ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
STRINGS & ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
PROUDLY PRESENTS
ALL ORCHESTRA CONCERT
MAY 1, 2025 7 PM
MICHAEL F. HARRAH SYMPHONY HALL
CONDUCTORS
Dr. Nicholaus Yee, Mr. Julian Rymar, and Dr. Jacob Sustaita
FEATURING
The premiere of a student composition by JEREMY LEE (cello, '28)
CONCERTO COMPETITION WINNER MANA ASAKA
Performing Chopin Concerto #2
Dear Friends & Families,
It is my privilege to welcome you to the 2024-2025 performance season at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA)! I am so honored to introduce this year’s amazing lineup of student performances and events.
This school year marks an exceptional milestone, as OCSA has now resided and flourished in the city of Santa Ana for 25 years! Over the past quarter of a century, the OCSA campus in Santa Ana has seen countless performances and served as the launching pad for thousands of dreams. Our campus has also provided a home away from home for students (and staff!) from Santa Ana and beyond. I cannot wait to see how our legacy within Santa Ana continues to grow and evolve.
As we open yet another exciting chapter in the history of the school, I would like to give a warm welcome to our new Chief Operations Officer, Dr. Gregory Endelman. Not only does he bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, but he is also a great and caring human being who is ready to do what it takes to help our school be the best it can be for our students and staff.
I am looking forward to partnering with Dr. Endelman, along with our esteemed administrators, faculty, and staff, to take OCSA into this next chapter!
At this time, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our 2024-2025 corporate season sponsors, Pendry Newport Beach, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Boot Barn, and Yamaha, as well as to our Board of Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors, Emeritus Board, President’s Circle, and Encore members. The continued success of OCSA’s mission would not be possible without their support, leadership, and vision.
Finally, I must acknowledge our parents, alumni, administrators, faculty and staff, members of the local community, and most importantly, our student artists. Our students are the inspiration and driving force behind what we do every single day.
I am thrilled to have you join me in celebrating another impressive performance season. Please enjoy all of the magic OCSA has to offer!
With gratitude,
Teren M. Shaffer President & CEO Orange County School of the Arts
We provide an unparalleled arts and academic education in a creative, challenging, and nurturing environment to a diverse group of students who are passionate about the arts, preparing them to reach their highest potential.
Established in 1987, the nationally recognized Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) offers a dynamic school culture that enables students to flourish as artists and scholars. The school currently serves a diverse student body of approximately 2,300 students in grades 7-12 from more than 100 cities throughout Southern California.
In addition to offering a challenging college-preparatory academic program that produces high-achieving, motivated scholars, OCSA provides aspiring young artists with the opportunity to refine their skills and flourish in one of 17 arts conservatories. Each year, more than 200 concerts, recitals, staged performances, and exhibitions are presented at a variety of venues in Orange County and throughout the world, providing students with the unique experience of entertaining and inspiring thousands of audience members.
OCSA is a donation-dependent public charter school; no student is offered or denied admission based on financial capacity. The school’s rigorous academic education coupled with advanced arts training has impacted many students, molding generations of creative thinkers, leaders, artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
ACADEMICS + Arts
#1 BEST CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL IN CALIFORNIA Niche, 2025
PROGRAM OF THE EVENING
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS STRINGS & ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
Proudly Presents
OCSA STRING ORCHESTRA
Dr. Nicholaus Yee, conductor
Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 1043 (1718) J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
I. Vivace
II. L argo ma non tanto
III. Allegro
Zeen Zhou, Wesley Tsai, violin
Concerto for Four Violins in B minor, RV 580 (1711) Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
I. Allegro
II. L argo - Larghetto
III. Allegro
Natalie Xu, Cayla Kim, Anna Shung, Hannah Carrasco, violin
Simple Symphony, Op. 4 (1934) Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
I. B oisterous Bourée
II. Playful Pizzicato
III. Sentimental Sarabande
IV. Frolicsome Finale
Intermission
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PROGRAM OF THE EVENING
OCSA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Mr. Julian Rymar, conductor
Aufforderung zum Tanz, Op. 65 (1819) Carl Maria von Weber (Invitation to the Dance) (1786-1826)
cinnamon suite (2024) Jeremy Lee (b. 2009)
II. heavy eyelids
III. mug of cold coffee
I. sunbeams through curtains
Selections from Hungarian Dances, WoO 1 (1879) Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
No. 7 Allegretto in F Major (orch. Schmeling)
No. 11 Poco Andante in D Minor (orch. Parlow)
No. 5 Allegro in G Minor (orch. Parlow) Intermission
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PROGRAM OF THE EVENING
OCSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Dr. Jacob Sustaita, conductor
Karelia Suite, Op. 11 (1893) Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
III. Alla Marcia
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21 (1829) Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
I. Maestoso
Mana Asaka, piano
Appalachian Spring (1945) Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Very Slowly
Allegro Moderato Fast More deliberate Molto Moderato
Allegro-Presto-Meno
As at First
Doppio movimento (Simple Gifts)
A trifle slower (Coda)
Violin
OCSA STRING ORCHESTRA
Shayden Imaoka, concertmaster
Iriel Lee, asst. concertmaster
Aimee Lee, principal second
Wesley Tsai, asst. principal second
Stella Cao
Hannah Carrasco
Abigail Chung
Cayden Gwon
Edwin Hong
Katie Hwang
Christine Kang
Jimin Kang
Olivia Kang
Cayla Kim
Abby Lin
Summer Park
Anna Shung
Victoria Shung
Jayden Wang
Natalie Xu
Miho Yazaki
Zeen Zhou
Viola
Jerry Huang, principal
Luke Lee , asst. principal
Danielle Hahn
Jesse Huang
Daniel Min
Emily Xiao
Cello
Sharon Kim, principal
Clarissa Lin, asst. principal
Daniel Guo
Sophie Luo
Ayane Matsuzaki
Olivia Moon
Lisa Pan
Double Bass
Farrah Li, principal
Zoey Chiang
OCSA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Flute
Nicky Kim
Iris Wu
Grady Gillen, piccolo
Oboe
Elise Chen
Olivia Park
Clarinet
Chloe Baek
Stella Kim
Trumpet
Katelyn Chang
Pedro Fregos
Horn
Zion Xavier Ray Francisco
Timpani
Kaiden Orozco
Violin I
Kaiden Surti, concertmaster
Sylvie Kim, asst. concertmaster
Christine Kang
Katelyn Chang
Dora Li
Vincent Hacker
Ella Yang
Iriel Lee
Violin II
Shayden Imaoka, principal
Linh Huynh, asst. principal
Wesley Tsai
Hannah Carrasco
Jim Xiao
Zeen Zhou
Aimee Lee
Abby Lin
Viola
Peter Lee, principal
Brian Kim, asst. principal
Sara Ning
Gracie Park
Rebecca Park
Megan Song
Kenneth Chung
Daniel Kim
Tiger Zhu
Emily Xiao
Cello
Daniel Guo, principal
Joseph Baek, asst. principal
Sharon Kim
Lisa Pan
Kexin Cai
Clarissa Lin
Ethan Yo
James Park Bass
Parker Brueggeman, principal
Harp
Noella Lee
Xander Shah
Mana Asaka is a freshman in the Pianist Program at Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) in California.
