Ciera Carr & Roger Perry Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico CK Dance Company Aaliyah Cota-Griffin Desert Hot Springs High School Percussion Ensemble Giavanna Faraci Ka Pa Hula I Mana Minor Emergency Palm Desert Charter Middle School Jazz Ensemble Palm Desert High School Varsity Dance Team Kristen Rodriguez Kayley Serrano Brett Smith Michael Staff Javier Triviso Meg Vander Zanden Sydney Weisman Giselle Woo
Ciera Carr & Roger Perry S / PIANIST STUDENT & RETIRED TELEVISION/FILM ACTOR AGES 9 & 83, PALM SPRINGS Ciera: I saw Open Call last year and loved it. I wanted to try it for myself and be part of this amazing show. Roger: You never know where talent lies. Open Call is a good way to find out. Ciera: My inspiration is my singing teacher, Kaitlyn Farley. In fact, she won Open Call last year. Roger: I am inspired by opportunities like Open Call. They don t come around that often, so grab them when you can. Ciera: Stay happy by doing the things you love and loving the things you do. Roger: Always be ready. Ciera: I want to become a professional performer. Roger: My dream is that entertainment like Open Call is around forever. Cathedral City High School Ballet Folklorico DANCERS STUDENTS, AGES 14-18, CATHEDRAL CITY We wanted to showcase the beautiful music and dances of Mexico. Open Call presents a wonderful opportunity to share the art and culture of Mexico with the residents of the Coachella Valley. The world famous Ballet Folklorico de Mexico de Amalia Hernandez, the premiere folkloric dance company from Mexico City, has been an inspiration for us. With their beautiful costumes and choreography, we believe this group is the most authentic cultural representation of Mexico. Dance folklorico and your life becomes a permanent fiesta. Our biggest dream is to perform and bring our show to other countries by participating in international folklorico festivals held each summer in Europe.
CK DANCE Company DANCERS STUDENTS, AGES 14-18, PALM SPRINGS, CATHEDRAL CITY, RANCHO MIRAGE, LA QUINTA We auditioned because we wanted to share our love for dance with the McCallum Theatre audience while meeting other talented artists in the Coachella Valley. Many of us have competed in Open Call before and are aware that it is a fantastic opportunity to be a finalist. We are inspired by dancers Tate McRae, Sophia Lucia, Brynn Rumfallo and Autumn Miller. We are so lucky to have the love and support of our families, teachers and coaches and are always inspired by our classmates at CK Dance. Full out or get out! We try and push ourselves during every class and dance team practice to make sure we look as professional as we can on stage. One of our dreams is to get the audience really excited about classical ballet. We hope they see how athletic and beautiful dancing in pointe shoes is. If anyone thinks ballet is easy or boring, they should make sure they come see us perform Les Sylphides during Open Call! Aaliyah Cota-Griffin DANCER STUDENT, AGE 18, LA QUINTA I wanted to put myself out there for my home town to see me before I go off into the world of dance. I also wanted to meet some talented people and hopefully make new friends. My mom and other dancers that love what they do inspire me. If I am watching a performance and I can see that a dancer is leaving their heart on the stage, it makes me want to be more passionate when I dance so I can move the audience. Dance with your heart and your feet will follow. My biggest dream is to become a dancer for a touring artist, so I can travel and do what I love.
Desert Hot Springs High School Percussion Ensemble INSTRUMENTALISTS STUDENTS, AGES 15-18, DESERT HOT SPRINGS The Desert Hot Springs High School band program is thriving and students in the percussion ensemble are excelling. In short, our students rock and we want to showcase them! The Desert Hot Springs High School Percussion Ensemble dedicates this performance to Mr. Gary Coble, director of bands at Desert Springs Middle School. Mr. Coble has been director of bands at DSMS for 27 years, opening the school. This means that Mr. Coble can be credited with the inception of music in the entire city of Desert Hot Springs. His percussion ensembles are award winning and his dedication to music and education is felt by all students in band at Desert Hot Springs High School Everybody loves everybody. Our dream is simple. Be better than we were yesterday. Giavanna Faraci STUDENT, AGE 11, RANCHO MIRAGE Having performed at the McCallum with College Of The Desert (Les Miserables, Fiddler On The Roof) and other local production companies, it is always been a delight standing on this stage and performing for our community. I auditioned knowing that I would be showcasing a unique, almost forgotten singing technique and hoped, not only that I would be chosen, but that the audience would enjoy this song as much as I enjoy performing it. As an artist, many have had their share of influences on me. I would have to say that it all began with Taylor Swift. Not because Taylor is a huge artist, but because she has an incredible story. Taylor writes her own lyrics as well as her own music and that is my goal as I mature as an artist. I have written a few songs of my own. I am also inspired by Jamie Grace, a Christian Pop artist who has an incredible story overcoming obstacles. She shares, through her music, what got her through the storm. What you put into it is what you will get out of it. Music is a piece of art that goes in the ears and straight to the heart. -Anonymous My biggest dream is to share music with others as I feel it deep in my soul and make my mark on the world. I would love to someday actually change people s lives for the better through music. To show the world my inner self through my music would be so fulfilling for me. I love to make people smile through my music. My dream is to leave a legacy as a Christian performer.
