MONTAGE! Handbook 2023-2024

WELCOME TO MONTAGE!

Congratulations to our incoming students on your acceptance into MONTAGE!. As an educational arts institution, Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) continues to grow stronger, more diverse and remains committed to reinforcing superior academic standards and arts education. As the school’s Creative Director, I remain earnestly dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of quality arts instruction, as well as providing our bright and talented students an abundance of unique performance opportunities that will build the necessary skills to be successful for a life in the arts and beyond.

It is my challenge to you as an OCSA student or parent to take advantage of everything MONTAGE! has to offer. By exposing yourself to all of the art forms offered at OCSA, you will enrich your life and broaden your perspective as an artist. Students are encouraged to make the most of every rehearsal, master class, teacher, and every performance opportunity available to continue achieving to their highest potential. Don’t just sit back and enjoy the ride! Be active in your own personalized way. Each student is different in his/her own approach to learning. Be aware of the work habits that benefit you best, and then challenge your efforts to set some reachable personal goals. Only you can do this for yourself. Our Creative Team will provide you with the tools, lead you in the right direction, encourage you, and applaud your accomplishments.

I look forward to working with you during the next school year. Please take the time to go over the enclosed material about MONTAGE!, its policies, guidelines, and calendar. Please keep the pathways of communication open. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions and/or concerns. Let’s work together to foster an appreciation and passion for OCSA, and most importantly, your continued growth in your chosen field of the arts! Thank you,

Cindy Peca OCSA Creative Director

MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM

Cindy Peca, Creative Director

Ms. Peca began teaching at OCSA in 1989 and proudly served as the Assistant Director of the Commercial Dance Conservatory for 13 years. In 2005, she ambitiously took on the role of Creative Director of MONTAGE! and Special Events and has been creating one-of-akind performance opportunities for the bright and talented students at OCSA ever since. Ms. Peca began her distinguished career by winning the title of “National Swing Dance Champion” at the young age of 11. Ms. Peca’s career has encompassed professional performances, dance education, and choreography for national university dance teams, feature films, television, commercials, professional sports teams, and stage. She has worked on and choreographed for numerous industrial events such as, Behr Paint, Reebok, Asics, Neutrogena, KMS, and Matrix hair products. Her television credits include, “Coca-Cola,” “Dance Fever,” “Star Search,” and 1984 winner of the “American Bandstand Dance Contest” which is when at the age of 13, she won her first car. Ms. Peca has worked with and choreographed for such celebrities, companies and professional sport teams as, Rita Moreno, Tina Turner, Bob Hope, the Los Angeles Laker Girls, Dick Clark, Merv Griffin, Bob Fosse and Walt Disney Records. Ms. Peca also choreographed the stage production of “Gidget, The Musical” directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Patrick Copeland, Producer/Arranger/Orchestrator, MONTAGE!

Mr. Copeland has served as music director/conductor in theater: “The Light in the Piazza” Southern California regional premiere; “Kiss me Kate”, Covina Center; “Enter the Guardsman”, New American Musical Festival; Patrick is also an accomplished keyboardist: “Cats’, La Mirada Theater, 2014, “Legally Blonde”, 3-D Theatricals, 2014. As composer he has worked on several projects including: “A Joyful Noise”, A Spoken Memorie, with Earl Hamner; “Chillerama’, “Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror”, “The Odd Couple” & “Wait until Dark”. He has worked on original music and sound design for Covina Center; “Dracula”, original music and Costa Mesa Center for the Arts. As sound designer he has worked on feature films “2001 Maniacs” and “Chillerama”. Currently is he performing at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim and has also served as music arranger and sound designer for many of their projects. From 2007-2009 Patrick served as the artistic and technical director at Covina Center. Mr. Copeland joined Orange County High School for the Arts in 2014. He currently serves as producer, arranger and orchestrator for special events and MONTAGE!.

Robert “Jake” Jacobs, Band Conductor, MONTAGE!