Beginning piano at the age of four, she currently studies with Ms. Nobuyo Nishizaka.
Through her participation in various festivals, competitions, and other music programs, she has had the opportunity to perform in many master classes with renowned pianists and professors, such as the famous concert pianist, Jean-Yves Thibaudet. These opportunities have also allowed her to perform at Carnegie Hall a total of three occasions.
Mana has won numerous piano competitions including the First Place / Gold Prize at Southern California Junior Bach Festival 2024 Complete Works Audition, California Association of Professional Music Teachers Romantic/Impressionistic Competition 2024, Southwestern Youth Music Festival 2024 Baroque Category, Amadeus International Music Awards 2024, London Classical Music Competition 2024, 2025 Westside Music Foundation Robert Turner Piano Concerto Competition, and European Virtuoso Music Awards 2025.
Mana enjoys playing flute and piccolo alongside playing her main instrument, which is the piano, and is additionally intrigued by nature, especially the subject of Marine Biology.
Flute
Emma He, principal
April Park
Piccolo
Chelsea Jiang, principal
Oboe
Grace Lai, principal
Sydney Kramer
Clarinet
Kenny Song, principal
Julia Dietz, bass
Bassoon
Ariana Kim, principal
Tyler Phan
Horn
Keilah Park, principal
Katie Baker
David Binoya
Sylas Wei
Trumpet
Allie Molin, principal
Miri Izenberg
Tony Lee
Trombone
Marie Bocanegra, principal
Owen Ramos
Natalie Dechary
OCSA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Percussion
Ella Hyunjee Choi
Samantha Gonzalez
Momoka Hayashibe
Timpani
Momoka Hayashibe (Sibelius)
Ella Hyunjee Choi (Chopin)
Samantha Gonzales (Copland)
Violin
Jaden Kim, concertmaster
Maiya Kothari, asst. concertmaster
Ken Xiao, principal second
Kaien Li, asst. principal second
Shaylin Bau
Joel Carrasco
Ivana Chacon
Victoria Chun
Jimin Ha
Allyson Hahn
Rachel Kim
Jaynie Lee
Sandra Lee
Emily Lu
Matthew Martono
Thalia Nguyen-Khoa
Saya Nishimura
Cadence Park
Natalie Tran
Emma Wang
Chloe Woo
Lucy Woo
Audrey Yoon
Julian Yoon
Viola
Kayla Kim, principal
Justin Hong, asst. principal
Sumin Cho
Jiwon Chung
Lyla Han
Viney Huang
Annabelle Jin
Jayden Kim
Christine Lee
Miono Minematsu
Killian Smith
Cello
William Reynolds, principal
Isaac Chun, asst. principal
Sabrina Chang
Alex Huang
Aiden Kim
Zachary Kim
Jeremy Lee
Jason Lee
Joey Zhou Bass
Juneau Foxlin, principal
Elena Abdollahi, asst. principal
Cosette Oh
Harp
Sydney Lee, principal
OCSA Strings utilizes a rotational seating arrangement
ABOUT THE CONDUCTORS
Dr. Jacob Sustaita serves as the assistant conductor for Pacific Symphony and Music Director, Carl St. Clair. He also serves as Music Director and Conductor for the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra. Dr. Sustaita is also the newly appointed conductor for the Orange County School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra. In the fall 2021 and 2022 semesters, Dr. Sustaita served as Acting Orchestra Director at California State University Long Beach, Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. From 2015 to 2020, he led the Sam Houston State University Symphony, Chamber, Ballet, and Opera Orchestras as director of orchestral studies. In 2016, Sustaita and the Symphony Orchestra performed the American premiere of Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1 (original Linz version) with high praise from the American and European Bruckner Societies.
Dr. Sustaita is a frequent guest conductor and clinician across the country. In 2015, Sustaita was selected by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Institute to serve as assistant conductor for Charles Dutoit and the National Youth Orchestra of America. Sustaita regularly conducted and coached the orchestra during its New York residency and on their seven-city tour of China and Hong Kong.
