State of the Art

Melia Leilani Widjaja (VA, '22) painted different landmarks from around the world to adorn the walls of the Living Way Daycare Center with the goal of beautifying the center, inspiring the kids' creativity, and building awareness of diversity. Originally planned as a mural, Melia modified the project to canvas paintings due to the current circumstances.

Keona Huang (IA, '22) has been selected as a finalist in this year’s SC Johnson Professional Happy Hands contest, which promotes the importance of handwashing in schools by encouraging K-12 students to use their creative skills and imagination to design a custom soap/sanitizer dispenser.

The following students participated onstage and backstage in Centre Stage's workshop performance of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The COVID-compliant performance was split over two casts in a socially distanced, open black box theatre setting.

Tessa Barkley (IA, '23) - Rona Lisa Peretti
Nicole Gallivan (MT, '23) - Donna Panch
Ava Holguin (MT, '22) - Olive Ostrovsky
Hannah Khoury (MT, '22) - Olive Ostrovsky
Samantha Rily (IA, '24) - Marcey Park
Michael Tovar (PD, '23) - Lighting Board Operator

Alvin Wang's (VA, '24) artwork was selected to be published in the national anthology Celebrating Art.

Isaac Tragarz (ACT, '21) won the Kimberly Dawn Ellis Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to a graduating senior from the San Gabriel Valley who demonstrates achievement in academics, Jewish community involvement, community service, extracurricular activities, and leadership.

The following students were recognized as 2021 YoungArts Winners by the National YoungArts Foundation for their artistic achievements. Recipients are invited to participate in one of the most comprehensive programs for artists in the United States, in which they receive opportunities for financial, creative, and professional development support throughout their careers.

Madeline Kimmel (MT, '22) – Merit Winner, Theater
Cielo Valenzuela-Lara (IA, '22) – Merit Winner, Writing (Spoken Word)

Olivia Lee’s (CW, '21) poem, “Sharkskin Heart,” which was published in Blue Marble Review, was nominated for the Pushcart Prize. The Pushcart Prize: Best of the Small Presses series is the most honored literary project in America and has been published every year since 1976.

Warren Maness (MT, '22) was selected to be a part of Center Theatre Group’s Teen Theatregoers program. The program provides access to a diverse selection of virtual performances, free and first-time access to Center Theatre Group’s special digital stage events, narrative theater game apps, play readings with artists, and exclusive plays from theater archives. Teen participants will define what it means to be a virtual audience member, attend informative discussions with other teens and theater professionals, and expand their knowledge of the theater industry.

Cielo Valenzuela-Lara (IA, '22) was selected to join the Get Lit Players, an award-winning youth poetry troupe coached by the nonprofit organization Get Lit - Words Ignite.

Alyssa S. Ho (CW, '22) was one of 27 young scholars from 14 countries selected for the 2020 World Science Scholars (WSS) program, an initiative of the World Science Festival. WSS brings scholars together with world-renowned experts in an interdisciplinary and multi-layered online program that encourages the scholars to explore new scientific areas in which their skills can be applied.

At the nomination of California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley, the Duarte Unified School District (DUSD) Board of Education received the 2020 Governing/Support Board Award from the prestigious Arts Schools Network. This award recognizes the DUSD Board of Education for its emphasis on the value and importance the arts play in the education of young people, including its support of CSArts-SGV, as well as the creation of a comprehensive dance and movement class for students in grades TK-8.

Danielle Alhuay (IM, ‘21) was selected as a 2021 Dragon Kim Fellow and earned a $5,000 community service grant from the Dragon Kim Foundation. She was chosen from over 240 applicants across California and Nevada and went through a rigorous interview process to earn this fellowship.

The following students were recognized as semifinalists in The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program. Spotlight is a nationally acclaimed arts training and scholarship program for teens that awards more than $100,000 in cash scholarships annually. Semifinalists have the opportunity to attend a special master class in their discipline with highly regarded artists who share their expertise on performance technique, training, and professional life. Each semifinalist will audition virtually once more, and the top two finalist performers in each category will be selected for a total of 14 Grand Prize Finalists.

Christian Dorey (MT, ‘21): Non-Classical Voice
Jessie Franks (ACT, ‘21): Acting
Lillie Owers (MT, ‘21): Non-Classical Voice
Cielo Valenzuela-Lara (IA, ‘23): Acting

Case Keough (IM, ‘23) received state honors from the Music Teachers Association of California Certificate of Merit Program. Participating in the Piano Advanced Level, he was also chosen as a Panel Finalist for 2021.

