Artwork by Orange Lutheran students Leah Harness ’27 and Elise Yoon ’27.
PRESENTS
INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
FEATURING
Wind Ensemble • String Ensemble Jazz Band • Orchestra
Student Combos • Soloists
DIRECTED BY Aaron Zeilinger
DEC 6 | 4 PM 2025
EXPERIENCING THE ARTS
ORANGE LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL • 2025-2026
Dear Lancer Community,
Welcome to the 2025/26 arts season at Orange Lutheran High School! For more than 50 years, the Lord has done marvelous things at Lutheran High School of Orange County. Since 2003, the Nechita Center has been a place where the talents, skills, and abilities of our students have been joyfully displayed. Through these gifts, and under the guidance of talented and creative teachers, directors, technical directors, and leaders, the Lord continues to use the Arts program to share the eternal message of salvation found in Jesus Christ with students, parents, donors, and the greater Lancer community. At Orange Lutheran, we believe it is entirely possible to remain faithful to Jesus Christ, our Savior, while pursuing and achieving excellence in the arts.
Whether you are enjoying a musical, concert, play, art exhibit, recital, or lecture, it is wonderful to attend an event in the Nechita Center. It’s not the space that makes the event special, but rather the dedication, hard work, and diligence of faithful students and leaders who pour themselves into each production. This year, hundreds of students will participate in the events that take place in “the Nechita”. They will sing, dance, play instruments, act, draw, create, and use their amazing abilities, gifts, and skills.
The Fall Concert will open our season this year, followed closely by Catch Me If You Can. Before we know it, Christmas arrives, where we celebrate the birth of our Savior with instruments, song, and dance. A fan favorite production of Charlotte’s Web will lead us into a vocal concert of Let’s Go to the Movies. You will not want to miss the Dance Student Showcase stepping up just before Into The Woods. Truthfully, it’s difficult to choose my favorite between the Instrumental Student Showcase and The Best of Broadway. A highlight of the year is our amazing Annual Art Show in May, where our visual arts are in full display. Finally, be sure to save the date for Night of Worship! We close the year being reminded of the work of our Master Artist who has created and designed each of us in His image, to the Glory of God.
Thank you for being here, and enjoy the show!
Dr. Mary K. Scott CEO & Executive Director
DIRECTOR’S LETTER
CHRISTMAS AT THE NECHITA 2025
Soli Deo Gloria!
Welcome to our Annual Christmas at the Nechita Instrumental Concert. I am very excited for our students to showcase their hard work for you. We have offered many things at Orange Lutheran for Instrumental Music, from Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Handbell Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combos, Quartets, and more! Tonight you will see many of these groups, as well as many talented student soloists and student-led combos.
You will hear a wide array of styles and types of music tonight, from traditional Christmas tunes to advanced-level classical string arrangements and some very special jazz band pieces. Tonight, we will also feature our senior instrumental president, Hudson Dexter, who is conducting a piece at the concert. Many of these students have never performed literature like what you are about to hear. I hope there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Lastly, I would like to say thank you to Dr. Mary Scott, Dr. Jack Preus, Morgan Perez, and all of the amazing Orange Lutheran faculty and staff. The support OLu pours into the arts is truly fantastic, but would be nothing without the support of the families! Thank you all for attending and for allowing your students to add their wonderful talents to the Instrumental Music Ensembles.
Sincerely,
Aaron Zeilinger Director of Instrumental Music
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
MORGAN PEREZ, DIRECTOR OF THE ARTS
I’m thrilled to join the OLu family as your new Director of the Arts! With over 20 years of experience building and leading arts programs, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring students who now perform and create professionally around the world. The past months have been amazing - getting to know our incredible OLu Arts families and the talented students who bring so much heart and dedication to their craft has been truly inspiring. I can’t wait to see all that we will create together in the year ahead!