A native of Texas, Sustaita completed his Doctorate and Bachelor of Music degrees at the University of Houston, where he served as assistant conductor for the Moores Opera Center for three seasons. He also earned a Master of Music degree from both Penn State and Rice University.
His honors include: Schissler Conducting Fellowship, Rice University Prize and Provost Fellowship and American Prize semi- finalist and finalist. His teachers and mentors include Carl St.Clair, Charles Dutoit, Franz Krager, Brett Mitchell, Gerardo Edelstein, and Paavo Järvi.
Sustaita’s past positions include a three-year tenure as music director of the Minnesota Philharmonic, principal guest conductor for the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, a three- year tenure as music director with the Southeast Texas Youth Symphony, and assistant orchestra director at Mayde Creek High School in Katy, TX.
Music education has always been at the forefront of his conducting interests. He regularly conducts the Linked Up Concerts created by Carnegie Hall, and he continues to develop innovative platforms for youth and family concerts that provide a meaningful and exciting experience for all concertgoers. In addition to his responsibilities with the Conroe Symphony Orchestra and Sam Houston State Orchestra, he has conducted youth and collegiate orchestras including the Houston Youth Orchestra Symphony and Philharmonia, Akron Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and multiple All-Region orchestras. He is also a regular presenter at conventions and for teacher in-service and development workshops.
ABOUT THE CONDUCTORS
Julian Rymar is a clarinetist based in Southern California. Mr. Rymar is a current member of the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles and has played with groups such as Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This is his third year teaching at OCSA and his first conducting the Chamber Orchestra.
Mr. Rymar also maintains a small private studio and freelances around Southern California, most often playing woodwind doubles on musicals.
Mr. Rymar has his Bachelors from DePaul University as well as his Masters and Artist Diploma from CSUF. His primary teachers include Burt Hara, Håkan Rosengren, Julie DeRoche, and Anthony Parnther.
As a violist, Dr. Nicholaus Yee completed his doctoral studies at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he was the teaching assistant to Dr. Pamela Goldsmith and Professor Donald McInnes, and attended as a full fellowship recipient. In addition to his viola studies, he is trained as an instrumental conductor, early music specialist, and music educator, topics he minored in as part of the rigorous and multifaceted program at USC.
Dr. Yee has performed with such musical legends as Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Lynn Harrell, Doc Severinsen, Gary Graffman, and David Shifrin. Conductors he has worked with include Carl St.Clair, John Williams, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Sergiu Comissiona, Stanisław Skrowaczewski, and Lucinda Carver. Dr. Yee is a member of the Redlands Symphony.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Yee has taught privately for 30 years and in various capacities at private and public schools and youth orchestras. His teaching philosophy centers on the love of music, fostering achievement through discipline and methodical practice, and he encourages a close partnership in teaching and learning music with his students.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Zeen Zhou, an 8th-grade student at the Orange County School of the Arts String Orchestra Conservatory, has showcased his talent as a soloist in prestigious venues across Europe and the United States. He has performed in notable locations such as the Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor in Barcelona, the Convento de Colegio de la Compañía de María in Santiago de Compostela, and the Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes in Madrid.
Zeen has also participated in significant events like the Spring Concert for Ukraine Refugees, receiving a Certificate of Recognition from the U.S. Congress. His performances include the Musikverein in Vienna, the Pantheon in Rome, the Sala Bianca at Palazzo Pitti in Florence, and Chiesa di San Sebastiano in Venice.
In the United States, he has performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and was accepted into the Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Camp with a full scholarship, where he played Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20 by Pablo de Sarasate and received the OPUS Competition State Level Merit Prize. He continues to excel, being awarded a full scholarship to the Advanced Strings Program at the Interlochen Arts Academy Summer Camp.
Wesley Tsai is an eighth grader and has been playing the violin for eight years He has played in the IUSD Honors Orchestra, All-Southern Honor Orchestra with SCSBOA, and CODA All-State Honor Orchestra. He is a member of Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, where he regularly performs at Segerstrom Concert Hall. Wesley recently won 2nd place in the 2023 and 2024 MACOC violin competition. Outside of music, Wesley likes to play tennis and practice archery.
Natalie Xu, an 8th grader at the Orange County School of the Arts. She made her first orchestral solo debut at age 11 with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County. Most recently, Natalie won the 3rd Prize in the National Finals of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) String Competition (2025).
Natalie has earned numerous other first-place accolades in prestigious competitions, including the MTNA Southwest Division Finals and California State Finals (2025), Young Stars of the Future (2024), Opus Music Competition National Finals (2024), Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) VOCE State Finals (2023), American String Teachers Association (ASTA) California State Finals (2022), and the Satori Grand Prize (2023 and 2022). She has also received top honors in other regional events such as California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT), Southwestern Youth Music Festival (SYMF), the Southern California Junior Bach Festival, and the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County (MACOC).
Earlier this year, she was selected for NPR’s From the Top Fellowship Program and featured in their Daily Joy series (2024). She has performed as a soloist with orchestras such as South Coast Symphony, Bellflower Symphony, and Southern California Philharmonic, refining her artistry through masterclasses with violinists like Paul Huang and Ayke Agus.
BIOGRAPHIES
Cayla Kim, a thirteen-year-old violinist who is an 8th grader at OCSA, was the grand prize winner of the Satori Music Festival and Scholarship competition of MTAC Los Angeles County Branch. She has also won first prize from MACOC and SYMF Festival. She is also a prize winner of MIMA Young Artist Competition, and will perform at Zipper Hall, Colburn School of Performing Arts this summer. She currently studies with Iryna Krechkovsky. Her hobbies outside of violin are journaling and drawing.