Robert “Jake” Jacobs a been a professional musician recording and performing since the age of thirteen. His extensive resume includes recording and/or performing with artists such as Natalie Cole, Al Green, Three Dog Night, Clarence Clemons (Bruce Springsteen), Brandon Fields, Eric Marienthal, Ollie Woodson (Temptations), The Olsen Twins, and The Young Dubliners. His televisions credits include working on Judging Amy, and doing voices overs for Quest For Camelot (WB). He has also produced and arranged for artists such as Bob Malone (John Fogerty). He currently teaches Drum Labs I/II, Arranging and Composing in Sibelius, and Rock Ensemble in OCSA’s Popular Music Conservatory. He is an Artist Endorser with Drum Workshop (DW), Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth and REMO “Jake” most enjoys using his extensive experience to get the best performance out of each musician and to help them reach their goals and aspirations.

Entering into her seventh year of being a part of the OCSA family, Quinn Olesiuk loves being a part of the vibrant school community and serving its incredible students. Quinn possesses a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising & Television Production and Writing from Chapman University. She has a strong creative background in film and television production and creative content development. Quinn’s experience stretches from working on highly-acclaimed television shows including "Jane the Virgin" and "Pretty Little Liars," to serving as a stylist and creative consultant for various fashion shows, magazines, and media outlets. Quinn is a lover of everything creative and great conversation topics with her include her son Avery, her adorable puppy children, Piper and Tatum, the brilliance “Les Misérables,” and how delicious vanilla lattes and all-you-can-eat sushi are (but not together!). Quinn loves getting to know each and every MONTAGE! student, so please come to her office in Tower 402 and say “hi” anytime!

Quinn Olesiuk, Foundation & Creative Team Manager

Alex Padilla, Production Coordinator, MONTAGE!

Alex Padilla is a proud alumnus of OCSA’s Production & Design Conservatory and is a sound designer and engineer as well as a planner and DJ for weddings and special events in Southern California. From the classic opera “Don Giovanni” to the hit musical, “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical”, Alex’s sonic creativity stretches between different styles, creating acoustical immersion for all audience members. Outside of creating acoustical art, Alex also has a passion for creating unforgettable moments as a DJ and event planner for over 10 years. Alex is happy to return to OCSA since OCSA helped nurture and shape the human he is today. Alex holds a bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts with emphases in Sound Design, Lighting Design, and Theatrical/NPO Management from California State University, Fullerton. When not working, Alex loves to cook all types of food (as long as there are no capers involved) and enjoys taking time to disconnect by backpacking the Sierra Nevada’s.

Jacob Piattoni, Choreographer, MONTAGE!

Jacob Piattoni is a southern California native and grew up as a trained competitive dancer. He is a graduate of the Orange County School of the Arts’ Commercial Dance Conservatory and has earned many awards for his innovative choreography. Jacob has continued to work independently to provide unique choreography to top-scoring studios, schools and dance conventions throughout the United States. He has also worked as a contracted choreographer for Matthew Morrison’s “Go The Distance” official music video and live D23 Experience Show. Jacob currently works at multiple southern California dance studios and high schools and acts as a resident dance coach and choreographer for the Orange County School of the Arts’ celebrated performance group MONTAGE!. Jacob continuously prioritizes instilling his passion for movement into his students and will continue to do so with every project he works on.

Julia Rudge, Dance Captain/Supervisor, MONTAGE!

Julia Rudge, an OCSA Alumni, has been dancing for 15 years and has trained in tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, modern and other dance styles. She trained at HBP Dance Extreme for her early stages of training and then added OCSA training in 2012. Julia received the honor of being Co-Valedictorian for the Commercial Dance Conservatory under the direction of Jim Kolb. She has also been an active company member of LA Dance Magic by assisting convention classes. Her performing credits include OCSA Annual Gala for four years, Rochelle Mapes Master Thesis of CSULB, Choreography Conference in Palm Desert, and ASN Conference Seattle. Not only has she been a part of the Creative Team for 4 years, but she also choreographs and teaches dance for the Integrated Arts Conservatory’s hip-hop group, ManIA as well as at other schools and studios across Orange County. Julia has a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Entertainment and Hospitality Management from Cal State University, Fullerton and hopes to continue educating young dancers.

