South Orange County School of the Arts at Dana Hills High School
STUDENT HANDBOOK
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of South Orange County School of the Arts is to provide an educational opportunity to students who have chosen the arts as their occupational objective, plan to major in the arts in college, or wish to enhance their arts education as much as possible during their high school years. SOCSA will provide a dynamic and creative environment in which students will be involved in an advanced instructional process. This environment will include a rigorous curriculum that integrates academic disciplines and artistic vocational training. Course sequencing with career themes will be offered and implemented, affording students the chance to explore and develop their artistic talents, understand the opportunities available to them, and participate in mentor programs and work experience. SOCSA students will have earned expanded transcripts that will be noteworthy as they compete for admission to colleges and gain entry into the professional world.
HISTORY OF SOCSA
When the South Orange County School of the Arts was established, a dream came true for a small group of administrators, teachers, parents, and students who planned for many weeks in the fall of 1989. The dream to create an arts academy for the Capistrano Unified School District became a reality when a proposal was written, submitted, and approved by the CUSD Board on November 29, 1995. It was decided then that a pilot program would proceed in the spring of 1996. From that beginning, a great deal of additional planning and program designing took place. Once a small group, the SOCSA family now includes over 500 students, 8 faculty, and professional coaches who all support and believe in the South Orange County School of the Arts.
SOCSA'S CORE VALUES
• Promote the growth, development, and education of all students
• Commitment to excellence in education and strength in character and integrity
• Promote the highest standard of behavior among students and staff
• Develop a partnership between the arts and academics
• Inspire creativity in and instill passion for the arts and art education.
• Pursue innovation, professionalism, and artistic and intellectual growth
• Create and maintain an environment of respect, cooperation, and collaboration
• Serve our community and celebrate cultural diversity and individual self-expression
ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY
Administrator: Activities Director, Sandy Mesa (949) 496-6666
DHHS School Administrator
SAMESA@capousd.org
Asst. to Director/SOCSA: Keeran Reidling Ext. 11101
kereidling@capousd.org
Faculty
Department Chair: Natalie Hribar-Kelly Ext: 11508
AP Studio Art 3D, Digital Photo
ndhribar@capousd.org
Dance: Lindsey Lee Ext. 11951
lalee@capousd.org
Vocal: Ray Medina Ext. 11101
Vocal Music, AP Music Theory and Guitar
rmmedina@capousd.org
Instrumental Music: James Caestecker Ext. 11102
Band, Orchestra, Color Guard, Jazz
jjcaestecker@capousd.org
Theatre: Nathan Longdon Porthole Theater
Theatre and Technical Theatre
njlongdon@capousd.org
Visual Arts: Chau Tran Ext. 11203
Drawing & Painting
cktran@capousd.org
Visual Arts: James Ginnaty
Ceramics
jtginnaty@capousd.org
SOCSA Office at Dana Hills High School (949) 240-1994
33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629
Socsadhhs.org
DANCE
Recommended SOCSA Course of Study (4-year plan)
Minimum course requirements for a Bronze Medal (65 units) in Bold.
10 units = full year class
Grade 9
SOCSA Dance or SOCSA Dance Production, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
Grade 10
SOCSA Dance or SOCSA Dance Production, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
Any SOCSA Drama, Vocal, Instrumental, or Visual Arts Class, 10 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Dance or SOCSA Dance Production, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
Grade 12
SOCSA Dance or SOCSA Dance Production, 10 units
SOCSA Theatrical Production (Stagecraft, pre-requisite), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
NOTE: Any variation from the required courses (in bold) for SOCSA Dance students must be approved by the VAPA Coordinator
THEATRE-Performance
Recommended SOCSA Course of Study (4-year plan)
Minimum course requirements for Bronze Medal (65 units) in Bold
10 units = full year class
Grade 9
SOCSA Drama 1 OR SOCSA Advanced Drama, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
SOCSA Stagecraft (may be taken any year), 10 units
Grade 10
SOCSA Drama 1/Advanced Drama, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
Any SOCSA Drama, Vocal, Instrumental, or Visual Arts Class, 10 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Advanced Drama/Actor’s Repertory, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
Any SOCSA Drama, Vocal, Instrumental, or Visual Arts Class, 10 units
Grade 12
SOCSA Advanced Drama/Actor’s Repertory, 10 units
SOCSA Theatrical Production (Stagecraft pre-requisite), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
THEATER-Technical
Grade 9
SOCSA Stagecraft, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
Any SOCSA Drama, Vocal, Instrumental, or Visual Arts Class, 10 units
Grade 10
SOCSA Stagecraft, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
ROP Video Design, 10 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Theatrical Production (stagecraft prerequisite), 10 units