Anna Shung is a 7th grader who is enjoying her first year at OSCA. She is grateful to be part of Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings (PSSS), PSSS Octet, and Junior Chamber Music (JCM).
Anna has been fortunate to receive recognition in several competitions, including the Satori Strings JCM Chamber, MTAC, SMYF, American protege, Musical Arts Competition, etc. She also had the honor of playing solo violin with the Pacific Symphony Youth Concert Band and previously serving as Concertmaster for the California All-Southern Orchestra, as well as Principal Violin of PSSS.
Hannah Carrasco is an 8th grader at the Orange County School of the Arts. Hannah began playing violin at the age of 5, and has been a member of youth orchestras for the past several years. She had the opportunity to perform with the SDCYO Symphony Orchestra at the Viennese Masters Invitational in Carnegie Hall last summer. Hannah was also recently a winner of the SDCYO concerto competition, and is looking forward to playing with their Symphony Orchestra as a soloist in June. Hannah also enjoys playing piano, which she began at age 7. She has participated in the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC) Certificate of Merit program for both violin and piano for several years, earning state honors each year. She has also enjoyed playing in the Southern California Junior Bach Festival (SCJBF) for the past few years, and is pleased to have recently again qualified for the regional competition.
COLLEGE SUCCESS
Emphasizes fundamental operational skills, computational fluency, and problem-solving abilities
Integrates Algebra, Geometry, and Statistics to prepare students for both traditional and Integrated Math courses
Topics beyond our curriculum scope, such as Algebra 2, Trigonometry, or Calculus, are covered under our Homework Support program
HOMEWORK SUPPORT
Ideal for students needing assistance with homework, struggling with specific concepts, or preparing for tests
Offers support for higher-level Mathematics and AP courses
Sessions are student-driven, structured towards specific needs, and focus on the material students bring for support
Dependent on teacher availability and subject matter
Enhances reading fluency, higher-order analysis skills, and overall comprehension
Prioritizes development of advanced critical thinking skills to cultivate confident, proficient readers
Expands knowledge of vocabulary and word meanings
STUDY SKILLS
Enhances academic habits through goal setting, organizational skills, time management, and effective test-taking strategies
Strengthens active reading, listening, outlining, note-taking (including the Cornell method), and study techniques
Tailored for middle to high school demands
Provides extensive customizability to meet individual student needs effectively
Develops the five-step writing process and various writing techniques that make writing assignments more manageable
Stengthens fundamental language skills (grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling) that make writing clear and accurate
Provides experience with various essay types: narrative, informative, persuasive, and research
SAT/ACT PREP
Provides teacher-led in-depth instruction on application of best practices, key reasoning skills and test-taking strategies
Access to two student workbooks (Math, English) which provide instruction on test concepts and features, homework, and mixed review practice
Access to SylvanPrep.com, an individualized online component, for one full year
Access to multiple full length practice tests which mimic the conditions of a real test
*SylvanPrep.com can be used as a standalone self-led program (Sylvan Prep Online) *Sylvan Insight Assessment is required for enrollment*
BIOGRAPHIES
Jeremy Lee, age 15, is a freshman at the Orange County School of the Arts. He has played piano for eleven years and cello for six, passing CM Advanced level in both instruments and qualifying for Panel masterclass in cello. He has won numerous awards at Satori and SYMF, winning the Special Award for piano at the 2022 Satori Grand Prize Contest. He also won third at the International Conero piano competition. He has been principal cellist of Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings and All-Southern, assistant principal of All-State String Orchestra, and is a current member of Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra.
He has always enjoyed playing and creating music of many genres, arranging music with online notation programs, Chrome Music Lab, and Minecraft noteblocks. In 6th grade, he composed a piece for PTA Reflections and won first place, advancing to the district level.
Outside of music, he is captain of the OCSA Division B Science Olympiad team and co-founder of SciConnect Initiative, a non-profit that creates online video science courses. He helps organize volunteer senior center concerts and is a penguin aficionado. He has 14,000 trophies across two Clash Royale accounts and 20,000 Brawl Stars trophies.
Cinnamon Suite was originally a 5-movement suite with each movement inspired by a different emotion. The movements were not written in order, but developed individually to build a series. The goal from the beginning wasn’t to create a narrative, but to write music that stayed honest to what each moment felt like at the time it was written. Some came from a strong musical idea right away while others began with just a texture and developed slowly. The process was less about building a structure and more about listening to how each emotion wanted to sound on its own terms.
The first selection was based on a feeling of frustration. It begins as a simple waltz and grows in intensity as the chords stay the same throughout. The second selection was inspired by a feeling of uneasy contentment, hence the name. While the piece stays in a mostly major key, the chords constantly shift until finally settling. The final movement reflects unbridled happiness; upbeat rhythms and constant motion concludes in an exciting and hopeful finale.
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
About the Strings & Orchestra Program
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Strings & Orchestra Program offers students a college-preparatory curriculum that fosters technical and creative development for young musicians. Students in the Strings & Orchestra Program are provided the opportunity to perform solo and orchestral repertoire from all time periods. Strings & Orchestra Program students (including harpists) are placed in one of three orchestras: Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, or 7th and 8th Grade String Orchestra. All students participate in regular sectionals and master classes, which are led by a distinguished faculty and internationally recognized master artist teachers. OCSA’s Symphony Orchestra has won national awards for innovative programming and is consistently recognized for its impressive level of performance.
