Vocal Music: Perform one vocal selection. Choose a song that you like to sing. It can be in any style, but it should be singing, not rapping or another spoken word song. Please perform the song memorized, if possible. Please sing your piece a cappella (without a karaoke track or piano accompaniment). Submissions will be evaluated on applicants’ tone, range, pitch, rhythm, accuracy, posture, and stage presence. If you have any questions, please contact the choral director Ms. Shikowitz at sshikowitz@schools.nyc.gov
Band/Instrumental Music: Students who play an instrument should prepare a solo that is less than 4 minutes long. You may audition on a band instrument such as drumset, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or euphonium/baritone. You may also audition on string instruments, guitar, or piano to demonstrate musical ability, but please note that Halsey only offers traditional band during the school day. The piece should be on sheet music on front of you as you perform. You will be evaluated on reading and tempo (playing the music in front of them at a steady tempo while playing the correct rhythm and notes), technique, and posture. Please direct any questions to our band teacher Katianna Zaffery: kzaffery@schools.nyc.gov
Visual Art: The aim is to have the clearest picture possible of your unique artistic abilities and talents. Remember, Halsey is looking for your potential, and that means how your present skills will grow and develop over the four years you will be spending at their school. Portfolio Upload: Photographs of 4 to 8 pieces of original artwork that includes the following: Piece 1: A self-portrait using a graphite drawing pencil and paper done from observation (from observation means you draw yourself by looking in a mirror) Piece 2: A still life of at least 3 items, using a graphite drawing pencil and paper done from observation (from observation means you draw objects placed before you on a surface in front of you)Piece 3: A figure drawing, using a graphite drawing pencil and paper. You may pose a friend or a family member in front of you. Draw the human figure from observation (from observation means you draw a live person). If you do not have access to a friend or family member, you can google an image for reference. Make sure you draw the entire figure and fill 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 and draw the facial features. Include some background elements placing the figure in a simple setting to make sure your figure does not look like it is floating in space. Submissions will be evaluated on applicants’ creativity, technical accuracy, composition, and craftsmanship/presentation. Questions may be emailed to Ms. Lamere: slamere@schools.nyc.gov
Label Clearly your Name, Age, Address, Telephone Number, Grade, Current School.
Theatre Arts: Perform and video record a 1-2 minute memorized monologue from a published play of your choice (age appropriate). A suggested source for monologues from published plays can be found in Great Scenes and Monologues for Children Ages 7-14 edited by Craig Slaight and Jack Sharrar, as well as here:
http://tinyurl.com/yrh29at2. Applicants should be prepared to introduce themselves, the character they are playing, and the play the monologue is from. Video record showing full body or at least waist up, so that you can reveal the body language of your character you are portraying in your monologue. Students will be evaluated on their ability to use vocal expression and body language to reveal the character’s feelings, emotions, actions and experiences, as well as their stage/on-camera presence. Questions may be emailed to Ms. Schwarz: eschwarz@schools.nyc.gov
Dance: Prepare and record a short solo 1:00 minutes in length to music of any dance style that shows your strengths and passion for dance. Begin by introducing yourself, stating your first and last name and OSIS number. Then explain how you created or learned your dance. Create your own work, or perform something learned by a teacher, set to music with appropriate lyrics. Record so that full body movements are shown. Wear dance attire: leotard, tights, leggings, yoga pants, exercise or sweatpants and a fitted t-shirt. Submissions will be evaluated based on technique, musicality, performance/expression, and creativity/uniqueness. Questions may be emailed to Ms. Gruet: jgruet@schools.nyc.gov
