Do you want to be part of the next generation of student-artists? Audition at Ellington!
- The Ellington Fund
- Oct 21, 2024
- 20 min read
Updated: Jan 13
Make sure to review the audition procedures! You must review procedures to ensure you are prepared for your audition. Your audition matters and your preparation for your audition does as well.
Link to audition procedures in additional languages - https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/201
Overview
Ready to soar? Review the audition guidelines for Ellington's eight arts departments here. Follow your dream and be prepared to be an artist in the future! The following guidelines apply to all arts departments. Click on your selected department to see all of the requirements for a successful audition to Ellington's prestigious arts programs. You can also download the PDF version at the bottom of this page. We look forward to working with you!
Guidelines
All students must complete an audition in-person.
All auditions are closed to parents/guardians, family members, or peers. If you leave for non-emergencies during your audition, you may be disqualified from completing the admissions process.
We are here for you! If you have questions about the following please email admissions@ellingtonarts.org:
health concerns
504 and IEP accommodation
attendance
headshots
in person auditions
My Lottery
Department Audition Information
Cinematic Arts & Media Production (CAMP)
What We Are Looking For
Cinematic Arts & Media Production (CAMP) (formerly Literary Media & Communications (LMC)) is the storytelling department, across a range of platforms, but with a focus on writing as the core. We are looking for students who are intelligent, respectful, humble, and intellectually curious about the world and how it works. The prospective student should be confident about their voice and aware of the need for effective communication. The student must read constantly and have an awareness of current events. Prospective students must engage with technology and have an awareness of the possibilities of emerging platforms as a means of storytelling.
What to Upload/How to Prepare
There are three (3) requirements for the CAMP audition – submission of written materials, video recording, and a photo essay. If selected to proceed, you may be asked to participate in an interview or workshop.
Written Pieces
Portfolios will be submitted electronically through the Microsoft
form at https://forms.office.com/r/RKiz2s0Pz6.
Your portfolio must contain the following:
Title page with applicant name, address, telephone number, school year 25-26 grade, and a recent headshot, if available, of the applicant. Though highly recommended and encouraged, not having a headshot will not negatively impact an applicant’s eligibility and determination.
Titles for each written piece
Samples of your best writing, which MUST include two (2) pieces from the following four categories:
At least one original poem
An original short story of no more than 300 words
An original work of cultural critique/review (movies, books, art, music, culture)
A one-page personal essay on why you write and what motivates you creatively
Note: We strongly encourage submissions that accurately reflect your creative spirit, even if independent of schoolwork.
Choose one of the pieces from your portfolio and write a reflection on your writing process of taking the piece from a rough draft to a more polished draft. Be sure to include the following:
Where you revised and why. In other words, identify what could be improved in the current draft and how you made those improvements. These areas might include pacing, word choice, character depth, dialogue, descriptive details, organization, mechanics, narrative voice, etc.
Anything you learned about your strengths and areas of growth as a writer through the revision process
Make A (Very) Short Film
Create a short video or compilation of videos of 30 seconds or less. (A single film or individual videos). Video may be creative, narrative, or experimental. Whatever tools you have are sufficient. Avoid spending money. Beyond creativity, we want your work also to have these elements:
● Unique camera movement. You must employ a method of camera movement: track, tilt, pan, etc. You can run with the camera, spin the camera, etc. Any movement is fine if the subject is in the frame and the camera is moving.
● Unique lighting. Whether it be a face half in shadow, light passing through leaves, Rembrandt lighting, silhouette, or whatever piques your interest. We must see you utilize lighting in your video – outside of standard natural or three-point lighting.
● Unique composition. Take advantage of an unusual angle, interesting framing, or something interesting in the foreground or background of a subject - everything in the frame matters to a filmmaker.
Photo Essay
With your own photographic tools – no need to purchase any resources to complete this task, tell a compelling visual story using photos only. Provide no less than (5) pictures that work together to capture a moment, explore a narrative, or represent a creative concept as a body of work. Let the images speak. Do not provide captions.
Optional
A printed or electronic sampling of any creative media work you may have completed or are working on, such as (but not limited to):
A blog
A podcast
A website
Any film, documentary, or short footage you have worked on
Digital or traditional photography
Physical piece? Take a picture and have that item with you, if feasible, during your audition interview
Notes
For your My School DC application online essay, please be sure to include your personal goals as an artist and any experiences you may have had that could impact your decision to pursue this course of study in the essay.