Congratulations to the following students for their success in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. These students received Regional-at-Large awards. Gold Key recipients will now be judged at the national level.

Gold Key Award:
Olivia Lee (CW, ‘21): Digital Art, In Memorium; Poetry, sharkskin heart
Dimitri Lin (CW, ‘21): Poetry, On The Duties of the Young

Silver Key Award:
Addison Gagnier (VA, ‘22): Photography, Camcorder Vision; Digital Art, Ghost People
Kirsten Gaila (VA, ‘21): Digital Art, Apocalyptic, Hazy, Ocean
Alyssa S. Ho (CW, ‘22): Journalism, A High School Student’s Different Approach to Educating the Public About COVID-19; Poetry, An Ode to Right Now
Claire Knobler-Mann (CW, ‘25): Short Story, Deceitful Benevolence
Olivia Lee (CW, ‘21): Digital Art, Free on a Sunday
Dimitri Lin (CW, ‘21): Poetry, Eden, The Law Of Place, Fiddler

Honorable Mention:
Alyssa S. Ho (CW, ‘22): Humor, How to Serve 30 High School Students; Journalism, The Value of Unique Perspectives for Healthcare
Olivia Lee (CW, ‘21): Short Story, These Women All Like Gossamer; Poetry, blood and silk and oranges, cabin 119; Digital Art, Only You, Girl Dreaming
Dimitri Lin (CW, ‘21): Poetry, Brat Cetnicke Artiljerije, Even-Handedness, Interlude of Kolyma

Alvin Wang (VA, ‘24) was selected as one of the finalists in the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) “Live-Study” Space Contest.

Olivia Lee (CW, ‘21) was chosen as a finalist in the New York Times Coming of Age in 2020 contest. This nationwide contest received more than 5,500 entries from teenagers documenting how the events of the past tumultuous year have affected them in words, images, audio, or video. Olivia’s work reflected on her experience with the Bobcat fires and how it inspired connection with her Southeast Asian heritage.

Simon Harrison, Dance Instructor and Assistant to the Chair of Dance, completed his graduate studies through Middlesex University London and now holds a Master of Arts in Professional Practice, Dance Technique Pedagogy.

Camille Echeverri (VA, '22) designed the cover art and internal illustrations for a new homeschool curriculum, "Earth Party! An Early Introduction to the Linnaean System of Classification of Living Things Unit Study," for students in grades 1-6.

Olivia Lee’s (CW, '21) poem, “Sharkskin Heart,” was accepted into the 2020 issue of Apprentice Writer. This annual publication by Writers Institute of Susquehanna University features writing and art by high school students throughout the United States.

The following students were the first to earn their Black Belts through the Taekwondo program at CSArts-SGV:

Danielle Alhuay (IM, '21)
Amarah Argenal (IA, '21)
Madison Barbosa (VA, '21)
Nicolas Bolton (ACT, '22)
Martha Caballero (IM)
Sal Campo (IM, '21)
Amory Gaylord (CW, '21)
David Gonzalez (IM, '20)
Elianne Habata (CW, '21)
Thalia Mason (IM, '21)
Enrique Morales (IM, '20)
Brandon Ortega (ACT, '21)
Dylan Porras (CW, '21)
Alec Reyes (IM, '21)
Naithen Rincon (VA, '20)
Gabe Ruppert (IM, '21)
Leslie Segovia (VA, '20)
Emerson Smith (IM, '21)
Melayna Smith (VA, '21)

Christian Chae (IM, '21) earned the Eagle Scout Award. For his Eagle project, he led over 40 scouts in refurbishing fences in Longden Field of Arcadia, to benefit Arcadia National Little League. Christian was also accepted into the Ed & Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute Honors Chamber Group at Colburn Community School of Performing Arts.

Michaela Delaney Guthrie (CMD, '21) was cast and performed in "Hallways: Stories from Juvie," a new multi-media project streaming on YouTube made possible by a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs through the Group Repertory Theatre.

Alvin Wang (VA, '24) was accepted to the Curtis Young Artists Summer Program and was selected for the final recital. His recording was also broadcast on their Facebook page.

Daniel Crooks (IM, '21) completed his Eagle Scout board of review. For his Eagle project, Daniel coordinated the donation of six custom-made benches for the Instrumental Music building. His project involved planning, fundraising, and leading a team of professional craftsmen and scouts in constructing and installing the benches he designed.

