Audition

LAVILLA SCHOOL of the Arts

How to Prepare

Contact Lavilla School Administration at LaVillaAdmissions@duvalschools.org for further information
on the process or if you have any questions about the form.

Please review the details below on how to prepare your student for the LaVilla 2022 audition on February 15.

Chorus/Vocal Music

Students interested in auditioning for chorus/vocal music should be prepared to participate in a vocal range exercise, demonstrated by the choral director. Students will be asked to echo a few simple melodies after hearing it played on the piano. Students should also be prepared to sing 30 seconds of a song of his/her choice that best compliments his/her voice. The song can be as simple as “Happy Birthday.” The audition can be a cappella or with a recorded accompaniment played from a student supplied device. If using a track, no other voices may be heard on the accompaniment. Sight singing is not required, but those with sight reading ability can try an example if they choose.

Creative Writing

Students interested in auditioning for Creative Writing should bring a 3-prong soft folder (no hard cover binders) containing three original pieces they've written THIS school year. The folder should be labeled with the student's first and last name on the cover. The pieces should demonstrate at least two types of writing such as poetry, short story (fiction), or creative non-fiction. The pieces may be typed or handwritten. The students should also include a 4-6 sentence Personal Statement on why the student loves writing and why the student wants to be in the Creative Writing Department at LaVilla. The student folder WILL NOT be returned, so please only provide COPIES. Finally, students will also participate in a personal interview and an on-demand writing timed writing prompt. Students will also participate in an oral recitation during the audition process.

Dance

Students interested in auditioning for dance should be dressed in proper ballet attire (Girls: pink tights, black leotard, pink ballet slippers and in a bun pinned, clipped away from the face, neck, and ears. Boys: white T-shirt or tank top with black tights or sweatpants, and ballet or jazz shoes. Long hair should be off face and neck). The students will participate in a group ballet and modern dance class. It is not necessary to come with a preset dance routine or costume. We do have a video of the ballet combination HERE. It would be helpful if your student could learn this ahead of time, but it is not required.

Instrumental Music (Band, Orchestra, & Classical Guitar)

Band: (wind instruments and percussion)
  • Students who wish to join LaVilla Bands in 6th grade do not need to have prior experience on an instrument. To audition, they will take the Music Aptitude Test, an aural test that does not require advance preparation. If the student has prior experience, they may also choose to play a live audition.
  • Students who wish to join LaVilla Bands in 7th or 8th grade must have prior experience on a band instrument. To audition, they must attend an Open Audition, during which they will perform 2 contrasting prepared selections for our faculty.
Orchestra: (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)
  • Students auditioning for Orchestra will not take the Music Aptitude Test. Orchestra students should prepare two solos of contrasting style (i.e. one slow and lyrical, one more technical) and should be prepared to play any scales they know. There will also be a short sight-reading excerpt to assess note and rhythm reading skills. (If a student has no prior experience on a stringed instrument but would still like to audition for Orchestra, please reach out to Mrs. Maynard directly - griffinc4@duvalschools.org). The Orchestra Program has multiple performance levels - there is a place in the program for students of all ability levels, including students with no prior experience on a stringed instrument.
Guitar:
  • Students interested in auditioning for guitar should bring a classical guitar, please no electric guitars. Students should be prepared to play two short pieces; one classical and another in the style of their choosing. During the audition, students will be asked to perform at least two Major Scales, basic chords, as well as sight read a simple music notation. Applicants must bring their own guitar and music to the audition.

Piano

Students interested in auditioning for classical piano should be prepared to play two pieces or exercises of different styles. Students are also required to play at least two major scales. Students with experience will be asked to sight read.

Theatre

Students interested in auditioning for our theatre department will engage in a three-part audition. Part I will be a 30 second monologue from a published play or published monologue book. A monologue may be selected from the internet if it was written to be performed on stage. The monologue should be age appropriate. For instance, if a student is 10 years of age, the character in the monologue should be between the ages 8 and 12. Poems, commercials, monologues from TV shows and movies are strongly discouraged. Be clear on who your character is. You should understand the words that you are saying and what your character hopes to get by speaking them. Part II will be a 30 second improvisation. Part III will require students to respond authentically to a prompt that will be provided. Students should have hair pulled back and out of the face and wear clothing that permits the student to easily move around a room comfortably. Do not wear a costume.

Visual Arts

Students interested in auditioning for Visual Art will participate in a drawing from direct observation. All supplies for the live audition will be provided. Students should NOT bring a portfolio to this audition.