The Music Center's Spotlight Virtual Grand Finale Digital Program

The Music Center’s

Spotlight Virtual Grand Finale Saturday, May 22, 2021 7:00 p.m.

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Celebrating Southern California’s Young Artists The Music Center’s Spotlight program is a journey to excellence that guides young artists to focus their passions, to strive and to succeed. For more than 30 years, Southern California high school students have turned to The Music Center for world-class arts training, scholarships and college and career guidance — at no cost to them. Spotlight is a program of The Music Center’s programming engine, TMC Arts.

Join The Music Center as we develop tomorrow’s outstanding artists and leaders.

Acting Ballet Dance Classical Voice Non-Classical Voice Classical Instrumental Jazz Instrumental

More than

$2.5 M

awarded in scholarships

More than

49,000 alumni

To learn more or get involved, please contact Laura Recchi at (213) 972-4344 or spotlightsupport@musiccenter.org, or visit musiccenter.org/spotlightsupport.

Misty Copeland Josh Groban Adam Lambert Kris Bowers Dylan Gutierrez Lindsay Mendez Gerald Clayton Danielle de Niese Derek Klena Matthew Rushing ...and more.

SPOTLIGHT 2021

Note from Our President & CEO, Rachel S. Moore to the time our 14 finalists “take the stage,” these individuals not only will have benefitted from constructive advice about their craft and invaluable career planning support, but also will have gained critically important life skills they will continue to rely on, whether they choose an artistic career path or not. Spotlight is an experience that will stay with them forever.

Many of you know I started my career as a ballerina in the corps de ballet for American Ballet Theatre.

All throughout my artistic journey, I benefitted from amazing teachers, coaches and mentors, who guided and supported me as I progressed as an artist, eventually becoming a senior arts executive. I am so thankful to them, and, even to this day, continue to learn from experts in numerous arts genres as well as those who serve in leadership roles, both in the arts and beyond.

At The Music Center, we have a strong commitment to helping young people as they navigate their career choices and hone their talents, and The Music Center’s Spotlight program is a wonderful example of that commitment.

From the minute the nearly 1,500 talented students submitted their audition videos this year,

As an anchor arts institution, The Music Center has an obligation to pay it forward. And what better way to do that than to help develop young talent! These young artists truly are our future.

What we are able to do for them would not be possible without the generosity of our many donors who step up, year after year, to support the Spotlight program. I am very grateful to each of them. Thank you to our Spotlight Co-Chairs Pamela and Dennis Beck and Terri and Jerry Kohl. With your dedication, we continue to favorably impact the lives of so many.

I hope you enjoy the show.

Warmly,

Rachel S. Moore President & CEO The Music Center

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SPOTLIGHT 2021 HOST AND CREDITS

Credits Cindy Miscikowski Board Chair, The Music Center Rachel S. Moore President & CEO, The Music Center Josephine Ramirez Executive Vice President, TMC Arts Jeri Gaile Executive Producer, Director, Spotlight Nick Schwartz-Hall Executive Producer, Senior Producer, TMC Arts Nicole Alexander Director and Producer, Hashtag, You’re It with Josh Groban Host and Jamey Tate Producer and Musical Director, Spotlight Orchestra

Spotlight Leadership Pamela and Dennis Beck Terri and Jerry Kohl Co-Chairs Fredric Roberts Founding Chairman, Spotlight Walter E. Grauman Creator, Spotlight 2

Josh Groban Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, GRAMMY, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated singer, songwriter and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multiplatinum albums (over 35 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances and comedic film and television appearances.

He has appeared in feature films such as Crazy, Stupid, Love; The Hollars; Coffee Town; and Muppets Most Wanted, as well as on NBC’s The Office, FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and CBS’ The Crazy Ones.

In 2017, he concluded his Broadway run in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, which Time Out New York called, “one of the best musicals of the decade”. He co-hosted the Tony Awards to widespread enthusiasm worldwide after garnering his first nomination in 2017. In 2018, he starred in the NETFLIX series, The Good Cop, that made its debut on the streaming platform on September 21, 2018. On the same day, he unveiled his eighth full-length studio offering, Bridges [Reprise Records], which featured nine tracks co-written by the superstar in addition to duets with Andrea Bocelli, Sarah McLachlan and Jennifer Nettles.

Mr. Groban debuted his Great Big Radio City Show at Radio City Music Hall on Valentine’s Day 2020 and is excited to resume his

Photo Credit: Doug Inglish

residency there in April 2022.

Mr. Groban released his new album Harmony, a collection of timeless songs and two originals on November 20.

To support the release of Harmony, Mr. Groban performed a series of intimate livestream concerts filmed in-person and livestreamed directly to audiences all over the world: a concert of Broadway favorites on October 3, 2020; a show featuring selections from Harmony on November 26, 2020 (Thanksgiving Day); and his first-ever holiday concert on December 19, 2020. He kicked off 2021 with the release of Harmony Deluxe, on February 26, 2021, and performed a special livestream concert on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021. He maintains his position as the consummate American showman in 2021 and beyond.

Mr. Groban remains an active arts education philanthropist and advocate as a member of Americans for the Arts Artists Committee, and Mr. Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education and cultural awareness. He attended Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and was a Spotlight Semifinalist in Non-Classical Voice in 1998.

