UniversityHigh School

After applying for the magnet at OCPS School Choice, you will be contacted with a date and time for your audition.  Audition guidelines for the Performing Fine Arts Magnet differ by track.  Please see below for specific information.

Audition Information: 
Use the buttons below to jump to a specific track.

Instrumental Vocal Theatre Dance

Please contact Jon Brown with questions about the instrumental track.

Woodwinds/Brass (Band)

Woodwinds and Brass players can either complete a Wind Ensemble audition or do the following:

• Any solo or étude of your choice.
• As many major scales as you can play.
• A short sight-reading excerpt.

The audition is meant to showcase the skills and talent you already have, so relax and show us what you've got!

Percussion (Band)

Percussionists must demonstrate proficiency in multiple areas by performing the following études:

• Snare Drum
• Timpani
• Mallets

Orchestra

String players must complete the following requirements:

• Prepare two major scales, with arpeggios, according to ability.
• Prepare one piece of solo literature, approximately 2 minutes in length. Classical music such as sonatas, concertos, unaccompanied suites and partitas, and most selections from Suzuki are acceptable.
• Perform one sight reading excerpt of approximately eight measures with 15 seconds’ silent preparation time.

Guitar

• Perform from memory the C, G, or D major scale, one octave with arpeggio.
• Perform from memory the A, E, or B natural minor scale, one octave with arpeggio.
• Perform two of the following selections:
  • Andante (Matteo Carcassi)
  • Allegro (Mauro Giuliani)
  • Allegretto (Fernando Sor)

Piano

• Perform from memory the C, G, or D major scale, two-handed, one octave with arpeggio.
• Perform the chromatic scale, two-handed, one octave.
• Perform two of the following selections:
  • Minuet in G (J.S. Bach)
  • Ecossalse in G (Ludwig van Beethoven)
  • Soldiers' March (Robert Schumann)
  • Sonatina (Muzio Clementi)

Please contact Yelitza Greene with questions about the vocal track.

Students should arrive to vocal auditions with the following prepared:

• Recommendation letter from a music teacher (e.g. chorus director or private voice teacher) testifying to the student’s abilities and character.  The form can be found here: Vocal Track Recommendation
• One prepared piece in a classical style (art song, aria, musical theatre, or other material from the classical repertoire.)  Please bring sheet music or book (a copy is allowed) in the key to be sung OR an accompaniment track (instrumental without your voice part) on a flash drive.  We will have a piano accompanist, if music is provided. Singing a cappella is not an option.
• Sight Reading.  The type of exercise that will be sight read can be found here: Sample Sight-Reading
• Meeting with student and parent/guardian.

Students will be evaluated on preparedness, tone quality, stage presence, ability, and potential.

Please contact Alex Mendez-Napoleoni with questions about the theatre track.

There are three options for students auditioning for the theatre track.

Option 1

Prepare two (2) contrasting monologues (dramatic/comedic or classical/contemporary), not to exceed 3 minutes total.

Option 2

Prepare one monologue and 90 seconds of a solo musical theatre song (no pop/rock songs.) You must provide an accompaniment track to use for your audition.

Option 3

Prepare a tech portfolio demonstrating proficiency in technical theatre and design. Be prepared to present your work and describe your process/vision.

Your Portfolio can include any of the following:

• Costume Design: Drawings, paintings, garments you have made. These do not need to be theatrical if you happen to do fashion work for other areas.
• Lighting Design: Drawings, paintings, photography, drafting/lighting plots, etc.
• Scene Design: Drawings, paintings, still life, drafting, etc.
• Stage Management: Prompt scripts, cue sheets, ground plans, rehearsal notes, programs, etc.
• Technical Direction: Drafting samples, objects you have built, photographs, production paperwork, etc.

Please contact Elise Mele with questions about the dance track.

The dance track requires a live audition. Applicants can expect to:

• Perform a guided ballet center warm up.
• Perform a jazz combination across-the-floor.
• Perform a modern center combination.
• The audition will end with improvisation.

Applicants will be evaluated on performance quality, memorization, and overall technique in each style for placement in the appropriate level class. At your audition, please observe the following:

Attire

• Girls: Black leotard OR black fitted shirt with black leggings OR black pants OR pink tights. Convertible tights are highly recommended.
• Boys: Black fitted shirt with black fitted pants or shorts.
• Please, no bike shorts or crop tops.

Footwear

• Ballet shoes, jazz shoes, or barefoot.
• Tennis shoes are not permissible.

Hair

• If your hair is long enough, please have it in a bun.
• Hair should not be in the dancer’s face.

Jewelry

• Small studs for the ears are fine.
• No dangling or excessive jewelry is allowed.