Oaks Christian School Performing Arts Students Taste the Big Apple

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. - April 12, 2013 - PRLog -- Westlake Village, California—The students and directors of the Oaks Christian School Performing Arts Department toured New York City during spring break, their musical odyssey culminating with an amazing night of performances in Carnegie Hall by the OCS Choir, Orchestra, and Symphonic Band.  From March 28 through April 2, the group of 99 students and 24 chaperones stormed the Big Apple and tasted many of its musical delights.

Upon arriving in New York City, the Oaks Advanced Women’s Chorus and Oaks Chorale immediately began rehearsals for their festival choral performance under the direction of renowned composer and conductor Dr. Z. Randall Stroope.  The Symphonic Band and Orchestra joined forces for a hands-on pit orchestra workshop with a Broadway musical director and musician.  Led by OC Theatre Director Rosalind Allen-Enciso and Dance Teacher Caitlin Klipp, selected students of the OCS Theatre and Dance Departments attended workshops and  meet-and-greets with working actors and dancers from New York’s Broadway district.  Students also attended a number of Broadway shows. The group also toured The Julliard School and Columbia University where they explored college and career opportunities. On Easter Sunday, the group had the privilege of attending church services at Timothy Keller’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan.

On Monday, April 1, the OCS Orchestra--under the direction of OCS Orchestra Director Mary Kay Altizer--and the Symphonic Band—under the direction of OCS Band Director Ryan Kelly—performed on the stage of the historic Carnegie Hall and were adjudicated by four judges from across the United States.  That same evening, the OCS Choir—rehearsed and prepared by OCS Choir Director Ed Rouse—was joined by more than 150 choral students from five other auditioned choirs to perform a number of pieces under the direction of Dr. Stroope.  It was a spectacular evening of music and an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Now back at home, these award-winning OCS Performing Arts students are preparing for the annual Spring Spectacular to be presented on April 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. in the Calvary Community Church Worship Center in Westlake Village, California.  “Nights on Broadway:  A Bite of the Big Apple” will feature more than 130 students from OCS Orchestra, Band, Choir, Dance, and Drama.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.oakschristian.org/arts.