If possible, it is highly suggested to please include an “Art/Other” recommendation as one of your three in the MSDC Application. This could be a letter from someone who has read/viewed and critiqued your work in any of the above genre or forms. (Note: Your application will not be penalized if you cannot provide this additional letter.)
The Audition Process Itself
The CAMP audition has three phases:
For the first phase, you must submit your audition portfolio/writing samples electronically by the deadline (see Part 1 of “What to Upload/How to Prepare”).
Participate in an in-person interview which will be scheduled via email. The interview involves a conversation with faculty about your submitted work and the reading assignment. The audition interview will also include an in-person writing component.
For the final phase, if selected to continue you will take part in a special CAMP workshop held in-person (or by Zoom as a work around for extenuating circumstances, which will be reviewed, individually) by invitation, where you will have writing and group review exercises. For those selected, participation in the audition classwork is mandatory for continued consideration as a CAMP candidate.
Have a Successful Audition
Review/edit the portfolio items you will submit so we see your best work.
READ. Great writers are constantly reading.
Be prepared to discuss where you want to go in life, what you hope to accomplish.
Engage – be an active participant in the audition class exercises.
Dance
What We Are Looking For
At Ellington we are here to teach – prior training is certainly valued, but we are first and foremost evaluating your potential and passion for dance. During your audition we will be looking for students who:
Physically and verbally express their passion for the art of dance,
Show a strong desire to work diligently on technique,
Display a willingness to accept feedback and/or positive correction,
Exhibit flexibility, a natural sense of movement, musicality, an innate ability to follow directions, always maintain a positive attitude and the physique and stamina appropriate for rigorous dance.
What to Wear/How to Prepare
Students auditioning for the dance department are advised to:
Arrive ON TIME for your audition, late arrivals may be disqualified.
Girls (or identifying): Wear leotard (preferably black) and footless tights, bring white socks and ballet shoes.
Boys (or identifying): Wear black footless tights, white tank top, dance belt (supporter – not jockstrap), regular belt around the waist, wear white socks, and ballet shoes.
If you are unable to acquire the clothing described above for your audition, please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org so that we can find alternatives.
Students that identify as non-binary and/or are unsure how to dress, please contact us at admissions@ellingtonarts.org.
Hair pulled back, away from the face in a tight bun at the crown of the head and secured with a thin hairnet.
Remove all visible jewelry (incl. nose, eyebrow, lip piercings etc. & earrings).
If you have a new piercing, please have the following piercing covered by a bandage
NO long fingernails or fingernail and toenail polish.
In addition to the materials sent in for your Ellington application through My School DC Platform:
A physical medical form for the current school year or a medical form from your doctor, clearing you for participation in a rigorous dance program. If you have questions about what you can bring, please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org before your audition.
One (1) 8x10” photograph: one (1) headshot (portrait).
The Audition Process Itself
For auditions, you will participate in a ballet and a modern technique dance class which also includes:
Strengthening and conditioning.
Solo choreography and/or dance are not required for this audition.
You will be assigned to either Group A or Group B – group changes are not interchangeable.
You must attend both day one and day two.
Selected students will be assigned to Group C if they are invited to return for the final day.
If selected to continue the audition process in the callbacks, participation in each session is mandatory to be considered for dance at Ellington.
Failure to attend both days one and two will result in disqualification.
Have a Successful Audition
Be confident.
Be energetic.
Instrumental Music
Guidelines
We are auditioning for the following instruments: Violin, Viola, Cello, Acoustic Bass, Guitar, Piano, Harp, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba, Percussion.
What We Are Looking For
We are primarily evaluating your potential and passion for your instrument, your musicality, and your willingness to work hard to move to the next level.
What to Have/How to Prepare
For their audition, all students must:
1. Prepare major scales and one musical selection for the audition and have sheet music for the selection, be sure to bring a copy of the sheet to your audition.
2. There will be a written music theory assessment.
a. Please bring a pencil.
3. Make sure to have their own musical instrument, except for piano.
a. Drummers should only bring their own drumsticks.
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, we cannot provide an audition instrument for students. If you do not have an instrument to audition with, please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org to discuss other arrangements.
The Audition Process Itself
All students auditioning in instrumental music will be required to:
● Perform a prepared musical selection,
● Perform a sampling of major scales,
● Take a music theory assessment,
● Be tested on musical response and sight-reading, and
● Participate in a personal interview.
Accompaniment not required.
