Coronado School of the Arts
cosasandiego.com
SCHOOL OVERVIEW Coronado School of the Arts is a public arts conservatory for students in grades 9 through 12 that embraces and encourages artistic creativity and academic excellence. This pre-professional arts program reaches out to talented students in San Diego County, offering a nurturing environment focused on individual growth, opportunity and diversity. CoSA is the place for aspiring student artists to immerse themselves in one of six performing or visual arts conservatories. The program includes a core academic day at Coronado High School and an afternoon arts curriculum taught by outstanding faculty who are professionals in their respective fields. CoSA also offers approved California career technical education (CA CTE) pathways within the Arts, Media and Entertainment Industry Sector*, preparing students for entry-level career opportunities and industry certifications. CoSA offers an enriching learning experience that includes innovative seminars, an average teacher-student ratio of 20:1, multiple opportunities to participate in performances or exhibitions, and state-of-the-art facilities. *See each conservatory in this brochure to discover which pathway it falls under. Visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/gi/ameindustrysector.asp to learn more.
GUEST ARTISTS CoSA has cultivated relationships with practicing arts professionals both locally and nationally, resulting in partnerships with guest artists who lecture on special topics and collaborate with students on productions.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS CoSA students have several opportunities to develop leadership skills. In addition to participating in exhibits and performances, students can also serve as Student Ambassadors. Faculty and staff rely on CoSA Ambassadors to help coordinate events, mentor new students, meet with prospective students and parents, and serve as a face of the program to students, faculty, and the public.
AWARDS Since its founding in 1996, CoSA has earned many awards and recognitions, including state and national awards for excellence. See the complete list of awards on our website: http://cosasandiego.com/about/awards
CoSA Director/CHS Assistant Principal Shane Schmeichel Classical and Contemporary Dance Betzi Roe, Chair; Matt Carney; Gina Bolles Sorensen; Sadie Weinberg Digital Media (Graphic Design, Animation and Filmmaking) Riana Bucceri, Chair; Patrick Galligan; Anna Woerman Instrumental Music Matt Heinecke, Chair; Devon Burnworth; Bill Caballero; John Flood; Kathryn Hatmaker; April Leslie Musical Theatre and Drama Barbara Wolf, Chair; Tiffany Bagg; Shane Simmons; Gina Bolles Sorensen; Kim Strassburger; Ray Yannaccone Technical Theatre Adrian Gonzalez, Chair Visual Art Karrie Jackson, Chair; Melissa Reynolds; Pamela Whidden Administrative Assistant Nancy McRae Box Office and House Manager Julia Taylor
CONSERVATORIES CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE Approved CA CTE Performing Arts Pathway CoSA’s Classical and Contemporary Dance conservatory focuses on training students in concert dance techniques—from ballet to contemporary dance—and developing creative artistry and skills in choreography. Students are provided with a spectrum of dance instruction that includes hip hop, tap, jazz, and international styles. The heart of the program is composition and improvisation, offering students the experience of being a practicing artist.
Manuel Rotenberg
Students create their own work with guidance from the faculty by exploring a diversity of styles that are interesting to them. Guest artists create or adapt dances with CoSA’s dance students, giving them the opportunity to work from many different professional approaches. Field trips and internships complement the classroom instruction, which takes place in one of two state-of-the art dance studios.
Digital Media Approved CA CTE Media and Design Arts Pathway (Graphic Arts, Photography); Approved CA CTE Production and Managerial Arts Pathway (Video, Animation) Digital Media students focus on one of three concentrations: Graphic Design – computer imagery, typography, graphic arts, web design, and photography; Filmmaking – using film to tell stories, events or news, from concept to screenwriting to production or broadcast; Animation – computerized drawing, software manipulation, 2-D and 3-D digital animation, character and story development, and production of an animated story. The curriculum sequence includes not only design elements and principles of art, but also professional development. Students learn business skills, build a portfolio, and participate in a senior project and internship opportunities. Classrooms are comprised of work stations with the most recent equipment and technology to help students graduate from the program with industry experience in the use of professional-grade software and hardware.
