Savannah Arts Academy
Admissions
Please note, Savannah Arts Academy is a SCCPSS Choice Program. The application process is run through the district. Please visit the District's Choice Program website to find the application, important application dates (including the audition date), and academic criteria. The SAA Admissions' site only contains information pertinent to the audition process.
Admission Process
All interested students MUST apply through the SCCPSS Choice Program Application Process during the Application Window. Savannah Arts Academy’s admission process is two-fold. Phase I is the academic screening portion through an online application. If the academic requirements are met, an audition is scheduled. Phase II is the audition portion. Please see the Admission Requirements and Rubrics page for specific Savannah Arts Academy audition information. Additionally, the SCCPSS Choice Program Guide is an important document that should be reviewed.
Academic Entrance Criteria
Rising 9th - 12th Grade
SCCPSS updated the academic requirements for Choice Program admission. Please review the district's Choice Program website for detailed information regarding those updates (linked button provided below, right side).
SCCPSS Choice Program Website Link
If you have questions regarding SAA admission, please email Vanessa Routh.
Audition Rubrics & Requirements
Band
Jazz Guitar & Jazz Bass
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (BAND): Jazz Guitar & Jazz Bass Requirements
Each jazz guitar & jazz bass player is required to play the following items based on the GMEA All-State Jazz Band audition process.
Material can be found here:
GMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble Website Link
Students wishing to audition for entry into the Band Department via jazz guitar & jazz bass must successfully complete each audition task in order to be eligible for acceptance. Students who enter as jazz majors will be expected to ALSO learn classical styles either in the concert band or in the string orchestra (students may be asked to play a secondary instrument).
Materials Include the Following:
- Scales - The following scales should be played in the GMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble format at QN = 132. The scales can be found on the GMEA website using the GMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble Website Link shown above.
- F Major Scale (2 octaves)
- G mixolydian scale (2 octaves)
- Jazz Etude - Great Love Audition Sheet Music - Jazz Guitar or Jazz Bass
- Performed WITH playback at audition
- Practice audio has been provided in this YouTube Link
- Improvisation - F Blues
- Guitar - Improvise 2 choruses with backing track (provided in link)
- Bass - improvise a bass line for two choruses
- Error Detection Test (administered electronically on site)
Audition for Band Guidelines
- The audition should be completely transparent with all rules, processes, and outcomes known to all stakeholders
- The instrumentation needs of the freshman class will be formulated by the band director. Instrumentation is based on the required players/instruments to play standard Grade IV literature using the GMEA LGPE Performance list and is adjusted for the specific needs of the Savannah Arts Academy band program.
- The audition material is formulated by the band director. Audition material will be closely aligned with the GMEA All-State audition requirements and modified for what band students have been working on throughout the year.
- The auditions will be in front of a panel of 2/3 adjudicators and the band director.All adjudicators are professional musicians with experience judging auditions; they will be without any personal interest in any one student being accepted over another.
- All applicants selected for auditions will provide permission to audio record their audition. Failure to do so will result in the inability to review the audition.
Jazz Guitar and Bass Performance Evaluation Audition Rubric (Rising 9th - 11th Grade)
|
Category |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Points Awarded |
|
F Concert Scale (2 octaves) |
Scale played with no mistakes in regards to tempo and accuracy |
Scale played with 1 mistake |
Scale played with 2 mistakes |
Scale played with 3 or more mistakes |
|
|
G mixolydian scale (2 octaves) |
Scale played with no mistakes in regards to tempo and accuracy |
Scale played with 1 mistake |
Scale played with 2 mistakes |
Scale played with 3 or more mistakes |
|
|
Prepared Etude |
|||||
|
Note Accuracy |
All pitches accurately performed |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|||
|
Rhythmic Accuracy |
All pitches accurately performed |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|||
|
Style/Articulation |
All style & articulations accurately performed |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|||
|
Tempo/Pulse |
Tempo and pulse accurately performed |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|||
|
Phrasing/Dynamics |
Phrasing and Dynamics were accurately performed |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|||
|
Blues Improvisation |
|||||
|
Harmonic Structure |
Clear control & understanding of harmonic structure |
Control and understanding MOSTLY demonstrated |
Control and understanding seldom demonstrated |
No attempt made/ Not discernable |
|
|
Time/Pulse |
Clear control of time and pulse |
Control and understanding MOSTLY demonstrated |
Control and understanding seldom demonstrated |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|
|
Technique/Range |
Clear control and use of range and technique |
Control and understanding MOSTLY demonstrated |
Control and understanding seldom demonstrated |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|
|
Style/Articulation |
Clear presentation of style and articulation |
Control and understanding MOSTLY demonstrated |
Control and understanding seldom demonstrated |
No attempt made/Not discernable |
|
|
44 Points Total |
|||||
Percussion
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (BAND): Percussion
Each Percussion player is required to play the following items based on the GMEA District Honor Band audition (Material can be found at www.gmea.org).