In addition to the procedures above, percussion students must present at least one of the following:
● A variety of snare drum rudiments from the Percussive Arts Society (PAS) List of International Drum Rudiments; or
● Any technical/musical skills on mallet percussion or timpani, drum set styles such as jazz, Latin, funk, rock and/or soloing.
Have a Successful Audition
Practice! Truly prepare your musical selection.
Arrive promptly to your audition with all required materials.
Present yourself well – speak confidently and clearly.
Be prepared to talk about yourself – your musical background and your goals for the future.
Museum Studies
What We Are Looking For
In Museum Studies we are looking for students who exhibit intellectual curiosity - who are particularly interested in history, social studies, visual arts and/or technology. Students should have a desire to learn more about art and culture and how to effectively use computers to develop visual presentations through photography, graphic design, and video.
How to Prepare
Students must bring in the following to their audition:
THREE (3) personal objects that tell something about the student, to present them as a display, and discuss the reasons for the selections,
FIVE (5) finished visual art pieces (such as a collage, a 3-D sculpture, a drawing or painting), or a science or social studies project/report (this can be an image or PDF – it depends on the project) completed during the past school year, to discuss during the interview.
The Audition Process Itself
Students auditioning in Museum Studies will both interview and participate in sessions over two separate days related to curiosity, research, creativity, and communication/presentation skills. Additionally, students during the audition will write a 250-word or more essay relevant to Museum Studies.
Have a Successful Audition
Previous applicants have exhibited their interest in the arts, science, or history by performing either a musical piece or a drama presentation, or presenting a project done in one of these areas.
Be prepared to talk about yourself and why you are interested in Museum Studies.
Bring your three (3) items (personal objects and visual art pieces/social studies or science project examples) to present.
Theatre
What We Are Looking For
We are looking for students who possess a passion for acting, a desire to immerse themselves in all aspects of the theatre, and an interest in pursuing a career in the field. Students should show abilities to prioritize and remain on task, be imaginative, emotionally available, and able to express themselves physically as well as vocally. Ideal candidates listen and adapt, accept criticism, and can incorporate suggestions into their work.
How to Prepare
1. Prepare and memorize a monologue no more than two-minutes in length from one of the plays listed below:
a. A monologue is a speech from a play where one character is talking to themselves or other characters for a period of time. If a character interrupts the speech, you can usually skip their interjection and continue the monologue.
b. We will only see monologues from one of the plays listed below.
c. Theatre Department does not provide hard or online copies of the prescribed plays. It is the auditioner’s responsibility to acquire the play they choose from a library, bookstore, etc. If you need help, contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org.
2. Prepare and memorize a published poem/spoken word piece that is 25 lines or less. A good source for poetry is the Poetry Out Loud website: http://www.poetryoutloud.org/poemsand-performance/find-poems/category/25-lines-and-fewer-poems.
• Students may also perform a published song instead of a poem. The song will be performed acapella (without piano accompaniment).
3. The auditioner must prepare for both a monologue AND a poem/spoken word or song.
4. Be prepared to tell us why you want to attend the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Theatre Department and what you hope to accomplish while you are here.
5. Come to the audition on time, dressed in loose-fitting clothes, if possible (solid color clothing preferred, no logos). Please pull your hair back/away from your face, no jewelry (if you have a new piercing, please make sure to have the jewelry covered by a bandage), wear sneakers if possible and be prepared for movement and warm-up exercises. If you have questions, contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org.
6. Have a water bottle and small snack close by if needed.
The Audition Process Itself
Preliminary Audition: Auditioning students will participate in group warm-up exercises prior to their individual audition.
Callbacks: Rounds 1-3 will be in-person at the school (please see the audition schedule for audition and callback dates which is shared after the MSDC deadline).
Students who have a successful preliminary audition will be invited to one or more callbacks, which may be required in-person on various dates/times.
At callbacks, students participate in acting, speech, improvisation, dance, and movement classes facilitated by our faculty.
Students will be asked to present their monologue and poem/spoken word or song again, for the faculty to access the student’s ability to listen and incorporate the information they learned in the classes.
Students will work on a group exercise and participate in an interview after the callbacks.
About the Monologue
We will only accept and hear monologues from one of the plays listed in the attachment below:
Be sure you enjoy performing your selections and that the pieces are in the right age range for you.
Be sure that you read the play as you may be asked questions pertaining to the play you selected.
Students are expected to audition with a prepared monologue. That means it should be memorized and rehearsed.