SPOTLIGHT 2021 PROGRAM

33RD ANNUAL SPOTLIGHT AWARDS

Program (show order) Saturday, May 22, 2021 Finalists’ Opening Number On Top of the World Music & Lyrics by: Imagine Dragons Arranged by: Jamey Tate Choreography by: Phillip Chbeeb and Makenzie Dustman

Catherine Johnston Classical Voice Chacun le sait From the opera: La Fille du Régiment Composed by: Gaetano Donizetti Accompanied by: U-Jung Jung

Natalie Steele Ballet Female Variation From the ballet: The Talisman Composed by: Riccardo Drigo Choreography by: Marius Petipa

Selena Hamilton Dance Remorse is a Memory Composed & Arranged by: Jamey Tate Lyrics from the poem by: Emily Dickinson Arrangement & Choreography by: Billy Bell

Santiago Lopez Jazz Instrumental Donna Lee Composed by: Charlie Parker Arranged by: Santiago Lopez and Jamey Tate Accompanied by: John Beasley, piano David Hughes, bass Jj Lybbert, drums

Ava Kuntz Classical Voice Trübe Augen, Liebchen From the opera: Der Freischütz Composed by: Carl Maria von Weber Accompanied by: U-Jung Jung

Megan Colton Non-Classical Voice To My Angels from SuperYou Musical Music & Lyrics by: Lourds Lane Arranged by: Jamey Tate Accompanied by: John Beasley, keyboard Jeff Driskill, woodwinds David Hughes, bass Julie Jung, cello U-Jung Jung, piano Mark Robertson, violin Rob Schaer, trumpet Justin Smith, guitar Jamey Tate, drums Daniel Bae Classical Instrumental Polonaise de concert No. 1 in D Major, Op. 4 Composed by: Henryk Wieniawski Accompanied by: U-Jung Jung Jordan Anderson Acting Sweat Character: Chris Written by: Lynn Nottage

Mia Schlosser Ballet Flora’s Variation From the ballet: The Awakening of Flora Composed by: Riccardo Drigo Choreography by: Marius Petipa Hannah Nordberg Acting Blood at the Root Character: Asha Written by: Dominique Morisseau Emmy Cheung Dance No One Knows Me Music & Lyrics by: Sampa Choreography by: Chalatorn Ujamras Fengyang (William) Ju Classical Instrumental Prelude and Variations on The Carnival of Venice, Op. 20 Composed by: Theodore Lalliet Accompanied by: U-Jung Jung

Jj Lybbert Jazz Instrumental Evidence Composed by: Thelonious Monk Arranged by: Jj Lybbert and Jamey Tate Accompanied by: John Beasley, piano Santiago Lopez, saxophone Christian Tyler Dorey Non-Classical Voice As We Stumble Along Music & Lyrics by: Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison Arranged by: Jamey Tate Accompanied by: John Beasley, keyboard Jeff Driskill, woodwinds David Hughes, bass Julie Jung, cello U-Jung Jung, piano Mark Robertson, violin Rob Schaer, trumpet Justin Smith, guitar Jamey Tate, drums

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2021 STEPS OF SPOTLIGHT

Ignite the Journey to a Brighter Future The Music Center’s Spotlight Program: A Spotlight on Engagement The mission of The Music Center’s Spotlight program is to provide a supportive environment in which high school students can develop the skills needed to pursue their dreams, with an emphasis on self-esteem, preparation and perseverance. Spotlight is a key part of The Music Center’s commitment to providing artistic excellence and advancing quality arts education. Whether or not these students pursue a career in the arts, Spotlight empowers them with the confidence and presentation skills to pursue their dreams in any field. This year, as a result of COVID-19, the program pivoted to an online process. Tonight’s performance is the culmination of an intensive, year-long educational process that includes the following components:

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Preliminary Auditions Students submit audition videos and advance to live auditions based on the recommendations of distinguished panels of judges. Each student who auditions receives a personal letter with detailed feedback from the judges, identifying his or her strengths and suggesting areas for improvement. Cash scholarships called Merit Awards are provided to select students in each preliminary category.

Mastery Classes Each year, Spotlight presents mastery classes for our Semifinalists with renowned artists in all program categories.

Most classes are open to all students and are designed to help them develop artistry and musicality.

3 Semifinal Auditions Semifinalists audition before panels of distinguished judges and receive feedback and cash scholarships.

One student in each category is named Honorable Mention and two students are selected as Grand Prize Finalists. The 14 Grand Prize Finalists go on to perform at the Spotlight Grand Finale.

4 Spotlight Academy Students have access to a new episodic series of online tutorial videos created to help aspiring young artists gain valuable insights on arts careers, workforce development skills and tips on how to apply to Spotlight.

For more information about The Music Center’s Spotlight program, visit musiccenter.org or email spotlight@musiccenter.org.