TONIGHT’S PROGRAM
CHRISTMAS AT THE NECHITA 2025
STRING ORCHESTRA
Troika Sergei Prokofiev, Arr. Paul Lavender
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Arr. Adam Gillespie
JAZZ BAND
Sugar Rum Cherry Duke Ellington
Featuring He Gong, Harry Zhang, and Calvin King
In the Mood Joe Garlan, Adapted by Pedro Schneider
Featuring Calvin King and Harry Zhang
I Dream of Jeannie
The Little Drummer Boy
Hugo Montenegro, Adapted by Pedro Schneider
Katherine Davis, Arr. Rob Holmes
Featuring Hudson Dexter and Cooper Berardini
Holly and Ivy Folk Song, Arr. Ryan Fraley
Featuring Mr. Z and Josiah Smith
PIANO SOLO
Waltz Op 69, No 2
Featuring Ivy Lang
TEA TIME
Frédéric Chopin
Linus and Lucy Vince Guaraldi
Back Pocket Jack Stratton and Theo Katzman
Featuring Vocalists Francesca Lowe and Aiden Rodriguez
Christmas is Coming Vince Guaraldi
CELLO SOLO
Cello Concerto, mvt. 1 and 2
Featuring Chloe Wei Accompanied by Daniel Pappas
ADVANCED JAZZ COMBO
Sir Edward William Elgar
So What Miles Davis
Featuring Josiah Smith, Alexis Jensen, Harry Zhang, and Calvin King
Desfinado João Gilberto and Stan Getz
Featuring Calvin King
Joy Spring Clifford Brown
Featuring Calvin King, Caleb Woo, and Hudson Dexter - INTERMISSION -
TUBA SOLO
The Warrior Comes Out to Play Nat McIntosh
Featuring Denny Hoyle
TRIFORCE
Dire, Dire Docks (Super Mario 64) Koji Kondo
Kass’ Theme (Breath of the Wild)
Frappe Snowland (Mario Kart 63)
PIANO SOLO
Kasuaki Iwata
Kenta Nagata
Ballade Claude Debussy
Featuring Ava O’Donnell
STRING ORCHESTRA
The Wexford Carol Traditional Irish Carol, Arr. Katie O’Hara LaBrie
We Need a Little Christmas ................................................ Jerry Herman, Arr. Ted Ricketts
WIND ENSEMBLE
The Christmas Song
Conducted by President Hudson Dexter
ORCHESTRA
Mel Torme and Robert Wells, Arr. John Higgins
Patapan Traditional Folk Song, Arr. Kurt Heinecke
Sleigh Ride Leroy Anderson
STUDENT PERFORMERS
DIRECTED BY AARON ZEILINGER
STRING ENSEMBLE
Anna Baermann*
Morgan Busby
Nicholas Adrean
Emily Adrean+
Alexis Chavez
Faith Co
Sasha Cocan
WIND ENSEMBLE
Cooper Berardini†
Lucy Berman†
Liam Buus
Morgan Busby
William Bangham
Nolan Bratcher
Robert Cartwright*
Hudson Dexter†
JAZZ BAND
William Bangham
Cooper Berardini+
Nolan Bratcher
Robert Cartwright*
Hudson Dexter+
Alexis Chavez
Emily Haddidin
Ryan Han
Ivy Lang
Stella Latch
David Martinez
Tristan Morgan
Christopher Muncan+
Valeria Ochoa
Ava O’Donnell
Leila Palacios+
Kathryn Packham*
Ivan Sky
Gloria Traulle*
Isaac Dienhart
1st Sgt. Dan Doniza*
Jocelyn Early†
Grace Fu†
Gage Hasenyager
Branden Herron*
Denny Hoyle†
Victoria Johnson†
Alexis Jensen†
Ivan Kim
Calvin King†
Giovanni Klebau†
Dean Lozano
Alex Mekdara
Carlos Mendoza*
Emily Paul
1st Sgt. Dan Doniza*
He Gong
Duncan Harrington
Alexis Jensen+
Calvin King+
Giovanni Klebau+
Carlos Mendoza*
Josiah Smith
Rafael Tapia*
Chloe Wei+
ADVANCED JAZZ COMBO TEA TIME
Hudson Dexter+
Alexis Jensen+
Calvin King+
TRIFORCE
Hudson Dexter+
Calvin King+
Caleb Woo
Josiah Smith
Caleb Woo
Harry Zhang
ACTING 3
Avalon Bartels
Tiana Dovetko
Brogan Driscoll
Simon Gorgy
Emily Harmon
Jessica Hoggatt
Noah Acosta
Hudson Dexter+
Adan Jones
Emily Houssels
Alaynia LeBlanc
Francesca Lowe
Sophia Martinez
Kyle Monson
Corey Navarro
Mia Vega
Chloe Wei+
Landon Yong
Yuanming (Jerry) Zhang