Students should understand the Character (who the person in the monologue is), the Objective (what the character wants), Actions (what the character does to get what they want), and the Given Circumstances (the information the playwright provides that affect the actions of the character).
The Poem/Spoken Word
Students should choose a poem/spoken word that they can relate to and enjoy performing – gender roles in the plays below are solely for guidance – students may choose whichever role they feel most comfortable with.
A good source for poetry is the Poetry Out Loud website: http://www.poetryoutloud.org/poemsand-performance/find-poems/category/25-lines-and-fewer-poems.
Students must apply the feedback from the audition panel given above for the monologue.
About the Song
Students must choose a published song. Unpublished works will not be accepted.
Songs will be performed in acapella, so choose something you feel comfortable with without piano accompaniment.
Students should choose a song that they can relate to, is in their vocal range, and they enjoy singing.
Students must apply the feedback from the audition panel given above for the monologue.
Have a Successful Audition
We suggest students attend one of the audition workshops provided by the Theatre Department. Please find our workshop flyer on our school’s website.
During this workshop, prospective students will learn more about the department, learn more about the audition process, and receive coaching from current students and faculty on their audition monologue and song or poem/spoken word.
We want to make sure that you can be heard and understood at all times.
Memorize and practice your monologue, song, and poetry recitation to ensure that you can keep your voice audible, strong, and supported and to speak or sing clearly.
Technical Design & Production (TDP)
What We Are Looking For
Students come to Ellington for pre-professional training and the opportunity of learning how to express themselves in their artistic discipline, through a challenging and rigorous curriculum that lays a strong foundation, expanding their knowledge in the classroom and reinforcing it through a hands-on experience.
If you are a creative thinker, self-starter, willing to work hard, problem-solve and a dedicated team player who can follow your instructions, then the TDP Department may be right for you!
As one of the nation’s premier college preparatory arts institutions, we recruit the best and maintain a high standard of achievement for our young artists in training. The dual academic and arts programing is demanding, immersive and rewarding! All students interested in TDP MUST complete the interview and if selected MUST participate in the Audition Callback Lab Sessions and “Boot Camp”.
What to Upload/How to Prepare
In addition to the My School DC Lottery application deadline, there are additional materials described below that must be submitted via Microsoft forms by the My School DC deadline. All additional materials must be submitted by this deadline so that our staff will have adequate time to review them in advance.
Please complete the Microsoft Form: https://forms.office.com/r/u9DeNgPKyK
1. Written Statement: A typed paragraph defining what Technical Design, Show Production, or Arts Management means to you AND what your contribution to the department and Ellington would be.
2. A resume (optional – only if you have the experience) of any experience you have in design, production, management (i.e., set design/construction, lighting, sound design or production, video production, costume design/construction, stage or production management, woodwork, or crafts.
3. Digital Portfolio (preferred method)
a. Types of digital portfolios: PowerPoint, Keynote, Adobe Express, Canva, personal website, PDF – upload images or other media of YOUR designs, artwork, models, etc.
b. Audio samples of YOUR music, soundscapes, or podcasts recorded, mixed or produced. Submit as .wav @ CD quality (44.1k, 16 bit) or .mp3 @ 128k or higher.
Notes
For your My School DC Lottery application online essay, please be sure to include your interest in any aspect of TDP. For example: lights, costume, sound, set, and stage management. Also, please explain what you plan to do with the training you will receive from Ellington's TDP Department.
If possible, it is highly suggested to please include an “Art/Other” recommendation as one of your three in the MSDC Application. This could be a letter from a Director, Production Manager, Stage Manager, or Designer from a production that you worked on – who can speak to your experience. (Note: Your application will NOT be penalized if you cannot provide this additional letter.)
Written Materials Submission Details
All written materials are completed by the student and must be typed in 12-point Times New Roman font. Materials must be submitted via Microsoft Forms: https://forms.office.com/r/u9DeNgPKyK
Applicants are highly encouraged to submit by the My School DC Lottery deadline.
1. Headshot (smile, no smile, no additional facial expressions) is required to be attached.
2. Upload your three materials (written statement, resume, digital portfolio).
About the Audition Interview
For the interview, you will meet with the TDP Chair and Staff and take a “Production & Design Assessment” that will give us an idea of your level of knowledge in technical design and production. You must also prepare to have the following to present during your audition interview:
Present an original portfolio/artifact of your work that highlights your production or design interests and skills. Applicants are expected to present their professional portfolio. We prefer this is uploaded into the MSDC Lottery Application and recommend that applicants do their best to capture and provide clear images. You must also have your portfolio with you during your audition.