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SPOTLIGHT 2021

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SPOTLIGHT 2021 DONOR/SPONSOR RECOGNITION

Thank You To Our Generous Supporters Virtual Grand Finale Sponsors Terri and Jerry Kohl

Principal Scholarship Benefactors Helen and Peter Bing

Lead Benefactors Dr. Martin Balser Marie H. Song Anonymous Donor

Benefactors

Edgerton Foundation

Visionaries

Pamela and Dennis Beck Dorothy B. Chandler Program Fund Frank Sherwood Performing Arts Fund Glorya Kaufman Dance Foundation Lee Graff Foundation Julia Strickland and Timothy Wahl Anonymous Donor

Ambassadors

Helen Funai Erickson James B. Pendleton Foundation Maria V. Altmann Foundation Teresita and Shelby Notkin Alyce Williamson

Innovators

Gladys Turk Foundation Morrison & Foerster Foundation Ann and Robert Ronus

Patrons

Howard Banchik Susan Baumgarten and David Totheroh Nadine and Harold Davidson Renee and Allen Gilbert Lilly and Bruce Karatz Marlene Louchheim Alan Oppenheimer Rose and Michael Pagano Rodriguez, Horii, Choi & Cafferata, LLP Thomas Safran Elinor and Rubin Turner

Supporters

Julie Ballard-Lebe Joan Burns Field Family Foundation Ruth Flinkman-Marandy and Ben Marandy Marcy Gross Liz Levitt Hirsch Stefanie and Robert Kane Nancy and Al Osborne Susan and Michael Patzakis Nina and Leo Pircher Karen Kay Platt and Lawrence B. Platt Susan and Josh Wieder

*Gifts and commitments as of April 30, 2021 6

Endowment and Planned Gifts

The Ashkenas and Fabian Family Kathryn A. Ballsun Pamela and Dennis Beck Mary Levin Cutler The Dorothy and Sherrill C. Corwin Fund The Sylvia Kunin Piano Grant Diane Morton Stephen D. Moses Mary H. Shambra

SPOTLIGHT 2021 CO-CHAIRS RECOGNITION

Thank You To Our Spotlight Co-Chairs

Pamela and Dennis Beck

Terri and Jerry Kohl

Pamela and Dennis Beck at Spotlight Salon (2020)

Terri and Jerry Kohl at The Music Center Plaza: A Special Celebration (2019)

The Music Center’s 2021 Spotlight Virtual Grand Finale is dedicated in memory of Allan Burns, longtime champion of Spotlight.

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SPOTLIGHT 2021 FINALISTS

Jordan Anderson (Acting) 18, is a senior at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts where he studies theater.

Awards include: YoungArts Finalist for Theater (2021). Roles include: Barfee from The 25th Annual County Spelling Bee; Frank Cioffi from Curtains; David Sarnoff from The Farnsworth Invention; and Orsino from Twelfth Night.

This year, he acted in his first independent film, Strings, produced

by Filmboy Moving Pictures, which is being released in October 2021. He wants to thank God, his family and all the mentors he has had over the years for his growth as an actor and as a person. Jordan has been involved in the performing arts since the 8th grade and plans to study theater in college. This is Jordan’s second year participating in Spotlight.

Christian Tyler Dorey (Non-Classical Voice) 17, is a senior at California School of the Arts — San Gabriel Valley (CSARTS). He has studied with Devon Yates, Judson Williford, Lea Woods and Christopher Hanke. He has participated in Broadway Dreams Foundation programs for five years. Awards include CSARTS: Exemplary Embodiment of the It’s Never Too Late to Learn Pillar (2020); Outstanding Lead Performance in a Musical for Simba in The Lion King (2019–2020); Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Musical for Sebastian The Crab in The Little Mermaid (2018-2019). Other roles include: Benny in In the Heights, Mitch Mahoney in Spelling Bee and The Leading Player in Pippin. Christian thanks his mother and teachers for their support. This is Christian’s first year participating in Spotlight.

Daniel Bae (Classical Instrumental) 18, is a senior at iQ Academy. He studies violin with Robert Lipsett, the Jascha Heifetz Distinguished Violin Chair at the Colburn School. Awards include: Vernell Greg Young Artists Competition Grand Prize (2021); MTNA National Competition 2nd place (2021); Lynn Harrell Concerto Competition 1st prize (2020); Stulberg International String Competition Finalist (2020); Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Concerto Competition Grand Prize (2019); and ENKOR International Music Competition 1st prize (2016). He has appeared on NPR’s From the Top as a Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Recipient (2018); has played the national anthem at a Major League Baseball game; and has performed as a featured soloist with numerous orchestras around the country. This is Daniel’s second year participating in Spotlight.

Selena Hamilton (Dance) 16, is a high school junior who is home schooled. She trains at Project 21 under the direction of Molly Long, with Madison Hicks and Sam Neas. Selena has been dancing for 11 years and has worked with choreographers including Tessandra Chavez, Tyce Diorio, Brian Friedman, Teddy Forance, Will Loftis and Tricia Miranda. She has performed in Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker and competed on World of Dance Season 4 on NBC, The World’s Best on CBS, and Lip Sync Battle on Nickelodeon. She was featured on the cover of Dance Spirit Magazine. Awards include: YoungArts Merit Winner (2021) and Radix Dance Convention’s Junior & Teen Core Performer title winner (2017 and 2019). Selena is pursuing a professional dance career. This is Selena’s first year participating in Spotlight.