Brittany Peterson*
Pedro Schneider*
Josiah Smith
Zachary Sinisi†
Rafael Tapia*
Caleb Woo
Harry Zhang
Nicole Zeilinger*
Caleb Woo
Zihan Yang
Harry Zhang
Aaron Zeilinger*
Francesca Lowe•
Aidan Rodriguez•
Caleb Woo
Faith Novak
Brandon Paulo
Aiden Rodriguez
Peyton Simon
Ezekiel Southall
Lucas Winter
FEATURED ARTIST
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
AVA O’DONNELL
Class of 2027
Favorite Nechita memory:
During the Christmas concert of my sophomore year, I came on stage to play Duke Ellington’s In a Sentimental Mood and I freaked out because I started playing the keyboard, and there was no sound on. I had to whisper several times to tell the two other people I was playing with, Hudson and Ryan, that I couldn’t make any sound. I think the audience found it funny, because when I looked super embarrassed as I was switching keyboards, there was clapping and some shouts of support. Luckily, we were able to perform the piece. The best part was, later, when I walked backstage, the other pianist told me that he had just turned the volume all the way down on the keyboard. All I had to do was turn it up.
Ten years from now, I want to be:
10 years from now, I hope to be in graduate school somewhere in New York or Massachusetts. I have not decided what to study, but I am currently looking into political science, journalism, and engineering. I will still be playing piano and cello, and pursuing my love for art.
What inspires you?
I am most inspired by my family and friends.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
Actually, most people do not know I am a musician. I am pretty lowkey in most aspects of my life, so when they see me play, they are surprised.
When you’re not playing cello or piano, where can people find you?
90% of the school year, I am either studying, at lacrosse practice, at Ambassadors events, or sleeping. However, when I have free time on the weekends or in the summer, I love spending time at home reading, going hiking, visiting art museums, and practicing oil painting or watercolor.
What teacher made the biggest impact on you and why?
At OLu, the teacher who has made the most impact on me is Mr. Simmons. In sophomore British Lit, he always gave me gracious and constructive criticism of my essays, both helping me grow in confidence as a writer and improving my skills. His class also introduced me to the fun of reading plays, as his voice acting was always very involved and entertaining. He also recently became the new head of the Humanities Academy, which I am a part of. Mr. Simmons’ encouraging attitude towards my writing and analysis has largely impacted my decision to continue studying English language and literature in college.
A little about me:
I am currently a junior at OLu. I have been playing piano since I was 7 years old, and cello since I was 10. Some of my favorite composers are Ravel, Scriabin, Rachmaninoff, and Respighi. Creating is something I love to do in many mediums, beyond music. I contribute to the OLu Muse mainly through poetry and essays, and painting and pottery are some of my favorite activities outside of school. Through both the STEM and Humanities Academies, pursuing my interests in writing and the physical sciences has been my main focus in high school.
