By Naomi Tsuang
Online News Editor
The Music Center, a nationally-acclaimed organization in downtown Los Angeles, announced via email in late December that eight Mira Costa students made the quarterfinal round of the Spotlight program, which promotes musical excellence among Southern California students.
This year, over 1,300 students applied to the program. The program’s purpose is to help students improve their performance skills and learn from other performers, Music Center Spotlight program director Jeri Gaile said.
The eight Costa quarterfinalists with their corresponding categories are senior Isabel Gray for Acting, sophomore Kevin Chen for Classical Instrumental, junior Joseph Caplin for Classical Voice, seniors Ben Hara and Max Rohde for Jazz Instrumental, and freshman Maggie Cubillos, sophomore Kira Levin and junior Olivia Morgan for Non-Classical Voice. Other categories include Ballet and Non-Classical Dance.
Photos: Chen, Gray are two of Costa’s quarterfinalists for Spotlight
“I am excited because Spotlight is such a prestigious program. I was very grateful because not many people get in,” sophomore Kevin Chen said.
Students submitted online videos by the Oct. 17 deadline for the Preliminary 1 round. A panel of music professionals reviewed the videos and gave feedback, Gaile said. Students who passed the Preliminary 1 round advanced to the quarterfinal round.
“We really get a chance to work with the student about how to walk into a room, what to expect and what not to expect from judges,” Gaile said. “We want to create a nurturing environment for high school students.”
Link: Learn more about the Music Center’s Spotlight Program
During December and January, students performed a live audition in front of judges to qualify for the semifinal next month. Those who advance to the semifinals may take master classes with world-renowned artists. As of the beginning of the month, Costa senior Max Rohde had advanced to the semifinal round.
Link: Visit the Music Center’s website
After the semifinal round, another pane of judges will choose two grand prize finalists from each category. The finalists will receive cash scholarships and will perform on stage at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in May.
“I hope to progress past the next round because it would be cool to perform at the end,” Gray said.
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