Emmy Cheung (Dance) 17, is a junior at Orange County School of the Arts in the Commercial Dance Conservatory. She also trains at West Coast School of the Arts under the direction of Paula Kessinger. She has worked with choreographers Zak Schlegel, Ray Leeper, Teddy Forance, Stacey Tookey and Laurie Kanyok. Awards include: Spotlight Non-Classical Dance Semifinalist (2019); Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) New York Finals (2017); YAGP Contemporary 1st place (2017); and Dance Awards top 10 (2015-2019). She would like to thank her mom, dad, and sisters, Ally and Casey, for supporting her as well as her teacher, choreographer and mentor of many years, Chalatorn Ujamras.

Emmy plans to study dance in college. This is Emmy’s third year participating in Spotlight.

Catherine Johnston (Classical Voice) 17, is a senior in the Classical Voice conservatory at the Orange County School of the Arts. She studies voice with Kathleen Martin. Honors Include: Music Teachers’ Association of California VOCE, Senior State Division 1st Place (2020); Orange County Register Artist of the Year and Classical Voice Finalist (2020); National Association of Teachers of Singing, Nationals Semifinalist (2020); Classical Singer Competition Finalist (2020); and Classical Singer Vocal Convention, 2nd Place Musical Theatre (2019). Performances include: South Coast Symphony — Stars of the Future (2019). Catherine will be attending Northwestern University in the fall to pursue a dual degree in vocal performance and human communication sciences. This is Catherine’s fourth year participating in Spotlight.

Megan Colton (Non-Classical Voice) 17, is a senior at the Rancho Learning Center.

She studies voice with Keely Milliken and Dean Kaelin. Megan trains in acting with Melissa Hayden. She has appeared in various plays, dance productions and musicals. Megan has been a part of Centre Stage Inc. in Monrovia, CA since she was nine years old where she found her voice in musical theater. Roles include: Eponine in Les Miserables, Katherine Plumber in Newsies and Jo March in Little Woman. She thanks family, teachers, friends and especially Keely Milliken who has played a vital role in her growth as an artist. Megan plans to pursue a career in musical theater.

Awards include: Spotlight Non-Classical Voice Semifinalist (2020). This is Megan’s third year participating in Spotlight.

Fengyang (William) Ju (Classical Instrumental) 16, is a junior at Colburn Music Academy.

He studies with oboe professor Mingjia Liu, and he is grateful for his training.

Awards include: From the Top Finalist (2021); California Junior Bach Competition Gold Medalist (2020); Spotlight Classical Instrumental Semifinalist (2019 and 2020); and Colburn Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition Winner (2020). He has performed in Colburn Youth Orchestra and Idyllwild Arts Youth Orchestra as a principal oboist. Fengyang has participated in several master classes and festivals with Elaine Douvas, Nathan Hughes, Alex Klein, Katherine Needleman, Robert Walter and Carolyn Hove. He plans to become a professional oboist.

Fengyang appreciates the opportunities and encouragement that his teachers and family have given him. This is Fengyang’s third year participating in Spotlight.

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SPOTLIGHT 2021 FINALISTS

Ava Kuntz (Classical Voice) 17, is a senior in the Classical Voice Conservatory at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), where she participates in Opera Scenes, Chamber Singers, Bel Canto and National Honor Society. She studies voice privately with Kathleen Martin, William Vendice and Vera Calabria and is indebted to all of them for their love and expert training. She would also like to acknowledge her amazing teachers and mentors at OCSA. Honors in 2020–21 include: Spotlight Merit Award for Non-Classical Voice; National Finalist Classical Singer Competition; National Semifinalist, National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Student Auditions; 1st Place NATS Cal Western Region, ATS Los Angeles, Schmidt Vocal Competition Tennessee and VOCE Competition.

Hannah Nordberg (Acting) 16, is a junior at Campbell Hall. She studies acting with Lea Floden and voice with Julia Gregory. Hannah discovered a love for musical theater in first grade and made her professional debut at nine years old originating the role of Olive Hoover in Little Miss Sunshine at the Second Stage Theatre directed by James Lapine. Film/TV credits include: Overboard; Ewan McGregor’s American Pastoral; Longmire; Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors and Coat of Many Colors; and General Hospital on ABC. Honors include: Spotlight Non-Classical Voice Semifinalist (2019 and 2020). Currently, Hannah has a recurring role on HBO’s Euphoria, and is the voice of Grace on Fancy Nancy on Disney Junior. This is Hannah’s third year participating in Spotlight.

Santiago Lopez (Jazz Instrumental) 18, is a senior at Los Alamitos High School where he plays tenor saxophone in the Jazz Big Band and Jazz Combo, under the direction of Justin Padilla. He currently studies with Rusty Higgins. Santiago was also a member of The Colburn Monday Night Band, directed by Lee Secard (2019, 2020). Honors include: Monterey Next Gen Jazz Festival Outstanding Soloist Award (2017); Riverside Community College Jazz Festival Outstanding High School Musician Overall (2018, 2019); Reno Jazz Festival Most Outstanding Saxophonist High School Division (2019); DownBeat magazine High School Saxophone Soloist Award (2020, 2021), Spotlight Honorable Mention in Jazz Instrumental (2020); YoungArts Honorable Mention (2021); and Vandoren USA Adam Larson Jazz High School Competition 1st Place (2021). This is Santiago’s second year participating in Spotlight.

