Hammond High School

Dance Placement Auditions

Wednesday, March 12th 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

and Thursday March 13th 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm

director's Notes & Instructions:

I am excited that you have given thought to becoming a member of the Hammond Dance Program! The Dance Program includes dance classes for students of all experience and ability levels from Dance 1 (beginner) to G/T Dance Companies (advanced). The Companies are made up of the most advanced dancers that Hammond High School has to offer. The main purpose of the Companies is to PERFORM at various functions that could include State Festivals, Dance Showcases, the Howard County Dance Festival, school assemblies and pep rallies, the annual Hammond Dance Concerts, field trip performances, and more. Members of the dance companies and classes are expected to participate in ALL performances.If you are uncertain about your dance placement for next year and have prior dance training in ballet, modern, jazz, or other styles of dance, completing the audition is highly recommended so that you may be placed in the appropriate level for the upcoming school year. If you do not have prior dance experience, you do NOT need to complete the audition. Simply sign up for Dance 1, our beginner level dance class! Please note that freshmen are only eligible for placement in Dance 1 - 4 or Junior Dance Company G/T as specified in the HCPSS Course Catalog. Freshmen are not eligible for placement in Senior Dance Company G/T.Current Junior & Senior Dance Company members are required to complete the audition! No exceptions will be made. Redistricting to Hammond from another Howard County school? You still will need to audition at Hammond for placement even if you auditioned with your current school. In order to audition, dancers must complete ALL parts of the audition (below) on the dates listed. Deadlines are firm and late submissions will NOT be accepted. This is the one and only auditions so attendance is mandatory in order to be considered for a Company Placement. Dancers will be placed based on technique, performance quality, musicality, knowledge of choreography, teacher recommendations, questionnaire, and possible interview.I will email your audition results using the email addresses provided in the Dancer Questionnaire. Thank you for being patient as it may take a while for results to be communicated. In addition to communicating the results to you, I will also notify the Hammond High School Student Services team so that they may make any necessary adjustments to your schedule for the upcoming school year.Thank you for your interest in the Hammond Dance Program! I look forward to seeing you at auditions!Warmly,Kerry J. McWitheyDance DirectorHammond High School

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: This is the one and only audition!! Dancers that do not attend this audition cannot be placed on the Junior Company or Dance Company.

ALL current members of JCO or DCO must audition in order to be considered for a place in next year's companies. No exceptions!!

Audition Requirements:

Hammond Dance Audition Application - Due Monday, March 10th @ 3:00 pm
- Before completing make sure to have: (1) Headshot File, (2) Five Teacher Recommendations Confirmed (with date) AND (3) First Semester Grades / 2nd Quarter Report Card File
FIVE Teacher Recommendations - Due Monday, March 10th @ 3:00 pm
- Make sure you communicate in advanced about your recommendation request and confirm dates that you sent a message on Audition Application.
- Teachers need to complete required google form for recommendation process.
Dance Company Audition Agreement Form - Due Wednesday, March 12th before / at sign in
- Dancers will not be permitted to audition without a signed consent form!!
Wednesday, March 12th 3:30 PM - Audition Check-In
- Dancers will begin check-in at 3:30 pm in the Dance Studio to make sure all required materials have been completed / turned in and receive a number.
- Dancers are required to have a completed application and signed Audition Agreement Form in order to be allowed to audition.
- Once checked in dancers should warm themselves up to prepare for the audition.
Wednesday, March 12th 3:45 PM - Audition Part 1 - Learning Session
- Dancers will learn three dance combinations within the styles of Ballet, Modern, & Jazz
- All dancers will learn the same combinations regardless of the Company or class level they intend to audition.
Thursday, March 13th 3:30 PM - Audition Part 2 - Performance
- Dancers will begin check-in at 3:30 pm outside the Dance Studio to sign-up for a timeslot and receive the appropriate numbers.
- Once signed up for a slot, dancers should warm-up and review audition combinations.
- At 3:45 pm dancers will complete an across the floor portion of the audition to assess basic dance skills.
- All dancers will then leave the studio and return 10 minutes before their timeslot with their assigned group (3-4). Dancers waiting may practice in the gym.
- Once finished your audition, you may leave.

Selection Process:

Auditions will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges who will assess each dancer on their technical skills, musicality, and performance quality. These scores will be added up and used as a part of the selection process. Teacher Recommendations, Grades, Attendance, Dance Participation (if enrolled in dance this year), and Disciplinary Referrals will also be included in the selection process of Junior Dance Company and Dance Company Members.

Results:

Audition results will be communicated using the email address provided in the audition application. Dancers schedules will be modified to reflect the proper placement. For those that wish to have a better understanding of their placement, dancers can request to meet the following week). Only your scores and your footage will be shared with you. The comparison to other dancers will not be discussed.

Please be mindful that any verbal or publicized (social media) disparaging comments or negative remarks of the dancers that are on the list can be hurtful and jeopardize your placement. Besides the actual audition, teacher recommendations, attendance, grades, dance participation, and disciplinary referrals are all included in the selection of Junior Company and Dance Company members.

We know that it is an emotional time when results are posted and you may experience disappointment. It is recommended that parents/guardians and dancers wait at least 24 hours prior to making phone calls or firing off an email. If after 24 hours, should you still feel the need to call or send correspondence, it is advised that you ask a friend to proofread what you plan to send. There are several factors that go into the selection process and the input of multiple people determines the members of the Company and Jr. Company. Dancers should advocate for themselves and arrange to see where they fell short in the audition process in order to continue to grow in their skills as well as increase their chances of making company the following year.

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