SOCSA Multi-Media Design (may be taken any year), 10 units
ROP Audio Design, 10 units
Grade 12
SOCSA Theatrical Production (stagecraft pre-requisite), 10 units
SOCSA Actors’ Repertory, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
NOTE: Any variation from the required courses (in bold) for SOCSA Theater students must be approved by the VAPA Coordinator
VOCAL MUSIC
Recommended SOCSA Course of Study (4-year plan)
Minimum course requirements for Bronze Medal (65 units) in Bold
5 units per semester 10 units = full year class
Grade 9
SOCSA Golden Lantern Show Choir or SOCSA Vocal Ensemble, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
SOCSA Beginning Guitar (may be taken any year), 10 units
Grade 10
SOCSA Golden Lantern Show Choir or SOCSA Vocal Ensemble, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE, 10 units
SOCSA AP Music Theory (may be taken 10, 11, or 12), 10 units
Any SOCSA Drama, Vocal, Instrumental, or Visual Arts Class, 10 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Golden Lantern Show Choir, SOCSA Vocal Ensemble or
SOCSA Blue Lantern Vocal Jazz, 10 units
SOCSA AP Music Theory (may be taken 10, 11, or 12), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
Grade 12
SOCSA Golden Lantern Show Choir, SOCSA Vocal Ensemble or
SOCSA Blue Lantern Vocal Jazz, 10 units
SOCSA AP Music Theory (may be taken 10, 11, or 12), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy FA, 10 units
Any SOCSA Drama, Vocal, Instrumental, or Visual Arts Class, 10 units
NOTE: Any variation from the required courses (in bold) for SOCSA Vocal Music students must be approved by the VAPA Coordinator
BAND
Recommended SOCSA Course of Study (4-year plan)
Minimum course requirements for Bronze Medal (65 units) in Bold
10 units = full year class
Grade 9
SOCSA Concert Band, 10 units
SOCSA Marching Band (Includes Color Guard and Drumline) Fall Only, 5 units
SOCSA Drumline (Includes Color Guard) Spring Only, 5 units
SOCSA Jazz Ensemble Spring Only, 5 units
Grade 10
SOCSA Concert Band or SOCSA Wind Ensemble (by audition), 10 units
SOCSA Marching Band (Includes Color Guard and Drumline) Fall Only, 5 units
SOCSA Drumline (Includes Color Guard) Spring Only, 5 units
SOCSA Jazz Ensemble Spring Only, 5 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Wind Ensemble (by audition), 10 units
SOCSA Marching Band (Includes Color Guard and Drumline) Fall Only, 5 units
SOCSA Drumline (Includes Color Guard) Spring Only, 5 units
SOCSA Jazz Ensemble Spring Only, 5 units
SOCSA Commercial Music or Guitar (Suggested, can be taken 10, 11, or 12), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater [Pit Orchestra] if instrumentation allows, 5 units per show
Grade 12
SOCSA Wind Ensemble (by audition), 10 units
SOCSA Marching Band (Includes Color Guard and Drumline) Fall Only, 5 units
SOCSA Drumline (Includes Color Guard) Spring Only, 5 units
SOCSA Jazz Ensemble Spring Only, 5 units
SOCSA AP Music Theory (Highly Suggested, may be taken 10, 11, or 12)10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater [Pit Orchestra] if instrumentation allows, 5 units per show
NOTE: For Silver or Gold Medal, Band Students must take AP Music Theory. Any variation from the required courses (in bold) for SOCSA Band students must be approved by the SOCSA Artistic Director
ORCHESTRA
Recommended SOCSA Course of Study (4-year plan)
Minimum course requirements for Bronze Medal (65 units) in Bold
10 units = full year class
Grade 9
SOCSA Strings (String Orchestra), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater PE or SOCSA Marching Band (Includes Color Guard and Drumline) Fall Only, CG and DL open to Strings, PE Credit, 5 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater PE or SOCSA Drumline (Includes Color Guard) Spring Only, CG and DL open to Strings, PE Credit, 5 units
Grade 10
SOCSA Strings (Advanced Orchestra), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater PE or SOCSA Marching Band (Includes Color Guard and Drumline) Fall Only, CG and DL open to Strings, PE Credit, 5 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater PE or SOCSA Drumline (Includes Color Guard) Spring Only, CG and DL open to Strings, PE Credit, 5 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Strings (Advanced Orchestra) or (Chamber Orchestra by audition), 10 units
SOCSA Commercial Music or Guitar (can be taken 10, 11, or 12), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater [Pit Orchestra] if instrumentation allows, substitute for SOCSA Commercial Music or Guitar (limited availability), 5 units
Any other open SOCSA class, 10 units
Grade 12
SOCSA Strings (Chamber Orchestra by audition), 10 units
SOCSA AP Music Theory (may be taken 10, 11, or 12), 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Theater [Pit Orchestra] if instrumentation allows, substitute for SOCSA Commercial Music or Guitar (limited availability), 5 units per show
Any other open SOCSA class, 10 units
*Color Guard and Drumline are excellent ways to earn PE Credit while remaining in a music-related activity. Color Guard students learn to spin flag equipment and learn basic dance skills. Drum Line students will be instructed in Mallet Percussion Instruments which resemble the piano and Auxiliary Percussion, or March on the field carrying pitched Bass Drums or other Marching Percussion. Keyboard/Piano and Bass Players are always welcome to join in as well.