Mia Schlosser (Ballet) 15, is a freshman at Westlake High School.

She has been training at California Dance Theatre for 12 years and is currently in the professional training program. Awards include: Youth American Grand Prix, 2nd place (2021); A Ballet Education’s June magazine cover (2020); scholarships to attend The Joffrey Ballet’s summer course (2017) and Boston Ballet’s summer course (2021). Mia is excited to attend the School of American Ballet’s summer course this year. She would like to thank Kim Maselli and all her incredibly supportive teachers at California Dance Theatre for continuously encouraging and believing in her dance journey. Mia would love to someday dance in a major ballet company. This is Mia’s first year participating in Spotlight.

Jj Lybbert (Jazz Instrumental) 16, is a sophomore at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA).

He studies drums with Daniel Schnelle, Jonathan Pinson (Spotlight alum) and Roy McCurdy. Jj is currently playing drums in LACHSA’s A combo and trumpet in its Big Band. He has participated in Colburn School’s Monday Night Combo and the All-State Honor Band. Jj has been studying the drum set and percussion for 12 years. Awards include: Spotlight Semifinalist in Jazz Instrumental (2020); Leon “Ndugu” Chancler Award at the Stanford Jazz Workshop (2019); and YoungArts Merit winner in percussion (2020 and 2021). One of Jj’s biggest musical inspirations is Gerald Clayton (Spotlight alum). Jj sees himself playing professionally around the world. This is Jj’s second year participating in Spotlight.

Natalie Steele (Ballet) 14, is a freshman at JSerra Catholic High School. Natalie began dancing at two years old and has trained for the last seven years at Dmitri Kulev Classical Ballet Academy (DKCBA) under the direction of Dmitri and Jennifer Kulev. Natalie fell in love with ballet for its elegance and precision. Awards include: Youth Grand Prix Award at YAGP Los Angeles (2020 and 2021). In 2019, Natalie advanced to the final round at YAGP Finals and performed at Lincoln Center where she placed in the top six for a pas de deux with her partner Jacob Alvarado (Spotlight alum). Natalie would like to thank her DKCBA family for providing excellent training and support. This is Natalie’s first year participating in Spotlight.

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SPOTLIGHT 2021 SEMIFINALISTS

2021 Spotlight Semifinalists Acting Gloria Aung Hannah Bogen Andrew Bond Kaylah Copeland* Jessie Franks Lauren Gmelich Yael Jeshion-Nelson Bethany LeBerthon Stephen Moran Bridget Phillips Lulu Royce Sydney Shepherd Cielo Valenzuela Tovah Zafrin Ballet Claire Buchi Natalia Burns Chloe Capulong Emma Chen Lucy Cox Chloe Kinzler Chase Rogers* Keara Nichols Emily Okamoto Julia Outmesguine Fiona Poth Adam Takahashi Ava Louise Winer Abigail Wyrrick

Classical Instrumental Kevin Cho Anais Feller Mei Hotta Nicholas Kim Nicole Lam Eunice Lee Zachary Lin Esther Liu Allison Park* Mi-Hyun Suh Hina Tamaki Cole Turkel Daniel Wang Dominik Yoder Classical Voice Tess Alexander Allen Cai Alexandra Cook Kevin Corrigan* Fantasia Guerra-Rivera Kangsan Kim Alon Moradi Robyn Morales Milla Moretti Grace Navarro Chloe Stavis Matthew Thorson Flora Yuan Oscar Yum

Dance Chloe Capulong Ella Horan Rachael Hudak Grace Li Mallory McKenna Julian Menendez Emily Okamoto Erin Park Francine Mae Peji* Luc Simpson Gunner Stephens Sydney Thomas Hana Uehara Kailyn Yi

Non-Classical Voice Cassidy May Benullo Jack Borenstein Karina Constantinides Ethan Cruz Jaedynn Latter Kate Lin Robyn Morales Lillie Owers Leilani Patao Kennedy Percival Sophie Pollono Emma Reed Akira Sky* Abigail Thompson

Jazz Instrumental Elder Gindroz Declan Houlihan* David Lee Jack Lieberman Max Nguyen Sophia Papouchado Gianna Pedregon Brooklyn Schmidt William Schwartzman Jacob Speth Lucas Sterling Kai Suzuki Shukhrat Turdikhodjaev Joshua Wong

*Honorable Mention

2021 Merit Awards Acting Willa Jackson Camora Lampkin Hannah Lee Itzel Meza-Ruiz Sam Morelos

Dance DaJuan Foley Jr. Holden Kunowski Lani Mefford Rodrigo Rea Luciana Vun

Ballet Eduardo Cazarez Venezia Goodman Peter Hull Lani Mefford Justin Padilla

Jazz Instrumental David Cervantes Kobie Dozier Ruby Laks Gael Saldaña Kaela Seltzer

Classical Instrumental Matthew Chang Bryan Chiu Lucie Kim David Kwon Kristine Lu

Non-Classical Voice Chloe Cruz Sanjana Khurana D’Shaun Linear Hannah Nordberg Drew Tillman

Classical Voice Mia Baron Jamie Felix-Toll Milan Lapearde Soren Ryssdal Herbert Roger Vega 10

Muralist Chali 2na with Finalist Megan Colton and his To My Angels mural, painted for Spotlight.