Melissa Tyler Wackerman, Musical Director, MONTAGE!

Mrs. Wackerman is a top industry music director, songwriter, vocal arranger and coach. She is a Teaching Artist/Clinician for Disney’s Imagination Campus where she directs workshops in musical theatre performance and vocal/instrumental recording techniques to groups from around the country. As a songwriter, Melissa has co-written songs with Emmy-award winning composer, John Kavanaugh who writes for Disney animated television shows and Jon Kubis, keyboardist/arranger for Dancing With The Stars. She just completed six original songs for the upcoming Paw Patrol Live tour. She was the vocal arranger for Sesame Street Live and Hello Kitty national tours. Mrs. Wackerman has been Music Director for many professional productions and coached the children’s cast of Universal Studios Japan’s show “Voice of an Angel.” She began as a performer at Disneyland and was honored to be selected as a Disneyland Ambassador, travelling around the globe with Mickey as the official spokesperson of the Disneyland Resort. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance from UCLA and was a member of the University Chorus and UCLA’s top jazz ensemble. After college, she served as Director of Special Events for Los Angeles Music Center where she produced the Spotlight Awards and a Tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber. One of the most memorable projects was music directing the granting of a wish for a child through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Music can quite literally be medicine for the brain bringing deep emotional joy and healing to others.

CREATIVE TEAM DIRECTORY

Cindy Peca, Creative Director Cindy.Peca@ocsarts.net

714.560.0900 ext. 6810 714.290.9967

Patrick Copeland, Producer/Arranger/Orchestrator Pcproject@icloud.com

Robert “Jake” Jacobs, Band Conductor Robert.Jacobs@ocsarts.net 310.663.4134

Quinn Olesiuk, Foundation & Creative Team Manager Quinn.Barraza@ocsarts.net 714.560.0900 ext. 3263 949.274.1617

Alex Padilla, Production Coordinator Alex.Padilla@ocsarts.net 714.403.2338

Jacob Piattoni, Choreographer Jacob.Piattoni@ocsarts.net 909.643.4094

Julia Rudge, Dance Captain/Supervisor Julia.Rudge@ocsarts.net 714.335.0526

Melissa Wackerman, Musical Director Melissa.Wackerman@ocsarts.net 714.318.7370

We are currently in the process of hiring a new Vocal Director and will publicly announce them soon! While we are looking forward to welcoming another amazing individual to the Creative Team, we are going to miss Mr. McCoy immensely and are continually grateful for sharing his talents, leadership, and commitment to our students. We wish him nothing but the best in the future!

ABOUT MONTAGE!

MONTAGE!, features several of Orange County School of the Arts’ most celebrated student artists. This interdepartmental performing group provides a unique opportunity for OCSA students to build an impressive resume, make life-long friendships and develop industry connections.

They are recognized as OCSA’s performance ambassadors and combine the talent of singers, dancers, and instrumentalists in unforgettable performances for community events, private events, corporate events, and OCSA Foundation events MONTAGE! students not only serve OCSA by representing the spirit and culture of our beloved student body, but they also contagiously reflect our high level of excellence to communities and esteemed organizations throughout southern California.

MONTAGE!’s preexisting repertoire includes 15 to 30-minute variety shows comprised of large group numbers, trios, duets, and solos, which can be customized to suit the needs of any event. In addition, MONTAGE! offers a 45-minute scripted holiday performance, a 25-minute musical performance packed with holiday favorites, contemporary a cappella holiday tunes, contemporary pop tunes, a cappella pop selections, various Great American Songbook options, a contemporary string quartet and coffee house style acoustic set. MONTAGE! can also create original repertoire specifically for your private party or event, including everything from one customized number to a fully-staged production. MONTAGE! has been highlighted at a variety of community and private events, including:

ACCESS Destination Services

Balboa Bay Resort

CHOC Hospital

Disneyland

Edwards Lifesciences

Event Host Live!

