements can be seen clearly. You should have your hair up and back away from your face and neck. You will want to present yourself in the most professional manner possible for the audition.
What to bring to the audition:
Please bring your ballet shoes if you have them or socks if you do not. A water bottle is suggested with your name on it.
Digital Filmmaking
Please bring a five minute sample of your best work on DVD or CD. Video files should be Macintosh compatible. Applicants should be prepared to spend approximately 15 minutes writing during the interview.
MUSIC
Voice Requirements:
The requirements for the voice audition are:
1. One song of your choice (it may be a cappella or with piano accompaniment): The song must not be longer than two minutes. A professional accompanist will be provided. If you choose to use the Fine Arts Center accompanist, you must bring the original songbook or a clear and complete copy of the music, in the appropriate key, (no cut off lines/notes at the top or bottom of page).
2. Tonal Memory and Rhythm Recognition
3. Language Pronunciation
4. Sight-Singing (with and without accompaniment)
Jazz Studies
1 Play a piece of your choice demonstrating your skills
2 You will be asked to improvise using pentatonic scales.(We will teach you the scale at the audition)
3 You will be asked questions in regards to melody, harmony and rhythm.
4 No guitar amps or effects are needed.
Recording Arts
Basic knowledge of computer audio recording even if home consumer type only Preferably a basic skill in a musical instrument or basic knowledge in music theory or chord progressions.
Strings Chamber Music
At the audition we ask the students to perform two contrasting movements from a solo piece, sonata, or concerto. The movements performed do not need to be from the same piece. They can be works from different eras, different tempi (one slow movement, one fast), anything that shows range and contrast in the student's playing. A three octave scale is required. The student can choose any 3 octave Major or minor scale they would like to play. Two kinds of sight-reading will also be asked. One is a short rhythmic excerpt for the student to clap, and the other we will ask the student to play a few lines from standard chamber music repertoire. A short music theory placement test is also given.
Theatre
Students considering a performance focus should prepare a monologue of no longer than 90 seconds, from a published play that you have read, fitting your type. Any special skills, such as singing or dancing, can also be shown.
Technical Theatre
For students interested in technical theatre, a resume describing any previous theatrical experience (technical and other) should be presented. Portfolios and photographs are welcomed. Technical students must also prepare a monologue (no longer than a minute) from a published play that you have read.
Visual Arts
HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR PORTFOLIO AND PREPARE FOR YOUR REVIEW:
1. Bring 8 to 10 pieces artwork plus your sketchbook!
2. Include a variety of media and styles if you can. For example, you may specialize in photography, but you should include ceramics, drawings, prints, sculptures, jewelry, or anything else you have to demonstrate that you are a well-rounded artist. The portfolio should represent the full range of a student's experiences in the visual arts.
3. Include your best work, both school assignments and artwork you’ve made
on your own. Also, well-used sketchbooks give us insight into your artistic process and level of dedication.
4. Come prepared to have a conversation about your art. You will present your portfolio to one of the Visual Arts Department teachers and will be asked questions about your artwork and artistic training. A typical interview will last between 5-15 minutes. Expect to learn about the strengths of your portfolio as well as how you can improve it.
Your portfolio represents you as an artist and as a potential Fine Arts Center student. Who gets a good portfolio and interview evaluation?
Students who are self-motivated to create artwork.
Students who have made the effort to learn about the history of the arts.
Students who can discuss their use of the elements and principles of design.
Students who do well academically.
Although academic grades are not our primary focus, our experience tells us that there is often a strong correlation between academic success and artistic success, and we want our students to be prepared artistically and academically for life after high school. The Fine Arts Center is looking for young artists who are willing to work together in a focused, cooperative manner while exploring new techniques, materials, and ideas.