Dance
Applicants to Dance Arts Mackenzie will be asked to apply to creative process to three tasks to complete the e-portfolio requirements of the selection process:
- Technique Exercises (in person during the workshop)
- Perform a Piece of Choreography (upload to Google Classroom before workshop)
- Artistic Statement (upload to Google Classroom before workshop)
Workshops will be approximately two hours long and scheduled for the end of January 2025. ePortfolio options also exist. We are looking forward to hearing your performances!
Task | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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Technique Exercises | Students who participate in the in person workshop will engage with a series of technique exercises in a variety of styles. Students will learn exercises and perform in solo, small group and large group formats. | Students will:
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Perform a Piece of Choreography (upload to Google Classroom before workshop) | Perform an piece of choreography in your chosen/preferred genre/style to respond to an issue that is personally meaningful to you (1 minute minimum) (Ex: calm before the storm, protecting our water, bullying, deforestation, global warming, etc) Students may choose to use an already learned piece of choreography if preferred. If students choose this option for Task B, they must identify the choreographer. Students will be required to do a 20 to 45 second introduction video opening that states:
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Artistic and Reflective Statement (upload to Google Classroom before workshop) | Pick two questions to answer, one question from Choice 1 and one question from Choice 2. Using approximately 100 to 250 words for each question (e.g. 100 to 250 words for Choice 1 and 100 to 250 words for Choice 2) provide a reflective response. You may submit your response as a type response or a video recording. Both options are acceptable and no option is better than the other. Please pick the option that you are most comfortable with and will showcase you! Choice 1:
Choice 2:
| Students will:
Note: an interview might be required if further information is needed to complete the selection process. If this is necessary, the selection team will reach out to families directly. All files and portfolio submissions need to be labeled: Last Name, First Name, Dance Arts 2025 Selection Process Which Task Example: Clarke, Catherine. Dance Arts 2025 Task C |
Task | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Allignment |
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Technique Exercise | Students are invited to perform a variety of technique exercises by:
| Students will:
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Perform a Piece of Choreography | Perform an piece of choreography in your chosen/preferred genre/style to respond to an issue that is personally meaningful to you (1 minute minimum) (Ex: calm before the storm, protecting our water, bullying, deforestation, global warming, etc). Students may choose to use an already learned piece of choreography if preferred. If students choose this option for Task B, they must identify the choreographer. Students will be required to do a 20 to 45 second introduction video opening that states:
| Students will:
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Artistic and Reflective Statement | Pick two questions to answer, one question from Choice 1 and one question from Choice 2. Using approximately 100 to 250 words for each question (e.g. 100 to 250 words for Choice 1 and 100 to 250 words for Choice 2) provide a reflective response. You may submit your response as a type response or a video recording. Both options are acceptable and no option is better than the other. Please pick the option that you are most comfortable with and will showcase you! Choice 1:
Choice 2:
| Students will:
Note: an interview might be required if further information is needed to complete the selection process. If this is necessary, the selection team will reach out to families directly. All files and portfolio submissions need to be labeled: Last Name, First Name, Dance Arts 2025 Selection Process Which Task Example: Clarke, Catherine. Dance Arts 2025 Task C |
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. EPortfolio options also exist (please see option 2 below). We are looking forward to seeing your performances! Workshops will be scheduled at the end of January 2025. Families will receive the workshop date after December before the end of Dec. 2024. The workshop will consist of:
- Performance Task
- Devised Theatre
- Artistic Statement
Task | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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Performance Task
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| Students will:
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Devised Theatre
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| Students will...
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Artistic Statement
| Task:
| Students will...
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Task | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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Performance Task |
| Students will:
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Lookbook |
| Students will...
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Artistic Statement | Task:
Choice #1:
Choice #2:
| Students will...
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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, and music performance. Workshops will be two hours long and scheduled for the end of January 2025. ePortfolio options also exist. We are looking forward to hearing your performances!
Task | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Group Warm-up and Technique | Students will engage in cooperative games focused on the purpose and role of music in students’ lives. They will also perform a series of technique exercises in a variety of styles as well as musicianship tasks, such as pitch exercises, rhythm games, listening activities. No preparation is required. For technique, see the discipline specific information for which scales will be taught in the group workshop - practicing these in advance will be helpful for candidates. | Students will:
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B. Group Performance | Group performance and Collaborative Creative Work: play/sing pieces in two or more parts in large and small groups. Music will be given and taught in the workshop. No preparation is required. *Separate in-person workshops will be held for strings, vocal, and instrumental music. **Any beginners should email in advance of the group workshop so arrangements can be made. Students with experience on their instrument should follow the selection process for the discipline to which they are applying. | Students will:
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C. Individual Performance** | Recorded Own Choice Solo (Optional for students participating in the in-person process) **More details can be found on the discipline specific outlines below. | Students will:
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Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie Music Application Google Classroom.
