Senior Mastery

Angelica Julio, Kayla Ubieta

Esenca is a student-produced literary magazine. The class is divided into sections with different duties, schedules, and deadlines. Students in this mastery get a taste of what it is like to be a creative writer, editor, publisher, photographer, or graphic designer, and practice working independently. They also develop a unique bond through collaboration and teamwork. Students go on field trips, celebrate staff birthdays, and work together to complete projects. Conchita Literary Magazine is the springboard for igniting the desire to follow careers in professional writing and art.

Requirements: Interested student writers should have good leadership and organizational skills and be interested in working hard alongside a motivated and dedicated team. Two writing pieces are required for consideration:  a three-paragraph essay and a personal piece of literary writing (story, poem, etc.) or art to show your past skills. In the essay, tell us about you and why Esencia is the right mastery for you.

Both pieces are due on Wednesday, August 27^th.

Coach Carlos Salvat

Cross Country requires students to run long distances. Students are expected to arrive on time and in proper running attire (regulation shorts, shirt, and running shoes). Students run 2-4 miles daily at different paced intervals to give them a well-rounded and solid foundation as they begin to understand what cross country and track style running consists of. By changing the methods in which students run, the coaches are able to identify each runners’ strengths and best determine their events.

Requirement: Tryout. Wear your regular uniform for the day and bring your PE uniform and sneakers in a bag.

Annual Fee – $375 for the uniform, practice shirts, entry fees, Gatorade, tent and transportation to local meets.

Tryouts – Tuesday, August 26^th

Wear your regular uniform for the day and bring your PE uniform and sneakers in a bag.

Conchita Cinema explores the art of cinema and the technical aspects of film production. Students develop an appreciation for film, as well as the necessary skills to go through the three stages of video production. In pre-production students learn screenwriting, storyboarding and scheduling their shoot. During production, the students bring their storyboards to life by framing shots, and designing the set and wardrobe. Finally, in post-production the students are responsible for editing and sound mixing. 

Limited and ever-changing resources available in the school call for the ability to find creative and innovative ways to complete tasks on time. If a student enjoys writing, taking pictures, making videos, and editing he/she can further develop those interests in Conchita Cinema.

Requirements: CC looks for students with strong communication skills who are looking to further develop and enhance these skills. CC students must have a proactive and positive attitude, be able to work individually and in a group, meet deadlines, and be willing to step outside their comfort zone.

Returning students must submit their summer project. New students must submit a summary of a movie they would like to make in the mastery. Submission – Wednesday, August 27^th

Annual Fee – $110 for materials.

Danella Bedford

Conchita Espinosa Youth Dance Ensemble (CEYDE) is dedicated to enhancing the dance training for CEA/CEC’s dancers. This program has a junior level and a senior level and aims to create a positive environment for dancers to gain confidence, discipline, and intrinsic motivation to meet the cognitive and physical demands of dance. The program develops dancers in movement, technique, and artistry. Classes focus on ballet and modern technique with other styles taught whenever possible.

Requirements: Class and Audition.
Students must have a desire to pursue dance and the discipline to work hard. Students are required to have consistent attendance to all conservatory classes, rehearsals, workshops, master classes, competitions, and field trips that are scheduled at the beginning of the year. Please note that many of these are not during school hours and, therefore, this program does require extra commitment, not just from the students, but also the parents. There are extra costs, including uniform, field trips, master classes and competitions. Students wishing to be a part of Dance Mastery must attend the mandatory audition classe(s) and audition day and must take ballet in the Conservatory.

Classes (Mandatory) – Tuesday, August 26^th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. &

Wednesday, August 27^th from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Girls are to wear hair in bun and bring leotard, ballet tights, ballet slippers, pointe shoes if you are on pointe, jazz shoes, and spankies.

Audition – Thursday, August 28^th

Be sure to bring leotard, convertible tights, jazz shoes, ballet shoes and pointe shoes (when appropriate), jazz shoes, and spankies to the audition. Students must attend classes Wednesday and Thursday to be able to audition on Friday.

