Kashmere Fine Arts Magnet Audition Requirements
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AUDITION DATE
Saturday, February 3, 2024
10am - 2pm
All incoming 8th graders - and anyone not currently enrolled in the magnet program - interested in Kashmere's Fine Arts Magnet program must audition!
- The school building will open at 9am and all auditioners are kindly requested to arrive no later than 9:45am in order to get registered to receive a number and/or audition call time.
- Instrumental music, choir, and visual arts auditions will be on a first come, first serve basis.
- Dance and Theater auditions are group auditions and as such will begin promptly at 10am - late arrivers will not be allowed into the dance studio or Black Box Theater once the process has begun.
- Dancers should plan to arrive well before 10am in order to get changed, stretch, and warm-up; theater students should come dressed comfortably or arrive early enough to get into character.
- Students participating in dance/theater and another art area will proceed to either dance or theater first, then move to either music-instrumental, choir, or visual art.
***Important***
Due to the nature of our program and performances, students will not be able to select both dance, theater or band simultaneously as their magnet focus area. However, they are welcome to select any other combination, as their personal and academic schedule allows. For example, a student can choose both dance and choir, visual arts and band, band and visual arts, choir and theater, choir and visual art, or theater and visual arts, etc.
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Band
Instrumental Music Audition Requirements:
- The students will play two major scales of their 12 major scales, selected by the judges.
- Students will play a prepared étude of their choice. This etude can be from a Region or All-City Band audition piece. (Please consult your band director with selecting this piece.)
- Students will be asked to sightread a selected piece from a method book for their instrument.
- Percussion students will need to supply their own sticks and mallets for their audition. *Kashmere will supply some large instruments for the audition. (Please contact the band director, Mr. Williams, for more information.)
Please be aware that acceptance into our fine arts magnet program requires after-school and some weekend practices for performances and rehearsals.
Mr. Ellis R. Williams, Director of Bands
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Choir
Please be aware that acceptance into our fine arts magnet program requires after-school and some weekend practices for performances and rehearsals.
- Students will select two of the following to sing for their audition:
- The Star Spangled Banner
- Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing
- Amazing Grace
- Be prepared to sightread a simple selection.
- Students will select two of the following to sing for their audition:
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Dance
Dancers are kindly asked to arrive by 9:30am to warm-up. Show up hydrated and ready to dance with a positive attitude!
Attire:
- Please wear a black leotard, skin skin-toned tights, and ballet or jazz shoes. (If you do not own dance shoes, you are welcome to come and dance bare foot. Dancers who do not own dance clothes are free to wear all black athletic attire - i.e. black camisole top, black biker shorts, black leggings, etc.)
Dance Audition Process:
- The dance audition is in a group setting with a focus on ballet and modern dance. Students will be evaluated throughout the entire session on basic dance technique.
Should you need assistance preparing or have questions, please contact Kashmere's Magnet Coordinator, Ashly Horace at Ashly.Horace@houstonisd.org or the Dance Director, Courtney Sherman-Allen at Courtney.ShermanAllen@houstonisd.org.
Kashmere is happy to accept dancers of all experience levels. We kindly ask that you please come prepared and display a commitment to your participation in the audition process and in the Kashmere Fine Arts Magnet Program.
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Piano
Please be aware that acceptance into our fine arts magnet program requires some after-school rehearsals and performances.
- Students auditioning for piano should come prepared to play (from memory) one selection of their own choosing - 30 seconds max.
- Pianist should also come prepared to sightread a short piece.
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Theatre
Please be aware that acceptance into our theatre program requires some after-school and weekend practices and rehearsals in preparation for upcoming performances and UIL competitions.
Part I: Monologue
- Each student will be asked to perform a memorized monologue, 60 seconds max. If you do not have your script memorized, this could deter you from being accepted into the program. Being an actor or actress requires an abundance of memorization, so this is your first opportunity to prove your commitment.
- All students should prepare and memorize a 60 second monologue from a published play. (No self-written monologues, please.)
Tips:
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- Take some time to practice your monologue in front of family or friends before coming to the audition.
- Search for monologues within the age range of 15-25 years old, and ones that allow for reactions. Please stay away from narrative/story monologues.
Part II: Improvisation
- For the improvisation section of the audition, all applicants will be asked to work together. Remember that improvisation does not mean taking (over) the scene for yourself; we are looking for ensemble work here along with creative imagination and talent!
Technical Theatre Applicants
Should you be interested in the technical side of theatre, more than performing, please submit a portfolio of work you have done in stage or film production IN ADDITION TO your prepared monologue.
We are happy to accept students of all experience levels. We only ask that you please come prepared and display a commitment to your participation in the audition process and in the Kashmere Fine Arts Magnet Program.
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Visual Art
Part I:
- Art students should prepare a portfolio of at least five (5) completed pieces. Pictures of your work are also sufficient. Please make sure the pictures of your artwork are very clear and taken in good lighting.
Part II:
- A short, reflective essay (250 words) answering the following questions.
- Why do you want to be part of Kashmere's visual arts program?
- Who or what has inspired you as an artist?
- Your essay should be in a Word document using the 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Your portfolio is of great importance in showing the visual art faculty your abilities and areas of interest. If the portfolio does not include the correct number of pieces, this could greatly affect your acceptance into the art program.
We are delighted to accept students of all experience levels. We kindly ask that you please come prepared and display a commitment to your participation in the audition process and in the Kashmere Fine Arts Magnet Program.
