Admissions Code: X51A

*** Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all high school auditions will be virtual. Please see below for requirements and information on master classes being offered here at arts.

Make sure to remember to rank Fordham High School for the Arts (x51A.)

Please email any inquiries to fordhamhsarts@gmail.com

Admissions Code: X51A

How to Use the Virtual Submission Tool

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR A MASTER CLASS. WE HOPE THIS EXPERIENCE HAS ASSISTED YOU IN THE AUDITION PROCESS.

Audition Information

  1. List all your program choices on your high school application in MySchools(Open external link), and apply by March 1, 2021.
  2. Submit all audition materials for your high school audition(s) by March 8, 2021, per the instructions detailed below for each discipline.

Only current 8th grade students are eligible to audition and apply to Fordham High School for the Arts. We do not accept transfer applications.

*Please note you can audition for more than 1 area. In the MySchools portal you will complete a separate form for each major you wish to audition for.

FORDHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS FOLLOWS THE COMMON AUDITION COMPONENTS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS

DANCE

Prepare and submit two (2) recorded audition videos described below.

Video 1: Movement Replication

Learn and record yourself performing one of the pre-recorded solos of Ballet, Jazz, Modern, or West African dance from the video library below. This dance video will be used to assess the following dance components: replication of dance steps, following direction, musicality, coordination, flexibility, expression. Record so that your full body and movement is shown. You can access the pre-recorded dances and music to the dances here.

Video 2: Solo

Prepare and record a video of yourself performing a 30 second – 60 second solo in any style of dance with which you feel most comfortable. This may include but is not limited to Ballet, Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Modern, Theater Dance, or West African. This dance video is to assess the following dance components: creativity, musicality, coordination, flexibility, expression. Record so that your full body and movement is shown.

FHSA may invite you to “call backs” for virtual on-demand tasks.

INSTRUMENTAL / MUSIC PRODUCTION

*Prepare and submit BOTH videos specified below.

** Drummers (i.e., candidates who play non-pitched percussion instruments) are only required to submit VIDEO #1.

Video #1: Perform ONE prepared solo selection.

  • Select a piece you feel confident performing that shows your skill level and musicality.
  • Individual school websites may include suggested lists of repertoire and/or model audition videos to guide you in preparing your audition video.

Before playing, briefly introduce yourself, and provide the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your Student ID# (OSIS #)
  • What is your favorite thing about playing your instrument? (30 seconds or less)
  • Title of the piece you will be playing

Video #2: Perform ONE scale of your choice at a tempo (speed) you find comfortable.

  • This is another opportunity for reviewers to learn more about how:
    • low and how high you can play.
    • comfortably and quickly you can move from note to note.
    • clean and precise your playing is.
    • well you are able to play in tune.
    • well you know what notes make up your selected scale.
    • playing the correct notes is most important.

Before playing, briefly introduce yourself, and provide the following information:

  • Your name
  • Your Student ID# (OSIS#)

For help preparing a scale or if you do not know what a scale is, please see these video tutorials and examples.

FHSA may hold “call backs” and request that you attend an individual online appointment to perform additional music tasks,  for example: singing back melodic patterns; tapping back rhythmic patterns; or completing a sight-reading task for which you play a short amount of music from sheet music you have not seen before.

CTE TECHNICAL THEATER

Section 1: Discussion of Set Design

Create an original design, 3-D model of a stage setting for one of the following plays: “Dracula” by Hamilton Dean & John Balderson (1924), “A Raisin in the Sun” by Lorraine Hansberry, or “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. Models are to be the size of a shoebox or larger and should be portable.

  • Photographs: Upload up to 4 photographs of the model from different angles. The photographs should allow the judges to see details and perspective. Take the first picture from the audience’s point of view and include the entire model.
  • Video #1: Create and upload a two-minute video speaking about your model and the design choices you made. Make specific references, and point to the model when discussing a particular aspect. The video should not be edited. Begin your video by stating your first and last name as it appears in your myschools.nyc account and your student ID#(OSIS#) before speaking about your model.

