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ARTS AT MATER DEI Choral & Vocal Music........................................... 2 Film & Media Arts................................................ 3 Instrumental Music............................................... 4 Movement Arts.................................................... 5 Theatre Arts......................................................... 6 Visual Arts............................................................ 7
WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
In these pages you will find countless opportunities to create, meet new people, explore, and do all of this while having the most fun of your life. There truly is a home for everyone in Mater Dei Arts whether you want to be on the stage or off, and the accomplished faculty and staff here are ready to support you in creating exactly how you want. Don’t know how to get started? Well, you’ve already just begun! So, please take a look at the theatre classes, movement arts classes, instrumental music and guitar classes, choirs, art and design classes, and the wide array of offerings from the film and media arts program - I am confident something or many things will peak your interest; and when it does, please reach out to any of the directors. They are here to unleash your artistry and a joy that will last forever. We look forward to seeing what your talents will bring to the long-standing tradition of artistic excellence here at Mater Dei.
Future Monarch Opportunities............................ 8 Contact Information............................................. 9 Monarch Masterpiece........................................ 10
Mr. Scott Melvin Executive Director, Performing Arts
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION Mater Dei Arts pride themselves in the spiritual growth of each and every artist. Students have performed and displayed their artistic talents at numerous ordinations, Holy Masses and special celebrations including the Catholic Educators’ National Convention.
“The Performing Arts are THE reason I came to Mater Dei. They are diverse, accepting, fun and gave us a taste of how genuine the MD family is.” – Alexis Rangell-Onwuegbuzia ‘18 Columbia University ‘22
“I started in the marching band at Mater Dei and joined the drill team [now dance team] as a junior. It was a great place to begin my high school journey since I really did not know anyone. The band director made summer camp exciting and it was an awesome introduction as to how much fun we would have as a musical family.” – Julie (Parker) Fort ‘87 (Instrumental Music, Movement Arts) Parent of Lexi Fort ‘15 and Casey Fort ‘20 (Choral & Vocal Music, Theatre and Film & Media Arts)
HONOR SOCIETY AFFILIATIONS
ComedySportz
DID YOU KNOW‌
50% of Mater Dei students participate in one of our Arts programs
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES Students in The Arts have the unique opportunity to travel throughout the United States and abroad, showcasing their talents in world-class venues for audiences that include professional industry artists and even the Pope. Our student artists educate themselves in the local art cultures while partaking in philanthropic outreach in many of the communities.
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CHORAL & VOCA MUSIC 2
CHORAL & VOCAL MUSIC at Mater Dei encompasses
a wide array of choral, vocal and handbell classes ranging from the most advanced choirs to our most novice and enthusiastic freshman ensembles. These student artists have toured extensively across the world, performing a broad range of music focusing on a cappella literature and large choral works.
FIND YOUR VOICE • Beginning Men/Women (Troubadours/Vivace) • Intermediate Women* (Cabaletta) • Advanced Men/Women* (Kingsmen/Bel Canto) • Honors Chamber Singers* • Handbell Ensemble • AP Music Theory • Bristol Boys* • Melody Lane* • Rubies* • Vocal FX* • Honors Musical Theatre • Vocal Conservatory *audition required
VOCAL CONSERVATORY • Teaching staff of the highest caliber with a curriculum tailored to the needs of each student • Progress at your own pace through weekly coaching sessions and frequent masterclasses • Preparation for auditions, competitions, current and future performance opportunities and success at the university level
“The Choral & Vocal and Theatre Arts programs provided me with an opportunity to discover and develop certain talents I didn’t realize I had; literally finding my voice. Whether it’s a passionate pursuit, an appreciation for the arts, or lifelong friendships, the arts are an avenue into a greater understanding of humanity and ourselves.” – Christopher Job ‘96 Resident at the Metropolitan Opera (Choral & Vocal Music, Theatre Arts)
“Looking back at my high school experience, through all the ups and downs, only one thing stayed constant- my choir family. We formed a bond unlike one I’d known before. I found a family in choir.” – Teresa Dang ‘20
“To me, Yearbook is a class to improve skills of communication, collaboration, and leadership. It became my home away from home where I was able to improve these skills. The bonds I also formed have left me with memories I will remember forever.” – Jasmine Nguyen, ‘20 Cee ROWN Yearbook Editor-in-Chief
CAPTURE THE MOMENTS • Introduction to Publication Design • Newspaper I-IV* Media Production • Yearbook I-IV* Media Production • Intro to Media Production • Filmmaking I-II • Advanced Television Production I-II • Acting for Television I-II • Studio Production I • Sports Broadcasting *interview required
DID YOU KNOW…
93% of Americans believe Arts are vital to providing a wellrounded education
FILM & MEDIA ARTS
The FILM AND MEDIA ARTS are continually developing new curriculum to give students valuable and practical experience to prepare them for college and career. From media production to filmmaking, journalism to yearbook and scriptwriting to television production, these programs are designed to educate and give experience in this competitive and exciting industry.