Alison Hwang (CMD, '19) received first place in her division, ninth place overall, a platinum medal, and a judge’s choice award for her duet at Revolution Talent Competition. She also received second overall and an elite gold medal at Starbound National Talent Competition.

The National Association of Special Education Teachers named CSArts-SGV an Exceptional Charter School in Special Education.

Social Science instructor Erick Taggart and alum Gabriel Garciasalas (CW, '19) completed a comic book story for Gladstone's School for World Conquerors. To check out their story, "Martian Jones," please click here.

Aria Tomar (ACT, '21) was invited to present the opening speech on generational sustainability and how Gen Z is changing the consumerism dynamic at the Global Pulse Confederation's (GPC) virtual Pulses 2.0 event, the largest global event in the pulse industry. GPC is a nonprofit with United Nations observer status that represents the global legumes and beans industry of more than one million farmers from over 50 countries.

Ella Beyer (MT, '21) and Leilani Rodriguez (MT, '22) were awarded a 2020 Dragon Kim Fellowship from the Dragon Kim Foundation for their project, “Fostering the Arts," that provides free musical theatre classes to foster youth. They were one of three Dragon Kim Foundation Fellowship projects selected to compete in the virtual Dragon Challenge, where they presented and pitched their ideas to secure an additional $5,000 to continue their project.

Arden Hughes (IA, '25) founded and launched her own skin care product line called Arden's Organics.

Olivia Lee’s (CW, '21) poems, “a woman is inert until she burns,” “beneath the floorboards,” “cabin 119,” “for want of oil,” and “scar-gel symphony,” were published in Issue 7 of Heritage Review. In addition, Rising Phoenix Review featured two of her poems, “april mugsauce” and “beneath the floorboards.” Her illustration, “Girl Dreaming,” was also chosen as cover art for Issue 19 of Blue Marble Review.

Camille Schurer (IA, '24) won the Bookmark Design Contest for the Pasadena Public Library in category three for ages 13-17. Her design will be printed and distributed to patrons of the library.

Alvin Wang (VA, '24) entered Creative Communication's student poetry contest and had a poem selected to be published in their summer 2020 anthology, A Celebration of Poets. (VA, '24) entered Creative Communication's student poetry contest and had a poem selected to be published in their summer 2020 anthology, A Celebration of Poets.

Arjun Lakshman (MT, '22) started "The Juicer Podcast," where he interviews current and former CSArts-SGV students from every conservatory about school, their craft, and their lives. The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Meadow Johnston (VA, '24) was selected for a paid internship at ENTLER Studio in Los Angeles assisting artists with photography and creating custom ceramic lamps, mirrors, and sconces for residential and commercial clients.

Ella Beyer (MT, '21) signed with Winding Way Records. Her first single, an original song titled "Six Feet," will be released worldwide on all music platforms.

Olivia Lee’s (CW, '21) poem, “Nymphs,” placed first in the senior poetry category in the National Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) Norm Strung Youth Writing Competition. OWAA is an organization of writers, editors, broadcasters, photographers, filmmakers, and other communicators who are dedicated to sharing the outdoor experience. Olivia was awarded a $500 cash prize, sponsored by Ducks Unlimited, and her poem was selected to be printed in the December 2020/January 2021 issue of Outdoors Unlimited.

Sam Carter (IM, '22) completed two semester-long courses at the Berklee College of Music due to the cancellation of their scheduled summer program.

The following students both built and launched a weather balloon in the Mojave Desert as a part of the STEM Out club at CSArts-SGV. Check out their website to learn more https://bit.ly/3cuBvqF

Alyssa Ho (CW, '22)
Lucas Hopstein (PD, '22)
Keona Huang (IA, '22)
Natalie Hultgren (CCD, '22)
Sammie Liu (VA, '22)
Leilani Widjaja (VA, '22)
Melanie Wu (VA, '22)
Kayla Younger (PD, '22)

Alvin Wang (VA, '24) won first place for piano in the Masters of Sonata category at the Great Composers Competition.

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley received an A overall grade and was named the #7 Best High School for the Arts in California by Niche for 2021. Congratulations to the entire CSArts-SGV team!

