Junior Mastery

Cougar Chronicle – Helen Hernandez

Cougar Chronicle is a fun and creative way for students to get a glimpse into the job of a journalist. Students conduct interviews, take pictures, write and edit articles. In this mastery, students are able to write about everything that’s happening at CEA, as well as include some creative writing submissions. 

Requirements: Students are required to have the desire and ability to develop good communication and writing skills, along with basic computer knowledge. A one-page writing sample must be submitted to your homeroom teacher.

Cross Country – Coach Carlos 

Cross Country requires students to run long distances. Students are expected to show up on time in proper running attire (regulation shorts, shirt, and running shoes). Students will be running between 2-4 miles daily at different paced intervals to not only change up the routine, but also give the students a well-rounded and solid foundation as they begin to understand what cross country and track style running consists of. Also, by changing the methods in which we run, we will be able to identify the strengths of each runner, so when the track meets roll around, we know what event to put the student in to give him/her the best chance to win. There is a $150 fee that will cover a uniform, practice t-shirts, Gatorade, entry fees and our tent. 

Requirements: Try-out. Wear your regular uniform for the day and bring your PE uniform and sneakers in a bag. 

Dance – