DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts...

DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts (DESA) 797 Fayetteville Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

678-874-1302

DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts - 797 Fayetteville Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 - 678-874-1302 http://www.desa.dekalb.k12.ga.us/dekalbelementaryschoolofthearts_home.aspx

DESA 2015-2016 Audition Application DeKalb County School District Vision: To inspire our community of learners to achieve educational excellence

DESA Mission: To work together with the home and community to encourage students to become respectful, responsible,

productive citizens who maximize their potential and develop an appreciation for learning in an environment that incorporates the

arts in order to accommodate varied learning styles.

Curriculum: Students are enrolled in grades K-7. The curriculum includes core academic classes along with the following arts

classes; drama, dance, vocal and instrumental music, and visual arts. Students in grades K-3 take dance, drama, music, and visual

arts classes weekly. Students in grades 4-7 select a major and a minor in dance, drama, vocal music, instrumental music, or visual

arts. Students attend their major class three times a week and their minor class two times a week. Students in grades 1-7 must

maintain a 3.0 (or higher) grade point average (GPA) each semester once enrolled in DESA.

Transportation: The most current DeKalb County transportation policy will be followed for the School Choice Programs.

During 2015-2016, students will report to selected satellite pick-up locations in their region for school bus transportation to all

magnet programs/schools. The Department of Transportation will not mail bus schedules. Students will report to the satellite

locations selected on the transportation application. Satellite transportation staff members will maintain a list of students

scheduled to report to each satellite location.

Admission: All applicants must apply through the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) School Choice Open

Enrollment process (www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/school-choice). Students enrolling into grades K -1 are admitted through the DCSD

School Choice Lottery process. Students enrolling into grades 2-3 are admitted through the DCSD School Choice Lottery process

and must have a 3.0 (or higher) GPA. Students enrolling into grades 4-7 are admitted through an audition process and must have

a 3.0 (or higher) GPA. Students enrolling into grades 4-7 must successfully complete the audition process to be considered for

enrollment or placement on the waiting list.

To be considered for an audition and admission for grades 4-7: 1. Families must presently reside in the DCSD attendance area to apply and enroll into DESA.

2. A 3.0 (or higher) GPA must be reflected on the applicant’s 2014-2015 fall semester report card.

3. Families must first apply during the DCSD School Choice Open Enrollment period. Paper and online applications are

accepted at the School Choice Programs Office at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083. To be

considered an eligible on-time applicant, all supporting documents must be returned by the School Choice Programs Open

Enrollment deadline, February 27, 2015.

4. Applicants must submit all of the documents below. It is highly recommended that all items are submitted at one time.

a. Completed “DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts 2015-2016 Audition Application Gr. 4-7”.

b. Copy of the applicant’s 2014-2015 1st semester 2014-2015 report card, reflecting a 3.0 (or higher) GPA.

c. Two “Confidential Academic Recommendation Forms” from academic teacher(s) within the last three semesters.

d. One “Confidential Arts Recommendation Form” from a performing arts teacher. The recommendation must come from a

teacher of one of the respective discipline in which the student is auditioning.

Each recommendation form must be placed in a sealed envelope with the applicant’s name on the front. The person

completing the recommendation must sign across the sealed flap. Family members MAY NOT complete

recommendations. Faxed recommendations will NOT be accepted.

5. Deliver or mail all application documents directly to:

DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts, 797 Fayetteville Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 – Attention: DESA Auditions

The application submission deadline is Friday, March 27, 2015

Applications may be delivered Monday – Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

FAXED applications will NOT be accepted 6. Students must audition in two art disciplines and interview with the audition panel. Auditions are scheduled for applicants

upon receipt of all application documents.

a. Auditions will be held March 30 – April 3, 2015.

b. DESA will only audition students whose names appear on DCSD School Choice Application list for our school. c. Applicants must bring a copy of their 9 week progress report to the audition (no exceptions). A 3.0 (or higher) GPA

must be reflected on the 9 week progress report.

d. The decisions of the DESA selection committee are final. All acceptance notices will be handled through the DCSD School

Choice Programs Office.


DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts

2015-2016 Audition Application Information DeKalb County School District Open Enrollment Dates: February 2, 2015 – February 27, 2015

Families must first apply during the DCSD School Choice Open Enrollment period. Paper and online applications are

accepted at the School Choice Programs Office at 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard, Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083.

Eligible applicants are the students with a completed 2015-2016 School Choice Programs application, fall GPA of 3.0 or higher,

and all supporting documents submitted to the School Choice Programs Open Enrollment by the deadline. Students enrolling

into grades 4-7 must successfully complete the audition process.

DESA Tour Dates: Thursday, February 5, 2015: 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015: 8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.

DESA Audition Application Support Meeting Dates (all meetings will be held at DESA): This meeting is for parents and students. We give an overview of our application and audition process for students applying to

enroll in grades 4-7.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015: 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 12, 2015: 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015: 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 12, 2015: 6:30 p.m.

DESA Audition Application Submission Deadline Friday, March 27, 2015: Deliver or mail all application components directly to:

DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts

797 Fayetteville Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

Attention – DESA Auditions

FAXED applications will NOT be accepted

Applications may be delivered Monday – Friday between 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Auditions: March 30, 2015 – April 3, 2015.

Auditions will be scheduled upon receipt of a completed audition application.

o Auditions are scheduled immediately upon receipt of a completed audition application delivered in person.

o Auditions are scheduled by telephone when a completed audition application is received by U.S. mail.

DESA will only audition students whose names appear on the DCSD School Choice Application list for our school.

Applicants must bring a copy of their 9 week progress report to the audition (no exceptions). A 3.0 (or higher) GPA must

be reflected on the 9 week progress report.

The decisions of the DESA selection committee are final. All acceptance notices will be handled through the DCSD

School Choice Programs Office.

Applicants are invited to attend the following shows prior to auditions: February 26, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. - 4

th and 5

th Grade Arts Integrated Social Studies Showcase for Black History Month at

DESA, ticket cost $2.00.

March 21, 2015 - March Extravaganza (time, location, and ticket cost being finalized).


DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts (DESA) 797 Fayetteville Road SE

Atlanta, GA 30316

678-874-1302

Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you for your interest in applying to DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts (DESA). Our school is truly dedicated

to optimizing learning opportunities with a new focus on exceeding expectations. DESA is part of the DeKalb County

School District’s Magnet Program. Our goal is to provide a high quality education by integrating the core academics and

the arts. The DESA faculty and staff are committed to partnering with parents for the academic success of all students!

With increased demands on students’ time by the arts programs, students must develop and maintain a strong academic

and performing artist work ethic. Our students are engaged in the arts daily and must balance academic and performing

arts requirements. They must develop and maintain a focus on being organized, completing and submitting all

assignments, and managing their time during and outside of the school day.

The size of DESA’s program (we average 540 or fewer students) affords students a “small school” atmosphere, with

access to a wide variety of academic and artistic activities. Students in the Gifted Program are served through an in-class

model in at least one content area to meet state guidelines. DESA students in grades 1-7 must maintain a 3.0 grade point

average (GPA) to remain enrolled in the program. If a student does not maintain a 3.0 GPA, one probationary semester is

allowed to strengthen their academic achievement. In addition, DESA parents are encouraged to volunteer 16 hours

per year.

The most current DeKalb County transportation policy will be followed for the School Choice Programs. During 2015-

2016, students will report to selected satellite pick-up locations in their region for school bus transportation to all magnet

programs/schools. The Department of Transportation will not mail bus schedules. Students will report to the satellite

locations selected on the transportation application. Satellite transportation staff members will maintain a list of students

scheduled to report to each satellite location.

All DESA students wear the uniform identified by our school. We have a mandatory uniform policy. Our goal is to offer

students a comprehensive, arts integrated, instructional program in a structured setting. We are preparing our students to

be interview and audition ready at all times. The dress and appearance of the students should always be neat and proper,

as it reflects both home and school.

Our students must pay a $60.00 magnet fee. This fee covers the following costs: 1) Admission and transportation for two

Performing Arts field trips; 2) Student agendas; 3) Field Day T-shirts; 4) One in-house field trip; 5) Transportation for

field trips to the Fernbank Science Center; 6) Transportation to off-site rehearsals; and 7) Honor’s Day certificates and

awards. Fees may be paid in full, by cash or money order, at the beginning of the year or in three increments of $20.00 by

the end of the first semester. Students participating in audition based performances will be assessed an additional fee for

participation.

DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts offers a unique and valuable experience in the academics and the arts. It requires a

partnership with teachers and a commitment from both students and parents to maintain a standard of excellence!

