Dance
Arts Mackenzie Dance applicants will take part in two processes through a live workshop experience at AMHS:
- Attend a workshop at Alexander Mackenzie High School lead by Arts Mackenzie Dance faculty
- A conversation to share applicant’s interest in dance
Note: Should you have a conflict with attending the in person workshop, please contact Alexander Mackenzie High School.
Applicants are expected to complete the following requirements of the selection process:
- In- Person Workshop
Attend an in-person workshop with the purpose of leading students through a warm up, movement sequences, and allow for explorative collaboration and creation. Approximately 10 - 15 students are scheduled per session.
- Conversation with Faculty
Students will have a 10 minute conversation scheduled in intervals after the in-person workshop. This conversation is NOT evaluative; it is used to further understand the applicant’s interests and passions for dance education. This is also an opportunity for applicants to share their interests in dance and why they feel a dance education would be something that would benefit them.
Workshops will be approximately one to two hours long and scheduled for the end of January. We are looking forward to hearing your performances!
Contact
Should you have a conflict with attending the in person workshop or are a late applicant, please contact jacqueline.toshakovski@yrdsb.ca
LOOK FORS |
Skills: |
Ability to pick up movement cues and interpret it in their own way |
Ability to fully learn and retain new movement |
Ability to reflect on their learning and experience |
Knowledge: |
Demonstrates kinesthetic awareness (where their body is in space) |
Demonstrates awareness of movement and how it can translate to various genres |
Demonstrates creative expression in delivery of The Elements of Dance |
Approach: |
Open to adapt and apply feedback |
Demonstrates passion for learning |
Willingness to collaborate |
Dramatic Arts
Applicants to the Dramatic Arts Mackenzie will be asked to apply to the creative process and will have to complete three tasks for the in person workshop requirements of the selection process. We are looking forward to seeing your performances!
Artistic Demonstration will look at the following: Collaboration Skills, Performance Skills and Interview Skills.
Workshop will consist of (nothing needs to be prepared for the workshop):
- Faculty and Students run Dramatic Arts Activities and Warm-up Activities.
- Improvisation and Devised Theatre Creation
- Faculty Conversation
Workshops will be approximately three hours long and scheduled for the end of January.
Contact
Should you have a conflict with attending the in person workshop or are a late applicant, please contact: stephanie.goldman@yrdsb.ca
LOOK FORS |
Collaborative Skills: |
Collaboration: The student works together with others to plan and guide the creation. The student shares ideas, takes on different roles, and listens to different points of view to help shape the story and performance |
Presence: The student shows strong communication skills by listening carefully, speaking clearly, and staying focused when performing a role. The student demonstrates energy and enthusiasm in both performances and collaborative work |
Risk Taking: The student explores and mixes different elements of drama to create creative, engaging, and powerful dramatic moments |
| Performance Skills: |
Authenticity/Character: The student creates genuine and believable performances by connecting the themes and issues in the drama to their own and others’ thoughts, emotions, and experiences |
Voice: The student uses their voice, through tone, pitch, and expression, to show a character’s background, motivation, and personality when creating a role |
Movement: The student uses body language, like stance, gestures, and facial expressions, to show a character’s background, motivation, and emotions when performing a role |
Adjustments/Direction: The student listens to feedback, makes changes when needed, and thinks creatively. The student takes risks and tries new ideas during improvisation |
Interview Skills: |
The student thoughtfully reflects on their personal experiences as a drama creator, performer, and collaborative partner |
The student engages in an authentic conversation with specific examples and details |
Music
Applicants to Music Arts Mackenzie will be asked to apply the creative and rehearsal processes to work that communicates their understanding and passion for music including technical exercises, collaborative tasks, interview conversations, and music performance. Workshops will be approximately three hours long and scheduled for the end of January. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Alexander Mackenzie HS for our workshops and hearing your performances!
*Please note: Music Arts Mackenzie offers three disciplines: Strings (violin, viola, cello, bass), Instrumental Music (Winds, Brass, Percussion) and Vocal Music. We do have a Guitar or Piano program, but students playing those instruments are welcome to learn as beginners for any of our three disciplines!