Ka Pa Hula I Mana DANCERS EMILY ANDRADE, AVERY LEE, BRIGHTON OKAMOTO, HOLLY ANDRADE STUDENTS, AGES 16-23, PALM DESERT, LA QUINTA We love hula dancing and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to share our passion with others. King David Kalakaua once said, Hula is the language of the heart, therefore, the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people. With each practice and performance, we are inspired by his words and strive to perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. Dancing with the feet is one thing, but dancing with the heart is another. Our dream is to continue to preserve the Hawaiian traditions through hula, and to show others a culture that they might not have seen before. Minor Emergency S INSTRUMENTALISTS JAKE SONDERMAN, LUKE SONDERMAN, ZOE JACOBSON, BRAYDEN DAVLANTES STUDENTS, AGES 11-14, RANCHO MIRAGE As a band, we thought it looked like fun. We rock so we must try out! We can rock the McCallum Theatre for the biggest gig of our lives...so far! We are inspired by the music of the Beatles, Paul McCartney, RUSH, Neil Peart and so many more incredible artists. Mikael Jacobson, our music teacher and band coach provides ongoing inspiration and new challenges for each of us. Most importantly, in our band, we are inspired by each other. This is gonna be awesome! Both as a band and as musicians, our dream is to continue making audiences smile while rocking everyone s favorite tunes, writing our own songs, and of course, having fun on stage. We each dream to have careers as professional musicians pursing our number one passion...music.
PDCMS Jazz Ensemble INSTRUMENTALISTS STUDENTS, AGES 12-14, PALM DESERT, INDIO The Palm Desert Charter Middle School Jazz Ensemble performed at Open Call last year and they absolutely loved their experience. With the encouragement and the confidence given to us by our director, Mr. Lacro, we decided to audition for Open Call again. From the music of Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Duke Ellington to the music of Esperanza Spalding, Trombone Shorty and the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, we are inspired by the music and the passion of the numerous jazz musicians and legends out there. Do it with passion or not at all! We are living our biggest dream by performing together as a family and having this wonderful experience. Palm Desert High School Varsity Dance Team DANCERS STUDENTS, AGES 14-17, PALM DESERT We wanted to audition because we love to perform. We heard it was an amazing experience and wanted to be a part of it all. Our inspirations include our coaches, Miss Cori and Mr. Alex, the dancers we meet and watch at the various competitions we go to, and each other. Just accept it, and move on! Our dream is to be the best dancers we can be. There will always be dancers who are better then you and there will always be dancers who are worse, but there will never be a dancer that is exactly who you are so we strive to be our best!
Kristen Rodriguez PIANIST STUDENT, AGE 10, INDIO I auditioned for Open Call because I wanted to feel what it was like to perform on a big stage in front of millions of people. This will be an amazing opportunity to experience the life of a performer and to see what my future would look like as a concert pianist. I have a passion for classical music. I love learning about Beethoven and Chopin, about how they inspire the world through their music. My favorite composer that has really inspired me is Mozart because he started playing and composing his own music at an early age, and also composed his first Symphony at the age of 8. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13 My dream is to become a professional concert pianist and to travel around the world. I want to show the world that anything is possible if you just believe. I want to compose my own music with special messages to help others around the world find happiness through music. My biggest dream is to perform at Carnegie Hall. Kayley Serrano STUDENT, AGE 18, INDIO I auditioned for Open Call because I have been performing since I was 6 years old and have performed everywhere throughout the Coachella Valley except the McCallum Theatre. I have attended the McCallum on field trips since I was a little girl, and it has always been a dream of mine to perform on this stage. I decided to audition and make my dream a reality. Big name artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Etta James, Mariah Carey and Christina Aguilera have always been big idols of mine. Take advantage of every opportunity possible. My biggest dream as a performer is to perform in Madison Square Garden in front of thousands.