Source: Williams, A.G., & Hall, K. J. (2001). Creating your career portfolio: At a glance guide for students. (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc.
ExDrawings or paintings from art classes (not necessarily related to technical design)
Drawings or paintings from arts classes (not necessarily related to
technical design)
Three-dimensional work, models, sculpture, collages, designs
Sketchbooks
Visual examples showing your training, graphic abilities, and artistic vision
Three-dimensional work, models, sculpture, collages, designs
Sketchbooks, garments, other hand or machine sewn artifacts,
Visual examples showing your training, graphic
Photographs or playbills from the production with your name and position.
Run sheets, order of services (church), playbooks.
Production drafting, scenic, costume or lighting examples, (plots), renderings and sketches, sound/video recording samples. Other
examples of previous experiences are welcomed.
Sketchbooks, and preliminary sketches (so we can get a sense of your process).
Prompt books (including the following):
Rehearsal/Performance Reports, Cue Sheets, Blocking notations. Audio samples of music, soundscapes, or podcasts recorded, mixed or
produced. Submitted as .wav @ CD quality (44.1k, 16 bit) or .mp3 @ 128k or higher
Sketchbooks, and preliminary sketches (so we can get a sense of your
process).amples of work the portfolio might contain are:
Items from a production you have worked
Drawings or paintings from art classes (not necessarily related to technical design)
Drawings or paintings from arts classes (not necessarily related to
technical design)
Three-dimensional work, models, sculpture, collages, designs
Sketchbooks
Visual examples showing your training, graphic abilities, and artistic vision
Three-dimensional work, models, sculpture, collages, designs
Sketchbooks, garments, other hand or machine sewn artifacts,
Visual examples showing your training, graphic
Photographs or playbills from the production with your name and position.
Run sheets, order of services (church), playbooks.
Production drafting, scenic, costume or lighting examples, (plots), renderings and sketches, sound/video recording samples. Other
examples of previous experiences are welcomed.
Sketchbooks, and preliminary sketches (so we can get a sense of your process).
Prompt books (including the following):
Rehearsal/Performance Reports, Cue Sheets, Blocking notations. Audio samples of music, soundscapes, or podcasts recorded, mixed or
produced. Submitted as .wav @ CD quality (44.1k, 16 bit) or .mp3 @ 128k or higher
Sketchbooks, and preliminary sketches (so we can get a sense of your
process).
Prompt books (including the following):
Rehearsal/Performance
Reports, Cue Sheets,
Blocking notations.
Audio samples of music, soundscapes, or podcasts recorded, mixed or
produced. Submitted as .wav @ CD quality (44.1k, 16 bit) or .mp3 @ 128k or higher
abilities, and artistic vision
The Audition Interview
The interview for the TDP department is done in three phases:
1. Participate in the audition interview with staff, bringing portfolio, paperwork and/or audio samples with them and having submitted the other required materials in advance.
Students who have a successful interview then...
2. Selected students will be invited to participate in a Callback (boot camp). This is a very physically active and hands-on department. Students will be expected to lift heavy equipment.
3. Due to the inherent dangers of personal injury, students should be able to engage in physical activity.
Lack of physical ability to not do so could result in physical injury or dismemberment. If you are interested in TDP, but have questions about physical confinements or restraints, please contact
admissions@ellingtonarts.org with any questions or concerns.
Have a Successful Interview
1. Arrive early. “On time” is considered late! Punctuality is essential in the arts world.
2. Be prepared to be photographed even if you sent one in already.
3. Pay attention and stay focused in your interview and on your lab session days.
4. During your interview, feel free to take notes – this will help you be prepared for your lab sessions and shows us that you are serious.
5. Be prepared to discuss why you are interested in TDP.
6. Accept direction well.
7. Be a team player.
8. Keep eye contact.
9. Do your research and understand what it means to work in production, be a designer, or an arts manager (study the career resource videos below):
Scenic Design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXYX5YXjYaA
Special Effects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtRu-o87X6k
Prop Masters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xWMtFtzRC0
Costume Design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xZglYQSJ3Q&t=13s
Lighting Design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqMYsjHU5rU
Projection Design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3n6q_ZyfJg
Stage Manager https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxaXb_16cSY
Sound Mixing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60OpF3DCVls
Sound Design https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3L_3Khki1U
Visual Arts
What We Are Looking For
Ellington is looking for students with potential who demonstrate their passion for the visual arts.