The selection process consists of three components:
- In- Person Workshop (no preparation required!)
Attend an in-person workshop led by Music Arts Mackenzie Faculty and facilitated by current Arts Mackenzie students where applicants will engage in warm-up and musicianship activities (some examples include pitch exercises, rhythm activities and listening games), and group performance tasks with common artistic goal (singing and playing in tune, music in unison and two or more parts, incorporating peer/self/teacher feedback).
- Conversation with Faculty (no preparation required!)
Applicants will have a 5-10 minute conversation scheduled after the in-person workshop. This conversation is meant to be an opportunity for students to share and discuss their music background experiences and interests, and communicate your interest and positive attitude around music making.
- Own Choice Solo Performance
Applicants will submit to Google Classroom (or by email to their discipline teacher if non-YRDSB) a video and audio recording of a solo of their own choice by their in-person workshop date. This can be at any level and length - something that you are currently working on, an excerpt of a larger or group piece, or something you are proud of. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your personal passions and background in music.
*Separate in-person workshops will be held for strings, vocal, and instrumental music.
**We are happy to accept beginners with passion and interest! Applicants should email in advance of the group workshop so arrangements can be made to borrow an instrument from our inventory.
Contact
Should you have a conflict with attending the in person workshop or are a late applicant, please contact:
Strings: cher.alexander@yrdsb.ca
Instrumental Music: kevin.vuong@yrdsb.ca
Vocal Music: aruna.bhalla@yrdsb.ca
LOOK FORS |
Demonstration: |
Apply the creative process to create and perform music using the elements of music and techniques of music |
Sing and/or play, in tune, music in unison and two or more parts |
Demonstrate an understanding of musical notation through individual and group performance (e.g. rhythm clapping tasks) |
Workshop: Musical Elements and Fundamentals |
Sing and/or play, in tune, music in unison and two or more parts Demonstrate an understanding of musical notation through individual and group performance (e.g. rhythm clapping tasks) Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of music by applying them to group performance and/or creative tasks |
Works collaboratively with others in group performance tasks towards a common artistic goal (e.g. teamwork) Transfers knowledge and skills to new contexts with considerable effectiveness |
Uses music conventions, vocabulary, and terminology with considerable effectiveness |
Attention and response to instruction and feedback from teacher and peers |
Concept and skills attainment and improvement |
Demonstrating musical awareness (listening) |
Conversation: |
Share and discuss your music background, experiences and interests |
Communicates interest and positive attitude in attending an Arts program |
Communicates personal creative process/creative decisions (awareness of strengths/weaknesses) |
Visual Arts
Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie - Visual Arts Program
Contact
Should you have a conflict with attending the in person workshop or are a late applicant, please contact: troy.fogg@yrdsb.ca
LOOK FORS |
Creative Thinking and Idea Development: |
Evidence of personal voice, risk-taking, and imagination in their work |
Thoughtful sketchbook use or planning stages (brainstorming, thumbnails, revisions) |
Original concepts showing experimentation with form and content |
Understanding and Application of the Elements and Principles of Design: |
Visual intention behind choices (e.g., use of contrast to create emphasis) |
Balanced compositions; use of depth, focal point, movement, etc |
Application of key elements: line, colour, value, texture, shape/form, space |
Technical Proficiency and Media Exploration: |
Competent use of traditional media (e.g., pencil, charcoal, acrylic, collage, sculpture) |
Clear effort and craftsmanship, including clean, intentional lines or brushwork |
Curiosity shown in trying mixed media or non-traditional tools |
Critical Thinking and Reflection: |
Reflective ability when discussing their own work or the work of others |
Use of art terminology: elements, design principles, genre/style references |
Evidence of understanding symbolism or cultural/contextual relevance |
Focus, Perseverance, and Engagement with Process: |
Commitment to completing thoughtful and refined work |
Perseverance through challenges and willingness to revise or improve |
Active interest in the arts (attention to detail, time management, personal investment) |