CHOIR • DANCE • INSTRUMENTAL • THEATRE

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Department “During my four years at Santa Margarita, the Dance Progam not only helped me to grow as a dancer and choreographer, but as a person. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and opened me up to new opportunities and experiences. The IB Dance Program, in particular, provided a great foundation for me as a choreographer because it allowed me to explore my own creative ability.” — Sarah Pollard 2011 “The Performing Arts at SMCHS really helped me develop a solid foundation as a performer. As a former member of Chamber Orchestra, Marching Band, Chamber Singers, and Talon Theatre, I can tell you that the faculty are truly dedicated to helping students succeed in their respective fields.”  — Grant Yosenick 2012

“SMCHS allowed my talents to emerge. Caritas Christi, the love of Christ, showed itself in full bloom.” — Veronique Poutré 2012

“Joining choir was one of the best decisions I ever made. I am not only thankful for the vocal training, but also for the incredible musical education I received. I became an educated singer, a stronger performer, and a confident student, all while keeping God at the center of my life.”

— Kelly Christensen 2012

“Looking back on my experience in SMCHS choir, I am proud and thankful to say that there is nowhere better to be trained and developed as a singer, as a musician, and as a person.”

— Carrie Dubeau 2012

“Talon Theatre’s impact on me has been threefold. First, it led me to develop a great appreciation for the arts in all aspects: acting, directing, design, and technical elements. Second, it instilled in me a sense of connectedness with thespians around the world. Finally, it created a desire to pursue the arts and continue to develop my understanding of theatre as a whole. That desire still exists today and has taken me on some incredible journeys.” — Matthew Meeks 2013

“I found that Talon Theatre instilled in me important values of responsibility, punctuality, and leadership. It improved my time management skills and my overall confidence as a performer. Talon Theatre also greatly prepared me for college auditions with the mentorship program. The best part of the mentorship program was having one-on-one time with the director of the Theatre Program to prepare for college auditions. The whole college audition process can be very overwhelming, but being mentored made it less stressful and more manageable. Having that individualized time to work on my audition material made me feel confident that I could go into that audition room and handle whatever was thrown at me.” — Veronica Thompson 2013

MISSION The mission of the Performing Arts Department at SMCHS is to offer the highest quality in Performing Arts education by engaging students in creative, thought-provoking and artistic aspects of each discipline regardless of ability and experience. Our comprehensive Performing Arts Program allows our students to explore their creativity, celebrate the arts, grow in faith and share their talents with the community. Our charge is to produce excellent performances thereby serving the ultimate goal of creating good citizens capable of understanding, appreciating, and advocating performing arts in society. Being active in performing arts is about joy, fun, and creative expression — working together in a supportive environment in order to accomplish something beyond our individual ability. Your investment of time, effort and energy will produce lifelong dividends.

Recruiting, maintaining and sustaining a vibrant Performing Arts Program takes time and energy; it takes the teamwork of an entire community. Without the help of dedicated and generous volunteers our program would be severely diminished. Parents can be a vital part of the Arts Alliance — a parent support organization. Please also keep in mind that we need patrons as well as performers. Your patronage, either monetary or by the donation of your time, would be greatly appreciated. It is a privilege to have these young students as valued performers in our organization. Thank you for your support of Performing Arts education at SMCHS. You play an important role in everything we do. Welcome!

PHILOSOPHY Making music is fun. Making music is uplifting. Making music is essential because it speaks to the heart of humanity. As Hans Christian Andersen said, “When words fail, music speaks.” Psalm 108 says: “My heart, O God is, steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” In choir and handbells, we work together to create music that speaks when words fail. We create music that speaks from the soul. Singers and ringers participate in the ensembles at all levels of talent and ability. That is why it is so important that you join. No more excuses! You can be a part of something great. There is a place for you in the choirs and handbells. Come join the fun.

Classes offered: • Advanced Women’s Chorus Honors• Men’s Chorus• Concert Choir• Chamber Singers Honors• Beginning Handbells• Intermediate Handbells• Advanced Handbells

Which class do I join? Freshmen can be a part of four different choirs: Advanced Women’s Chorus, Men’s Chorus, Concert Choir (formerly Intermediate Chorus) and Beginning Handbells.

Do I have to audition? No experience required! If you have a love of singing or ringing you are welcome to join us.