SPOTLIGHT 2021

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SPOTLIGHT 2021 SEMIFINAL AND PRELIMINARY JUDGES

Acting

Classical Voice

Non-Classical Voice

Daniel Guzman Broadway and touring include: Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita.

Dr. Peter Atherton Chair of Music and Director of Operatic Studies, Chapman University.

Lee Taylor-Allan Actor, teacher and lecturer. Off Broadway, Young Playwright’s Festival, Yale Drama.

La Vista Benson Artist; Faculty: Riverside City College, California Baptist University.

Barrett Foa Stars in CBS series NCIS Los Angeles.

Broadway: Avenue Q, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Mamma Mia!

Gita Reddy TV, film, theater actor and writer.

Patricia Gee Artist; Faculty: Chapman University, University of Redlands, Operafestival di Roma.

Randy Thompson Actor and educator. Off Broadway, regional and international productions.

Susan Wieder Casting director for theater, film and television.

Ballet Ellen Bauer Former Soloist/Principal: National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Los Angeles Ballet.

Leslie Carothers — Aromaa Former Principal dancer: Joffrey Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet.

Ashley Ellis Principal dancer with Boston Ballet.

Owner of RubiWear dancewear line.

Nichol Hlinka Former Principal: New York City Ballet; Former Associate Project Director of George Balanchine Foundation’s Archives.

Lorin Johnson Former Soloist: American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet.

Faculty: Cal State Long Beach.

Classical Instrumental Dr. John Burdett Faculty: Azusa Pacific University, Director Instrumental Studies, Director of Bands and Graduate Music Education.

Dr. Susan Helfter Artist; Faculty: USC, Chair, Music Teaching & Learning Dept., Director; Thornton Community Engagement.

U-Jung Jung Pianist and Organist; Faculty: Chapman University; Spotlight alum.

Dr. Simeon Simeonov Director of String Studies at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach.

Dr. Louise Thomas Associate Dean for the College of Performing Arts and Director of Keyboard Collaborative Arts at Chapman University.

Daniel Wachs Orange County Youth Symphony Orchestra Conductor, Music Director of The Chapman Orchestra.

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Dr. Raejin Lee Artist; Faculty and Director of Vocal Studies, La Sierra University.

Marco Schindelmann Artist; Faculty and Director: University Opera, University of Redlands.

Dance Joseph Corella Broadway: All Shook Up; National Tours; Choreographer; Founder/Creator 567BROADWAY! Dee Kaye Klega Co-founder: Teatro Electrio Dance, Italy.

Lead Dancer: Canali 5, the Rai in Italy.

Shelli Margheritis Partner with Independent Artist Entertainment (IAE); Adjunct Faculty: Studio School Mike Weir Principal Dancer: Omaha Ballet Company, Manning Freed Dance Theater. Broadway/Tours: Evita, A Chorus Line.

Natalie Willes Award-winning choreographer and dancer. Broadway: Movin Out, Saturday Night Fever, Leap of Faith. Spotlight alum.

Jazz Instrumental Tarreon Gully Grammy-winning drummer.

Performances with Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Stefon Harris and John Beasley’s Monk’estra.

Andrew Langham Pianist, longtime member of the multi-Grammy-nominated Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band.

Thomas Luer Saxophonist; Performances with Poncho Sanchez, Queen Latifah. Faculty: Cal Poly Pomona; University of North Texas.

Kristina Raymond Assistant Professor of percussion/ drum set & Director of Jazz Studies at CalState University Northridge.

Otmaro Ruiz Grammy-nominated Venezuelan pianist, keyboardist, composer, arranger and recording artist.

Ilene Graff Grammy-nominated CD: Baby’s Broadway Lullabies. Broadway: Promises, Promises, Grease.

TV: Mr. Belvedere.

Carla Renata Broadway: Avenue Q, The Lion King (NAACP Theatre Award Nominee), Smokey Joe’s Café.

Gabrielle Ruiz Stars on The CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; Broadway: If/Then, Evita, In the Heights.

Michael Leon Wooley Broadway, film and TV actor. Voice of Louis in Disney’s Oscar-nominated The Princess and the Frog.

Christopher Youngsman Broadway: Urinetown, Grease!, Gypsy, Hair, Forever Plaid. TV: Tony Awards.

Film: Across the Universe.

Preliminary Judges Jukka Aromaa Ellen Bauer Melissa Bowman John Burdett Leslie Carothers-Aromaa Julietta Corti Margaret Dehning Joanne DiVito Patricia Gee Ilene Graff Daniel Guzman Jeanette Hawes Susan Helfter Dee Kaye Klega Francine Kessler Lavac Susan Kim-Pedroza Andrew Langham Marie France Levesque Lee Lindenlaub Thomas Luer Christopher Charles McDaniel Kim O’Rourke Carla Renata Marco Schindelmann Simeon Simeonov Alexa Tarantino Jamey Tate Louise Thomas Randy Thompson Mike Weir Gary Woodward Leif Thomas Woodward Christopher Youngsman

SPOTLIGHT 2021 MASTERY CLASS TEACHERS

Spotlight Mastery Class teachers and students.