Sincerely,

Bianca Hamilton

Principal


DESA Audition Requirements

Students auditioning to enter grades 4-7, must audition in two (2) of the following disciplines: dance, drama,

instrumental music, vocal music, or visual Arts. All students will participate in a brief interview during their

audition. DESA will only audition students whose names appear on the DCSD School Choice Application list

for our school.

The audition requirements for each discipline are below.

Dance

o Perform a 1-2 minute dance selection in ballet, modern, jazz, tap, lyrical, or ethnic/cultural dance; please dress

in proper dance attire (leotard, tights, etc.).

o Choreography should demonstrate the student’s technical ability and skill.

o Students may be asked to define/demonstrate beginning ballet terminology.

o No costumes

Drama

o A monologue selection has been provided for you (see page 9 of the application). The student must sustain

characterization with a clear understanding and interpretation of the performed monologue.

o Students may be asked to do a cold reading or improvisation.

Instrumental Music (Band or Orchestra Instruments)

o Play selection using instrument of choice, with or without an accompaniment.

o Play two (2) one-octave scales.

o Play the chromatic scales.

o Sight read a short exercise.

Visual Arts

o Provide a portfolio with 3-5 pieces of work in at least two different mediums completed in the past two years.

Please do NOT submit any work on lined notebook paper. o Produce a still life drawing on site.

Vocal Music

o Sing a five tone scale ascending and descending using numbers.

o Sing major arpeggio using the number system (1-3-5-3-1)

o Be prepared to sight sing simple melody in the Key of C major.

o Select one song from the list below. You may sing with or without accompaniment:

Simple Gifts – Traditional Shaker Hymn

America the Beautiful – Traditional

Dona Nobis Pacem – Traditional Canon

Interview

Students are interviewed as part of the audition process. They should be prepared to discuss their experience, goals,

and knowledge of the disciplines and the piece(s) performed (composer, author, artist, choreographer, etc.).

Please note:

Auditions may be videotaped.

Auditions are closed. Parents and or guests are not permitted in the audition area.


DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts (DESA) 2015-2016 Audition Application Gr. 4-7 Application submission deadline: March 27, 2015. Applications may be delivered to DESA Mon. – Fri. from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Student & Parent’s Contact Information - Please type or use blue or black ink to complete.

Student’s Name: Last _________________________________ First ___________________________ MI______

Parent/ Guardian’s Name: Last __________________________________ First ________________________________

Parent/ Guardian’s Signature _________________________________________________________________________

Address____________________________________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Contact Information:

Home Telephone # (_____)_________________________Work Telephone # (_____)_________________________

Mobile Telephone # (_____)_________________________Email____________________________________________

Student’s School Information - Please type or use blue or black ink to complete.

Current School ____________________________________________________________________________

School’s Telephone # (_____)___________________Current Grade Level _____ Grade Level for (2016-2017)_____

Please list the most recent academic awards received ______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

2014-2015 Fall semester report card is attached. Initial here _______

Discipline report from current school’s administration is attached. Initial here _______

Two academic recommendations are attached. Initial here _______

Student’s Audition Areas & Performing Arts Experience - Please type or use blue or black ink.

Please select, from the list below, TWO (2) performing arts areas in which you will audition:

Dance Drama Instrumental Music (Band or Orchestra Instrument) Visual Art Vocal Music

Audition area 1_________________________________Audition area 2 _______________________________________

DESA will only audition students whose names appear on DCSD School Choice Application list for our school.

Please list any performing arts classes currently or recently taken. Include the location and date.

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Please list participation in any recent performances. Include the name and date of each performance.

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One performing arts recommendation in one of the audition areas attached. Initial here _______

Student’s Statement of Intent – Handwritten

Students, in your handwriting write at least one paragraph about why you should be considered for DESA and what

you hope to accomplish while attending the school. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY


Confidential Academic Recommendation Form

Application deadline: March 27, 2015

DESA Applicant Name (Print): ______________________________________________

Parent/ Guardian Signature: _________________________________________________________________________

The section below must be completed by an academic teacher who has taught the student within the last three semesters.

Teacher Name (Print): __________________________________________Subject: ________________ Date: _________

School: __________________________________________________ Telephone Number: ________________________

Teacher’s relationship to the student is (i.e. classroom teacher, tutor): __________________________________________

Teacher’s Signature: __________________________________________ I’ve known this student for _____years/months.