How do I sign up? Simply choose Men’s Chorus, Concert Choir (formerly Intermediate Chorus), or Beginning Handbells as your elective. It’s that easy! Or you can call for an audition if you are interested in the Advanced Women’s Chorus Honors, Chamber Singers Honors, Intermediate Handbells or Advanced Handbells.

International travel opportunities The choirs and handbells travel every two years in performance tours throughout the United States and Europe. The choir has performed in celebrated music venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, the Los Angeles Walt Disney Concert Hall and Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Recently, the choir performed throughout Europe singing for Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. The choir also performed concerts in Sant’Agnese in Agone, Rome; the famous Cenacolo di Santa Croce, Florence; San Moise Church, Venice and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland. The choir has been awarded silver and gold medallions at competitions throughout the country and recently performed at the State Capitol Building in Honolulu, Hawaii as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of Hawaii’s statehood.

Alumni Singers from the choir are accepted into major conservatories and universities around the world including the Julliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, The University of Notre Dame, Princeton University and New England Conservatory. Several singers have performed for major opera companies throughout Italy and Germany.

Getting connected The choir and handbells welcome everybody; the ensembles are a great place to make new friends and get connected to your high school community. We are extremely proud of the fact that students from various backgrounds and interests participate in these programs. You do not have to be the next American Idol in order to get involved. We have varsity football players, track stars, valedictorians, photographers, swimmers, wrestlers, peer ministers and more. Whatever your interest, you can find a home in choir and handbells. Throughout the years, these ensembles have provided youth with friendships that last into adulthood. So sign up!

Awards 2013-2014 2014 World Strides Heritage Performance Competition Silver Award, 3rd place

Contact us Email: choir@smhs.org

Office: 949.766-6000

Visit the Choir and Handbells website at www.smhs.org/choirs

Choir and HandbellsMaking music together

PHILOSOPHY The purpose of classes in the SMCHS Dance Program is to provide students with a better understanding of dance as an art form, to guide students in achieving mastery  of  the  basic  techniques  that  help  define concert dance, and to give students opportunities to explore choreography (the art of creating dance). Additionally, the Dance Program is dedicated to creating opportunities for students to build their faith, develop a passion for learning, be aware and proactive about their health and be curiously involved citizens of the world. The Dance Program works to create and maximize opportunities for dancers to grow as artists and as individuals. Dancers are consistently called upon to exhibit a commitment to excellence, responsibility, and sportsmanship both on and off the dance floor. Dance Program rehearsals and events are fueled by the passion, support and camaraderie of all those involved.

Classes offered: • Beginning Dance • Intermediate Dance • Advanced Dance • Dance Production (in conjunction with Dance Team) • International Baccalaureate Dance

Which class do I join? Students with little to no previous dance experience should sign up for Beginning Dance. Students with significant previous dance experience should audition for Intermediate Dance, Advanced Dance, or Dance Production (if interested in competing with the Dance Team). Students become eligible for IB Dance their junior year if they have taken at least one dance class at SMCHS and obtain approval from the Director of Dance.

Do I have to audition? No previous dance experience is required for Beginning Dance. Auditions are only required for students interested in joining Intermediate Dance, Advanced Dance or Dance Production/Dance Team.

How do I sign up? Simply choose Beginning Dance as your elective. For Intermediate or Advanced Dance, students must attend the Class Placement audition. Students that are interested in joining the Dance Production class (Dance Team) must attend the Dance Team audition.

Travel opportunities The Dance Team travels to Orlando, Florida for a national competition every spring.

Alumni Dancers from the SMCHS Dance program have been accepted into dance programs at major universities such as Arizona State University, Boston College, Chapman University, UCLA, and University of San Francisco.

Getting connected The SMCHS Dance program is an excellent place to make friends. You will learn, laugh, struggle, excel, sweat, dance, and collaborate artistically with your classmates in a way that builds significant relationships. Dance is a fun, artistic activity that brings people together for positive, productive, meaningful experiences.

