Help me get into a performing arts school

oniman7 · #1 12-19-2010, 11:02 PM

I've decided that in January I want to apply to Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida for my junior and senior year. I've only been playing for about 15 months (and bass since July) but I realized it may be one of the only chances I get for free music education, and it has an outstanding academic record as well. However, Auditions are January 20th-26th. That gives me just over a month. I think I can learn what I need to in that time, but I may need some help learning it (and maybe keeping up with the musicians who have been doing this for years.). I'm out of school until January 3rd, so I have plenty of time.

Here's what I need to do:

http://www.myfoa.org/sites/default/f...n11-12Orch.pdf

If I'm reading this right, I need to learn two octave major and melodic minor scales and arpeggios of C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb, e, g, and a.
I'm kind of confused. What is a two octave arpeggio? Why are some of the letters capitalized and some not (with A repeated), and what is the difference?

I also need to sight read an 8 measure original composition (I don't know how to read music).

Below that, it lists pieces from two different books that I'm assuming I need to have prepared beforehand. I need to get those books as well.

So, can I get some help from other TB'ers out there? A teacher would be great right now, but I can't find one on such short notice. Can you hook me up with some links or some advice on how to learn these things, etc.?

Also, anybody had any experience with art schools of this kind? Maybe even this one specifically?

onlyclave · #2 12-20-2010, 12:07 AM

You are not ready.

oniman7 · #3 12-20-2010, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onlyclave

You are not ready.

I know that. But I only have two years left to take advantage of it, and I'm sure my chances of getting in decrease if I apply only for senior year (as opposed to to potentially not making it this year and trying again). I want to try because it's potentially the last/only time I'll get free musical education if I make it.

brammerd · #4 12-20-2010, 03:10 PM

You are hoping for a shortcut but there are none..

brammerd · #5 12-20-2010, 03:15 PM

To be helpfull anyway:

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

If I'm reading this right, I need to learn two octave major and melodic minor scales and arpeggios of C, G, D, A, F, Bb, Eb, e, g, and a.
I'm kind of confused. What is a two octave arpeggio?

An arpeggio is a chord played note after note not at the same time as one would do on a guitar.

2 octave is obvious right?

Why are some of the letters capitalized and some not (with A repeated), and what is the difference?

major/minor

I also need to sight read an 8 measure original composition (I don't know how to read music).
This will be probably be impossible to learn in a month

Below that, it lists pieces from two different books that I'm assuming I need to have prepared beforehand. I need to get those books as well.

Also, anybody had any experience with art schools of this kind? Maybe even this one specifically?
The audition is harder than it looks...

Also I recommend a book called:
Practical music theory complete.

(it is dowloadable on the internet)

oniman7 · #6 12-20-2010, 03:33 PM

I wouldn't call it a shortcut. I want to try and learn what's required to make it into the audition. The school year doesn't start for another 8 months. I've started learning the basics of reading music today.

Also, I thought that the lowercase letters were minors. But how do I learn a major scale of a minor?

Rudreax · #7 12-20-2010, 03:48 PM

You do play upright bass right? This school is targeting that, not bass guitar. So, if you're playing electric bass, you're out luck no matter what you do.

If you are playing upright bass, I'd suggest you go to the upright bass side of the forum for more answers.

Anyway, you don't play the major scale in the lowercase letter keys. Those are the ones you play melodic minor for; the uppercase letters are major keys.

I'm sorry, but unless you happen to have some ungodly talent on the bass and even more discipline in general, you're not going to be able to start from scratch and do all this in a month, especially without a teacher.

pedro · #8 12-20-2010, 03:55 PM

I'd say your best chance would be to find a local instructor to work with you 2 times a week learning the material. I managed to learn piano well enough in a years time to get into music school back in 1973 but I had an exceptional instructor and worked my tail off.

