On Saturday, July 13th, the Los Angeles Music and Art School held its annual Teaching Artist Showcase on the Courtyard Stage. Staff and faculty from across all disciplines presented thrilling demonstrations of talent, rigor and flair while being surrounded by friends, family and students. The night started with an opening from Executive Director, Tahnee Freda, who introduced a mesmerizing performance by LAMusArt’s very own Leslie Swadener accompanied by Luis Osorio, both members of the admin staff. The dynamic duo took the stage by storm performing an acoustic version of the Chappell Roan hit song “Good Luck, Babe!”. Leslie and Luis not only work at LAMusArt, but are currently students of Melina Adragna (Voice) and Andrew Loveland (Cello). Following the opening act, audiences enjoyed two dance pieces by LAMusArt Dance instructor, Arturo Gonzalez, who graced the stage with his electric jazz and modern moves.
Saturday was a big night for our Voice teachers - Tara Sanchez, Jonathan Perez, and Melina Adragna captivated all the hearts of audience members with both solo ensemble performances including a jaw dropping duet of “All I Ask You” from the Phantom of the Opera and “The Prayer“ by Andrea Brocceli and Celine Dion sung by Tara and Jonathan. Their pieces were met with an uproar of applause by the crowd.
Five out of fifteen pieces were accompanied by Mr. Isaac Johnson, LAMusArt’s resident Orchestra Conductor, Strings Ensemble Leader, and Private Instructor (Strings, Piano), who also sang in a number of pieces. Following Mr. Johnson’s beautiful accompaniment of Tara and Jonathan’s duet, alum and staffer Nadia Aponte took the stage with an original song entitled “Tennessee.” Nicholas Mendez, a tremendous pianist and the LAMusArt Choir accompanist, wowed crowds with his stellar performance of “Ballade” by Chopin. Mr. Mendez also accompanied Choir Director, Melina Adragna as she crooned “Morgen” by Richard Strauss.
Perhaps one of the most memorable acts of the evening was Tara Sanchez’s monologue called The Pink Ping Pong Balls, which recounted the story of a father and son and their…frustrating relationship.
After a brief intermission (and some raffle prizes!), the showcase continued with a choral arrangement of “Trisha’s Lullaby” from Full Metal Alchemist performed by Melina, Tara, Isaac and Jonathan from the second story balcony.
The evening moved forward with some spectacular guitar numbers performed by Guitar Instructors James Hober and Bridget Risemberg (who were joined by alum Stephanie Morales and fellow instructor Michael Tiger). The pieces included both original pieces like Hober’s “Parmesan Petals,” “Rockford Towers” and “Shen Chou Wanders the Hills” and Risemberg’s “Opus 99,” and previously written pieces like Lou Harrison’s “Serenade” and “Avalokiteshvara” (which featured bongos and glass vases).
But those weren't our only group performances in Act II - Melina Adragna,Tara Sanchez, Jonathan Perez,Isaac Johnson and Tahnee Freda made us all feel the love with their own rendition of “Seasons of Love” from the musical RENT.
Finally we all were whisked away by Piano Instructor, Brendan White, who closed out the show with an amazing performance of “Liebesleid” by Fritz Kreisler and his original piece, ‘Prelude to What?”.
If there is one thing to take away from this night, it’s that all kinds of talent and expertise can be found at LAMusArt.
Thank you to the many Teaching Artists who performed and to all the attendees who showed up to support our lauded instructors! We look forward to seeing you at next year's showcase!
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