Candidates must bring their own sticks to the audition. The following instruments will be provided: snare drum, xylophone, timpani (2). Students will audition for two/three judges as well as the band director. Students will be scored in the following areas: Rhythmic Accuracy, Dynamic Contrast, Technique, Note Accuracy, and Tempo
Materials include the following:
- Keyboard/Mallet Scales - The following scales should be played in the GMEA All-State format at QN = 132. The scales can be found on the GMEA website (www.gmea.org) under Band→ All-State Band→ Audition Information→ Concert Band Scales and Etudes. All scales should be performed as indicated on the scale sheet.
- Concert G (2 octaves)
- Concert Gb (2 octaves)
- Snare Drum
- Current All-State Etude for applicant’s grade level
- MS Etude - 1st Round Indicated Measures
- CB Etude* - 1st Round Indicated Measures
- SB Etude* - 1st Round Indicated Measures
- Current All-State Etude for applicant’s grade level
- Timpani Etude
- Current All-State Etude for applicant’s grade level
- MS Etude - 1st Round Indicated Measures
- CB Etude* - 1st Round Indicated Measures
- SB Etude* - 1st Round Indicated Measures
- Current All-State Etude for applicant’s grade level
- Error Detection Test (administered electronically)
*CB = 9-10 grade; SB = 11-12 grade
SAA Audition for Band Guidelines
- The audition should be completely transparent with all rules, processes, and outcomes known to all stakeholders
- The instrumentation needs of the freshman class will be formulated by the band director. Instrumentation is based on the required players/instruments to play standard Grade IV literature using the GMEA LGPE Performance list and is adjusted for the specific needs of the Savannah Arts Academy band program.
- The audition material is formulated by the band director. Audition material will be closely aligned with the GMEA All-State audition requirements and modified for what band students have been working on throughout the year.
- The auditions will be in front of a panel of 2/3 adjudicators and the band director.All adjudicators are professional musicians with experience judging auditions; they will be without any personal interest in any one student being accepted over another.
- Instruments will NOT be provided to auditioning students (except for snare, timpani, and a marimba/xylophone). Students should bring all necessary materials to their audition.