If you do get in I suspect you'll have a whole 'nother set of problems.

oniman7 · #9 12-20-2010, 03:56 PM

I play electric bass, but I've already e-mailed the staff about that and am waiting for a response. Maybe I could get in under some subdivision of the classical guitar for that. I know it probably won't work, I'm definitely not ready, and I most probably won't be by then. However, I can lose absolutely nothing from at least preparing and trying. If nothing else, it'll hopefully make me a better player.

elgecko · #10 12-20-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

I want to try because it's potentially the last/only time I'll get free musical education if I make it.

They don't have band in regular schools where you live? That's where I got my "free musical education".

oniman7 · #11 12-20-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgecko

They don't have band in regular schools where you live? That's where I got my "free musical education".

I think it's too late for that, and they've already got two bassists. They're only supposed to have one.

Rudreax · #12 12-20-2010, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

I play electric bass, but I've already e-mailed the staff about that and am waiting for a response. Maybe I could get in under some subdivision of the classical guitar for that. I know it probably won't work, I'm definitely not ready, and I most probably won't be by then. However, I can lose absolutely nothing from at least preparing and trying. If nothing else, it'll hopefully make me a better player.

Can't really tell you this is wrong. Go for it dude, let us know how it goes.

oniman7 · #13 12-20-2010, 07:00 PM

http://www.myfoa.org/sites/default/f...n11-12Orch.pdf

On this page right here, it says that I have to play two octaves of the scales and arpeggios with no displacement. What does displacement mean?

Jpeachbass · #14 12-20-2010, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

http://www.myfoa.org/sites/default/f...n11-12Orch.pdf

On this page right here, it says that I have to play two octaves of the scales and arpeggios with no displacement. What does displacement mean?

Probably means you need to use a clean fingering. Meaning a fluid movement with no large shifts. Or it could mean you cant substitute octaves. Im not sure, i haven't seen this on an audition bill before. If you have any questions about reading feel free to message me. You have a hard road ahead of you if you cant read. But that doesn't mean you cant do it. If you have the drive to so, you have everything you need. Hit me up if you need help.

Beginner Bass · #15 12-20-2010, 07:52 PM

I'm afraid that the electric bass will not serve any use in a classical orchestra. This appears to e a very classically-minded school. Unfortunately, the electric has no place in an orchestra. Those are hard excerpts, definitely not the kind of stuff you can do on an instrument you've been playing for one month. I'm afraid that for the time being, there's no way for you to get in. If you really work at it, you MIGHT, again MIGHT, have a chance next year. But it will be very hard. However, it's a very good idea to try next year, even if you don't make it in. It's very different, and is a great experience.

oniman7 · #16 12-20-2010, 09:27 PM

I'm going to call tomorrow and ask anyways. I wonder if I could also apply under Guitar instead. It never specifically lists treble guitar (is that what you'd call it?)

BassChuck · #17 12-21-2010, 05:14 AM

Seriously man, you need a 3-4 hour face to face conversation with a professional player who can tell you 1.) whats going on. 2.) how to present yourself in an interview/audition situation. The people at the school will be able to tell right away that you are not ready. You need to show them your potential, your intelligence and you committment. Failing that, they'll probable think you're just trying to get out of your local school.

Jpeachbass · #18 12-21-2010, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassChuck

Seriously man, you need a 3-4 hour face to face conversation with a professional player who can tell you 1.) whats going on. 2.) how to present yourself in an interview/audition situation. The people at the school will be able to tell right away that you are not ready. You need to show them your potential, your intelligence and you committment. Failing that, they'll probable think you're just trying to get out of your local school.

This.

So Low Bass · #19 12-22-2010, 12:56 PM

So, it looks like you're 14-15 yrs. old. What do your parents say? It looks like the school has a good orchestra program... double bass. You HAVE attended some school concerts, right?

I suggest you give up on the idea and go skiing.

pedro · #20 12-22-2010, 01:14 PM

A young kid come in with musical aspiration and ask for help. Lets try and be positive and as helpful as we can be.
My $.02.