Melissa Perkins
CONSERVATORIES
Manuel Rotenberg
Musical Theatre and Drama Approved CA CTE Performing Arts Pathway In CoSA’s award-winning Musical Theatre and Drama conservatory, students with a passion for performing receive in-depth training in acting, singing and dancing. They also study theatre history, scene analysis, voice and diction, directing, playwriting, and music theory. Classroom curriculum is complemented by field trips and guest artists. Students are given multiple opportunities to perform each year: CoSA’s fall and spring musicals draw large audiences from the local community and San Diego, as does our winter play. Students can also participate in the Musical Tour Group, singing and performing for community groups; the REP Company, creating, writing, and directing their own scenes; or our Improv group.
CoSA prepared me both for a college education in the arts and for employment in the live entertainment and theatre industries. – Dillon Evans ‘11, Technical Theatre
TECHNICAL THEATRE Approved CA CTE Production and Managerial Arts Pathway Technical Theatre students build their professional skills in the state-of-the-art performing arts center and fully equipped scene shop. They study all elements of technical theatre and amplify their knowledge with hands-on experience. They learn about set design and then build sets; they learn elements of lighting design and how to operate a complex computerized lighting system. They also get practical experience in costuming; stage makeup; sound design; and stage, box office, and house management. With over 70 theatre events annually, both for the school and for groups who rent the theatre facilities, the students have ample opportunites for on-the-job, professional-grade work experience. Graduates of the Technical Theatre program have been trained to problem solve, think on their feet, react appropriately to changing scenarios, and manage crews safely in fast-paced environments.
CONSERVATORIES CoSA was definitely like Students in CoSA’s Visual Arts conservatory study the fundamentals of art, from a home to me. It was art history to life drawing to the profession of being an artist. Each student where I could create creates and develops their personal body of work, honing their technical skills as they produce their own extensive portfolio over the course of study. anything I wanted and They analyze and discuss artwork, including their own, in an inspiring artistic where I was able to grow community. Students have a unique opportunity to expand their individual and start finding myself creative process as they explore a variety of materials and mediums, developing perceptual skills and visual literacy. as an artist. Students exhibit their work at an annual spring Visual Arts Exhibition at the – Olivia Obrecht ‘12, school and throughout the school year at various commercial establishments Visual Arts and public venues in Coronado. Visual Arts
Instrumental Music Approved CA CTE Performing Arts Pathway Instrumental Music training emphasizes classical and jazz music. Professionals in wind, percussion, jazz, and strings provide specialized training and coaching. Students study music theory, ear training, jazz theory and improvisation, electronic music skills, composition, and orchestration. They also learn music history and culture, music technology, and the music business. Students have access to a sophisticated computerized music studio where they compose, arrange, and record music. In addition to CoSA’s large music studio, there are several soundproof practice rooms. Students play piano, drums, violin, viola, cello, saxophone, electric guitar, tuba, trombone, or any other instrument they desire to learn. Students are given many opportunities throughout the year to perform in front of audiences at recitals, holiday performances, and community events. Students perform solo or as part of a chamber orchestra, ensemble or jazz band.
