Western Heights Magnet Programs

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: 
 

1. Perform a solo that demonstrates their highest level of ability. An accompanist is not permitted. Students need to bring TWO (2) copies of their sheet music for the judges.
   NOTE: Percussion/Drums: Students perform a solo demonstrating their highest level of ability on a snare drum AND mallet percussion (xylophone/marimba). Students will need to bring their own sticks and mallets. WHMS will have a snare drum and mallet instruments for the audition if needed. 
2. Audition requirements will also include:

• Responding orally to questions about note recognition for their own clef, note and rest values.
• Performing a concert B flat scale.
• Sight-reading
  • Students will be judged on pitch accuracy, tone quality, rhythmic accuracy, expressiveness, technique, sight-reading, tone matching, musical effect and the ability to produce a major scale. 

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 BAND Audition packet.

Contact seviljes@wcps.k12.md.us with questions

Audition Requirements
 

1.    Shenandoah (attached)

• Girls should sing this in E-flat major and boys should sing it in C major, flipping into falsetto if necessary. You must do this song with no piano accompaniment, i.e., a capella. 

2.    A solo of your choice

• It is recommended the song be from the following categories: musical theatre (shows like Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Annie seem to be favorites among students); folk songs (many people know songs like Yankee Doodle, Streets of Laredo, etc.); classical vocal music; or hymns, spirituals, or other music you may have learned at your place of worship.
   
• Popular music (music sung by Rihanna, Adele, Usher, etc.) is acceptable, but please make sure you are doing your song in a key that is right for your voice.
   
• Regardless of the solo, two copies of the sheet music MUST be provided. Photocopies are illegal and cannot be used. Only legally acquired/purchased/downloaded sheet music can be accepted. (Therefore, you must choose a song for which you can obtain sheet music.)
   
• Some students like to sing a karaoke version or an instrumental version of their song. This is acceptable as long as the vocal is not present, and the technology is provided by you ahead of your actual audition. We will not be able to connect to YouTube or another Internet site because of unpredictable reliability.  Your selection MUST be downloaded to your device to guarantee access during the audition.  CD accompaniment is acceptable and can be used for the audition.
   
• You can either sing this solo with no accompaniment or use a pianist. 
   
• You must provide your own piano accompanist if using one.

3.    Brief Interview:

• Finally, there will be a brief interview to help us better understand you. You’ll be asked questions about your reasons for wanting to come to WHMS, musical goals, etc.

Vocal Music Rubric

Melodic Accuracy
    5 All pitches sung accurately
    4 All but one or two pitches sung accurately
    3 Most pitches sung accurately, but otherwise, selection had many errors
    2 Most pitches were sung incorrectly with few correct pitches
    1 No pitches were song correctly/singer was too quiet to hear

Rhythmic Accuracy
    5 All rhythms sung accurately
    4 All but one or two rhythms sung accurately
    3 Most rhythms sung accurately, but otherwise, selection had many errors
    2 Most rhythms were sung incorrectly with few correct pitches
    1 No rhythms were song correctly/singer was too quiet to hear

Intonation
    5 Strong sense of tonality present; all pitches in tune
    4 General sense of tonality; fails to adjust on a few isolated pitches
    3 Some sense of tonality; most pitches out of tune
    2 Significant tuning issues
    1 No sense of tonality

Tone and Technique
    2 Free sound lacking tension
    2 Open sound
    2 Uniform, tall vowels
    2 Good breath management
    2 Good stage presence

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 CHORUS audition packet. 

Contact duricchr@wcps.k12.md.us with questions.

Students in the Creative Writing program explore a variety of genres, including:

• Fiction

• Poetry

• Creative Non-Fiction

• Drama and Screenplays

Creative writing connects with other arts and academic content areas to support and expand on what students are learning in their classes.

Portfolio & Interview

Portfolio

• Include two creative writing pieces

Task

• There will be one on-site creative writing task

Interview

• A few short questions will be asked to get to know you as a writer and a student

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 CREATIVE WRITING portfolio review packet.

