We were very impressed by the performance on the information day. My daughter really wants to come to Huron Heights, but the prospect of auditioning frightens her. Is there any way she can transfer to the school for just the regular program?
Your question really has two parts. Firstly, all of us in the Arts Huron program realize how frightening an audition can be for a 13 year old–or anyone for that matter. Please assure her that we are looking for students who work well in a group environment, have learning potential, have drive and desire, and have artistic ability. We’re not looking at just talent, but at the whole person. We will do our best to make all kids comfortable during the audition process, so your daughter shouldn’t be scared about trying out.
Secondly, yes, your daughter could transfer to Huron for the regular program, but that can only happen where there is room for transfer students. Your best bet is to enter through the audition process.
The requirements listed on the web site are not applicable to my daughter. My daughter is not studying from a conservatory program and has taken private lessons for the last 3 years. What are the expected audition standards for acoustic guitar in this case?
Your daughter will receive an audition package specifically for guitar. As of next year, we anticipate offering three courses in guitar. To complete eight courses for the YRDSB certificate of arts specialization, she would have to take other music courses, or at least double major in order to complete the certification requirements. Yes, she would audition on her instrument, and also be subject to the other audition requirements, such as sight reading, theory, the ear test, etc. All of this will be explained in the audition package which will be mailed to you. Application deadline is Dec. 12th.
Does my child take all of his classes, for example English, Science, etc. with only Arts Huron students?
No. Outside of his or her arts classes, your child will take classes with the rest of the Huron Heights student body.
If I transfer to Huron Heights in grade 10 or 11 and I pass the audition, will arts credits taken at my old high school count towards my Specialist Certification?
If you are transferring from one of the other York Region Arts Schools (Arts Unionville, Arts Alexander MacKenzie, Arts Westmount), all of your arts courses would count towards your certificate. Credit for courses taken at other York Region high schools is at the discretion of the Arts Huron Coordinator.
My child’s instrument is the violin. Do you have a string program at Huron Heights?
No, at the present time we do not offer a strings or piano program at Arts Huron, but we do have a Strings instructor, and we are working on a development plan to implement a strings and piano program at Huron in the fall of 2010. In the meantime, we can offer instructional support to string and piano players, but no specific classes.
Does the YRDSB provide bussing to Arts Huron?
No, the YRDSB considers Arts Programming as an “option for parents and students” and therefore, does not intend to provide bussing to any of its Arts Schools come the fall of 2009.
Note: Some limited bussing for rural areas to York Region Transit connections may be available – this transportation is only provided to those students living in areas not serviced by YRT. In early February, when a rural student’s application is approved, parents will be asked to indicate their interest in receiving transportation if they qualify. Rural students without access to YRT who are accepted into the Arts Huron program will receive information about their transportation from the school by March 1, 2009. Rural students must re-apply annually for transportation.
My child attends a York Region Catholic Elementary School. Is she eligible to attend the Arts Huron Program?
Yes. All children who reside in the Northern part of York Region are eligible to audition for the Arts Huron Program. Whether they attend a Catholic school or a private school, all children who live within the Arts Huron access area are eligible to attend our school provided space and program are available.
We intend to move into the Arts Huron access area next summer. Is my child eligible to audition in January of 2009.
Unfortunately, no. You must provide proof of residency in York Region as of December 12th, 2008. Once you move into the region, contact the Arts Huron Co-ordinator to find out if there is space still available in the program, and the possiblility of auditioning for the program can be discussed at that time.
If I miss the application deadline, is there any chance my son or daughter can still audition come this January?
Meeting the audition deadline guarantees your son or daughter the opportunity to audition. No auditions can be guaranteed after the deadline has passed. Late applications will be held in the order received and an audition will only be scheduled if time permits. In other words, it would be wise to meet the deadline.
My child has a major conflict at the same time his Arts Huron audition is scheduled. Can we reschedule his audition appointment?
We will do our best to accommodate a change of audition time, but this isn’t always possible due to the fact that we have audition “teams” and the timetable is very tight for these adjudicators. If we can’t reschedule your child’s audition, we will refund your audition fee.
What if my child is ill on the day of his audition?
If your child is seriously ill on the day of the audition, please call the school first thing in the morning. A note from an M.D. will be required if you wish to have the audition rescheduled. We will do our best to reschedule the appointment during the regular audtion schedule, or if necessary, make alternate audition arrangements.
My son has decided he doesn’t want to audition for the Program. Can we get our audition fee refunded?
If your child decides he doesn’t wish to audition, please notify the school of his decision as soon as possible. Don’t just be a “no show.” As you’ve probably noted, we will have situations come up where people need to reschedule auditions and the appointment your son doesn’t want will be in high demand for another family. Thank you for your kind consideration in this matter. As for the audition fee, sorry…it is non-refundable.
What are the costs involved in the program?
There is an annual program fee of $100. If this financial obligation proves to be difficult, please write to the principal following your child’s acceptance into the program.
I am currently in the Arts Huron program. Can I audition and switch over to the new program?
No. If you are currently in the Arts Huron Program-soon to be known as Arts Huron AHC Program-you are already enrolled in a certificate program, and you cannot transfer over. But don’t worry…you’re still in a great Arts Program that has served York Region well for the past 10 years. Please see the “Grandfathering” link on the Arts Huron Website for more information.
What can I do if I can’t find the answers to my questions about the program anywhere on this website?
Most questions about the program can be answered by the Huron Heights Guidance Department. For specific questions, email the Arts Huron Co-ordinator, Michael Halfin at, Artshuron@gmail.com. And….check the FAQs section of the Arts Huron website every few days. New questions and answers will be added as they arise.
When will the people who auditioned know who made the progam?
Thank you for the wealth of information on this site. It was very helpful.
I do have one question, however. If a child auditions for the dance Arts Huron program and is accepted, does this guarantee the accepted student a placement in any dance program in grades 9-12 when choosing their electives?
Thank you.
The answer to this question is a yes and a no. Students who are accepted into the dance program (and for that matter, drama and visual arts as well) are guaranteed a placement in their two grade nine Arts Huron classes. This is also true for Arts Huron students who are taking their two “major class” credits in grade 10. There is no guarantee at this time that students seeking electives outside of their grade level will be accepted into upper level classes. Regardless of the grade level, students will be offered a program that is both rewarding and challenging that moves them forward towards realizing their full potential as dancers.
Hello, Ms. O’Connor:
The answer to this question is a yes and a no. Students who are accepted into the dance program (and for that matter, drama and visual arts as well) are guaranteed a placement in their two grade nine Arts Huron classes. This is also true for Arts Huron students who are taking their two “major class” credits in grade 10. There is no guarantee at this time that students seeking electives outside of their grade level will be accepted into upper level classes. Regardless of the grade level, students will be offered a program that is both rewarding and challenging that moves them forward towards realizing their full potential as dancers.
Regards, Michael Halfin Arts Huron Coordinator