Woodwind, brass, and percussion candidates will perform the following:
Requirements | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Scales | Perform the following scales (one octave) – Concert Bb major with arpeggio and Concert Bb chromatic. Play each scale at a comfortable, steady tempo in eighth notes, articulated, ascending and descending This will be taught and modeled in the group workshop. | Students will:
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B. Selections from Group Repertoire | Candidates will perform sections of the pieces rehearsed in the group workshop in small groups, pairs, or individually. No preparation is needed and perfection is not expected. The focus will be on the learning and rehearsal process. Instructors will assist as needed. | As above |
C. Recorded Own Choice Solo (recommended) | Perform a solo (ex. solo piece, etude, excerpt of something you are working on, etc.) of your choice on your instrument. Solos can be accompanied or unaccompanied. These should be submitted via google classroom one week prior to the group workshop. | This is an opportunity to further demonstrate your artistic skill, musicianship, and potential. |
*Students applying to the instrumental program as beginners can make alternative arrangements for the group workshop and individual selection process via Google Classroom or by emailing. Please note the instrument you would like to learn and any prior music experience, such as alternative instruments (i.e. Piano).
Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie Music Application Classroom.
Violin, viola, cello, string bass and harp candidates will perform the following:
Requirements | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Scales | Perform the following scales (two octaves) – D and Bb major with arpeggio and D chromatic. Play each scale at a comfortable steady tempo in eighth notes, ascending and descending. This will be taught and modeled in the group workshop. | Students will:
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B. Selections from Group Repertoire | Candidates will perform sections of the pieces rehearsed in the group workshop in small groups or individually. No preparation is needed and perfection is not expected. The focus will be on the learning and rehearsal process. Instructors will assist as needed. | As above |
C. Recorded Own Choice Solo (recommended) | Perform two contrasting solos of your choice on your instrument.
| The own choice solos are an opportunity to further demonstrate your artistic skill, musicianship, and potential on your instrument. |
* Students applying to the strings program as beginners can make alternative arrangements for the group workshop and individual selection process via Google Classroom or by emailing. Please note the instrument you wish to learn and any prior music experience, such as alternative instruments (i.e. Piano).
Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie Music Application Classroom. Here you will submit the required materials for the portfolio evaluation.
Vocal music candidates will perform the following:
Requirements | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Technical exercises | Perform warm-up/technical exercises assisted by a vocal coach at the piano. No preparation is required. This will be modeled in the group workshop. | Students will:
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B. Selections from Group Repertoire | Candidates will perform sections of the pieces rehearsed in the group workshop in small groups, pairs, or individually. No preparation is needed and perfection is not expected. The focus will be on the learning and rehearsal process. Instructors will assist as needed. | As above |
C. Recorded Own Choice Solo (recommended) | Choose a piece that showcases your skills and range, but most importantly one you feel comfortable with and can perform well. Solos should be uploaded on google classroom one week prior to the group workshop. | The own choice solo is an opportunity to further demonstrate your artistic skill, musicianship, and potential. |
Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie Music Application Classroom. Here you will submit the required materials for the portfolio evaluation.
Make a video of you performing the requirements and submit a personal statement. The sound quality of this video is the most important aspect - the production quality of the video will not be assessed. Each piece or task can be a separate file, but clearly label the files.
Requirements | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Etude and Scales (mandatory) |
| Students will:
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B. Own Choice Solo (mandatory) | Perform a solo of your choice on your instrument. Solos can be accompanied on the video, but this is not mandatory. | As above |
C. Personal Statement (mandatory) | Applicants have the opportunity to share a bit about themselves with the adjudication committee via one of the following two options:
Personal statement Questions to consider:
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Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie Music Application Classroom. Here you will submit the required materials for the portfolio evaluation.
Make a video of you performing on the violin, viola, cello, string bass or harp. The sound quality of this video is the most important aspect - the production quality of the video will not be assessed. Each piece or task can be a separate file, but clearly label the files.
Requirements | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Scales (mandatory) | Perform the following scales (two octaves) – D and Bb major with arpeggio and D chromatic. Play each scale at a comfortable steady tempo in eighth notes, ascending and descending. | Students will:
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B. Two Own Choice Solos (mandatory) | Perform two contrasting solos of your choice on your instrument.
| As above |
C. Personal Statement (mandatory) | Applicants have the opportunity to share a bit about themselves with the adjudication committee via one of the following two options:
Personal statement Questions to consider:
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Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie Music Application Classroom. Here you will submit the required materials for the portfolio evaluation.
Make a video of you singing. The sound quality of this video is the most important aspect - the production quality of the video will not be assessed. Each piece or task can be a separate file, but clearly label the files.
