Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY VISUAL ARTS
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, ASSIGNED TASKS, AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.
Visual Arts Portfolio
- Up to six (6) artworks, including the “Identity Composition” assigned task.
- The six (6) artworks can include finished or in-process works (storyboards, sketchbook pages, planning notes, concept development evidence, etc.).
- Open choice of materials (e.g., drawing, painting, photography, sculpture) and/or digital (computer-based) media.
- Of the six (6) artworks, only one (1) film/animation may be included (15-120 seconds).
- Present physical originals where reasonably portable.
- Appropriate alternatives may include reproductions, digital display, or other suitable representations of work that cannot reasonably be transported.
- For digital work, film, or animation, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Identity Composition
- Choose 1-3 objects that reflect(s) something about you, or that are important to you.
- Create a composition that represents your object(s) using any style and any traditional or digital material(s).
Identity - Who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different from others. (source: www.cambridge.dictionary.org)
Composition - The organization of the elements of design in an artwork, following certain principles of design. Elements: line, shape and form and space, colour, texture and value. Principles: contrast, repetition and rhythm, variety, emphasis, proportion, balance, unity and harmony, and movement. (source: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8, The Arts)
Portfolio Success Criteria
- Is original and can only be recognized as my own creative product OR is referenced from a source that I have identified.
- Shows expressive use of the elements and principles of design.
- Showcases my personal ideas and has an imaginative approach.
- Successfully demonstrates the application of skills and techniques.
- Film/Animation (if applicable): Demonstrates narrative. This can include, storyboard, script, character design, photo essay, film screenshots.
- Film and/or animation can demonstrate successful editing and sound.
Sources
If any artwork was inspired by, adapted from, or based on an existing artwork, image, photograph, design, or other source, identify it. Include the artist/creator (if known), title of the work, and where you found it (for example, website, book, or individual).
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Creative process
- Artistic identity
Choose ONE portfolio artwork as the focus of your reflection discussion.
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I explain how I created my chosen artwork by describing my ideas, choices, and process.
- I use specific details when reflecting on my creative interests and identity.
Authenticity
Present artwork you created independently, without the use of generative AI. Your live reflection must represent your own thinking.
Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY DANCE
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.
Part 1 - Creative Task: Solo Performance
Create and perform a minimum of 1 minute (up to a maximum of 2 minutes), original, or existing, movement sequence that includes the following:
- At least 3 distinct, contrasting body shapes (e.g., angular, curved, asymmetrical). You want to be sure to use a variety of body parts and your full accessible range. Explore isolation and coordination while you dance.
- Clear use of at least 2 different levels (e.g., high, medium, and low).
- Include a section of travelling movement in your dance. Think of interesting ways of travelling to different spots in your space (e.g., moving in a zigzag or a curved line).
- Explore moving with a variety of contrasting dynamics and energy levels to highlight your full movement potential (e.g., sharp, smooth, heavy, light).
- Use at least 2 different speeds or rhythms in your movement. Be sure to relate and connect to the selected music (if music is used).
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to your movement and have a sense of confidence in your performance(s).
- Must be a solo performance. Any style of dance is welcome.
- Previous training in dance is not a requirement. We are looking for potential and your enthusiasm for dance.
- Applicants are encouraged to use the elements of dance in their performance (e.g., body, space, time, energy and relationship).
Task 2 (Optional): Solo Performance of Choice
- Add an additional solo performance of any style of dance. This does not have to be an original composition.
- This can be up to 30-60 seconds in length.
- Declare at the beginning of your live demonstration if you intend to perform Task 2.
Performance Time
Total artistic performance time is a maximum of 2 minutes. The required task and optional Task 2 must fit within the same allowance. Task 2 may not proceed if the available performance time has already been used.
Performance Success Criteria
- I carefully read all the audition rules and requirements.
- I make creative and unique choices in my routine.
- I use many different parts of my body and include at least 3 different shapes.
- I use a variety of levels, pathways, and movement sizes (at least 2).
- I make sure at least one part of my dance travels across the space.
- I use the entire performance area.
- I use a variety of dynamic movement and energy levels (e.g., sharp, light).
- I perform with confidence and energy.
- I make sure my movements connect well to the music, if music is used.