Contact sternama@wcps.k12.md.us with questions.

Dance Department Auditions and Interview Process 

Applicants will be directed by an instructor in a forty-five minute general dance class, students will learn a brief jazz dance. Previous dance training is not necessary. 
Student Solo: After the audition class, each student will perform a solo between 60-90 seconds in length in the style of their choosing. Music should be school appropriate. Students must be prepared and bring their own music with them. It is recommended that students have a back-up copy of their music in case there are technical difficulties. Once the student has performed their solo they will be able to leave. 

Dance Audition Requirements 

All dance applicants: 

• Must arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled audition time for check-in
• Must do self-warm-up prior to the audition 
• Must participate in a Jazz Class 
• Must perform a solo dance 

The dance panel will evaluate all students on the following: 

• ∙Physical/movement techniques; including coordination, strength, and flexibility 
• Musicality and level of artistic achievement 
• Potential for trainable growth 
• Serious commitment to dance training 

FAQs:

How Must I Prepare for the Dance Audition?
Applicants must prepare and rehearse a solo dance in any style, not to exceed ninety seconds. The importance of rehearsing the solo cannot be overstated. An iPod, iPhone, or CD with the music for the solo dance must be brought to the audition. Costumes may be worn for the solo, but are not mandatory. 

What Must I Wear for the Dance Audition? 
For the audition, girls should wear black leotard and pink tights. Boys should wear a fitted shirt with tight fitted mid-thigh shorts or stretch pants. Proper foot attire includes ballet slippers, bare feet, or jazz shoes. No jewelry should be worn and all hair should be secured so that it is off the face and neck. Please have hair secured in a bun for ballet so that it is off the face and neck. If a student has short hair and cannot be pulled back into a bun, please pin hair away from face. 

Is Previous Dance Training Necessary to be accepted? 
No. Previous dance training is necessary.

Technique (50 POINTS) 

• Postural alignment (5)
• Strength (5)
• Flexibility (5)
• Coordination (5)
• Relates music and movement with rhythmic clarity (5)
• Ability to follow directions and retain choreography (5)
• Shows potential but lacks formal technique (10)
• Technical achievement (10)

Artistry (50 Points) 

• Musicality (10)
• Emotion (10)
• Presentation (10)
• Creativity (10)
• Demonstrates artistic promise and potential for trainable growth(10)

Level 5: 90-100 Points
Performer consistently exhibits excellent knowledge of technique, vocabulary, and mastery of skills. Habitually demonstrates an excellent relationship between the movement, music and rhythmic clarity. Correct postural alignment is clearly demonstrated throughout. Strength and flexibility are excellent throughout. Barre, center work and traveling are routinely excellent. Range of motion in joints and suppleness of muscles is excellent and routinely demonstrated. The level of concentration and retention of choreography is consistently excellent throughout. The depth of physical demand, coupled with a high level of demonstrated performance consistently results in an excellent level of technical achievement. Outstanding performance. The response to the on-sight prompt is excellent and the performer is consistently able to learn new choreography with ease. Demonstrates excellent potential and talent. 

Level 4: 70-89 Points
Performer frequently exhibits very good knowledge of technique, vocabulary, and mastery of skills. The performer often demonstrates a very good relationship between the movement, music, and rhythmic clarity. Correct postural alignment is very good throughout. Strength and flexibility are very good throughout. Barre, center work, and traveling are routinely very good. Range of motion in joints and suppleness of muscles is very good and repeatedly demonstrated. The level of concentration and retention of choreography is often very good. The depth of physical demand, coupled with the level of demonstrated performance, repeatedly results in very good level of technical achievement. Very good performance. The response to the on-sight prompt is very good and the performer is normally able to learn new choreography with ease. Demonstrates very good potential and talent 

Level 3: 50-69 Points
Performer usually exhibits good knowledge of technique, vocabulary, and mastery of skills. The performer typically demonstrates a good relationship between the movement, music and rhythmic clarity. Correct postural alignment is good and regularly demonstrated. Strength and flexibility are good throughout. Range of motion in joints and suppleness of muscles is good and regularly demonstrated. The level of concentration and retention of choreography is good, although inconsistent. The depth of physical demand, coupled with the level of demonstrated performance, regularly results in a good level of technical achievement. Good technique. The response to the on-sight prompt is good and the performer is generally able to learn new choreography with basic coaching. Demonstrates good potential. 