DR. NICHOLAUS YEE Coordinator of Strings & Orchestra Program
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
The Strings & Orchestra Program maintains a standard repertoire list, ensuring graduates of the program have performed works that are typically heard in any professional orchestra. This creates versatile musicians who are prepared to successfully enter the university or arts conservatory program of their choice upon graduating. The program is also unique in that it provides student solo opportunities at virtually every concert. The Strings & Orchestra Program regularly collaborates with other conservatories each year, including the Musical Theatre and Classical Voice Conservatories.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The Strings & Orchestra Program’s three orchestras regularly perform throughout the season in a variety of venues, both on and off campus. The Symphony Orchestra performs annually at OCSA’s Season Finale, a schoolwide performance in late spring featuring all of the school’s arts conservatories and presented at the prestigious Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The Symphony Orchestra also performs in major venues around the world; previous performance venues have included Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and historic concert halls in London, Vienna, Prague, and Moscow.
PAST GUEST ARTISTS AND MASTER TEACHERS
Joshua Bell, internationally renowned violinist
Martin Chalifour, Los Angeles Philharmonic Principal Concertmaster
Nicholas Daniel, renowned oboist
Michael Daugherty, Grammy Award-winning composer
Brett Dean, composer and former Berlin Philharmonic violist
Stephane Deneve, internationally recognized conductor
Tan Dun, Oscar Award-winning composer
Grant Gershon, conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale
Johannes Moser, world-class cellist
Steven Stucky, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer
Eric Tanguy, award-winning French composer
James Wilt, Los Angeles Philharmonic trumpet player
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SCHOOL, FOUNDATION & CONSERVATORY LEADERSHIP
SCHOOL
President & CEO
Teren Shaffer
Chief Operations Officer
Gregory Endelman, Ed.D.
Principal
Michael Ciecek
Assistant Principal of Instruction
Kimberly Barraza Lyons, Ph.D.
Assistant Principal of Student Services
Becca Freeland
Assistant Principal of Arts
Maria Lazarova, D.M.A.
Assistant Principal of Student Supervision
Abbe Levine
Director of Special Services
Lauren Reynolds
Learning Specialist
Shelley Stanphill
FOUNDATION
Vice President of Communications
Kelly Andrews
Vice President of Development
Elizabeth Ton
CONSERVATORY
Director of Productions
Eric Hamme
SCHOOL OF APPLIED ARTS
Arts & Enterprise
Ally Bushman, Director
Mekjian Family Culinary Arts & Hospitality
Daniel Mattos, Chef Director
SCHOOL OF DANCE
Ballet & Contemporary Dance
Steven B. Hyde, Director
Ballet Folklórico Dance
Marlene Peña-Marin, Director
Ballroom Dance
Robert Porch, Director
Commercial Dance
Nicole Berger, Director
SCHOOL OF FINE & MEDIA ARTS
Creative Writing
Joshua Wood, Director
Martin & Cynthia Howard
Design & Media
Patrick Williams, Director
Film & Television
Aaron Orullian, Director
Integrated Arts
Charna Lopez, Director
Cassandra Foster, Conservatory Manager
Visual Arts
Paige Oden, Director
Randy Au, Assistant Director
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Classical Voice
Ryan Reithmeier, D.M.A., Director
Instrumental Music
Sarkis Baltaian, D.M.A., Director
Pianist Program
Strings & Orchestra Program
John Reynolds, D.M.A., Director
The Garn Family Jazz Studies Program
Frederick Fennell Wind Studies Program
Nicholaus Yee, D.M.A., Coordinator
Strings & Orchestra Program
Popular Music
Natasha Pasternak, Director
SCHOOL OF THEATRE
El-Erian Family Acting
John Walcutt, Director
Donald Amerson, Conservatory Manager
Musical Theatre
Ryan Miller, Director
Amelia Barron, Conservatory Manager
Production & Design
Kelly Marie Pate, Director
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
Paul Satkin, Chair
Gary Humphreys, Secretary
Members
Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.)
Vincent Foley, Jr.
Jessica Herthel
FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Officers
Jason Herthel, Chair
Teren Shaffer, President & CEO
Jennifer Sternshein, Secretary
Michael Laven, Treasurer
Hon. Halim Dhanidina (Ret.), Board of Trustees Representative
Jennie Johanson-Maya, Vice Chair, Public Relations & Marketing
Eoin L. Kreditor, J.D., Vice Chair, Legacy Giving
Kimberley Lakes, Ph.D., Vice Chair, Human Capital
Christine Walker-Bowman, Vice Chair, Finance
Directors
Lisa Argyros
Jim Bergman
Lisa Brennan
Miaad Bushala
Bruce E. Chapman
Jim Conroy
Julia Feldman
Lamia Gabal, M.D.
Julie Garn
Jason Gwin
Gillian Hayes, Ph.D.
Steven Ho
Martin Howard
Michael Le, M.D.
Lee Runnels
Don Steiner
EMERITUS BOARD
Julia Argyros
John Daniels
Sandy Segerstrom Daniels
Mohamed El-Erian
Brad Ellis, J.D.
Maria Newkirk Fong
John Gates
Carol Green
Jerry Mandel
Michal Mekjian, Jr.
James “Walkie” Ray
Judy Sabbagh
Susan Samueli, Ph.D.
Janice Frey Smith
Kate St. Clair
Russell Stern
John Vestri
Scott Woolsey
In Memoriam
Paul Folino
Doug Garn
Sebastian Paul Musco
Lew Webb
The OCSA Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing financial support to the school The Foundation accomplishes this through individual contributions (in addition to families’ annual Conservatory Funding Agreements); membership support and social groups, including Encore; corporate sponsorships; special events; foundation grants; legacy giving; capital campaigns; and community engagement programs and classes.