- I use a variety of speeds and rhythms (at least 2).
Accompaniment
- Music is optional.
- Prerecorded accompaniment is permitted; live accompaniment is not part of the live demonstration.
- If you use prerecorded accompaniment, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Sources
Identify any existing music, cultural tradition, choreography, movement material, or other work used or adapted in your performance(s). Include the title and creator/choreographer/artist, if known, and where you found it. If the choreography is entirely your own, identify the source of any music used.
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Creative process
- Reflection on your performance
- Your connection to Dance
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I give detailed, thoughtful responses.
- I reflect on my creative process, my performance, and my connection to Dance.
Authenticity
Your artistic choices and live reflection must represent your own thinking. Do not use generative AI to create original application material or prepare your live reflection.
Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY DRAMATIC ARTS
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.
Part 1 - Solo Performance
Perform a text that incorporates the use of a prop to help tell the story of the scene. The text must be school- and age-appropriate, as per the TDSB Code of Conduct, and from one of the following:
- A published monologue (one person speaking).
- A published dialogue adapted/presented as a solo performance.
- Film/movie dialogue adapted/presented as a solo performance.
- An excerpt from a story/novel that is written in first person.
- Published Spoken Word.
- An original script written by the applicant.
- Must be a solo performance of your choice. A dialogue must be adapted/presented as a solo performance; no live reader or second performer is part of the live demonstration.
- Do your best to memorize the text to ensure that you are able to stay in character and be fully embodied.
- Bring one or more props of your choice to help tell the story. Props are subject to the TDSB Code of Conduct.
- At the beginning of the performance introduce yourself and identify the source of the text.
Previous training/coaching is not required or expected.
Performance Time
Maximum 2 minutes of artistic performance time.
Setup/administrative activity is outside artistic performance time.
Performance Success Criteria
- I have prepared by rehearsing, making character choices and did my best to memorize the script/text.
- I move and speak purposefully to express my character’s emotions and inner thoughts as they change throughout the text.
- I make my own decisions on how to perform the script/text.
- I made effective use of a prop(s) to help my character tell the story.
Sources
For existing text, identify the title; the author/playwright/creator, if known; and where the text was found. If you perform an original script you wrote, identify it as your own original script.
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Character and storytelling choices
- Creative process
- Reflection on your performance
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I describe the steps and stages I took to prepare the performance, including planning, trying out different ideas, and revising.
- I explain my creative choices.
Authenticity
Your artistic choices and live reflection must represent your own thinking. Do not use generative AI to create original application material or prepare your live reflection.
Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.
This application is for students performing on a musical instrument:
Pitched instruments: e.g., brass/woodwind/strings/piano/guitar/mallet percussion/steel pan. Non-pitched percussion: e.g., conga/clave/drum kit.
Part 1 - Performance Task
Perform a solo of your choice
- Perform your solo for at least one minute.
- Any style is welcome.
AND select ONE additional component
- Perform any scale of your choice.
- Drum set: Perform 8 bars in a feel/style of your choice.
- Perform a second solo, or an improvised solo of the first piece, that is different in style to the piece you played. This can also be done on a secondary instrument.
- Declare your additional-component choice at the live session.
Performance Time
Maximum 2 minutes of artistic performance time. Setup and minimal transition time are outside artistic performance time.
All performance components must fit within this allowance. A remaining component may not proceed if the available performance time has already been used.
Instruments and Materials
- Each site will provide a piano and a drum kit.
- Applicants must bring any other instrument they require.
- Sheet music is permitted.
- Prerecorded accompaniment is permitted; live accompaniment is not part of the live demonstration.
- If you use prerecorded accompaniment, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Performance Success Criteria
- I perform my solo and my additional choice.
- I make sure that my intonation and pitch is clear and consistent.
- I use a steady rhythm and pulse.
- I use a proper playing position.
- I perform with a clear sound and expression.
Sources
Identify the music used to prepare or perform your audition. Include the title and composer/creator, if known. If you use sheet music, a recording, backing track, or another musical source, include where you found it.
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Musical choices
- Reflection on yourself as a musician
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I include detail and/or examples in my responses.
- I share insight into myself as a musician.
- I reflect on my musical and performance choices and interests.
- I speak clearly during the live reflection.