Farmers & Merchants Bank

Guilds of Segerstrom Center of the Arts

Macy’s

Make A Wish Foundation

Neiman Marcus

Newport Beach Country Club

North Star Travel Group

OCSA’S Annual Gala

OCSA’S Season Finale

One OC Gala

Orange County Community Foundation

South Coast Plaza- Tree Lighting Ceremony

Orange County Community Foundation

Outlets at San Clemente

Parenting OC

Pasadena Tournament of Roses Foundation

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

South Coast Plaza

Southern California Edison

West Coast University

The Western Growers Center

Young Presidents Organization

MONTAGE! STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

• General Expectations:

The Creative Team understands sacrifices have been made by the students and their guardians to reap the benefits of a well-rounded arts education and to make a deep commitment to the rigorous demands of this unique program. Discipline, attitude, a willingness to experience new ideas, and attendance are necessary components for the success of the student. You are now a part of an elite team that is representative of Orange County School of the Arts as a whole and your participation/ambassadorship is crucial in not only all activities, rehearsals, and events, but in your daily behavior as well. As with everything worthwhile in life, you will take from it what you put into it.

• Materials/Dress Code:

Students are expected to come prepared with the proper materials listed on the MONTAGE! event calendar to off-site events as well as rehearsals. All students are required to wear their MONTAGE! uniform to ALL events unless otherwise indicated to arrive in costume. MONTAGE! uniforms must consist of the following: MONTAGE! shirt and jacket with black bottoms of your choice. Shoe selection will depend on event. Faded or ripped jeans are not allowed. Additionally, all students will be asked to provide the following items for any given performances:

MASCULINE PRESENTING CAST:

White V-neck undershirt

Black dress slacks

Black skinny jeans with no holes or fading

Black belt

Black dress socks

Black combat boots AND Black dress shoes for Vocalists

Black jazz shoes AND White tennis shoes for Dancers

FEMININE PRESENTING CAST:

Nude strapless bra

Nude seamless no-show thong

Black booty shorts

Nude tights AND Black tights

Nude leotards for Dancers

Black AND Tan jazz shoes AND White tennis shoes for Dancers

Black AND Nude closed toed pumps AND White tennis shoes for Vocalists

• Costumes:

Unless collected by the Creative Team at the end of an event, students are responsible for returning their costumes to Ms. Peca’s office (Tower Room 402) no later than 1 week after an event. For every 2 weeks that a costume is not turned back in by a student, they will be charged a $10.00 late/restocking fee. We use our costumes sometimes multiple times per week for events, so please help us make sure we have our entire costume inventory to work with!

• Attendance Policies:

You are required to notify all directors in advance of missing rehearsal. Attendance will affect casting and good standing in the group. Please review the attendance policies in the OCSA handbook. The performing arts are a participatory activity and therefore, regular attendance is critical. Students are responsible for learning material from rehearsals they miss. Communication is crucial in MONTAGE!. Excessive absences may result in dismissal from MONTAGE!.

• Tardies:

Students are expected to show up to all MONTAGE! rehearsals and events on time and prepared. We have a minimal amount of time for rehearsals. The sooner you get there, get ready and warm up, the sooner we can all get to work! Like absences, excessive lateness may result in dismissal from MONTAGE!. Start developing your professional work habits. Arriving early is on time, arriving on time is late, and arriving late is unacceptable.

• A Note About Scheduling Outside Appointments:

In order to maximize student growth despite limited rehearsal time, interruptions must be kept to a minimum. Outside appointments such as doctors, dentist, orthodontists, or professional auditions and jobs, should NOT conflict with rehearsal or events. When it is necessary to take away from rehearsal time, school policy requires the student brings proof of doctor appointments, professional auditions, or other engagements.

• Events:

Students are expected to clean up after themselves after every event and rehearsal by hanging up costumes, picking up trash and organizing your holding room(s). It is important to leave all facilities in a better condition than which it was found.

• Academic/Conservatory Classroom Rules: MONTAGE! students are subject to OCSA School Behavior Standards at all times, including conservatory classes, rehearsals, and performances at school and off-campus. Additionally, students are responsible for adhering to the Conservatory Standards of Behavior. Students are responsible for following all expectations of the agreement. Please be on time and act responsibly during the school day.