Please complete the following checklist using the scale below: 5=Strongly Agree 4=Agree 3=Somewhat Agree 2=Disagree 1=Strongly Disagree N/O=No Opinion

________The student is strong academically.

________The student completes assignments as directed and in a timely manner.

________The student follows directions and is focused during instruction.

________The student is self-confident.

________The student is self-motivated.

________The student is able to receive and process constructive criticism.

________The student exhibits a sense of integrity/ethics.

______ Overall, this student is an excellent candidate for admission into DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts.

Describe how you think the applicant would balance the demands academic and performing arts requirements?

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Briefly describe the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.

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Please add any additional information that you believe would help in evaluating this applicant.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

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Important note: Please place this completed recommendation in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the sealed

flap. Be sure to return this recommendation to the applicant in the sealed envelope with the applicant’s name on the front.


Confidential Academic Recommendation Form Application deadline: March 27, 2015

Applicant’s Name (Print): __________________________________________________

Parent/ Guardian’s Signature: _______________________________________________________________________

The section below must be completed by an academic teacher who has taught the student within the last three semesters.

Teacher’s Name (Print): ________________________________________ Subject: ________________ Date: _________

School: __________________________________________________ Telephone Number: ________________________

Teacher’s relationship to the student is (i.e. classroom teacher, tutor): __________________________________________

Teacher’s Signature: __________________________________________ I’ve known this student for _____years/months.

Please complete the following checklist using the scale below: 5=Strongly Agree 4=Agree 3=Somewhat Agree 2=Disagree 1=Strongly Disagree N/O=No Opinion

________The student is strong academically.

________The student completes assignments as directed and in a timely manner.

________The student follows directions and is focused during instruction.





______ Overall, this student is an excellent candidate for admission into DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts.

Describe how you think the applicant would balance the demands academic and performing arts requirements?

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Confidential Performing/Visual Arts

Recommendation Form Application deadline: March 27, 2015

DESA Applicant’s Name (Print): ____________________________________________

Parent/ Guardian’s Signature: _______________________________________________________________________

The section below must be completed by an arts teacher who has taught the student within the last three semesters.

Teacher Name (Print): ______________________________________ Arts Discipline: ______________ Date: ________

School/Organization: _______________________________________ Telephone Number: ________________________

Teacher’s relationship to the student is (i.e. teacher, arts instructor): ___________________________________________

Teacher Signature: ___________________________________________ I’ve known this student for _____years/months.

Please complete the following checklist using the scale below:

5=Strongly Agree 4=Agree 3=Somewhat Agree 2=Disagree 1=Strongly Disagree N/O=No Opinion

________The student is strong artistically.

________The student consistently meets class, lesson, rehearsal and/or production commitments.

________The student follows directions and is focused during rehearsals/lessons.





______ Overall, this student is an excellent candidate for admission into DeKalb School of the Arts.

Briefly describe how this student has performed overall in the arts area you teach.

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Monologue for Drama Auditions

Monologue for a Girl

(A girl trying to get the courage to make a new

friend. She’s thinking what she could possibly

say to one of the popular girls.)

Do you want to know why I never talk?

I don’t talk because people won’t listen to

what I say.

Sometimes people treat me like I don’t exist!

Sometimes I feel like I am invisible.

I am a good person!

I am funny, smart, and fun to be around!

It hurts to be left out sometimes.

It hurts to not to be invited to birthday parties

or to not be a part of the “group”.

But hey, I am starting to get used to being left

out.

I bet that never happens to you.

You are “popular”! Everyone loves you!

You are the kind of person all of the kids want

to be around.

Do you think we could be friends?

Really? Yes! Really?

I am so excited!

Do you think we could hang out this weekend?

What do you like to do?

Do you think we could go to the mall or to the

movies?

I am so excited!!

Monologue for a Boy

(A boy talking to his teacher about an

incident that happened on the school bus)

Respect is a two-way street.

I can’t respect anyone who doesn’t respect

me!

Who does he think he is, treating me like

that?

All I was doing was sitting on the bus,

listening to my music, and looking out of the

window.

OK, my book bag was on the seat next to me,

but there were only four people on the whole

bus.

Then this new kid gets on, walks up, and

pushes my NEW book bag on the floor.

He didn’t tap me to get my attention, ask me

to move it, nothing.

He just pushed my NEW book bag on the

dirty floor.

Then he didn’t even sit next to me.

I mean, what was that about? Who does he

think he is?

He had no reason to touch my stuff!

Did I deserve that? NO I did not!

Like I said before, respect is a two-way

street!

People should give respect if they want

respect!

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