Awards 2013-2014 CADTD Santiago Shark Splash: 1st place Intermediate Dance “Best Choreography” Award

USA Regionals: 1st place Intermediate Dance

Contest of Champions - Orlando, Florida: Overall Grand Champions in the X-Small Division

USA Nationals: 2nd place Small Lyrical 2nd place Medium Lyrical Contact us Email: dance@smhs.org Phone: 949-766-6000 Visit the Dance website at www.smhs.org/dance

DanceDeveloping athleticism and artistry

PHILOSOPHY The Instrumental Music ensembles strive to foster intelligent, well-rounded musicians that continue a lifelong love of music and the arts. In “The Arts: An Essential Ingredient in Education,” J. Buchen Milley states that “research shows that when arts are included in the student’s curriculum, reading, writing, and math scores improve. Like all arts, music has a profound effect on the academic success of the student. Band is a group effort. Members are required to shift from an “I/me” reasoning to a “we/us” concept. This means extending oneself beyond the normal considerations of much of our day-to-day living. Instead of the logic being, what’s in it for me, it becomes, what’s in it for us. The values of cooperation, communication, concentration, correlation and completion come into play at each rehearsal and performance.”

The Instrumental Music Program brings together students from all interests, grades and abilities to create an extended family of support in a loving faith-based community.

Classes offered • Wind Ensemble Honors• String Orchestra Honors• String Orchestra• Steel Drum Percussion Ensemble Honors• Steel Drum Ensemble• Classical Guitar Ensemble 1• Classical Guitar Ensemble 2

Earn PE Credit by concurrently enrolling with the Eagle Regiment Marching Band and Color Guard.

How do I sign up? After auditions, we will notify you which ensemble will be best suited for you for the upcoming school year. At Incoming Freshmen Scheduling Night, you will have the opportunity to enroll in any of the courses listed above. Additional forms will be available for students interested in the Eagle Regiment Marching Band and Color Guard. It is never too late to learn a musical instrument! We have had students who started with little or no experience and eventually continued to receive scholarships in music.

Do I have to audition? All students who wish to enroll in an honors class, Classical Guitar Ensemble 2 and String Orchestra are required to audition. Auditions take place in late March. Students are required to perform the following criteria for their audition: • a prepared solo that best represents the student’s ability• major scales • sight reading

Eagle Regiment One of the best ways to get connected and plugged in to the school community is signing up with the Eagle Regiment Marching Band and Color Guard. You not only have an opportunity to earn PE Credits for playing a musical instrument, but you will make many new friends, perform at major school events and be a cornerstone of the Santa Margarita culture. In the fall of 2011, the Eagle Regiment received the opportunity to perform in front of 14,000 spectators at Angel Stadium for the CIF Football Championships! The Eagle Regiment is a competitive unit that also competes in regional competitions throughout California.

Symphony Orchestra In 2012, the SMCHS Instrumental Music Program founded the SMCHS Symphony Orchestra. This is a group comprised of students from the String Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble Honors courses. They perform advanced repertoire and work with professional musicians and conductors in the LA and Orange County area.

Alumni Many of our musicians continue their craft after SMCHS either as music majors or participating in various performance ensembles at universities throughout the United States. Students frequently receive music scholarships at schools such as USC, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Oberlin Conservatory, Chapman University, Tulane University, Notre Dame, and Oregon State.

Awards and Recognition2008-2013 WBA and SCSBOA Championships, Finalist, SMCHS Eagle Regiment

Loara Field Tournament 2013, High Music Effect, SMCHS Eagle Regiment

Tesoro Field Tournament 2013, High Visual Performance, SMCHS Eagle Regiment

2014 WGASC Regional AA Silver Medalist, SMCHS Winter Guard

Performed at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Center for the Arts 2012 and 2013, SMCHS Symphony Orchestra

Premiered and Commissioned Prelude No. 7 “Widow” at the 2012 Spring Concert, SMCHS Classical Guitar Ensemble

Contact us Email: band@smhs.org or steeldrums@smhs.org Phone: 949-766-6000

Visit the Instrumental Music website at www.smhs.org/instrumentalmusic

Instrumental MusicDeveloping a lifelong love of music

Talon Theatre is an educational theatre community within the Performing Arts Department at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Talon Theatre is rooted in the spirit of Caritas Christi and the philosophy of Theatre on Purpose which uses the performing arts as a way for students to discover who they are by nurturing their God-given gifts, talents, and interests in a supportive, challenging, and comprehensive training program in acting, musical theatre, technical theatre and design.

