Applying to the Academy

Students entering grades 9 and 10 can apply to AFA by following the criteria stated below. Students can not apply for AFA after the beginning of the 10th grade.

Students wanting to join the Academy of Fine Arts (AFA) must follow the steps below:

Complete the GISD Magnet School Application. The Magnet Application can be filled out through the Family Skyward account.
Garland High School AFA teachers will reach out to you with the instructions for the next step (audition or portfolio) by January 15.
Students then must perform a live audition for an AFA Audition Committee. See Audition Requirements below.

Students will be notified within 4 weeks of the audition of their acceptance to the Academy.

Audition requirements

Band – Instrumental Music Studies

2 Solos – Student will perform 2 contrasting pieces. All-Region Etudes, UIL Solos, or equivalent are acceptable. Percussion students will perform 1 piece on Snare Drum and 1 piece on Marimba/Xylophone. Students can not use current music from their band class or modern/pop solos. Music does not need to be memorized.
Scales – Student will perform the Chromatic Scale, Concerts C, F, Bb, and Eb scales. Scales will be TMEA Middle School scale ranges.
Interview – Student will be asked a set of interview questions.

For assistance please reach out to Mr. Gallegos.

Choir - Music Studies

1 Solo – Solo must be memorized and have only piano accompaniment; no orchestral or karaoke backing tack. Student can use a live piano or recorded piano track for their video.
1 Sight Reading Excerpt – Student will sight read a simple, stepwise melody line.
Interview – Student will be asked a set of interview questions.

For assistance please reach out to Mr. Montgomery.

Film Studies

Guitar – Instrumental Music Studies

Orchestra – Instrumental Music Studies

2 Solos – Student will perform 2 contrasting pieces. Students can perform 2 movements of contrasting styles from the same sonata. UIL Solos or the equivalent are acceptable. Students can not use current music from their orchestra class or modern/pop music solos. Music does not need to be memorized. Metronome not required
Scales – Student will play two scales from the TMEA Middle School All-Region Orchestra Scale Sheet. Scale selections will be made by the audition committee. Scale sheets will be obtained from middle school orchestra directors via logging into the TMEA website
Interview – Student will be asked a set of interview questions.

For assistance please reach out to Mr. Needham.

Piano – Instrumental Music Studies

1 Solo – Student will perform the first movement of a Sonata or Sonatina of the student’s choice. Music does not need to be memorized.
Scales – Student will perform C, F, Bb, G, and D scales. Scales will be played hands together, two octaves, and sixteenth notes at a metronome marking of 60.
Interview – Student will be asked a set of interview questions

For assistance please reach out to Mr. Whitlow.

Theatre Studies – Performance

Theatre Studies – Technical

Visual Arts Studies

1 Portfolio Review – Student can choose to include work that has been completed in the past year and/or create new pieces. The portfolio must contain one piece of each of the following:
- Observational: Drawing from an object, person, etc., that you are looking at. (not from memory, a computer screen or photograph.)
- Creativity & Imagination: Shows originality, personality and/or style.
- Challenge/Experimentations: Shows risk taking and growth beyond your comfort zone.
- Strong Technical Skills: Shows control of technique and/or media. (What are your best skills?)
Personal Choice: Anything that best represents the artist.
Interview – Student will be asked a set of interview questions

For assistance please contact Amanda Hildebran.

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