All Foundation gifts and membership contributions provide invaluable support toward important schoolwide initiatives that directly benefit our talented students.
SEASON SPONSORS
Thank you to the following 2024-2025 President’s Circle members:
Armi and Ron Abiera
Cheryl Alderson and Charles Dominguez
Courtney and James Banaag
Autumn and Frank Bignami
Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena
Kara and Rob Casola
Kathy and William Chang
Joy Chao and Jason Lee
Arpi and Bobby Charlu
Julia and Lewis Cho
Gretchen and Jim Conroy
Michelle and Tim Danaher
Neeti and Sandeep Dang
Saranya and Halim Dhanidina
Malisa and Kanwal Duggal
Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone
Sally and Dan Fleet
Laura Forbes and Mike Huntley
Betsy and Luke Freiler
Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson
Stacy and Jason Gwin
Sameena and Ali Habib
Allison and Brian Herman
Jason and Jessica Herthel
Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya
Karen Kim and Spencer Ho
Annu Khemka and Maneesh Goyal
Cheryl and Michael Laven
Debbie and Bonaparte Liu
Sherry and Paul Main
Greg McCollum and Jeff Van Hoosear
Matt and Diana McCutchen
Maeesha Merchant and Gaurav Diwan
Jessica Miley and Alejandro Brubaker
Tita Nguyen and Michael Le
Rose Paguirian-Steiner and Don Steiner
Allison and Jim Panetta
Amy Parekh and Jay Shah
Brad Pivar and Rod Escobedo
Ami and Rakesh Puvvada
Alexis and Julian Recana
Catey and Chris Reese
Trilby and Michael Robinson-Dorn
Melissa and Jeffrey Ruderman
Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman
Jennifer and Brad Smith
Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier
Mohini and Vip Soni
Jeannette and John Soumbasakis
Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Stevens
Rina Stinson
Kim and Bert Tavares
Mei Tsang and Steve Brown
Ivy Wang and Patryk Symchych
Courtney and Andrew Wittkop
Manuella and Michael Yassa
Michelle and Gary Yoshino
Sandy and David Young
Jinny and Ed Yun
Thank you to the following 2024-2025 Season Sponsors:
TREATMENT OF BODY IMAGE & EATING DISORDERS
Nurturing, Healing & Resilience
Compassionate, specialized medical evaluation and management of eating disorders and body image concerns for kids, teens and young adults.
O erings:
Medical evaluation and management of eating disorders
Body image curriculum
Parent education presentations
Body image workshop for adults
Contact:
Usha Ganesan, MD 949.229.5964 17541 Irvine Blvd, Suite E, Tustin, CA 92780
www.beyondthereflection.com beyondthereflection@gmail.com
Thank you to the following 2024-2025 Encore members:
Armi and Ron Abiera
Acting Conservatory Mom
Anonymous
Justin Aragon and Laura Boysen-Aragon
Ms. Jyothi Atluri
The Bailey Family
James and Courtney Banaag
Edgar and Julie Barajas
Team Bignami
The Bittel Family
Ronald and Dawne Both
Lisa and Jack Brennan
Christe Bruderlin
The Bullock Family
Dr. Alyson and Alfredo Cartagena
The Casola Family
Kathy and William Chang
Joy Chao and Jason Lee
Arpi and Bobby Charlu
Tim and Rita Chen
Julia and Lewis Cho
Vincent and Karla Chung
Cogswell Design Inc.
Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy
Kristy Crownover
CV Programs
The Dale Family
Tim and Michelle Danaher
Neeti and Sandeep Dang
Ramit and Rakhi Dayal
The Deutschman Family
The Dhanidina Family
Joe and Jessica DiPenta
DM
The Dominguez Family
Isabel Dong
Kyle and Courtney Duff
Malisa and Kanwal Duggal
The Elder Family
Dr. & Mrs. Gregory and Lisa Endelman
The Engle Family
Julia Feldman and Ryan Malone
Sally and Dan Fleet
Laura Forbes and Mike Huntley
Luke and Betsy Freiler
Lamia Gabal and Charlie Wilcoxson
Kim Gangnes
Byron and Raquel Gillen
The Goodemote Family
The Gourley Family
Apra and Rahul Gupta
Mala and Neeraj Gupta
Brandi and Javier Gutierrez
Jason and Stacy Gwin
Sameena and Ali Habib
Aurora He
The Herman Family
Jason and Jessica Herthel
Stacey and Justin Hill
Andy and Gracie Hinton
Scott Holty and Emilie Albert
Angela Huang
Cindy Hughes and Paul Schmidhauser
The Idriss Family
Ivie-Valle Family - IN This House Love Rules
Jenii Jacobson
Jennie Johanson-Maya and Sal Maya
Angela Kent
David and Sara Kerrane
Andrew and Chinyee Keyoung
Annu Khemka and Maneesh Goyal
Karen Kim and Spencer Ho
Kevin and Kelly Kelley
Barbara and Keith Kuntz
Jason and Susan Lai
Cheryl and Michael Laven
Rosemarie and Michael Le Coz
My Lee
The Lee Family
Scott and Susan Lee
The Liu Family
Debbie and Bonaparte Liu
Kevin and Louise Lloyd
The Ly-Pang Family
Jay and Danielle Madison
Molly Mahoney and John Dominguez
Paul and Sherry Main
Greg McCollum and Jeff Van Hoosear
Matt and Diana McCutchen
Paul Mendoza
Maeesha Merchant and Gaurav Diwan
Val and Larry Miles
Jessica Miley and Alejandro Brubaker
The Mitras
Olga, Geoff, and Avery Mizrahi
Moon’s Family
Yvonne Naranjo
Tita Nguyen and Michael Le
Niu Family of FTV
The Oh Family
The Ortiz Family
Molly Ortwein
Rosemarie Paguirigan-Steiner and Don Steiner
Jim and Allison Panetta
The Parekh Shah Family
Oscar and Jessica Parra
The Passalacqua Family
The Pennor Family
Peters Architecture Inc.