NOTE: Orchestra Students may substitute any other SOCSA Class, including Visual Arts, Drama/Theater, Dance, etc., in place of SOCSA Commercial Music/Guitar, or SOCSA PE. Other variations in the required courses (in bold) for SOCSA Orchestra students must be approved by the VAPA Coordinator
VISUAL ARTS
Recommended SOCSA Course of Study (4-year plan)
4 Pathway Options
Minimum course requirements for Bronze Medal (40 units) in Bold
Silver Medal = 80 units
Gold Medal = 100 units
10 units = full year class
Exploring the Visual Arts Pathway
Grade 9
SOCSA Drawing and Painting, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE 7th/8th Period, 10 units
*if you are unable to take an afterschool class take an extra visual art class another year
Grade 10
SOCSA Digital Photography, 10 units
SOCSA Ceramics, 10 minutes
Grade 11
SOCSA Multimedia Design, 10 minutes
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Grade 12
AP Studio Art 2D, AP Studio Art 3D, SOCSA Advanced Drawing and Painting, SOCSA Advanced Ceramics, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Digital Arts Pathway
Grade 9
SOCSA Digital Photography, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE 7th/8th Period, 10 units
*if you are unable to take an afterschool class take an extra visual art class another year
Grade 10
SOCSA Multimedia Design, 10 units
SOCSA Drawing and Painting, 10 units
Grade 11
AP Studio Art 2D, 10 units
SOCSA Ceramics, 10 units
Grade 12
AP Studio Art 3D, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Ceramics Pathway
Grade 9
SOCSA Drawing and Painting, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE 7th/8th Period, 10 units
*if you are unable to take an afterschool class take an SOCSA class another year
Grade 10
SOCSA Ceramics, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Grade 11
AP Studio Art 3D or SOCSA Advanced Ceramics, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Grade 12
AP Studio Art 3D or Advanced Ceramics/SOCSA Digital Photography/SOCSA Multimedia Design, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Drawing and Painting Pathway
Grade 9
SOCSA Drawing and Painting, 10 units
SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy PE 7th/8th Period, 10 units
*if you are unable to take an afterschool class take an extra visual art class another year
Grade 10
SOCSA Advanced Drawing and Painting, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Grade 11
SOCSA Multimedia Design OR SOCSA Advanced Drawing and Painting, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
Grade 12
AP Studio Art 2D, AP Studio Art 3D, SOCSA Ceramics, SOCSA Digital Photography, SOCSA Multimedia Design, 10 units
Any SOCSA Visual Arts, Drama, Vocal, or Instrumental Class, 10 units
COMBINED COURSE OF STUDY
SOCSA students may ‘design’ their own course of study combining units from two or more departments. Any such combined course of study must be approved by the Director (prior to the start of your junior year), and must include substantial coursework in each department.
For any combined course of study the unit requirements for performing arts (65 units for a bronze medal) must be met.
SOCSA ACADEMY COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Upon graduation from Dana Hills, SOCSA Seniors will be awarded medals based on their completion of the basic requirements for the course of study in which they have chosen. A Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal will be received as shown here:
Performing Arts:
Bronze Medal: 65 units (including all units required)
Silver Medal: 90 units
Gold Medal: 110 units
Visual Arts:
Check with Instructors, they will have further information
ACADEMY POLICIES
Academics: SOCSA students must maintain an overall Grade Point Average of 2.5 each semester in all SOCSA and Dana Hills High School classes. In addition, they must maintain a B- or higher in their SOCSA classes. The grading policy for each SOCSA class will be explained in detail by the instructor of that class. At the end of each semester, transcripts will be evaluated, and those students whose GPA is below the minimum in either case will be placed on a one-semester Academic Probation*, and a letter will be sent home informing parents or guardians of the probationary status.
