Welcome Letter

OUR MISSION IS STUDENT SUCCESS…
ACADEMIC, ARTISTIC, AND HUMANISTIC
45 Prince Street, Rochester, NY  14607
Phone: 585- 242-7682 | Fax:  585-256-6580 | Website: www. sotarochester.org

 

Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you for your interest in applying to the School of the Arts (SOTA). 

This letter outlines our Summer Audition process for the 2026–2027 school year. This opportunity is primarily for students who are new to the Rochester City School District or who missed the regular audition cycle.

Students must complete the Summer Audition Application by August 7th. You can find this application and specific audition materials on our website at www.sotarochester.org under “Apply to SOTA.” You may also click the previous blue hyperlink. 

All applicants must prepare for one arts discipline: Creative Writing, Dance, Drama, Music (Band, Choir, Strings, or Piano), Theatre Technology, or Visual Arts. Please bring a short essay (5–7 sentences) explaining why you wish to attend SOTA and your chosen art area. Each audition will be scored on a 1–10 scale. 

Please note that while several arts areas have openings, some seats at upper grade levels are currently at capacity. Participation in the audition does not guarantee admission. Placements are based strictly on audition results and available space.

The next steps depend on your current enrollment:

• New to the district: You must add SOTA as your first choice during the RCSD school selection process.
• Already enrolled: If you are currently in an RCSD school, this step is not necessary.

For questions about the school or your audition, please email SOTAINFO@rcsdk12.org. For questions about district placement, contact the Office of Student Equity and Placement at (585) 262-8241.

Warm regards,

Alan A. Tirré, Principal               

Lukas Wilson. Assistant Principal