The Pivar-Escobedo Family
Rakesh and Ami Puvvada
The Ransford Family
Hon. Julian and Alexis Recana
Chris and Catey Reese
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos and Nancy Reyes
Savalai and Brent Ridley
Trilby and Michael Robinson-Dorn
Logan and Carol Ross
The Rossfeld Family
Melissa and Jeff Ruderman
Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman
The Schultz Family
David and Tina Sidoni
Bandana and Jolly Singh
Brad and Jennifer Smith
Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier
Mo and Vip Soni
Lisa Stevens Wegner and Jed Wegner
Rina Stinson
John and Jeannette Soumbasakis
Patryk Symchych and Ivy Wang
Kim and Bert Tavares
Elliot Tong
The Truong/Kondo Family
Mei Tsang and Steve Brown
Reagan Vallejo
Michael and Nicole Vicioso
The Vik Family
The Villanueva Family Foundation
The Vitta Kama Family
The Voros Family
The Weaver Family
Courtney and Andrew Wittkop
Parents of David Wong (CW, ‘26)
Brenda Wooding and Eric Adler
Brian Yan’s Family
Michael and Manuella Yassa
Michelle and Gary Yoshino
Drs. Edward and Jinny Yun
The Zazik Family
The goal of Students First: A Capital Campaign is to create an enhanced campus environment that will benefit the entire OCSA community.
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who have donated in support of this transformational campaign:
Acting Conservatory Families, Class of 2025
Anonymous
Julia and George Argyros
Lisa Argyros
Albert and Miaad Bushala
The Cha Family
Dr. Gretchen and Mr. James Conroy
The DeVoe Family
DevTo Support Foundation
The Dhanidina Family
The Dirk Family
El-Erian Family Foundation
Roberta Estrin
Farmers & Merchants Bank
The Garn Family
The Harold Struck Charitable Fund
Shelley and Steven Ho
The Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation
Martin and Cynthia Howard / Howard CDM
Chinyee and Dr. J. Andrew Keyoung
N&D Kim Family
Tina and Eoin Kreditor / Cleo A Bluth Charitable Foundation
Dr. Kimberley Lakes and Dr. James Kay
Cheryl and Michael Laven
Hsueh Chun Lo
The Malone Family
Jennifer and Paul Meyhoefer
Mrs. Tita Nguyen, Esq. and Dr. Michael Le
Ryan and Jin O’Grady
The Park Family
Debbie and Joe Rogoff
Samueli Foundation
Anna Schlotzhauer and Jim Bergman
Karen Smith and Jay Jerrier
The Sternshein Family
The Tioleco-Cheng Malabarba Family
Ryan and Nicole Warne-McGraw
The Wegner Family
Michelle and Gary Yoshino
If you are interested in supporting the OCSA Foundation, please reach out to Vice President of Development Elizabeth Ton at elizabeth.ton@ocsarts.net or visit www.ocsarts.net/DonateNow
Special Thanks To Our Families
Thank you to all of our OCSA families who have contributed this year through the Conservatory Funding Agreement (CFA) in support of their child’s arts conservatory experience. Your contributions specifically support conservatory salaries, facilities, equipment and supplies, performance opportunities, guest artist master teachers, and field trips.
We can’t make the OCSA magic happen without you!
Advancing Care Through Clinical Trials and Research
The St. Jude Crosson Cancer Institute
Ongoing research and clinical trials are creating breakthroughs in cancers once thought insurmountable—and we are a leader in bringing these benefits from the lab to the bedside. Our specialists routinely use advanced genomic testing to identify the DNA alterations driving the growth of a patient’s tumor, allowing us to identify treatments and clinical trials that target those mutations. As part of the Precision Oncology Alliance, a collaboration of the nation’s leading cancer research centers, we o er over 100 clinical trials focused on dozens of di erent cancers—giving our patients access to some of the most promising and aggressive treatments available.
For more information or to learn about eligibility requirements for each trial, call St. Jude Oncology Research at (714) 992-3000 ext. 4332.
Pendry Newport Beach is proud to be a sponsor of the Orange County School of the Arts.
Contemporary Luxury
WHEREVER THE FUTURE TAKES YOU
MAKE YOURSELF HEARD
CREATE ENRICHING OPPORTUNITIES
The Hearts for the Arts campaign provides additional support for arts conservatory needs beyond each conservatory’s annual budget. Donations help to fund special equipment and supplies, performances, field trips, and other arts enrichment opportunities for our talented OCSA students.
HELP STUDENTS IN NEED
The Artist Scholar Sponsorship Program supports economically disadvantaged students who attend OCSA. Donations help to fund the arts conservatory portion of their school day and ensure they have access to the full OCSA experience, including yearbooks, technology, school supplies, and more.
PROVIDE GUEST ARTIST EXPERIENCES
The Master Artist Series supports high-profile visiting artists who create meaningful experiences for our student artists. Donations help to bring master artists and industry leaders to OCSA’s campus to share their career stories and expertise with students through residencies, master classes, lectures, and performances.
CSArts Academy offers extracurricular arts courses to student artists of various ages from throughout the community. Join us for fun and rewarding classes in the fall, spring, or summer!