Technical Theatre and Design Talon Theatre students have the opportunity to design costumes, makeup, sets, lights, and sound for productions through the hands-on Theatre Production Class and in IB Theatre. Technical Theatre students crew the fall, Christmas and spring productions.

Productions Talon Theatre productions are cast through open auditions. The fall production is generally a drama or comedy performed in the Talon Black Box Theatre. The spring production is a musical performed in the Eagle Dome. In addition to main stage productions, Talon Theatre students perform in the annual Performing Arts Department Christmas Program, showcases, workshop productions, original ensemble pieces and student directed works throughout the year. ENCORE! This is Talon Theatre’s vibrant musical theatre touring troupe. Encore! Performs thematic revues in the community and for campus events. Mentorship Since most college theatre programs require an audition or portfolio for admission, Talon Theatre offers private coaching and mentorship for students who intend to major in theatre in college.

The International Thespian Society The International Thespian Society is the only organization recognized by colleges and universities to honor high school students for outstanding work in theatre on the secondary level. Talon Theatre maintains an active membership in the Society with Troupe #5524. Membership gives students incentives to participate in theatre activities and can be an important factor in gaining admission to a quality theatre program at the university level. There are two initiations each year and students are recognized with awards at the Talon Theatre Awards Banquet in the spring. Travel opportunities Members of Thespian Troupe #5524 attend the California State Thespian Festival and the International Thespian Festival each year where they have the opportunity to perform in individual events, compete for scholarships, take workshops taught by theatre professionals and meet other theatre students from around the world! Talon Academy of Performing Arts and Master Classes TAPA is an extra-curricular, after-school program for students who seek specialized training in a workshop environment with guest artists and industry professionals. Master classes are offered throughout the year in muscial theatre, improvisation, cabaret performing, and playwriting. ComedySportz Improvisation Organization Talon Theatre is an active member of ComedySportz, an improvisation organization.

CAPPIES and M.A.C.Y. Awards Talon Theatre participates in the Orange County Cappies and the M.A.C.Y. Programs.

Awards and Recognition M.A.C.Y. Awards 2014 Pippin - MACY Award for Best Musical; Best Supporting Actor 2013 Beauty And The Beast - Magical Journey Award; Best Female Vocalist 2012 Les Miserables - Literature to Life Award; Best Dramatic Actor; Best Female Vocalist Orange County Cappies Critic Awards 2014 Pippin - Lead Actor; Lead Actress 2013 The Crucible - Supporting Actor; Sound Design 2013 Beauty And The Beast - Female Vocalist; Comedic Actor 2012 The Miracle Worker - Lead Actress; Supporting Actress; Costume Design 2012 Les Miserables - Best Female Vocalist; Best Male Vocalist International Thespian Honor Society

California State Thespians 2014 The Ballad of 423 & 424 - Scenefest, 1st Place Performed International Thespian Festival 2012 The Miracle Worker Chapter Select, 1st Place California Youth In Theatre: Essay Contest 1st Place The State Capitol, Sacramento National Individual Events 2014 The Crucible - 1st Place Sound Design, International Thespian Festival Contact Us Email: theatre@smhs.org Phone: 949-766-6000 Visit the Talon Theatre website at www.smhs.org/talontheatre

Talon Theatre The award-winning programPHILOSOPHY

Classes offered: • Theatre 1 – Fundamentals of Theatre• Theatre 2 – Scene Study and Classical Acting• Theatre 3 – Advanced Acting • IB Theatre (HL and SL) – Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Design, Original Work, World Theatre • Theatre Production and Design• Musical Theatre – Solo and Group Performance

Talon Theatre students have the opportunity to follow a scope and sequence of UC approved courses from beginning through advanced levels in all areas of theatre arts over four years. In their junior and senior years, students have the option of applying to the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Theatre Class.

What is The Arts Alliance?The Arts Alliance is a parent-led organization whose mission is to raise visibility and to support the Visual and Performing Arts Programs at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.Together with the program directors, administration, faculty, students and alumni, the Arts Alliance is “Dreaming Beyond the Dome” and working with the Center For the Arts Leadership Team to make our dream to build a Center for the Arts on the campus of SMCHS a reality. For more information about the Arts Alliance, please email artsalliance@smhs.org

Dreaming Beyond The Dome Imagining Our Future – Preparing Artists For The 21st Century