Acting Bernard Addison Award-winning actor, director and teaching artist for Center Theatre Group. Educator.

Ballet Tiler Peck Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet; choreographer, author and designer.

Classical Instrumental Lucinda Carver (Piano) Faculty: USC, Vice Dean of Division of Classical Performance and Composition.

Karen Dreyfus (Viola) Faculty: USC, Director of Chamber Music, Associate Professor of Practice.

Tamur Sullivan (Saxophone) Faculty: Northwestern University, Associate Professor of Saxophone.

Ben Hong (Cello) Associate Principal: LA Phil.

Roy Mccurdy (Drums) Faculty: USC, Jazz Studies.

Carolyn Hove (Oboe) English Horn and Oboe: LA Phil.

Harry Scorzo (Violin) Award-winning recording artist, composer, arranger and teacher.

David Howard (Clarinet) LA Phil. Faculty: USC, Winds & Percussion.

Bing Wang (Violin) Associate Concertmaster: LA Phil.

Classical Voice Alba Quezada Faculty: The New School for Drama

Jazz Instrumental Wade Culbreath (Vibraphone) Principal Percussionist, LA Orchestra and Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Bob Sheppard (Saxophone) Faculty: USC, Jazz Studies.

Dance Matthew Rushing Associate Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater; Spotlight alum.

Non-Classical Voice Christopher Hanke Faculty & Coach: Broadway Dreams Foundation. Award-winning Broadway and TV actor.

William Cunliff (Piano) Grammy-award winning composer, arranger, pianist.

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Nicole Alexander is an Australian transplant to America and has worked as an award-winning director, producer, cinematographer and editor across the film & television, live event, music and new media platforms.

She defines herself as a creative director/producer with her controversial, multi-media Helpmann-awardwinning operatic stage production of Dead Man Walking and producing and creative directing some of The MTV Entertainment Group's largest tentpole shows. In 2016, she set up her solo production venture ‘Hashtag, You’re It’, where she creates multi-platform content for networks, production houses, agencies, brands and artists. In addition to assisting with the launch of Instagram’s own video channel, she has directed and produced for YouTube, Comedy Central, NBCUniversal, ABC, Getty Images, iHeart Radio, TLC, Ford, BMW, Red Bull, Google and Mastercard, to name a few, and a multitude of high profile musicians including DJ Khaled and Katy Perry. Ms. Alexander successfully directed 4 x TVCs and the live stream for iHeartRadio and Snapchat’s reveal of the new Ford EcoSport, which became one of the most successful and most socially shared product launches of all time. In 2020, Ms. Alexander directed, produced, edited and filmed the inaugural virtual Spotlight Grand Finale for The Music Center. She is a recipient of over 60 film festival awards and is currently developing a number of scripted and non-scripted projects including The Fixer, Managing Up, What Next and Tiger Fish.

Phillip Chbeeb and Makenzie Dustman have been working as professionals in the entertainment industry for over a decade. Their careers started on FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance and, throughout the years, they have worked with artists Justin Bieber, Camilla Cabello, Jennifer Lopez, KHALID, Chris Brown, Anna Kendrick and more.

From choreographing the Billboard Music Awards and performing on Dancing With the Stars, to creating intimately with companies including Nederlands Dans Theatre and Cirque Du Soleil, Mr. Chbeeb and Ms. Dustman have experienced working with a beautiful variety of artists and art forms from all around the world.

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Jamey Tate has become a highly sought-after drummer, composer/arranger, producer and musical director. From touring with artists David Benoit, Jane Monheit, Al Jarreau, Mindi Abair and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, to recording on films Pixar’s Purl, Disney’s Us Again or Clint Eastwood’s Jersey Boys, Mr. Tate is known for his versatility covering all styles and genres of music. He has written music for clients including Walt Disney World Resort, AT&T, McDonalds, ESPN and ABC Television. As a producer, Mr. Tate most recently worked on Jane Monheit’s Come Away With Me (2021) and Dave Koz’s A New Day (2020). He produced other recordings with artists including The Edge Effect, Courtney Fortune, Solomon Jaye and Paul Tuvman. Mr. Tate is a performing artist with Sakae Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks and ProLogix Practice Instruments.

Dawn Comer Jefferson is an award-winning writer. On television, Ms. Comer Jefferson wrote on the CBS family drama, Judging Amy and served as writer/consulting producer on MTV’s teen drama South of Nowhere. She was nominated for an Emmy for writing the Fox animated family film Our Friend, Martin, and for the last 10 years has written Emmy-winning arts programming for PBS, performed at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. She adapted, produced and directed the eight-part NPR radio series adaptation of the biography Maggie’s American Dream, co-wrote the nonfiction book Three Ring Circus: How Real Couples Balance Marriage, Work, and Family, and the African American historical children’s fiction The Promise.

Ms. Comer Jefferson is currently developing an animated series and adapting a classic novel as a miniseries.