PRODUCTION STAFF
BEHIND THE SCENES
Director of Instrumental Music Aaron Zeilinger
Technical Director David Bartle
Associate Technical Director Cory Cooke
Audio Engineer Tony Medieros
Assistant Audio Engineer Keven Bautista
Lighting Design ............................................... Trevor Clayton
Lighting Board Operator Emily Paul*
Stage Manager Azara Seek
Assistant Stage Manager/Deck Lead Rochelle Garcia
Deck Hand Savannah Durham*
Playback/Projections: Ryan Streeter
Woodwind Instructor and Jazz Director Pedro Schneider
Brass Instructor ...................................................Dan Doniza
Percussion Instructor Ryan Langford
Upper Strings Instructor Kathryn Packham
Lower Strings Instructor Gloria Traulle
*OLu Student **OLu Alumnus
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
President Hudson Dexter
Vice President Chloe Wei
Officers Lucy Berman, Alexis Jensen
Wind Leaders Cooper Berardini, Denny Hoyle, Grace Fu, Giovanni Klebau, Calvin King, Zachary Sinisi
Strings Leaders Emily Adrean, Chris Muncan, Laila Palacios
Colorguard Captain Jocelyn Early
SPECIAL THANKS
FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
CEO & Executive Director
Mary K. Scott, Ed.D
Head of School
Jack Preus, Ed.D
Chief Financial Officer
Justin Stewart
Chief Development Officer
Bruce Freeman
Chief Operations Officer
Jeremy Johnston
Director of the Arts
Morgan Perez
Director of Instrumental Music
Aaron Zeilinger
Director of Vocal Music
Megan Carvale
Director of Dramatic Arts
Chelsey Everhart
Director of Dance
Jennifer Blomquist
Director of Worship Arts
Karissa Raebel
Technical Director
David Bartle
Asst. Technical Director
Cory Cooke
Visual & Media Arts Department Chair
Jeannie Mooney
Visual & Media Arts Teacher
Ariel Gjersvold
Any video and/or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited. Please silence all electronic devices.
The Nechita Center is equipped with assistive listening equipment. Please see an usher or Nechita staff for assistance with a receiver.
Visual & Media Arts Teacher
Jane Klammer
Yearbook Advisor
Gianna Flores
Director of Marketing and Communications
Jeff Brouwer
Creative Content Manager, Activities
Chris Cornish
Graphic Designer
Kelly Early
Scheduling & Events Coordinator
Kirsten Resha
Restrooms are located in the Nechita Center lobby near the entrance to the theater.
Refreshments are available for purchase during intermission at select performances.
SUPPORTING THE ARTS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025-2026 SEASON SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
BLAINE CAYA & FAMILY
STANDARD DRYWALL, INC.
3100 Palisades Drive Corona, CA 92880 951-256-8656
standarddrywall.com
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
901 E. Heim Avenue Orange, CA 92865 714-637-2640
admissions@splsorange.org splsorange.org
CORPORATE SPONSORS
ROBERT B. HOUSSELS, ESQ. TRUST & ESTATE ATTORNEY
901 Dover Drive, Ste. #101 Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-870-5469
robert.esq@houssels.biz
SA RECYCLING
3200 E. Frontera Street Anaheim, CA 92806
714-630-8901
obravo@sarecycling.com sarecycling.com
LEGACY SPONSORS
CHARITY ON WHEELS
3152 E. La Palma Avenue, Suite D & E Anaheim, CA 92806
714-406-3049
info@charityonwheels.com charityonwheels.com
Ronan Southall, Class of 2023
PACIFIC COACHWAYS
School Bus and Motorcoach Services
Serving Southern California
714-892-5000
edettmer@pacificcoachways.com pacificcoachways.com
Erin Dettmer, Class of 1998
TOYOTA OF ORANGE
1400 N. Tustin Street Orange, CA 92867 714-316-0115 toyotaoforange.com
OFFICIAL SHOW SPONSOR
GLOBAL TRADEMARKS, INC.