Requirements | Description and Instructions | Curriculum Alignment |
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A. Specific Pieces (mandatory) |
| Students will:
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B. Own Choice Solo (mandatory) |
| As above |
C. Personal Statement (mandatory) | Applicants have the opportunity to share a bit about themselves with the adjudication committee via one of the following two options:
Personal statement Questions to consider:
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Visual Arts
Once you have applied to the program on Edsby, you will be sent an invitation to the Arts Mackenzie - VIsual Arts Program
Task - Figure Drawing Lesson, Prompt Creativity Challenge and Portfolio
During our 2 hour workshop, students will be taught a lesson on figure drawing and will be given the opportunity to draw the human figure from a live model. This will be run similarly to how our Arts classes experience and are taught figure drawing. They will then respond to one of the prompt options and create a visual response using a choice of mediums available to them in the classroom. A short lesson will be delivered on the various materials they may use.
We consider these tasks to be as much about process as final results and encourage students to consider their creative response as an exercise in experimental thinking and risk-taking more than as final presentations or examples of technical proficiency. No particular outcome is valued more than another, so students will be encouraged to feel free to explore the full range of possible expressions in these works. Through this task we ask that students demonstrate tenacity, creative play, skill, divergent and critical thinking.
Each of these prompts has more than one meaning or usage and students might want to begin by referring to dictionary sources to expand their initial reaction about a direction before they arrive to the workshop. Students can come to the workshop with an idea of how they might respond to their chosen prompt, however all work will be created at the workshop. The workshop experience will be very much like a day in the visual arts program at Alexander Mackenzie High School, where we encourage movement, dialogue, questions and discussions between students and teachers - a sharing of the creative process.
Select one of the following prompts to explore visually:
- A unique method of transportation
- Change the meaning or function of an everyday object
- Interpret a song, a sound or a noise
- Transformation
Deliverables/ artifacts | Description and Instructions | Assessment Criteria |
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A. Prompt artwork - Process work | Your creative process. Images of your ideas, sketches, notes, etc. |
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B. Prompt artwork - Final Artifact / Artwork | Your final design solution. An image of your final artwork. The culmination of your creative play, experimentation, research and efforts. | See above |
C. Figure Drawing | Applicants have the opportunity to create a number of figure drawings while being taught a lesson on gesture drawing and contour drawing |
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D. Portfolio (this will be brought in with the student on their workshop day and be sent home with them at the end of the workshop) | Applicants have the opportunity to share more of their creative work with the adjudication committee by submitting portfolio works in the categories below: -self portrait (any medium) -still life (drawing or painting) -sculptural - 3D work (in any materials) -sketchbook pages that demonstrate your passion and creativity. May also include process work for one of the portfolio pieces -two optional works in any medium * where it states ‘in any medium’ this could be: traditional (ie. painting, drawing), digital (ie. film, photography ,animation), mixed media, 3D work, etc. *each of the above artworks can include the following information in the form of a credit note: title, size, medium, date created, short description (two sentences). This information can be paper clipped to the artwork, accompanied on a sheet of paper submitted along with the artwork, or in any other manner the student chooses to present it with the artworks. |
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Task - Prompt Artwork and Visual Arts E-Portfolio
Choose one of the following prompt options and create a visual response using any medium you prefer (no restrictions). We consider this task to be as much about process as presentation and encourage you to consider your submission as exercises in experimental thinking and risk-taking more than as final presentations or examples of technical proficiency. No particular outcome is valued more than another, so feel free to explore the full range of possible expressions in these works. Through this task we ask that students demonstrate tenacity, creative play, skill, divergent and critical thinking.
Each of these prompts has more than one meaning or usage and you might want to begin by referring to dictionary sources to expand your initial reaction about a direction. Select one of the following prompts to explore visually:
- A unique method of transportation
- Change the meaning or function of an everyday object
- Interpret a song, a sound or a noise
- Transformation
Deliverables/ artifacts | Description and Instructions | Assessment Criteria |
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A. Prompt artwork - Process portfolio | Your creative process. Images of your sketchbook, references, annotations, thumbnail sketches and or journaling. We are interested in seeing your creative process. |
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B. Prompt artwork - Final Artifact / Artwork | Your final design solution. An image of your final artwork. The culmination of your creative play, experimentation, research and efforts. If your final design is 3D please take and submit three photographs from different angles. | See above |
C.Prompt artwork - Written or Short Video Self Critique / Reflection | Applicants have the opportunity to share their creative process and final task artwork with the adjudicators via one of the following two options:
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D. Virtual Portfolio | Applicants have the opportunity to share more of their creative work with the adjudication committee by submitting portfolio works in the categories below: -self portrait (any medium) -still life (drawing or painting) -sculptural - 3D work (in any materials) -sketchbook pages that demonstrate your passion and creativity. May also include process work for one of the portfolio pieces (maximum 10 pages) -two optional works in any medium *where it states ‘in any medium’ this could be: traditional (ie. painting, drawing), digital ie. film, photography,animation), mixed media, 3D work, etc. *each of the above artworks can include the following information on that slide in the form of a credit note: title, size, medium, date created, short description (two sentences). |
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