Authenticity
Your artistic choices and live reflection must represent your own thinking. Do not use generative AI to create original application material or prepare your live reflection.
Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY MUSICAL THEATRE
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.
Musical Theatre is a multi-disciplinary art form which combines music, drama, and dance to tell a story. While there is no specific dance task as a part of the application process, please note that dance is included in the curriculum in all of the Musical Theatre programs.
Part 1 - Performance Task
- Perform an excerpt from any musical theatre song that shows your ability in both singing and storytelling OR perform two (2) shorter contrasting musical theatre excerpts/pieces that show your ability in both singing and storytelling.
- Movement is suitable if it supports your artistic expression.
- Prerecorded accompaniment is permitted; live accompaniment is not part of the live demonstration. If you use prerecorded accompaniment, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Performance Time
Maximum 2 minutes of artistic performance time. Setup and minimal transition time are outside artistic performance time.
All performance components must fit within this allowance. A remaining component may not proceed if the available performance time has already been used.
Performance Success Criteria
- I chose a song from the musical theatre genre.
- I rehearse my piece and do my best to memorize my song.
- I explore dynamics, phrasing, physicality, and facial expressions to create my performance.
- I perform with careful attention to vocal tone, pitch, rhythm, and diction.
- I maintain focus, energy, and character throughout the performance.
- I introduce myself and my song: “Hi, my name is ______ and I will be performing SONG TITLE from MUSICAL NAME.”
Sources
Identify the musical theatre selection(s) performed. Include the song title, musical/show title, and songwriter/composer or other creator(s), if known. If you use a backing track or other recorded accompaniment, identify that source as well.
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Creative process and preparation
- Reflection on your performance
- Your connection to Musical Theatre
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I give thoughtful responses using specific details.
- I reflect on my creative process, my performance, and my connection to Musical Theatre.
Authenticity
Your artistic choices and live reflection must represent your own thinking. Do not use generative AI to create original application material or prepare your live reflection.
Specialized Programs Arts - SECONDARY VOCAL MUSIC
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA
Learning goal: To submit a complete arts specialized school application.
Part 1 - Performance Task
Perform a solo of your choice
- Perform your solo for at least one minute.
- Any style is welcome.
- You may choose a part of a choir song, presented as a solo piece.
AND select ONE additional component
- A scale or vocal warmup exercise of your choice using any syllable (e.g., do, la, ooh).
- Perform a second solo, or an improvised solo, that is different in style to the first piece you performed.
- Declare your additional-component choice at the live session.
Performance Time
Maximum 2 minutes of artistic performance time. Setup and minimal transition time are outside artistic performance time.
All performance components must fit within this allowance. A remaining component may not proceed if the available performance time has already been used.
Instruments and Materials
- Sheet music/lyrics are permitted.
- The solo should be memorized to the best of your ability.
- Prerecorded accompaniment is permitted; live accompaniment is not part of the live demonstration.
- If you use prerecorded accompaniment, be prepared to provide a playable local file for on-site playback.
Performance Success Criteria
- I perform my solo and my additional choice.
- I make sure my intonation or pitch are clear and consistent.
- My rhythm and pulse are steady.
- I sing with proper posture.
- My performance is well-rehearsed and memorized to the best of my ability.
- I sing with careful attention to vocal tone and phrasing.
- I sing with consistent rhythm and a strong sense of pulse.
Sources
Identify the music used to prepare or perform your audition. Include the song title and songwriter/composer or other creator(s), if known. If you use sheet music, a recording, backing track, or another musical source, include where you found it.
You may provide a one-page source/reference sheet at the live event OR identify the required source information verbally during the live session.
Live Reflection
As part of your live demonstration, you will participate in a reflection discussion lasting 2 to no more than 3 minutes. Please be prepared to discuss the areas of reflection listed below without the aid of supporting notes. Specific questions will be provided during the live reflection.
- Musical choices
- Reflection on yourself as a musician
Live Reflection Success Criteria
- I include detail and/or examples in my responses.
- I share insight into myself as a musician.
- I reflect on my musical and performance choices and interests.
- I speak clearly during the live reflection.
Authenticity
Your artistic choices and live reflection must represent your own thinking. Do not use generative AI to create original application material or prepare your live reflection.