Behavior: It is a privilege to be in the Academy. Students are expected to be polite and courteous at all times to all administrators, instructors, staff members, coaches, parents and fellow students. The Dana Hills High School Student Discipline Handbook will be in effect during all SOCSA classes, events, and activities. Students who are deemed by the SOCSA faculty to be a discipline problem in or out of class will be referred to the Dana Hills Administration for further disciplinary action.
*During the probationary semester, students on Academic or Disciplinary Probation may participate in all SOCSA events during class time, but are prohibited from participating in after school activities, competitions, festivals, and/or productions/performances. If after school activities and/or productions are a part of the student's class grade, alternate assignments must be given. During this time, special emphasis will be placed on overall academic performance and behavior. At the end of the probationary semester, students on Academic Probation will be re- evaluated, and, if academic performance has not improved to the minimum levels, permanent removal from the SOCSA program and all SOCSA classes will result. A letter informing parents or guardians of this action will also be sent home.
PROGRAM COSTS
The SOCSA academy is self-funded; staff support, coaching stipends, production costs, equipment purchase and maintenance, special programs and workshops, art supplies, etc., are all dependent on the support of our SOCSA family. At the beginning of the year, the following donations are requested by SOCSA, in order to cover the many costs involved in maintaining the SOCSA program at its current level:
Instrumental Music
Orchestra $250
Concert Band/Wind Ens $250
Marching Band $600
Guitar $250
Winter Guard/Drumline tbd spring Jazz Band tbd Spring
Dance-Theater-Vocal Departments: $500
Visual Arts Department: $150
We encourage families to contribute to the SOCSA program in order to continue the program at its current standard of excellence. All donations are used to cover the many costs of the academy which are not funded by the school district. Your contribution to the program is an integral component in the success of the academy as well as the students involved. Your voluntary donation of any amount is greatly appreciated by the program. All students who have been accepted into the SOCSA program are welcome to participate in any and all SOCSA classes and activities. Participation is not based on any level of donation. Additional donations may be made to the program at any time. The individual departments of SOCSA may plan fundraising events as well.
USE OF FACILITIES
SOCSA facilities and equipment and all school facilities must be treated with care and respect. The equipment and supplies that have been provided are delicate and expensive. Our rooms and furniture are heavily utilized. No food or beverages are allowed in any SOCSA classroom, performance area, storage area, or office. YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS MATTER IS EXPECTED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED. No students should be in the SOCSA classrooms without teacher supervision. Students who mistreat our facilities or ignore the rules for usage of rooms and equipment and will be referred to the Dana Hills Administration for further disciplinary action.
ATTENDANCE
Academy students are expected to maintain good attendance with no truancies or excessive absences. Attendance at all SOCSA classes for the full scheduled time is mandatory. Roll will be taken at least once during every class session and after breaks during periods 7 and 8. It is expected that students will be in class on time and ready to learn. After three (3) unexcused absences and/or five (5) unexcused tardies, students may be referred to Dana Hills Administration for further disciplinary action. It is up to the instructor's discretion to determine whether or not a student's absence or tardy is excused and to determine what effect that may have on the student's grade.
Regular attendance is required at rehearsals and shows. Contracts agreements may be issued at the discretion of the show director.
All absences must be reported to the Dana Hills High School attendance line (949) 496-6935 prior to the absence, or on the day of the absence in the case of illness.
ADDITIONAL SCHOOL HOURS
Period 7 Mondays and Wednesdays 3:00-5:10 PM
Period 8 Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00-5:10 PM
Marching Band Tu/Th 6:00-9:00pm, Fri 3:00-5:00pm
A 10-minute break will be given at approximately 4:00; snacks and drinks may be available for purchase through the SOCSA cart after school, or there are vending machines available on campus.
In addition, workshops, field trips, evening performances and rehearsals and other events will occasionally be scheduled. SOCSA students are strongly encouraged to support these events with their attendance, and in many cases attendance will be mandatory. These events will be announced ahead of time. Please be prompt with pick up, as faculty members need to wait until all students are picked up.