To view the school’s full profile, please visit https://bit.ly/3v8lnSq

Instrumental Music Conservatory Director Tyler McGeough and Instructor Harry Ostrander played trombone and trumpet respectively, on a 2020 Latin Grammy Award-nominated album, titled Tradiciones. This album, nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album of the Year, is by the Afro-Peruvian Jazz Orchestra, an ensemble that plays traditional Peruvian music arranged in a contemporary jazz style.
To listen, please visit https://spoti.fi/3waiZMj

Instrumental Music Instructor Dr. Walter Simonsen arranged the music and played trumpet on a 2020 Grammy Award-nominated recording, titled “Shenandoah” from Reed Between the Lines by Jake Reed. “Shenandoah” was nominated for Best Arrangement (Instrumental).
To listen, please visit https://bit.ly/3x6AKvW

The following students were honored by The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Program out of more than 1,500 applicants. Spotlight is a nationally acclaimed arts training and scholarship program for teens that awards more than $100,000 in cash scholarships annually.

Christian Dorey (MT, ‘21) was named a Grand Prize Finalist in the Non-Classical Voice category. Christian (pictured bottom right) is one of only 14 Grand Prize Finalists selected to perform in a virtual grand finale event and receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Sam Morelos (MT, ‘23) was recognized as a Merit Award recipient in the Acting category.

To view the grand finale event, please visit https://bit.ly/3uFnRHM

The following students participated onstage and backstage in Centre Stage's COVID-compliant black box performance of "Little Women: The Broadway Musical."

Tessa Barkley (IA, ‘23) - Meg March
Nicole Gallivan (MT, ‘23) - Aunt March
Ava Holguin (MT, ‘22) - Jo March
Hannah Khoury (MT, ‘22) - Beth March
Samantha Rily (IA, ‘24) - Beth March
Kristina Tovar (IA ‘25) - Spotlight
Michael Tovar (PD, ‘23) - Lighting Board Operator

Alvin Wang (VA, ‘24) participated and received three first prize awards and one second place award in the Open Category of the Pelican International Music Competition.

Jimmy Deng (IM, ‘22) participated and received the first prize award in the Open Category of the Pelican International Music Competition.

Ella Beyer (MT, ‘21) released her original song, "Hellbent High School," through Winding Way Records. The song is available on all music platforms worldwide.

Justus Alfaro (IM, ‘24) received an honorable mention at the Southern California Junior Bach Festival (SCJBF) through the Los Angeles County Branch.

Julia Gonzalez (MT, ‘21) was named a finalist for the National Security Language Initiative for Youth program, which is a fully funded study abroad scholarship awarded by the U.S. Department of State.

Jimmy Deng (IM, ‘22) was awarded a $1,000 Grand Prize in the Rotary Pageant of the Arts competition. He also won first place in the Glendale Piano Competition Senior Division and was awarded a $750 scholarship. Lastly, Jimmy achieved panel finals honors through the Music Teachers Association of California.

California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley was one of only 33 schools in the state to receive the California Exemplary Arts Education Award from the California Department of Education for 2021. The California Exemplary Arts Education Award celebrates schools that have made a successful effort to engage students in the arts through exposure to a variety of disciplines.

Gibson Alfieri (CCD, ‘25) was awarded full scholarships to attend both the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) Summer Intensive for ballet.

Autumn Joyner (MT, ‘24) completed a level nine Certificate of Merit vocal test under the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC). She earned all Excellents in technique and repertoire and was awarded state honors. Autumn also achieved a near perfect score on the written theory portion and was recommended to perform at the annual MTAC State Convention Recitals later this year.

Samantha Choy (CCD, ‘25) was awarded a full scholarship to the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive for the second year in a row.

Christian Tyler Dorey (MT, ‘21) performed in The Music Center’s 33rd Annual Spotlight Grand Finale, a virtual presentation featuring the 14 Spotlight Finalists and hosted by Josh Groban. Out of a pool of more than 1,500 applicants, Christian advanced to become the Grand Prize Finalist in the Non-Classical Voice category.
To view the virtual performance, please visit https://bit.ly/3uFnRHM, and skip to approximately 1:00:52 to watch Christian’s featured piece!

Madeline Kimmel (MT, ‘22) was recognized as a 2021 YoungArts Merit Winner for Theater by the National YoungArts Foundation. Recipients were invited to participate in one of the most comprehensive programs for artists in the United States, in which they receive opportunities for financial, creative, and professional development support throughout their careers.

Artwork by Brenna Corcoran (VA, ‘21), Rocia Han (VA, ‘26), and Alvin Wang (VA, ‘24) was featured in an article by the Orange County Register, which focuses on how students have expressed themselves artistically during the pandemic.
To view the article, please visit https://bit.ly/3wPAtO0

Bea Odicta-Kohner (ACT, ‘21) received presidential, merit-based scholarship awards for $27,000 each from both Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and Pratt Institute in New York.