Successful students show strong observational skills and hand-eye coordination.
How to Prepare
Students must bring their portfolio in-person and submit their portfolio digitally the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/1vQawzd7MR. Images of your portfolio pieces must meet the following criteria:
A portfolio of at least five (5) or more works of art - on white drawing paper, 8-1/2 x 11inch paper or larger – with at least one each in the following categories:
A self-portrait, realistic to the best of the student’s ability,
A drawing of a bicycle,
A drawing of an open closet in their home (use color: pencils, markers or watercolors),
A drawing of a landmark in the city, and
Free choice of anything of your own creation.
Please be sure you keep these pieces of art and have them ready for your audition interview. The five (5) portfolio items above are mandatory. If you have additional portfolio items and/or a sketch book, you are welcome to bring these in as well.
The Audition Process Itself
All students auditioning in Visual Arts will be required to produce a drawing from a still-life during the audition, write a short essay while in your audition session about the form and content of a work of art presented in their portfolio, and discuss their portfolio during their interview with a Visual Arts faculty member. The Visual Arts Department will supply the materials needed for your audition. The audition process will take up to one (1) hour and forty-five minutes to complete.
Have a Successful Audition
Take time and care with your required sketches.
Be prepared to discuss your work.
Present yourself well – arrive on time, speak clearly and confidently.
Vocal Music
Guidelines
All students must complete an audition video audition. All students will be required to attend a callback if you are invited to the in-person audition/callback.
What We Are Looking For
Passion – A student must have a desire for singing and an eagerness to learn the technical aspects of the art form. Students must be willing to adapt to a scientific and holistic (healthy vocal technique) approach to singing.
Students must have a willingness to learn to sing classical repertoire in multiple languages.
Our program is mainly focused on classical music with small opportunities for exploration in other genres.
Vocal Potential – Students must have a clear ability to match pitch (good intonation and tonal memory), a good sense of rhythm and a suitable vocal range.
Performance Potential – Students must have a willingness to explore all possibilities of the art form through expression (taking chances) and vulnerability.
Academic/Artistic Success – As Ellington is a college preparatory school, we are looking for students who can be successful in their academic and art classes. As we are a dual curriculum program, students must understand the importance of dedicated time to both art and academic classes.
A Cooperative Attitude – Students must be able to work well with others in and outside of class. This includes students, faculty, and staff.
Endurance – Students must have the stamina and capacity to successfully manage the longer school day, which is 9+ hours in addition to daily homework, daily practice, and performances.
One must be a dedicated student who practices regularly and strives for excellence.
What to Upload/How to Prepare
To prepare for your video submission, memorize one piece from the list below and present your piece acapella (without instrumental accompaniment). We recommend all applicants submit their pieces recorded on camera.
Categories: Below are the acceptable song choices for auditions. There is no benefit in choosing a more difficult piece. The overall goal should be accuracy, musicality, and expression in the piece chosen.
Upload a video file of you singing the memorized piece to the following email addresses, both desa.vocal@ellingtonarts.org and admissions@ellingtonarts.org. We encourage you to submit a pre-recorded piece so you can take your time, do as many takes as possible, and submit the BEST version of yourself! The subject line should reflect the following: Student Name, Vocal Music Audition Video SY25-26. The body should reflect the following: Full Name, Current Age, Current Grade, Current School.
Music Song List
See attachment for Song List.
The LIVE Audition Process
Only if you DID NOT UPLOAD A RECORDED VIDEO - During your audition for the Vocal Music Department at DESA, you will:
Present a musical selection chosen from the approved list (sung acapella)
Be tested in aural skills via vocal exercises and pitch matching.
Upon completion of the initial auditions, the Vocal Music faculty will select a group of students to continue the audition process by participating in a two-day IN-PERSON afternoon vocal music callback class. Students are required to attend all days of the callback class to remain a candidate for the Vocal Music department. Students invited for callbacks will be notified by the Admissions Office if selected.
Please contact admissions@ellingtonarts.org with any questions or concerns related to attending either or both days of the callback class. Make-up days can be scheduled for extenuating circumstances. Please note that they must be completed in a consecutive two-day period.
Have a Successful Audition
To present yourself in the best light possible:
Say your name clearly and answer questions completely.
Prepare your piece well (make sure the piece is memorized) and sing with confidence.
Be ready to talk about yourself, your past musical experiences, and your goals for the future. Give these ideas some thought.