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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 4
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC develops new and experienced
musicians through curriculum covering beginning to advanced college prep ensembles and private lessons. Student musicians grow spiritually, creatively, intellectually and socially through leadership opportunities and concert performances. Musicians learn various genres of music ranging from classical to contemporary to pop and jazz.
“Instrumental Music gave my girls experiences and skills far beyond anything I could have imagined. They learned how to contribute to a bigger group, collaborate with their peers, and gain self confidence. Most importantly, it gave them lifelong friends and memories. – Wendy Yoshizaki, Parent of Isabelle Yoshizaki ‘17 and Madeline Yoshizaki ‘19
“Being in the program has allowed me to work with some great instructors who are heavily involved in the music scene themselves and constantly push me to become better.” – Joseph Nguyen ‘20 (Percussion)
The Guitar Program has been such a blessing to me. Music is such a huge part of who I am, and this program has amplified it to farther than I could have imagined; I am incredibly thankful. – Meg Jillian ‘21 (Advanced Guitar Media Production)
STRIKE UP A CHORD • Concert Band • Symphonic Band* • Honors Wind Ensemble* • Beginning & Intermediate Guitar • Advanced Guitar Media Production* • Jazz Band* • Orchestra • Percussion • Code Red* • Marching Monarch Pageantry Corps • Mass Ensemble • Pep Band *audition required
of programs, which allow unique training and performance opportunities for dancers of all backgrounds and styles. Students explore their artistic abilities by fostering the discipline, teamwork, technical mastery, and artistic expression necessary to have a successful career in the arts and beyond.
“Getting something you practiced so hard for, and then performing it for everyone to see- it’s amazing. It’s about making it your own. Color Guard changed my life.” – Monique Rivera ‘20 (Color Guard)
“It’s uplifting to have a coach that loves you and wants the best for you, pushing you in a motivating way.” – Lauren McGrath ‘20 (Dance)
On stage, it’s just me getting to be me, without any stress. I have learned so much about myself through dancing and made so many friends. My song teammates are like my sisters.” – McKenna Rogers ‘20 (Song)
BE MOVED • Dance I • Dance II: Intermediate • Dance III/IV: Choreography and Composition • Yoga • Dance Team* • Fall Color Guard* • Hip Hop Team* • Song Team* • Winter Color Guard* *audition required
“You may go through hard times in your life, but when you get out there and dance, you are able to let all that go. There are no words that can encompass how meaningful dance really is.”
– Luis Salcedo ‘20 (Hip Hop)
DID YOU KNOW…
Approximately 48% of MD student artists are also student athletes
MOVEMENT ARTS
MOVEMENT ARTS at Mater Dei offers a variety
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THEATRE ARTS 6
THEATRE ARTS at Mater Dei offer numerous ways for you to be involved in the theatre experience – both onstage and behind the scenes. In addition to our various theatre classes, students may audition to be part of the cast of a production, serve on the tech crew or join one of our theatre groups, club, or teams.
“Theatre gave me a voice when I felt voiceless – it is magical to use someone else’s words to express your own feelings.” – MoniQue Rangell-Onwuegbuzia ‘18
GET INVOLVED • Theatre I: Fundamentals • Theatre II: Acting • Theatre III: Production • Honors Theatre IV* • Honors Theatre V* • Honors Musical Theatre I* • Honors Musical Theatre II* • Event Management & Stagecraft • All School Musical • All School Play • Theatre in the Grotto • Cappies Team • ComedySportz High School League *audition required
DID YOU KNOW…
98% of MD Arts courses are UC Approved
“Mater Dei Theatre has given me the resources to cultivate my passions for acting and singing, as well as created a space and community to help performers like me grow and succeed.” – Reese Wineroth ‘21
“With the supportive community of both teachers and students, the Visual Arts program truly taught me to always grow as an artist and in turn became the start of my artistic journey.” – Emily Mendoza ‘15 Freelance Illustrator
EXPRESS YOURSELF • Art I/II/III (Honors) • Animation I/Animation II (Honors) • Graphic Design I/II/III (Honors) • Digital Photo I/II • AP Studio Art: Drawing • AP Studio Art: 2D • AP Studio Art: 3D
DID YOU KNOW…
Students who take 4 years of ARTS average almost 100 points higher on their SAT scores
VISUAL ARTS
Mater Dei VISUAL ARTS are proud to offer a comprehensive and rigorous program which allows students to develop and hone skills specific to a chosen discipline. Students have the opportunity to discover and learn to express their individual creative voices while advancing through four years of coursework in all studio disciplines, culminating in Advanced Placement Studio Art respective to their chosen course of study.