PE CLOTHING FOR SOCSA STUDENTS
SOCSA students who are not participating in the regular Dana Hills High School physical education or athletics program are NOT required to purchase the Dana Hills PE uniform. Students who enroll in SOCSA Marching Band should check with the instructor for recommended attire. Students who enroll in SOCSA Drama/Musical Comedy or SOCSA dance classes are recommended to provide the following attire and are to wear a plain color Tshirt:
Female Students
SOCSA T-shirt or Solid Black T-shirt, Black tights or leggings, Black leotard (tank/short-sleeved), Sports brassiere
Male Students
SOCSA T-shirt or Solid Black T-shirt, Black sweats or jazz pants, White or black tank/T-shirt, Dance belt/athletic supporter
All Students
Jazz, ballet, tap and/or character shoes (as needed for class, announced by instructor)
The purchase of this attire is voluntary and participating and grading is not based in any way on the purchase of this attire. Students are required to utilize all resources available to them to ensure appropriate attire during rehearsals and class. Safety is always our concern in determining appropriate attire.
PRODUCTION CASTING
To audition for a SOCSA Production, a SOCSA Student must:
1. Be enrolled as a regular student at Dana Hills High School
2. Maintain regular status (not probationary) as a SOCSA student
All students who participate in the SOCSA program are encouraged to audition for any and all productions. Students are strongly advised to use all the techniques and skills acquired in the classroom in their audition. It is the policy of SOCSA to always cast the best performer - the performer who is most suited to a particular role in any production. As we search for the best performer, the intent is to promote a positive atmosphere where students have many opportunities to prove themselves in an unthreatening environment. Talent, work ethic, performance, SOCSA participation, and seniority are just some of the considerations involved in casting selections. Students who are not cast in a Main Stage production should always look for other opportunities to participate in other events, such as Broadway Night, Showcase, Vocal Music Concerts, Instrumental Concerts, signing up to crew a show, Class One Acts, Top 40’s Night, Oldies Night, Opera Night, Jazz Night, and Improv Shows.
Students and parents should keep in mind the fact that SOCSA is an educational training ground for learning all aspects of the theatre and other arts. Appearing in a play or musical is only a small part of what students do in the program. Students are encouraged to participate in all aspects of theatre production.
Basic Guidelines for Casting:
1. The best person, in the director's opinion, will always get the role. It is the director's absolute right to select the cast he or she wants; otherwise he/she is not really the director of the show!
2. If two students of equal ability are being considered for the same role, preference will be given to the one with the most seniority in good standing in the program.
3. Auditions, as a rule, are cold (no music or scripts are issued ahead of time). If, as an exception, scripts or music are issued, they will be given to all those auditioning at the same time. Everyone auditioning should take the time to familiarize themselves with the play or musical in which they hope to be cast.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
1. Program Costs: The SOCSA academy requested donations are outlined on page 13 of this handbook. Additional donations for production costs and/or materials may be requested throughout the year by individual programs and productions.
2. SOCSA Concession Cart (“SOCSA CART”): This important fundraiser contributes a significant amount to SOCSA every year, specifically to provide the necessary revenue to provide the Ron and Ray Woods Memorial Scholarships and a pool for SOCSA scholarships if applicable. The SOCSA Cart is a concession at our events, if specified by the director and all proceeds go to the scholarship trust account. We also periodically have the cart available after school, subject to school regulations.
3. Productions: Cast members are asked to provide a cast donation announced at the beginning of rehearsal periods by the director. This is generally $100. This is an integral part of the show budgeting process. These donations apply specifically to the production of said show. In addition, each cast/crew member will be asked to provide a specified number of volunteer hours during the run of the show (rehearsals and performances). These donations of time and money are voluntary, and once you are cast in a production, participation in the production is not at all dependent on any level of donation of time or money. A family member can take on these extra duties by volunteering to serve and clean up at cast/crew meals, bringing dinner for a cast/crew meal, or bringing concession items at one or more of the performances as well as helping with the concession cart. The amount of the requested donation per student and the number of volunteer hours will be determined by the director of each show. Please participate and show support for your students efforts.
All SOCSA Volunteers must adhere to CUSD Volunteer requirements.
Broadway Night and SHOWCASE – An Artistic Celebration!
Broadway Night is the fall Performing Arts Fundraiser. This evening of the arts features performances from students in all performing arts categories. More information for this event will be released in the first weeks of school.
The SOCSA Showcase is our annual fundraising gala and celebration, held at the end of the school year. This event showcases the talent of our students in all areas of the Academy – dance, instrumental music, theatre, visual arts, and vocal music. All students are encouraged to participate in this exciting event. Auditions usually take place in the early spring. Information regarding the date and location will be provided during the school year on our website, email and by faculty.
SOCSA STUDENT COUNCIL
The SOCSA Student Council will consist of eight SOCSA students. The students will be chosen by the teacher or director of the departments to best represent SOCSA at school and within the greater community. The Student Council will meet at least once a month.