• Grade Expectations:

All MONTAGE! students must maintain at least a 2.0 in their Academic classes and may not earn an ‘F’ in any class in order to be an active participant of MONTAGE!. At each Progress Report and semester grading period, if a student is below a 2.0 or is earning an F in an Academic or Conservatory class, active participation is temporarily suspended until the next grading period when grades demonstrate good academic standing (above 2.0 with no failing grades). If a student is placed on Academic/Conservatory Probation at the semester grading period, MONTAGE! participation will be suspended for the semester that a student is on probation, with the possibility of returning for the following semester, if grades are determined to be in good standing.

MONTAGE! GOOGLE CLASSROOM & GOOGLE CALENDAR

We will be using Google Classroom and Google Calendar to communicate all Performance and Rehearsal details. We STRONGLY recommend downloading the phone applications for both of these programs (and setting it up in “Schedule View”!) in addition to bookmarking the sites on your computer for easy access. Please note that if you are a returning MONTAGE! student/guardian, you will not need to change any of your Google Classroom/Calendar settings, as we will be utilizing the same Classroom/Calendar.

Google Classroom:

All student OCSA emails and their provided parent/guardian preferred emails have each been added to our “MONTAGE! 2023-2024 Performances” Google Classroom AND to their individual discipline Google Classroom (Vocalists, Dancers, and Instrumentalists ) If you have any questions/concerns about if you have been added to the Classrooms or if you would like to add another parent/guardian preferred email, please email quinn.olesiuk@ocsarts.net

• Parent / Guardian Instructions: Each parent/guardian has been added as a “guardian” for their MONTAGE! student via the preferred email that was indicated in the “General Information” Google Form. Please note that parents/guardians DO NOT have access to the Google Classroom in the same way that their student does (ie. the class will not appear in a parent/guardian’s “Google Classrooms” waffle, as it will for students.) Instead, with the MONTAGE! Google Classroom, guardians must opt-in for daily email notifications to receive updates about new information that is posted by the Creative Team, assignments that their student is required to complete, any missing assignments from their student, etc. This is the ONLY feature that guardians are permitted to have with Google Classrooms per predetermined Google Privacy Settings. Once a parent/guardian has accepted their guardian invitation and set up daily email notifications, it is highly recommended to check emails daily to stay up-todate on what is being posted in the Google Classroom in addition to staying in constant communication with their MONTAGE! student about what their responsibilities are. To opt-in for these daily emails, please follow the instructions below.

STEP 1: Please find the guardian invitation to Google Classrooms in your email inbox. Make sure that you are checking the preferred email that you listed on the “General Information” Google Form.

STEP 2: Please accept the invitation to receive email summaries from your Google Classrooms. Again, please make sure you are signed into your indicated preferred email account. If you need to change the account you are logged into, you can select the “Switch Account” button. Otherwise, hit “Accept”.

STEP 3: Please select the frequency in which you would like to receive email notification updates. We strongly suggest suggesting “Daily Notifications” to receive the most up-to-date information. Please also confirm the email that the notifications are set to send to is correct. If you have issues receiving email updates, we recommend checking your “Junk” folder.

Google Calendar:

Please refer to the “MONTAGE! 2023-2024 Performances” Google Calendar your main source of information for All-Cast rehearsals and events, including call times, locations, rehearsal content, event details, and more! Please note that not every cast member will be called to every rehearsal/event. Make sure to read the descriptions! Please refer to the Google Calendar labeled for your/your MONTAGE! student’s relevant discipline to access items including general updates, rehearsal materials/information, and event cast lists that pertains specifically to your/your MONTAGE! student’s discipline.

The Creative Team will give as much notice as possible for any updates/changes on rehearsals and events so you can prepare accordingly for any adjustments in scheduling or transportation arrangements. That said, it is recommended to read through the Google Calendar multiple times per week as details may be updated frequently. To access the Google Calendar, please follow the instructions below:

STEP 1: On your computer, open Google Calendar.