“Visual Arts at Mater Dei was one of the stepping stones that led me to where I am today. This school and the Arts are more than an education – the community is a family who will support you for life.” – Nicole (Wescombe) Howard ‘85 Freelance Graphic Designer
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William Ludovico ‘20 (Choral & Vocal Music, Movement Arts, Visual Arts) Majoring in Video Game Design at University of Utah
FUTURE MONARCH OPPORTUNITIES Can’t wait to be a part of the Mater Dei Arts family? Future Monarchs can participate in various elementary school programs run by our artistic directors.
Junior High Honor Choir Music Academy Junior Color Guard Mini Monarchs Dance Camps
DID YOU KNOW…
Students in Arts are 4 times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement
“Music complements my son’s academic achievement. The ability to play a musical instrument enables my son to be a well rounded student in all aspects of his life.” – E dwin Cornejo, father of Derek Cornejo (Trombone, 7th grade, St. Anne School) 8
ALUMNI AND BEYOND
LET’S GET STARTED! Are you ready to become part of the Mater Dei ARTS? Reach out to the program director below or contact the Arts Department directly.
Our alumni continue the tradition of artistic excellence taught at Mater Dei both onstage and behind the scenes. In all areas of life, our alumni have told us The Arts at Mater Dei gave them the skills to excel in their professional life and beyond.
DID YOU KNOW…
72% of business leaders say that creativity is the number one skill they are seeking when hiring!
CHORAL & VOCAL MUSIC
MOVEMENT ARTS
choir@materdei.org
dance@materdei.org
FILM & MEDIA ARTS
THEATRE
filmandmedia@materdei.org
theatre@materdei.org
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS
band@materdei.org
visualarts@materdei.org
“Drumline and Jazz Band at Mater Dei provided some of the most positive and memorable experiences of my high school years. The comradery of the program and the music education I received paved the way for a rewarding career as a college music professor.”
THE ARTS AT MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL www.mdcoa.org performingarts@materdei.org 714-957-3784
FOLLOW US!
– David Fague ‘96, Director of Jazz Studies and Bulldog Band at Gonzaga University
@md.performingarts • @mdchoir • @materdeidance @materdeimusic • @mdhstheatre • @mdhs_visualart
OH THE PLACES WE’VE BEEN...
Los Cabos
SAN FRANCISCO
Seattle
Hawaii
SCOTLAND
Austria
New Orleans
GERMANY
Whales
London FRANCE
NEW YORK
Italy AUSTRALIA
Washington, DC
Spain
ROME
Chicago
IRELAND
ORLANDO
AND THE STAGES WE’VE SHARED Anaheim Angels Stadium Ancient English & Scottish Castles The Annual Rose Parade Birdland Jazz Club Carnegie Hall Disneyland ESPN Wide World of Sports Segerstrom Concert Hall Sistine Chapel Spaghettini’s Jazz Club
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Monarch Masterpiece A COMMUNITY-BASED CAMPAIGN FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL The time has come for the deserving student artists and educators at Mater Dei to have a permanent home on campus. The Center for the Performing Arts promises to be a beacon for the arts in Orange County and, most especially, the community of Santa Ana. It will enable more outreach programs to serve underprivileged youth in addition to serving the students at Mater Dei in our faith-focused mission of artistry. We can’t wait to welcome you all on the stage and in the classroom very soon.
Performance Hall
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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT, PLEASE VISIT WWW.MATERDEIPERFORMINGARTS.ORG
Movement Arts Studio
Black Box Theatre
Band Room
MDTV Studio
Lobby
Choir Room
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