We have some exciting things coming up this Spring! In this newsletter you will find details on upcoming shows, highlights from previous shows, and even some fun student/alumni spotlights! Enjoy!
 
"Not to us O Lord, but to your name be the glory because of your love and faithfulness." 
- Psalm 115:1
Spring At A Glance

May 7th | Middle School Band and Orchestra Knott's Music Festival
May 9th-13th | Faith Through Art Exhibit
May 19th-20th | 7:00pm - Middle School Musical: Narnia
May 21st | 2:00pm - Middle School Musical: Narnia
May 26th | 6:30pm - Year End Instrumental Music Concert, Grades 4-8

June 7th | 6:30pm - Recorder and Handbell Concert
June 15th | 4:00pm - Band and Orchestra, Grade 6/7 - Graduation
                      (St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach)
                                     
Staff Highlights
Christopher Lucas
Mr. Lucas was born in Bakersfield, California and moved to Orange County to attend Vanguard University. He graduated with his B.M. in Music Education and is currently working on his teaching credential. 

During his Vanguard experience, Mr. Lucas performed for various ensembles including the University Orchestra, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Choir, Barbershop Quartet and the Vanguard Singers & Band. He enjoys running, basketball, singing, and playing several musical instruments. Mr. Lucas joined the MCS staff in 2016.   


Alexis Stary 
Miss Stary is an alumni of Mariners Christian School and is thrilled to be returning as our Middle School Drama Teacher! She is currently attending Vanguard University, pursuing her BA in Theater Arts, with an emphasis in Performance and Directing.

Miss Stary has been involved in the performing arts for 12 years, with experience in acting, singing, designing, and directing for the stage. She is passionate about the usage of theatre in spreading the love of Christ and telling stories that impact people. After obtaining her degree, Miss Stary is planning on pursuing a teaching credential as well as directing theatre professionally. 

Upcoming Shows & Performances
MIA Productions
2016 Elementary
Talent Show
This year our talent show was home to many shining stars! Under the direction of Mrs. Sue Celek, MCS Elementary students provided a joyful evening of talent and creativity.

McKenna Halton opened the show with her rendition of "God Bless America", and the grand finale was a performance by 5th grade students (Robby Crowell, Charlie Chambers, Ave Chambers, Bria  Martin, Marta Harrison, Hudson Blue, Luke Ianni, and Hudson Wooton) dressed as MCS administrators and teachers, dancing a creatively choreographed routine to "Big Heads".
2016 Patriotic Concerts
Our 2nd and 3rd grade students performed their little hearts out for this year's Patriotic Concerts.

Guests were introduced to many aspects of the music curriculum, including Hymns of the Month, scripture songs, music theory exercises, silly songs, music appreciation,
and a reprise of the patriotic selections 
performed by our students on Veterans Day.

We could not be more proud of all the hard work they put into their curriculum and rehearsals.

Middle School
Grandparents Day
The Mariners Institute for the Arts Middle School String Quartet welcomed guests at the MCS Middle School Grandparents Day.  Under the guidance of String Orchestra Director, Lynelle Harding,  Audrey Akins, Cole Daniel, Anna Hammond, and Isabella Mottesi performed a musical medley as guests arrived for this annual event.

Strings in Praise
Under the direction of Mrs. Lynelle Harding, the Grade 4-8 String Orchestra Students performed a program entitled "Strings in Praise," delighting their audience of family and friends. The grand finale, "Orchestras in Praise," combined all 60 students praising God with a medley of worship pieces as they played together not only as fellow musicians but as members of the body of Christ.

Spotlight on Students and Alums
Taylor Nunez
Taylor started dancing at the age of three.
Lyrical, jazz, and contemporary are her favorite styles of dance.

Taylor dances an average of 25 hours a week and holds many national titles. Most recently, she participated in the Dance Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada.


Taylor loves sharing her passion for dance with everyone she meets.
Keep up the good work, Taylor!

Mandy Evans
After a decade of ballet training, Mandy has decided to expand her horizons.  Following much prayer and soul searching, she recently left the Maple Conservatory of Dance to allow more space in her schedule for acting, singing and other interests.

 Mandy is thrilled to be performing the role of the White Witch in the MCS Middle School production of Narnia this May.

She is also preparing for auditions next month for choir, worship team, musical theater, dance team, and song at Crean Lutheran High School, where she will be attending in the fall.

Cameron Tsai
Since Fall of 2012, Cameron has honed his passion and skills for playing the violin. From winning trophies in local strings competitions, to performing in solo concerts, to full orchestra assembles, Cameron understands that it takes practice and dedication to propel oneself to the next level. 

By achieving high CM level test scores year after year, he's garnered the honor of participating in MTAC Annual State Conventions. Cameron loves reading books, snowboarding with his family, and relaxing by playing Minecraft.

Cole Daniel
Cole has been playing the cello since fourth grade and has developed a passion for playing this beautiful instrument. In addition to serving as section leader for the MCS Middle School String Orchestra and performing with "Strings of Praise," an MCS student created quartet, Cole also plays with the Four Seasons Youth Orchestra High School Ensemble that will be performing at Segerstrom Hall in June. 

Cole is excited to have been accepted to Orange County School of the Arts for the Fall and will be in their Orchestra Conservatory. Cole will miss MCS, but is excited to play the role of Aslan in the upcoming MCS musical production of Narnia in May.

MIA Mission Statement
Provide rigorous and innovative programs in the arts to ensure that all students are given the opportunity to discover, practice, and develop their God-given talents as a way of serving our school and our local community.
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Mariners Christian School
(714) 437-1700 | 300 Fischer Avenue | Costa Mesa, CA 92626
 [email protected] | www.marinerschristianschool.org
 

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