STEP 2: On the left, next to “Other calendars,” click Add Subscribe to calendar

STEP 3: In the “Add calendar” box, copy/paste the relevant class codes listed below. Make sure to only add one calendar at a time. Press Enter to add the calendar.

MONTAGE! Performances 2023-2024 Calendar

ALL STUDENTS/PARENTS MUST BE ADDED

Calendar ID: c_classroom1906c1cb@group.calendar.google.com

MONTAGE! Vocalists 2023-2024 Calendar

ONLY VOCALIST STUDENTS/PARENTS MUST BE ADDED

Calendar ID: c_classroom096abf1a@group.calendar.google.com

MONTAGE! Dancers 2023-2024 Calendar

ONLY DANCER STUDENTS/PARENTS MUST BE ADDED

Calendar ID: c_classroom52067d61@group.calendar.google.com

MONTAGE! Instrumentalists 2023-2024 Calendar

ONLY INSTRUMENTALIST STUDENTS/PARENTS MUST BE ADDED

Calendar ID: c_classroom3319d466@group.calendar.google.com

• STEP 4: The relevant calendars you subscribe to will be added on the left side under "Other calendars" and you will be able to see all event details (please note that it may take up to 12 hours for a calendar to appear.) Since all of the MONTAGE! calendars are public already shared with you, you should not have to request access to the calendars. If for any reason, you still have issues with getting access, please email quinn.olesiuk@ocsarts.net

• STEP 5: Adjust your Calendars’ notification settings to receive email notifications for all new events added, changed events, canceled events, as well as a daily agenda. To do this, please follow the below directions. Please note that these emails may sort to your “junk” initially, so please be sure to check that if you have any issues receiving updates after you update your settings!

 Hover over the Calendar Titles over the left-hand side and click the three vertical dots

 Select “Settings and Sharing”

 Scroll down until you see “Other Notifications”

 Change “None” to “Email” on ALL of the notification settings.

• STEP 6: Add the Phone Application for Google Calendar. In order to view the Google Calendars successfully on your Phone, please make sure that you are logged into your preferred parent email address. If you need to change the email that is connected to your Phone application, please click “Settings” > scroll down to “Manage Accounts” > Either switch the account or “Add another account.” Make sure that you enable all push notification settings!

MONTAGE! 2023-2024 PARTICIPATION DONATION

All MONTAGE! students are asked to contribute a base $575 participation donation. Please click the following link to make your donation. All donations are due by Friday, June 16th.

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/OCSA_Montage_Participation/

Please note that all charges will take place at the beginning of OCSA’s fiscal year on Monday, July 3rd, 2023.

*Please note that if you have multiple MONTAGE! students in your family, each student must register individually.

THIS $575.00 FEE INCLUDES:

• Grooming kit and Make-up kits

• Professional headshots

• Events/Parties/Mixers:

- August/September – Welcome Event. This will include: admission, food, beverage and games, if applicable.

- November/December – Holiday Event. This will include: admission, food, beverage and games, if applicable.

- May/June – End-Of-The-Year Event. This will include: admission, food, beverage and games, if applicable.

• Performance costumes/accessories

• Master class guest artist fees

• Administrative supplies

• Staffing allocations

The only anticipated performance donation request is our annual Gala donation of $75.00. We do not foresee asking you to pay any additional performance donations throughout the year.

If you have concerns regarding any of the participation commitments or if you qualify for the FRLP Program at OCSA, please contact the Family Liaison, Becky Parsons at becky.parsons@ocsarts.net no later than Friday, June 16th, 2023.

MONTAGE! SOCIAL MEDIA

We are very proud of MONTAGE! and want you to share the love on your social media sites. Please keep in mind that all content posted on the MONTAGE! Facebook page and Instagram accounts needs to be appropriate and positive!

Please use our Facebook page as the main forum to communicate with your fellow MONTAGE! families about all things MONTAGE!

Suggested topics include:

• MONTAGE! pictures/videos from events or rehearsals

• Congratulate a friend who performed at a MONTAGE! event

• Ask student-related questions about a rehearsal/event

• Coordinate carpool transportation among other MONTAGE! members

MONTAGE! 2023-2024 Facebook Group Page

Please request to be added to the MONTAGE! Facebook group page, by typing the name of the page into your Facebook search bar.