FALL SATURDAY SERIES
Classes begin September 21, 2024
Registration opens in late August
SPRING SATURDAY SERIES
FALL SATURDAY SERIES SPRING
SPRING
Classes begin February 22, 2025
Registration opens in January
Classes begin July 7, 2025
Registration opens in January
BECOME A SPONSOR!
Promote your business at a specific conservatory performance or throughout the entire conservatory season! Hear your company’s name announced from the stage, promote your brand to a loyal target audience, and receive complimentary tickets!
$2,500 PER CONSERVATORY PERFORMANCE SEASON
BENEFITS
•Recognition in conservatory-specific promotional materials and communications
•Customized speech from the stage at select performances in your conservatory’s season*
•Two (2) complimentary tickets to each performance** in your conservatory’s season
•Recognition on OCSA’s Digital Donor Wall in the Tower Lobby, Center for the Arts Lobby, and DMS Lobby
$1,000 PER SPECIFIC CONSERVATORY PERFORMANCE
BENEFITS
•Recognition in conservatory-specific promotional materials and communications
•Customized speech from the stage at your selected conservatory performance*
•Two (2) complimentary tickets to your selected conservatory performance**
•Recognition on OCSA’s Digital Donor Wall in the Tower Lobby, Center for the Arts Lobby, and DMS Lobby
PROCEEDS WILL DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE CONSERVATORY OF YOUR CHOICE!
To view a list of upcoming performances, please visit www.ocsarts.net/BoxOffice.
*Also applicable to conservatory-specific events.
**Some exclusions may apply, including special events and performances at outside venues.
Support from businesses directly impacts the transformational education and creative opportunities provided for our students.
Current OCSA Families: Please note that donations from businesses to this campaign cannot be allocated toward your Conservatory Funding Agreement (CFA). All OCSA families are encouraged to contribute the requested amount toward their child’s conservatory through the CFA prior to supporting other OCSA initiatives.
To secure your Spotlight Sponsorship, please contact Greg McCollum, Director of Corporate & Business Relations, at gregory.mccollum@ocsarts.net or 714.560.0900 ext. 6616
Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) proudly offers a wide range of professional-level performance groups comprised of inspiring student artists from the school’s many arts conservatories. Make your private, corporate, or charity function more special by featuring a select group of OCSA’s bright and talented students!
Our extensive variety of repertoire is completely customizable. Choose the group that best meets the needs of your event and budget!
Ballet folklórico dancers
Ballroom dancers
Classical singers
Commercial dancers
Instrumental musicians
MONTAGE! performance ambassadors
CATERING SERVICES
We cater to your needs! Let our talented high school students and their world-class chef instructors make your gathering an event to remember.
Are you or someone you love struggling to overcome obstacles, achieve balance, or lead a more fulfilling life?
South Coast Psychiatry can help
Our highly accomplished psychiatrists provide personalized, comprehensive and compassionate care to adolescents and adults.
We work with our patients to treat emotional issues, identify and address academic challenges, overcome performance obstacles, and work to enhance positive coping strategies and improve resilience.
With a convenient and upscale location next to South Coast Plaza, and telehealth services available, getting the best possible care has never been easier.
ELEVATOR SERVICES
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Our Services:
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Design, Permitting, Construction, Tenant Management - We do it all!
BEACH CLEAN-UP
WHAT IS KIWIN’S?
CNH KIWIN’S (California, Nevada, Haiwaii), similar to its KEY CLUB counterparts, is an student-led club that stretches among multiple schools, including OCSA. This club promotes a sense of community and allows students easy access to various COMMUNITY SERVICE events. Students can learn to strengthen skills such as LEADERSHIP, collaborating with others, and can learn the significance of supporting your community. This looks great on COLLEGE APPLICATIONS, especially since joining this club can open up opportunities for SCHOLARSHIPS, AWARDS, and NETWORKING.
ZOEY ZIEN, CA&H ‘27 CLUB PRESIDENT zoey.zien@ocsarts.net
“CHILDREN: THEIR FUTURE, OUR FOCUS, LIVE2LEARN”
One of CNH KIWIN’S major focuses/service events puts emphasis on students promoting education and literacy, focused on youth, ages 5-9. This is just one of the many community service opportunities strengthening students’ connection with their area.
✓ Low teacher:child ratios
✓ Child-centered, emergent, engaging curriculum
✓ Inclusive & integrated learning environments
✓ Strong image of the child
✓ Highly trained teaching team
Currently serving children ages 3 to 5 years old
PROGRAM OFFERINGS
California State Preschool
•Reduced family fees for qualifying families
•Part-Day Program Sites:
•Commonwealth Elementary
•Hermosa Drive Elementary
•Maple Elementary School
•Orangethorpe Elementary
•Pacific Drive Elementary
•Woodcrest Elementary
•Full-Day/Full-Year Program Sites:
•Richman Elementary
•Valencia Park Elementary
Fee-Based Preschool
•Part-Day Program Sites:
•Beechwood Elementary
•Sunset Lane Elementary
•Full-Day Program Site:
•Sunset Lane Elementary
Fullerton School District
Educational Services
Preschool Program
714-447-7499
https://www.fullertonsd.org/preschool
Fullerton School District 2025 - 2026
Dual Language Academy
Great Schools, Successful Kids
Accepting Intents to register TK through 8th grade
Spanish and English Dual Immersion 90/10 Model
Korean and English Dual Immersion 50/50 Model Read, write, and communicate effectively
Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) 21st Century Learning Skills, Cross-cultural competencies
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 714-447-7416 / FULLERTON_DLA@MYFSD.ORG OR VISIT: FULLERTONSD.ORG/PAGE/2468