Melissa Perkins
SUCCESS STARTS HERE ALUMNI Coronado School of the Arts graduates have attended universities and colleges including the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Berklee College of Music, California Polytechnic Institute, Cornell University, Cornish College of the Arts, Harvard University, The Juilliard School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, Northwestern University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, University of Southern California, and others. Top row, left to right: Chelsea Antrim ‘00, Musical Theatre and Drama: Production Stage Manager at The Juilliard School; Faylotte Crayton ‘04, Musical Theatre and Drama: Opera Singer; Philip Espe ‘05, Instrumental Music: Conductor and Clarinetist; Dillon Evans ‘11, Technical Theatre: 2011 Stage Managers Association Scholarship Winner Middle row, left to right: John Mailander ‘09, Instrumental Music: Bluegrass Musician; Sarah E.R. Grosman ‘06, Musical Theatre and Drama: Public Works Community Organizer with New York Public Theatre; Ed Kornhauser ‘05, Instrumental Music: Jazz Pianist; Kelsea Little ‘07, Instrumental Music: Singer-Songwriter and Harpist Bottom row, left to right: Katie Orr ‘99, Musical Theatre and Drama: State Government Reporter, Capital Public Radio; Esmerelda Romero-Lorenzo ‘10, Digital Media: Bioengineering Major at MIT; Michael Silberblatt ‘10, Musical Theatre and Drama: 2010 Presidential Scholar; Sabrina Wenske ‘07, Musical Theatre and Drama: Commedia Dell’Arte Actress
My CoSA education gave me the tools, experience, and drive to become a better person equipped with leadership and communication skills. – Michael Silberblatt ‘10, Musical Theatre and Drama
SUPPORT THE ARTS CoSA FOUNDATION Coronado School of the Arts Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation. The CoSA Foundation has raised over $3.5 million for Coronado School of the Arts since its inception in 1997. The CoSA Foundation’s mission is to secure funds to perpetuate, improve, and expand the school’s conservatory programs. In partnership with the CoSA Foundation Director of Development, the Foundation Board of Directors establishes fundraising goals; manages long-term strategic planning, public relations, and marketing campaigns; and oversees funding criteria. The Foundation invites CoSA parents, alumni, and arts supporters to attend its Board meetings. For more information, visit our website at cosafoundation.org or call 619.522.6202. Fundraising initiatives include: • Annual Campaign • Fiesta Night • Jazz Festival
• Parent Fund • Annual Benefit Dinner + Auction • Nations International Dance Festival
“Investing in the creative arts ensures that CoSA students will become the next generation of cultural movers and shakers, impacting the world far beyond the shores of Coronado.” – Merridee Book, Board member and parent of CoSA student
CoSA Foundation unveils their perpetual donor plaque in recognition of outstanding financial contributions at the first annual VIP Donor Appreciation event in Spring 2013.
Five excellent reasons to support CoSA 1. Your donation improves the quality of education each student receives. Annual Giving is applied across the budget to fund musicals, purchase art supplies and computer programs, and fund continuing education for our teachers and staff. 2. Funding from the district only covers 60% of the cost of a CoSA education. Annual Giving is vitally important as it helps close the gap between district funding and the real cost of educating students at CoSA. Endowment and interest income also help to close the gap. The Foundation’s goal is to fund 100% of CoSA’s education. 3. Our students benefit from a legacy of generosity from the community of Coronado, San Diego County, alumni, parents of former students, and arts supporters who understand that a strong creative education is fundamental to a productive society. 4. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Every donation helps CoSA, and an individual’s total tax liability may be reduced with a contribution. 5. Who you know matters! Corporations and foundations often look to the number of donors and who our supporters are when determining what level of financial support they provide. So, your gift can actually encourage additional gifts! For more information or to donate, please go to cosafoundation.org, call 619.522.6202, or email Christina Curtin, CoSA Foundation Director of Development, at christina.curtin@coronadousd.net.
There is something quite special going on in this theater. The knowledge and attention to detail is on par with major theaters and union stage hands. – Oscar Burciaga, California Ballet Production Manager
Facilities Located in the heart of beautiful Coronado Island, the CHS Performing Arts Center offers a variety of distinctive and spacious facilities that are available to rent. We can accommodate a range of events, from theatre and dance performances to movie screenings. A team of professional theatre technicians and skilled student workers will help make your event a memorable success. • The CHS Performing Arts Center opened in 2007 and received a $2 million upgrade in 2010 • 576-seat theatre and procenium stage complete with orchestra pit and fly space • Vortek computerized lift system as well as computerized sound and lighting system • Intimate 80-seat Black Box theatre Coronado School of the Arts 650 D Avenue | Coronado, CA | 92118 619.522.4050 | http://cosasandiego.com
Front & Back Cover Photography: Melissa Perkins