MONTAGE! Instagram Account: @BringOCSAToYou

Please follow our Instagram account and feel free to tag us in stories/posts from events and rehearsals and use the hashtags: #weareocsa #OCSAMONTAGE

LIFE THREATENING ALLERGY COMMUNICATION

In preparation for the upcoming season, we want to make you aware that one or more of our students within MONTAGE! has a life-threatening allergy to the following:

1. Peanuts (airborne, touch, ingested) (trail mix, granola bars, protein bars, peanut butter)

2. Tree Nuts (airborne, touch, ingested)

3. Soybeans (airborne, touch, ingested)

4. Fish (ingested only)

5. Shellfish (ingested only)

Maintaining a safe learning, rehearsal, performance, and event environment for all students is a top priority for the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) and MONTAGE!. It is our expectation that all students within MONTAGE! comply with posted allergen warning and prohibition signs that will be posted within classrooms and at events. We kindly ask that parents and students take into consideration the seriousness of this allergy when packing snacks or providing food for events. We are implementing a policy where donated food items for all event related activities must be sent in its original packaging with an ingredient label. We ask that families refrain from sending homemade food donations.

Following these important instructions will help ensure successful participation for all students. If you have any questions related to this issue please contact Ms. Peca directly at Cindy.Peca@ocsarts.net

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can MONTAGE! students participate in outside activities (shows, sports, etc.)? Participating in outside activities after school hours is a family decision, except when outside commitments interfere with MONTAGE! When that activity is related to OCSA, as a representative and role model of OCSA, MONTAGE!, members should conduct themselves professionally and maintain the OCSA conduct at all times.

Are visitors permitted at events or rehearsals? Students from other classes/ departments, families, parents and guests are not permitted to attend rehearsals or events unless otherwise specified. We will inform you of any events open to the public.

What is the policy for students having rehearsal or show conflicts? As a MONTAGE! student, it is your responsibility to effectively communicate your MONTAGE! rehearsal and performance calendar to any non-MONTAGE! endeavors. Conflicts can and will determine casting.

What factors are considered in the continued participation in MONTAGE!? You are being evaluated year-round at every rehearsal and performance. Your participation in MONTAGE! is not guaranteed every year. Auditions will be held yearly and will be based on the following:

• How you contribute to the MONTAGE! team

• Training/Experience

• Motivation/Energy

• Positive attitude

• Preparedness

• Vocal range/singing ability

• Excessive conflicts

• Classroom conduct

• Attendance/academic probation

• Suitability for the role/production

• Excessive demerits/detentions

• Choice of repertoire (appropriateness, thematic integration, how it showcases you as a performer)

MONTAGE! INTENSIVE PREPERATIONS

DANCERS:

Please come to the first day of the MONTAGE! Intensive on Monday, August 14th, 2023 ready to dance and ready to learn tons of new material! Not all students will be called for every rehearsal, so be sure to read the details on the calendar!

VOCALISTS:

All MONTAGE! vocalists must submit the two song selections that fit the following criteria to Google Classroom by Friday, August 11th, 2023. Feel free to contact Mrs. Wackerman directly with any questions regarding your selection of performance materials or if you need help connecting with one of our instrumentalists for accompaniment.

• One acoustic (coffee-house style cover that must either be performed with an instrumentalist or self-accompanied)

• One pop/rock/R&B/funk Top 40 hit or Retro tune that can be performed with a band (please avoid obscure material)

You may choose one of the songs on the Style Reference Song List in the MONTAGE! Handbook or find something on your own that suits your voice and fits the criteria. Once you submit your two preferred song titles, you can consider them "held" for you until further confirmation from Mrs. Wackerman. Please note while we try to avoid duplicate song selections, if a duplicate does occur, they will be allowed on your expanded repertoire list.

Mrs. Wackerman will designate a day during the first week of the MONTAGE! Intensive where students are required to perform their pre-approved songs, and must be memorized and performance ready (your one pop/retro tune and one acoustic number). You are responsible for having live accompaniment for the acoustic number and a karaoke track on flash drive format for your pop/retro tune.