SPOTLIGHT 2021 PRODUCTION CREDITS

Production Staff

The Music Center Staff

Monique Carroll Associate Producer; Program Manager, Spotlight

Bennett Anderson Senior Coordinator, Advancement

Cody Kopp Associate Producer; Presenting & Producing Coordinator Dawn Comer Jefferson Scriptwriter Patrick Traylor Producing Production Manager

Cheryl Brown Assistant Vice President, Development Leticia Buckley Senior Civic Strategist & Governmental Affairs Jason Clark Director, Production

Kari Swanson Production Assistant

Lisa Ducore Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Brand Communications

Evan M. Greenspan Inc. Music Clearance

Elise Embry Annual Giving Officer

John McCoy Photographer

Liliana Gonzalez Event Operations Coordinator

Hashtag You’re It Gareth Taylor Director of Photography; Drone Cinematographer Nicole Alexander Editor, Camera Operator Luka Stemberger Editor, Graphics, VFX Kyle Moore Camera Operator, Editor Summer Passmore Story Producer John Walker Sound Rul Yacob Sound

The Music Center Executive Staff

Cameron Jackson Manager, Social Media Stephanie Kao Manager, Web Content & Digital Analytics Ming Ng Vice President, Community Engagement Laura Recchi Senior Director, Annual & Leadership Giving Kari Sartorius Director of Events & Special Projects Marielle Shrock Marketing Specialist Sabrina Skacan Manager, Media Relations Laurie A. Selik Senior Director, Institutional Giving

Megan Adcock Molly Bogunovic Aynsley Bubbico Alex Budman Chelsea Chaves Emily Cruden Ashleigh Doede Dee Kaye Klega Lee Lindenlaub Justus Ross Leaha Villarreal

Spotlight Academy Presenters Tim Callobre (Spotlight alum) Barrett Foa Suzanna Guzmán Tiler Peck Carla Renata Jamal Story (Spotlight alum) Jamey Tate

Very Special Thanks To: Renegade Prints Montana Shop Los Angeles NextHealth Night Light Studios Chali 2na JD Neilsen Kenny Valera Nate Montijo Sarah Malone Youth American Grand Prix International Alliance of Theatrical and TV Stage Employees, Local 33

Sharon Stewart Director of Scheduling and Events

Rachel S. Moore President & CEO

Ken Talley Scheduling Administrator

Howard Sherman Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Melissa Tan Assistant Vice President, Ticketing and Marketing Strategy

Josephine Ramirez Executive Vice President, TMC Arts

Mark Teshirogi Grant Writer

William Taylor Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Student Feedback Letter Writers

Carolyn Van Brunt Vice President, Guest Services Virginia Wilcox Coordinator, Advancement

Valentine Gelman Senior Vice President, Advancement

Keith Wyffels Associate Vice President, Education

Bonnie Goodman Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Lucy Zepeda Asst. Manager, Community Relationships & Partnerships 15

SPOTLIGHT 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Music Center 2020–21 Board of Directors Officers Cindy Miscikowski Chair Robert J. Abernethy Vice Chair Darrell Brown Vice Chair Rachel S. Moore President & CEO Diane G. Medina Secretary Susan M. Wegleitner Treasurer William Taylor Assistant Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Members at Large

General Counsel

Charles F. Adams William H. Ahmanson Wallis Annenberg Jill Baldauf Susan Baumgarten Phoebe Beasley Thomas L. Beckmen Kimaada M. Brown Dannielle Campos Greg T. Geyer Lisa Gilford Kiki Ramos Gindler Jeffrey M. Hill Maria Rosario Jackson Carl Jordan Glenn Kaino Stefanie Kane Terri Kohl Cary J. Lefton David B. Lippman Richard Lynn Martinez Mattie McFadden-Lawson Elizabeth Michelson Darrell D. Miller Shelby Notkin Michael J. Pagano Cynthia M. Patton Karen Kay Platt Joseph Rice Melissa Romain Beverly P. Ryder Maria Salinas Lisa See Mimi Song Matthew J. Spence Marc I. Stern Philip A. Swan Walter F. Ulloa Timothy S. Wahl Alyce de Roulet Williamson Jay S. Wintrob

Rollin A. Ransom

Directors Emeriti Peter K. Barker Judith Beckmen Ronald W. Burkle John B. Emerson ** Richard M. Ferry Brindell Gottlieb Bernard A. Greenberg Stephen F. Hinchliffe, Jr. Glen A. Holden Kent Kresa Robert F. Maguire, III Ginny Mancini Edward J. McAniff Walter M. Mirisch Fredric Roberts Richard K. Roeder Claire L. Rothman Joni J. Smith Lisa Specht ** Cynthia A. Telles James A. Thomas Andrea L. Van de Kamp ** Thomas R. Weinberger Rosalind W. Wyman ** Chair Emeritus

Los Angeles County Board Of Supervisors

Hilda L. Solis Chair, First District

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Holly J. Mitchell Chair Pro Tem, Second District

Sheila Kuehl Supervisor, Third District

Janice Hahn Supervisor, Fourth District

Kathryn Barger Supervisor, Fifth District

To learn more, be inspired and support our vision, visit:

musiccenter.org

@musiccenterla 17

Thank you!