Yirka Ledon and Norman Milanes

Music Ensemble is a Mastery Group for students interested in developing their passion for music. Students should have previous music experience and take at least one hour of private music lessons each week. Music faculty work with students on an individual basis to strengthen their technical skills as musicians, as well through ensemble work. The Music Ensemble prepares several performances each year. Music Ensemble who meet the criteria will be eligible for induction into the Tri- M Music Honor Society.

Audition by homeroom Monday, August 25^th through Friday, August 29^th

Bring your instrument.

Annual Fee – $100 for materials.

Christina Rajo and Alejandro Valhuerdi

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math): In STEAM Mastery, students strengthen their creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects that spark curiosity and imagination. They learn by inventing, designing, and building. They apply real-world principles of physics, engineering, technology, and math. They’ll discover how art and creativity transform science. Through challenge-based projects, students will engineer solutions (like designing and building egg parachutes or building a bridges), code and create (by programming robots and exploring digital design), and think critically and creatively (blending art with technical skills). Collaboration is key. Whether working in teams or on individual projects, students will learn how to bounce ideas off of each other, how to listen to other’s opinions and criticism, and how to take feedback and make adjustments to their final project.

Requirements: Students are expected to explore different ideas, to recognize failures as opportunities for discovery, and to communicate well with others. Resilience is a key factor to success in this Mastery. Short essay submission is required. Write 1-2 paragraphs explaining why you want to be a part of STEAM.

Submission due Wednesday, August 27^th.

There is a $150 equipment fee.

Karina Vazquez

The goal for the Visual Arts Mastery is to give students knowledge of historical perspectives of art, as well as the classical techniques of each of the movements that studied in class.

Visual Arts classes take a classical approach to teaching drawing and painting, as well as a focus on art history. The program goes beyond arts and crafts; students learn how “to see” in a new way and to view, discuss, and create art masterpieces. Students learn to draw as if hands have become extensions of their eyes. Students learn like Renaissance artists, by studying and copying from the great masters, as well as looking at the world around them and discovering their own artistic visions. Students work individually and in groups.

Once a week, students use technology to research different arts and periods of art. Visits to museums and other art events pertaining to class discussion will occur during the year.

Requirements: Applicants should have a passionate interest in art since students are expected to spend at least 2 hours a week working in their sketchbooks and researching masterpieces. Portfolio submission is required and should include current sketchbook with more than 10 pages completed and 1 original art work (size 8½” x 11”) along with a paragraph or two about the artwork/or interest in art. Name and homeroom should be on the back of the sketchbook and the artwork and submitted to Mrs. Vazquez by Wednesday, August 27^th

Annual Fee – $120 for materials.

Laura de Mare

The CEA Voice Mastery is the official voice of Conchita. In Voice Mastery, students explore various vocal and musical styles. Students will not only grow vocally, but have the opportunity to blossom as performers. Collaborations with Music, Dance, and Conchita Cinema will occur throughout the school year offering many unique and well-rounded artistic opportunities.  

The voice mastery participates in official CEA ceremonies, such as First Communion and Graduation and performs in assemblies, the Festival of the Arts, and other CEA and CEC important performances and events throughout the year.  

Students meeting the criteria will be eligible for induction into the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

Requirements:  Audition by homeroom Monday, August 25^h through Friday, August 29^th

Meryl Rodriguez Quezada

Legado, our yearbook, is devoted to the captured moments that are turned into memories at CEA.  Students work year-round to produce the school yearbook.  Staff members collaborate, lead, advise, teach, train, delegate, and solve problems on a daily basis.  They generate graphic designs and layouts and work together to make each yearbook unique.  They also learn how to use a camera and how to edit and create beautiful pictures.  Assigned students are responsible for being present at all CEA functions to take pictures and accurately document all happenings for the yearbook.  Yearbook staff will be required to take turns after school to take conservatory and sports pictures when needed.

Requirements:  Students must create an 8.5×11” mock yearbook layout on Canva. The layout should feature photos and text. In addition, students must write an essay detailing reasons and abilities for being a part of the program.

Submission – Wednesday, August 27^th