Brett Smith 5TH GRADE TEACHER, AGE 59, PALM SPRINGS Last year I had the honor and privilege of performing Oh What a Beautiful Morning in Open Call. Not only was I a part of the cast, but I found myself singing side by side with former students of mine! The entire experience was amazing! I was swept up in a blur of lights, performers, dancers, production facets, and music. When the curtain closed on that final performance, I realized I wasn t ready to let that be my final curtain call. For this year, I hope to push myself by experimenting with a new style and direction. I hope to take the audience back to a simpler time when music was just about the playfulness of love. I look forward to uniting with an all-new cast of enthusiastic performers and singing again on the incredible McCallum stage! For as long as I can remember, I have been at my best when surrounded by music. As a youngster, I used to record my voice with two reel-to-reel tape recorders, hoping to create multiple vocal tracks. When I realized that I sounded better with instrumentation, I asked Santa for a piano. I guess it was too large for his sleigh, so it was never delivered. Later on, I realized that if I turned up the volume on the record player, I could mimic the styles of recordings by Bobby Darin, Jack Jones, Dusty Springfield, and Jerry Vale. If the volume was loud enough, I could even fool myself into thinking I could sing as well as they did! I especially liked it when the orchestration would crescendo to match the passion in the singer s voice. Needless to say, these artists continue to be the greats among their generation, and the inspiration behind my passion for singing. Do it with passion or not at all. My biggest dream as a performer is to continue to appreciate the optimism that music and performing brings to my life and to the lives of others. As long as I can continue to sing, I hope I will find the song. Michael Staff COMPOSER / PIANIST MUSIC TEACHER, AGE 33, IDYLLWILD Piano competitions as a rule only allow established repertoire, not original works; so this competition gave me the opportunity to share something more unique and personal. Other art forms like painting and literature, and mathematical fields like group theory and fractal geometry. It s not about you. It s about your audience. To share music from the concert stage, professionally.
Javier Triviso TEACHER, AGE 50, PALM DESERT I have not been on a stage in many years and when I attended Open Call last year I could sense the excitement of the performers who appeared to be having such a great time on stage. I began to entertain the idea of auditioning for Open Call soon thereafter. I did a lot of thinking and praying and before long it became clear to me that I had to try to get in the show. My inspiration comes from many places and people. As a church musician it is my faith in God that inspires me to sing His praises. I have been a church musician most of my life and this calling has been a blessing in so many ways. As a stage performer it is famous vocalists like K.D. Lang, Russell Watson and Pepe Aguilar who inspire me to sing passionately from within. I grew up in a family that listened to a lot of Mexican and American music so I draw inspiration from a range of artists from both cultures. Sing every song like it s your favorite. My biggest dream would be to perform the most beautiful songs with a live orchestra full of string instruments and a choir of singers in the background. Meg Vander Zanden RETIRED FRENCH TEACHER, AGE 74, PALM DESERT A few years ago I sat in the audience watching Open Call and thought what a great experience it would be to participate in this unique project. More than fifty years ago I had performed numerous lead roles in college musicals, and recently I have been involved with local musical programs. I have always welcomed a challenge, so here I am! My husband of 53 years has always encouraged and supported me. Sometimes when I sing, I notice he gets tears in his eyes, so I must be doing something right. Depending on my situation, my motto might be Carpe diem, Keep trying, or It could be worse! My dream is to be the voice representing all people, especially those of my generation. I wish to inspire and encourage everyone to follow his or her own dreams. Participating in Open Call provides me with that opportunity.
Sydney Weisman PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVE, AGE 75, PALM SPRINGS It will be an honor and thrill for me to perform at the McCallum. This is also the biggest stage on which I have ever performed and the thought of that possibility made it clear I needed to audition for this once in a lifetime opportunity. At my age, you don t mess around with once in a lifetime. This is not an easy question. Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Eydie Gorme, Doris Day, Johnny Mercer have all been inspirations for me. But the biggest inspiration and influence has to be the fabulous Karen Morrow, my mentor and coach. She made me more than a singer and turned me into a performer. A Broadway veteran, her coaching pushed me into cabaret performing and doing that changed my artistic life forever. My husband, the author David Hamlin, also inspires me with his support and constant encouragement. Without that support I would never have dreamed or thought of going this far. Knock em dead. My dream is to keep singing for as long as I can. Giselle Woo / INSTRUMENTALIST / SONGWRITER STUDENT, AGE 31, CATHEDRAL CITY I auditioned because I was encouraged to do so by someone that I respect and admire. Somehow their opinion mattered a lot to me, and I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone, so that I may see what others see in me. Every day people inspire me. Anytime I see somebody doing what they love I am inspired. Music inspires me. I can t imagine how my life would be without it, without creating music, without collaborating with like-minded souls, without speaking this universal language that touches hearts around the world. If at first you don t succeed, dust yourself off and try again. My biggest dream is to record and publish my music and work with as many musicians as I can throughout the process.
OPEN CALL 2017 PERFORMANCES April 13, 2017, 7pm April 14, 2017, 7pm April 15, 2017, 2pm & 7pm McCALLUM THEATRE 73000 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Tickets: 760-340-2787 For sponsorship information, call 760-346-6505 www.mccallumtheatre.com/education