505 S. Villa Real Drive, Ste. 102 Anaheim Hills, CA 92807
714-279-9185
globalmarks@gtilaw.com gtilaw.com
LHSOC.ORG/SPONSOR-ARTS
SPONSOR OLU ARTS
SEASON AND SHOW SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE
At Orange Lutheran, we believe the arts are integral to a well-rounded education. Through your generous sponsorship, you help our student performers explore their creativity and God-given talents and connect your brand with a community that values artistic excellence. Your support fuels their growth, allowing these young artists to express their ideas and develop into tomorrow’s creative thinkers.
As a sponsor, you’ll gain exclusive advertising opportunities at our performing arts shows, including in-person and livestream audiences, reaching up to 15,000 people, depending on the sponsorship level. This partnership offers your brand valuable exposure while enhancing your relationship within a vibrant, engaged community. By aligning with OLu Arts, you’re investing in both the future of the arts and your own brand’s visibility.
Please visit lhsoc.org/sponsor-arts for more information.
SOLI DEO GLORIA!
GLORY TO GOD ALONE
“Soli Deo Gloria” is a Latin phrase rooted in the Reformation, and is part of a series of five solas that distinguished the theology of the Reformation from the theology of the Roman Catholic church in the 16th century. The solas are based on the idea that salvation is received through scripture alone (sola scriptura), Christ alone (solus Christus), faith alone (sola fide), and grace alone (sola gratia), for God’s glory alone (soli Deo gloria).
Artists such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Christoph Graupner used the phrase - sometimes notated as “SDG” - to indicate that their work was created to praise God.
Today, the phrase is written on music and expressed on the stage by performers all over the world. “Soli Deo Gloria” reminds artists that their talents and abilities are not their own, but gifts from God to be used for His praise. It encourages humility, preventing us from seeking personal glory or recognition above God’s glory. It frames musical, theatrical, and dance performance as a form of spiritual worship, a way to glorify God through their art. Soli Deo Gloria!
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September
November
June 2026
The Orange Lutheran Annual Fund has a direct and immediate impact on OLu’s academic programming, athletics, arts, financial aid, professional development, facilities, and campus life. The funds raised are a necessary source of income for our school, as they help us maintain financial stability and bridge the gap between tuition and the full cost of excellence.
The Annual Fund gives Orange Lutheran the ability to o er financial support to deserving families, to provide incredible programs that bring students closer to Christ, and to deliver an unprecedented high school experience. How much to give will be di erent for each family, but gifts of all sizes make an impact. Your support truly makes a di erence in the lives of our students!
Fall Concert
VOCAL MUSIC
Wednesday, October 8 • 7 pm
Catch Me If You Can
FALL MUSICAL
Thursday, October 23 • 7 pm
Friday, October 24 • 7 pm
Saturday, October 25 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, October 26 • 2 pm
Christmas at the Nechita
INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
Saturday, December 6 • 4 pm
Christmas at the Nechita
VOCAL & DANCE CONCERT
Saturday, December 13 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Charlotte’s Web STAGE PLAY
Friday, February 6 • 7 pm
Saturday, February 7 • 2 pm
Sunday, February 8 • 2 pm
Honors Recital
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Sunday, February 22 • 4 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Let’s Go to the Movies
VOCAL MUSIC
Thursday, February 26 • 7 pm
Student Showcase
OL u DANCE
Saturday, March 7 • 4 pm
Into The Woods
SPRING MUSICAL
Thursday, April 16 • 7 pm
Friday, April 17 • 7 pm
Saturday, April 18 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Sunday, April 19 • 2 pm
Student Showcase
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Sunday, April 26 • 4 pm
The Best of Broadway
VOCAL MUSIC & DANCE
Saturday, May 9 • 2 pm & 7 pm
Annual Art Show
VISUAL ARTS
Wednesday, May 13 • 5 pm
Night of Worship
CREATIVE WORSHIP
Friday, May 15 • 7 pm