Percussion Performance Evaluation Rubric (rising 9th – 11th grade)
|
Percussion Audition (to be played Snare-Mallets-Timpani) |
||||||||||||
|
Category |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
Points Awarded |
||||||
|
G Concert Scale |
Scale played with no mistakes in regard to tempo & accuracy |
Scale played with 1 mistake |
Scale played with 2 mistakes |
Scale played with 3 or more mistakes |
No attempt or unrecognizable |
|||||||
|
Gb Concert Scale |
Scale played with no mistakes in regard to tempo & accuracy |
Scale played with 1 mistake |
Scale played with 2 mistakes |
Scale played with 3 or more mistakes |
No attempt or unrecognizable |
|||||||
|
Timpani Etude |
||||||||||||
|
Category |
4 - Superior |
3 - Excellent |
2 - Good |
1 - Needs Improvement |
0 - Poor |
Points Awarded |
||||||
|
Technique |
Notes are correctly played. |
Notes are mostly correct; slight mistake do not detract from overall performance. |
Notes are occasionally incorrect; wrong notes/ accidentals/key signature played & detracts from performance. |
Notes are frequently missed; wrong key signature/accidentals/ key signature played repeatedly. |
Lacks evidence of preparation as notes are missed constantly. Key signature/ accidentals ignored regularly throughout performance. |
|||||||
|
Rhythmic Accuracy |
Rhythms are accurate throughout performance |
Rhythms are seldom played incorrect. Some duration errors but does not detract from overall performance. |
Rhythms are inconsistent. Repeated duration errors detract from the overall performance. |
Rhythms are frequently inconsistent. Many repeated duration errors seriously detract from overall performance. |
Rhythms are rarely accurate and erratic. Greatly detracts from the overall performance. |
|||||||
|
Dynamics/ Phrasing |
Dynamic levels are obvious, consistent, and an accurate interpretation of the style of music being played. |
Dynamics contrast and phrasing are attempted with regularity. |
Dynamic levels are typically accurate and consistent. |
Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be discerned. |
Attention to dynamic levels is not obvious. |
|||||||
|
Interpretation/ Tempo |
Performs with a creative nuance and adheres to style and tempo. |
Typically performs with nuance, style, and tempo as indicated. |
Sometimes performs with nuance and style that is indicated. |
Inconsistently performs with the nuance, style, and tempo markings indicated. |
Does not perform with the nuance, style, and tempo marking indicated. |
|||||||
|
TOTAL |
||||||||||||
|
Snare Etude |
||||||||||||
|
Category |
4 - Superior |
3 - Excellent |
2 - Good |
1 - Needs Improvement |
0 - Poor |
Points Awarded |
||||||
|
Technique |
Notes are correctly played. |
Notes are mostly correct; slight mistake do not detract from overall performance. |
Notes are occasionally incorrect;technique detracts from performance. |
Notes are frequently missed; wrong key signature/accidentals/key signature played repeatedly. |
Lacks evidence of preparation as notes are missed constantly. Key signature/ accidentals ignored regularly throughout performance. |
|||||||
|
Rhythmic Accuracy |
Rhythms are accurate throughout performance |
Rhythms are seldom played incorrect. Some duration errors but does not detract from overall performance. |
Rhythms are inconsistent. Repeated duration errors detract from the overall performance. |
Rhythms are frequently inconsistent. Many repeated duration errors seriously detract from overall performance. |
Rhythms are rarely accurate and erratic. Greatly detracts from the overall performance. |
|||||||
|
Dynamics/ Phrasing |
Dynamic levels are obvious, consistent, and an accurate interpretation of the style of music being played. |
Dynamics contrast and phrasing are attempted with regularity. |
Dynamic levels are typically accurate and consistent. |
Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be discerned. |
Attention to dynamic levels is not obvious. |
|||||||
|
Interpretation/Tempo |
Performs with a creative nuance and adheres to style and tempo. |
Typically performs with nuance, style, and tempo as indicated. |
Sometimes performs with nuance and style that is indicated. |
Inconsistently performs with the nuance, style, and tempo markings indicated. |
Does not perform with the nuance, style, and tempo marking indicated. |
|||||||
|
TOTAL |
|
|||||||||||
|
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 32 |
||||||||||||
Winds
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (BAND): Winds (brass and woodwinds)
Each wind player is required to play the GMEA Audition Material for the instrument being auditioned (Material can be found at www.gmea.org).
Candidates must bring their own instrument and equipment to the audition. Students will perform for two/three judges, in addition to the band director. Students will be scored based on the following areas: Tone, Technique, Rhythmic Accuracy, Articulation, Style, Phrasing, Dynamic Contrast, Interpretation and Tempo.
Materials include the following:
- Scales - All scales should be played in the GMEA All-State format at QN = 132. The scales can be found on the GMEA website (www.gmea.org) under Band→ All-State Band→ Audition Information→ Concert Band Scales and Etudes. All scales should be performed as indicated on the scale sheet.