BAND MEMBERS:

Please come to rehearsal on Monday, August 14th, 2023 prepared with your instruments and ready to learn! We will be working on music immediately. MONTAGE! related materials are typically posted on your Google Classroom’s shared Drive including sheet music and mp3s as they are completed.

Should any questions arise, please contact MONTAGE! Band Leader, Mr. Jacobs or Musical Director, Mrs. Wackerman.

STYLE REFERENCE LIST ACOUSTIC

Find contemporary singer/songwriter style songs or coffeehouse covers that can be performed with guitar, piano or a small ensemble. Try to avoid the following while making your song selections: over dramatic, love/hate relationship songs, inappropriate lyrics and content. We encourage you to think outside the box with these arrangements and to work together by creating duets, trios, and small groups. Feel free to do your own cover of a non-acoustic contemporary song or use an original song from an artist such as one of the following:

Jason Mraz Ed Sheeran

Charlie Puth Adele

KT Tunstall

Corrine Bailey Rae

John Mayer Carrie Underwood

Alicia Keys Tori Amos

Sara Bareilles Adele

John Legend Ben Harper

Tori Kelly Thirdstory (covers)

Taylor Swift The Chainsmokers

The Weeknd Phoebe Bridgers

Shawn Mendes Joni Mitchell

Find a pop/rock/R&B Top 40 hit or Retro tune that can be performed with a live band. Feel free to do your own cover of a song that fits the required criteria or use an original song from an artist such as one of the following:

Stevie Wonder Bruno Mars

Ariana Grande Prince

Sting The Beatles

Harry Styles One Direction

Christina Aguilera Matchbox 20

Paramore The Rolling Stones

The Supremes Aretha Franklin

Elton John Megan Trainor

Lady Gaga Pharrell

MONTAGE! STANDING REHEARSALS

The below schedules reflect the standing rehearsals that the Creative Team kindly requests that students keep open in their schedules every week for their relevant discipline. Please note that these schedules encompass the maximum amount of time that a rehearsal may take and that all call times/release times will be posted on the Google Calendar for every given rehearsal.

BAND:

Tuesday’s from approx. 5:30pm - 7:30pm in the Center for the Arts Room C205

Friday’s from approx. 2:45pm - 6:30pm in the Center for the Arts Room C205

DANCERS:

Thursdays from approx. 5:30pm - 8:30pm in DMS Room 114 & 115

Fridays from approx. 2:45pm - 6:30pm in DMS Room 114 & 115

VOCALSITS:

Tuesdays from approx. 5:30pm - 8:30pm in the Center for the Arts Rooms C200 & C201

Fridays from approx. 2:45pm – 6:30pm in the Center for the Arts Rooms C200 & C201

*Please note that additional rehearsals during the week will be occasionally scheduled to accommodate busy seasons including Season Premiere, holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies, Gala, and for the MONTAGE! Intensive. We will give ample notice to students in order to accommodate scheduling.

MONTAGE! STUDENT OUTCOMES

1. Basic technique

• Gain experience in standard repertoire of your chosen emphasis

• Learn to approach material from technical and emotional standpoints

• Be able to comfortably perform material of medium to advanced difficulty

• Be able to master varied stylistic repertoire

• Be able to identify stylistically correct performance choices

• Be able to identify expressive performance choices

2. Performing

• Gain knowledge, skill, and experience in performing a solo, duet, and ensemble settings

• Be able to work cooperatively in an ensemble

3. Work habits

• Develop proper work habits to create quality work in a quick manner

• Understand how to use rehearsal time in an efficient and focused manner

• Develop practical skills

- Time Management

- Responsibility

- Team work

4. Build an impressive résumé

• Unique performance and media opportunities

• Valuable work experience

• Performance alongside and coaching from professionals in the industry

• As a member of MONTAGE!, you will receive many personal benefits from the training and once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities.

The Creative Team is thrilled and delighted to welcome you to MONTAGE! We’re looking forward to another fabulous year!

www.ocsarts.net/montage