Level 2: 30-49 Points
Performer occasionally exhibits fair knowledge of technique, vocabulary, and mastery of skills. The performer occasionally demonstrates a fair relationship between the movement, music, and rhythmic clarity. Correct postural alignment is fair and inconsistently demonstrated. The level of concentration and retention of choreography is fair and occasionally exhibited. The depth of physical demand, coupled with the level of demonstrated performance occasionally results in a fair level of technical achievement. Fair technique. The response to the on-sight prompt is fair and the performer is occasionally able to learn new choreography with focused coaching. Demonstrates fair potential. 

Level 1: 1-29 Points
Performer rarely exhibits any knowledge of technique, vocabulary, or mastery of skills. The performer rarely demonstrates any relationship between the movement, music, and rhythmic clarity. Correct postural alignment is poor and rarely demonstrated. The level of concentration and retention of choreography is poor and rarely exhibited. The depth of physical demand, coupled with the level of demonstrated performance results in a poor level of technical achievement. Poor technique. The response to the sight prompt is poor and the performer is rarely able to learn new choreography with intense coaching. Demonstrates poor potential. 

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 DANCE audition packet.

Contact sundasha@wcps.k12.md.us with questions.

Graphic Arts is a class that teaches art and technology. In this class, students will use design as a creative process for communication. Students will explore various methods used to combine words, symbols, and images to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

Students interviewing for Graphic Arts are expected to bring the following to their audition. All artworks have option of being created digitally or traditionally (on paper):

• Create a 4 panel comic strip
• Design a personal logo that represents you
• Design a fake advertisement for an item of your choice
• Re-create a movie poster of your choice

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 GRAPHIC DESIGN portfolio review packet.

Contact matthan@wcps.k12.md.us with questions.

ARTS: SCAPE AVENUE B (CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS)
The Orchestra Magnet Program is designed for students who have demonstrated talent or the potential for exceptional talent in the creative and performing arts.  Avenue B will be accessed via the audition process, which mirrors the current criteria used for admission to the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts (BISFA). These creatively gifted and talented students will select a performing arts Orchestra concentration path, and participants will be eased into advanced-level coursework for Orchestra.

All applicants are required to audition

Students may audition on the following instruments:
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

Audition Requirements:

1. Prepared Solo - memorization NOT required
   • The student will perform a solo of his/her choice that best demonstrates their abilities
   • The piece must be a solo or etude (not ensemble music)
   • An accompanist is not permitted
   • The student must provide 2 copies of the piece for the judges
      
2. Scale - must be performed from memory

• 1 octave D Major Scale

3. Sight-Reading

• The student will be required to sight-read a selection chosen by the panel

4. Interview

• Applicants will be interviewed to allow the instructors the opportunity to fully understand each applicant’s background
• The interview may include questions about musical knowledge, the reason why you want to join magnet orchestra, your musical goals, etc.

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 ORCHESTRA audition packet.

Contact hopsosus@wcps.k12.md.us with questions

The Theatre Department at Western Heights School for the Arts offers extensive theatre courses focused on acting, musical theatre, and stage production.  The acting program develops from improvisation to character development, scene study, rehearsal, and performance.  Each year the school performs a Broadway Junior Musical which allows students genuine experience. 

Additionally, students will learn the aspects of technical theatre and stage production. The basic skills include set design/ construction, sound, stage lighting, costume, and make-up. They will also assume responsibility during productions throughout the school year.

Audition Process

Part 1: Improvisation

• All applicants will participate in a group exercise to evaluate physical and creative dexterity.