***All Scales indicated below are starting notes for each instrument (note: tenor saxophone is NOT transposed from Concert G/Gb)
❏ Flute - 2 octave G and Gb
❏ Oboe - 1 octave G and Gb
❏ Clarinet (all) - 2 octave A and Ab
❏ Bassoon - 2 octave G and Gb
❏ Saxophone - 2 octave E and Eb
❏ Trumpet - 2 octave A and Ab
❏ French Horn - 1 octave D and Db
❏ Trombone - 2 octave G and Gb
❏ Euphonium - 2 octave G and Gb
❏ Tuba - 2 octave G and Gb
- Technical portion (2nd half) of the GMEA All-State Etude for the student's current grade level. Students should prepare material as close to the marked tempo as possible. Students MAY be asked by the panel to play only a section of the etude if deemed necessary by the Director.
- Error Detection Test (administered electronically)
SAA Audition for Band Guidelines
- The audition should be completely transparent with all rules, processes, and outcomes known to all stakeholders
- The instrumentation needs of the freshman class will be formulated by the band director. Instrumentation is based on the required players/instruments to play standard Grade IV literature using the GMEA LGPE Performance list and is adjusted for the specific needs of the Savannah Arts Academy band program.
- The audition material is formulated by the band director. Audition material will be closely aligned with the GMEA All-State audition requirements and modified for what band students have been working on throughout the year.
- The auditions will be in front of a panel of 2/3 adjudicators and the band director. All adjudicators are professional musicians with experience judging auditions; they will be without any personal interest in any one student being accepted over another.
- Instruments will NOT be provided to auditioning students (except for snare, timpani, and a marimba/xylophone). Students should bring all necessary materials to their audition.
Winds Performance Evaluation Rubric (rising 9th – 11th grade)
G Concert Major Scale
|
Category |
5 - Superior |
4 - Excellent |
3 - Good |
2 - Needs Improvement |
1 - Poor |
Points Awarded |
|
Technique/ Rhythm |
Rhythm & technique are perfect. |
1 technical or rhythmic error. Does not detract from the overall scale performance. |
2 technical or rhythmic errors. |
3 technical or rhythmic errors. |
4 or more technical or rhythmic errors. |
|
|
Style/ Articulation |
Scale performed at the correct tempo with the correct articulations. A flawless performance. |
Scale performed marginally slower than marked or 1 articulation error. A nearly flawless performance. |
Scale performed somewhat slower than marked tempo. 2 articulation errors. |
Scale performed at a noticeably slow tempo. 3 articulation errors. |
Scale performed out of tempo. 4 or more articulation errors. |
|
|
TOTAL |
Gb Concert Major Scale
|
Category |
5 - Superior |
4 - Excellent |
3 - Good |
2 - Needs Improvement |
1 - Poor |
Points Awarded |
|
Technique/ Rhythm |
Rhythm & technique are perfect. |
1 technical or rhythmic error. Does not detract from the overall scale performance. |
2 technical or rhythmic errors. |
3 technical or rhythmic errors. |
4 or more technical or rhythmic errors. |
|
|
Style/ Articulation |
Scale performed at the correct tempo with the correct articulations. A flawless performance. |
Scale performed marginally slower than marked or 1 articulation error. A nearly flawless performance. |
Scale performed somewhat slower than marked tempo. 2 articulation errors. |
Scale performed at a noticeably slow tempo. 3 articulation errors. |
Scale performed out of tempo. 4 or more articulation errors. |
|
|
TOTAL |
Etude
|
Category |
5 - Superior |
4 - Excellent |
3 - Good |
2 - Needs Improvement |
1 - Poor |
Points Awarded |
|
Tone |
Tone is consistently focused, clear, and centered throughout the range of the instrument. |
Performer rarely loses control of tone quality. |
Lacks clarity and control in extreme ranges. |
Lacks clarity and control in all ranges of the instrument. |
Performer has poor tone quality and an uncharacteristic sound on the instrument. |
|
|
Technique |
Notes are correctly played. |
Notes are mostly correct; slight mistake do not detract from overall performance. |
Notes are occasionally incorrect; wrong notes/ accidentals/key signature played and detracts from performance. |
Notes are frequently missed; wrong key signature/accidentals/ key signature played repeatedly. |