Section 2: Providing Directions

Video #2: Create and upload a two-minute video in which you describe step-by-step how you assembled/completed something. You will be evaluated on your thought process for multi-step directions considering clarity, efficiency, and attention to detail. For example, you might describe your morning or afternoon commute, getting ready for your virtual school day, taking out the trash or recycling, getting lunch in the school cafeteria, assembling a piece of furniture, baking your favorite cookie, taking your neighbor’s dog out for a walk, or perhaps doing a load of dishes in a dishwasher. Please note these are only examples; you may choose to describe something else. Begin your video by stating your first and last name as it appears in your myschools.nyc account and your student ID# (OSIS#)  before speaking about your step-by-step process.

FHSA may invite and schedule individual student call backs for live virtual interviews, musical theater songs, dance and/or other on-demand tasks and school specific requirements.

CTE DRAMA

Prepare and submit separate uploads of two contrasting monologues. You are also encouraged to upload a musical theater number if interested. Please note that a musical theater song is required for musical theater programs at the noted (*) musical theater programs.

At the beginning of each video, before performing, briefly introduce yourself by providing the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Your OSIS student ID#
  • Why you chose your monologue or song (30 seconds or less)
  • State the name of the character portrayed and the full title of the play or source for your monologue or song

Video #1 and #2: Monologues

Memorize, perform, and upload two contrasting, one-minute monologues. For example, dramatic/comedic, classical/contemporary, or theater/film. Choose relatable characters and decide to whom your characters are talking and why. You may choose your own monologues to perform but are welcome to review and select monologues from this sample monologues library.

VISUAL ART

I. Portfolio Upload – photographs of 3 to 6 pieces of original artwork that includes the following:

  1. A self-portrait, done from observation (from observation means you draw yourself by looking in a mirror).
  2. A still life, done from observation (from observation means you draw objects placed before you on a table).
  3. You may choose the remaining 1 to 4 pieces you wish to include. Pieces can be created using any material in any form, and may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

II. Student Introduction

Upload a short video or written explanation about the uploaded pieces of original artwork. Discuss choice of subject & materials, motivation, & influences. Your video should be no longer than 2 minutes. Written explanations should be no more than 500 words.

III. Virtual Performance Task: Figure Drawing

In addition to your portfolio works, please submit photographs of one figure drawing with in-progress photos. Using pencil and paper, draw the human figure. Make sure you draw the entire figure and fit it on the page – do not cut off parts of the head or feet. Draw your figure with realistic proportions. Try to use value or lines to draw the folds on the clothes. Include any observed details & draw the facial features. Include background elements to place the figure in a space to prevent them from floating in the air. You may choose to pose a friend or family member.

The drawing should be completed within 30-45 minutes. We are looking to see how you develop your drawing. Please take photographs of your work throughout your drawing and submit 4 photographs for the drawing at the follow times:

  1. A photograph at 5 minutes.
  2. A photograph at 10 minutes.
  3. A photograph at 20 minutes.
  4. A photograph of the completed drawing at 30-45 minutes.

VOCAL MUSIC

Prepare a video recording that includes ALL parts listed below.

Before singing, briefly introduce yourself. Please provide the following information:

  • Your name.
  • Your Student ID# (OSIS#)
  • What is your favorite thing about singing? (30 seconds or less)
  • Title of the song you will be singing.

Perform ONE prepared solo selection without accompaniment. Singing without accompaniment means singing by yourself without a track or pianist.

  • Select a song you feel confident performing that shows your skill level and musicality.

FHSA may hold “callbacks” and request that you attend an individual online appointment to perform additional music tasks, for example, singing back melodic patterns and vocal phrases, tapping back rhythmic patterns, performing basic vocal technique (singing) exercises.