Part 2:  Prepare Monologue

• All applicants will present a monologue that is age appropriate.  To make the process more elective, students can choose from 5 pre-selected monologues. Each will last about 1 minute and should be fully rehearsed before the audition. Memorization is preferred, but cues may be used.  
• Students may be asked to repeat monologue after receiving constructive criticism from judges.  This allows judges to determine if applicants can adjust and improve performance after receiving instruction.

Part 3: Interview

• All applicants will complete an individualized interview after their monologue is complete.  
• They will be expected to answer the following questions
• What prior experience do you have with acting and/or the stage?
• Which area of theatre most excites you? (acting, stagecraft, technical/musical theatre)
• What role do you want to play in the musicals? (lead, supporting role, crew, production)
• Are you willing to devote time to the theatre program outside of the school day?
• Why do you want to become a member of the Western Heights Arts Theatre program?

Theatre Audition Do’s and Don’ts

• DO: Prepare. Fully memorize the monologue.  Imagine yourself where the monologue is set in the play.  Imagine that the other characters in the monologue are present.  Imagine yourself under the emotional and psychological circumstances that your character is experiencing.
   
• DON’T: Bring props/ set pieces or dress in costume.
   
• DO: Find the truth of your character, whether it is through musical performance or monologue; no matter how absurd the character may seem.  Believe that anything is possible and judges will as well.
   
• DON’T: Deliver your monologue to the judges as if they are characters in the scene with you.

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 THEATRE audition packet.

Contact halljon@wcps.k12.md.us with questions.

The Visual Arts Department at Western Heights Middle School will provide a rigorous program that focuses on a balance between art production, history and criticism.  If you have a passion for drawing, painting, sculpture and 2-D design; then this program might be a match for you.  

The purpose of the admission process is to assess your abilities and your potential as a visual art student.  I will be looking for your overall use of composition, artistic technique, and your personal expression and creativity.

Portfolio Requirements

Each student applying for the Visual Arts Magnet Program is required to submit the following artworks based on the three Visual Exercises listed below.  Please complete the artworks on separate pieces of paper and place in a folder (12”x18” paper folded can serve as a portfolio/folder).  Visual exercises should be no larger than 9”x12” and can be done in black and white or color using pencil, pen, charcoal, paint or any other medium.  Students may also select up to five pieces that they have completed in school or at home to supplement their portfolio. All students expressing an interest in the Visual Arts Magnet Program at Western Heights Middle School whether or not they have had formal or informal training are highly encouraged to audition.  If you have questions, please contact Michelle Hetzel - 301.766.8403.

Visual Exercises:

1. Create a drawing/ Painting of an animal
2. Observe yourself in a mirror and create a self-portrait.  The drawing/painting of the facial features must be from observation.  Use your imagination to create a background that portrays the inner you.  Consider your personality and interests.
3. Create an observational drawing/ painting that focuses on your environment.  The subject you choose may consist of an interior (indoor) or exterior (outdoor).

On Site Audition/ Interview:
A Western Heights Middle School Visual Arts Magnet Program faculty member will talk to you about the following:

• Your required drawings and any other portfolio submissions you may have selected
• When or how your work was made
• Why you want to be a part of the Visual Arts Program at Western Heights Middle School

On Site Audition/ Interview:

• Composition - 2 pts.
  • Artwork fills at least 75% of the paper and is arranged in a visually interesting manner.
     
• Proportion - 2 pts.
  • Accurate use of angles, placement of facial features etc.
     
• Detail - 2 pts.
  • Artist thought of many ideas, tried many creative combinations and included textural elements such as fur, feathers, hair etc.
     
• Shading - 2 pts.
  • Value is used in an attempt to create the illusion of form.
     
• Creativity/ Personal Expression - 2 pts.
  • The artwork has not been copied and reflects the artist’s own ideas and personality.

2 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 2 = 6
 

Click here to DOWNLOAD the complete 2026-2027 VISUAL ARTS portfolio review packet.

Contact pollocar@wcps.k12.md.us with questions