Lacks evidence of preparation as notes are missed constantly. Key signature/accidentals ignored regularly throughout performance. |
|
|
Rhythmic Accuracy |
Rhythms are accurate throughout performance. |
Rhythms are seldom played incorrect. Some duration errors but does not detract from overall performance. |
Rhythms are inconsistent. Repeated duration errors detract from the overall performance. |
Rhythms are frequently inconsistent. Many repeated duration errors seriously detract from overall performance. |
Rhythms are rarely accurate and erratic. Greatly detracts from the overall performance. |
|
|
Articulations |
All marked articulations are followed. |
Most of the articulations are performed as marked. |
Articulations are seldom performed as marked. |
Articulations are rarely performed as marked. |
Articulation is haphazard and unclear. |
|
|
Dynamics/ Phrasing |
Dynamic levels are obvious, consistent, and an accurate interpretation of the style of music being played. |
Dynamics contrast and phasing are attempted with regularity. |
Dynamic levels are typically accurate and consistent. |
Dynamic levels fluctuate but can be discerned. |
ATtention to dynamic levels is not obvious. |
|
|
Interpretation/ Tempo |
Performs with a creative nuance and adheres to style and tempo. |
Typically performs with nuance, style, and tempos as indicated. |
Sometimes performs with nuance and style that is indicated. |
Inconsistently performs with the nuance, style, and tempo markings indicated. |
Does not perform with the nuance, style, and tempo marking indicated. |
|
|
TOTAL |
50 total possible points
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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I apply to Savannah Arts Accademy?
- Savannah Arts Academy is a SCCPSS Choice Program. The application process is a DISTRICT process. Every interested candidate should review the District's Choice Program website. This site houses the application timeline (including auditions & notification), academic criteria, Choice School information, the Choice Program Guide, and the application (during the application window).
- Savannah Arts Academy is a SCCPSS Choice Program. The application process is a DISTRICT process. Every interested candidate should review the District's Choice Program website. This site houses the application timeline (including auditions & notification), academic criteria, Choice School information, the Choice Program Guide, and the application (during the application window).
- What Arts majors are offered?
- Film Studies, Dance, Music (Band, Orchestra, Piano, and Vocal), Theatre, Visual Arts
- Film Studies, Dance, Music (Band, Orchestra, Piano, and Vocal), Theatre, Visual Arts
- What are your academic requirements?
- Academic Requirements can be found on the District's Choice Criteria Page
- Academic Requirements can be found on the District's Choice Criteria Page
- Do you have non-Honors courses?
- Savannah Arts only offers honors and AP courses (academic and fine arts).
- Savannah Arts only offers honors and AP courses (academic and fine arts).
- Is there a fee or tuition necessary to attend Savannah Arts Academy?
- Savannah Arts Academy is a public high school in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. There are no fees associated if the applicant is a Chatham County Resident. Out-of-County families are charged tuition to attend any Chatham County public school, including Savannah Arts Academy. For more information regarding out-of-county tuition, please contact the Pupil Personnel Office at 912-395-5584.
- Savannah Arts Academy is a public high school in the Savannah Chatham County Public School System. There are no fees associated if the applicant is a Chatham County Resident. Out-of-County families are charged tuition to attend any Chatham County public school, including Savannah Arts Academy. For more information regarding out-of-county tuition, please contact the Pupil Personnel Office at 912-395-5584.
- Can my student apply if we live out-of-county?
- Out-of-County families are able to apply; however, all Chatham County students will be seated first. For more information, please refer to the Choice Program Priority Preferences in the SCCPSS Choice Program Guide. If an out-of-county student is seated, they will be charged tuition. For more information regarding out-of-county tuition, please contact the Pupil Personnel Office at 912-395-5584.
- Out-of-County families are able to apply; however, all Chatham County students will be seated first. For more information, please refer to the Choice Program Priority Preferences in the SCCPSS Choice Program Guide. If an out-of-county student is seated, they will be charged tuition. For more information regarding out-of-county tuition, please contact the Pupil Personnel Office at 912-395-5584.
- What grade levels does Savannah Arts serve?
- Savannah Arts Academy serves grades 9 through 12.
- Savannah Arts Academy serves grades 9 through 12.
- What if my child has good test scores, but lower grades, or vice-versa?
- ALL students must meet the minimum score on the academic rubric. Applications will not be re-screened.
- ALL students must meet the minimum score on the academic rubric. Applications will not be re-screened.
- Can I schedule an audition for my child?
- If all academic criteria are met you will receive an email scheduling your child for their audition. Please make sure you accurately enter your email address on your child's application and you check your inbox often.
- If all academic criteria are met you will receive an email scheduling your child for their audition. Please make sure you accurately enter your email address on your child's application and you check your inbox often.
- Will my child have bus transportation?
- SCCPSS is not able to provide transportation to Choice Program students at this time.
- SCCPSS is not able to provide transportation to Choice Program students at this time.
- Will my child get sibling preference if their sibling is already a student at Savannah Arts Academy?
- No, sibling preference is not a priority preference at Savannah Arts Academy. Once students audition, they are seated according to their audition ranking score.
- No, sibling preference is not a priority preference at Savannah Arts Academy. Once students audition, they are seated according to their audition ranking score.
- Can I visit the school?
- Yes, you may visit our school on School Tour dates listed on our main School Tours page; however, you must register for your seat. You will receive a confirmation email from the Choice Program Coordinator once your spot has been confirmed.
- Yes, you may visit our school on School Tour dates listed on our main School Tours page; however, you must register for your seat. You will receive a confirmation email from the Choice Program Coordinator once your spot has been confirmed.
- Are prospective students able to shadow?
- We are excited to welcome all prospective students and their families for one of our School Tours; however, we are not hosting shadow days for students not enrolled at SAA.
- We are excited to welcome all prospective students and their families for one of our School Tours; however, we are not hosting shadow days for students not enrolled at SAA.
- Will there be a lottery for Savannah Arts Academy applicants after they audition?
- No, applicants for the Savannah Arts Academy Choice Program do not participate in a lottery, rather students audition and are ranked in each Arts area. Students are admitted to the school based on the number of slots available in each Arts major and their arts audition score.
- No, applicants for the Savannah Arts Academy Choice Program do not participate in a lottery, rather students audition and are ranked in each Arts area. Students are admitted to the school based on the number of slots available in each Arts major and their arts audition score.
- Will applications be accepted after the deadline?
- If you miss the application deadline, the post-lottery application opens at some point in March/April. Check the district's Choice Program Page for more information: https://www.sccpss.com/district/academics/occr/choice-programs/application.
- If you miss the application deadline, the post-lottery application opens at some point in March/April. Check the district's Choice Program Page for more information: https://www.sccpss.com/district/academics/occr/choice-programs/application.
- Can a student audition in more than one area?
- No, students are not allowed to audition in more than one area.
- No, students are not allowed to audition in more than one area.
- If we just moved to the school district, will my child be able to audition?
- If you moved after the application process closed, you will need to fill out the Post Lottery Application. If there are available slots and your child meets the admissions criteria, your child may be able to audition. Availability is limited based on seats in specific grades and/or majors.
- If you moved after the application process closed, you will need to fill out the Post Lottery Application. If there are available slots and your child meets the admissions criteria, your child may be able to audition. Availability is limited based on seats in specific grades and/or majors.
- How many seats are available for each grade level and arts area?
- We have listed preliminary numbers for each grade level and arts area to provide a general idea of seat availability subject to academic and arts criteria based on the application and audition process. However, please note that these numbers are subject to adjustment during the lottery application process. This allows us to ensure that the number of seats aligns with the demand for each arts area. Changes to application arts area can be made by emailing Jessica Horton with your student’s full name and date of birth, and the chosen arts area. No changes can be made to an application after February 7, 2025.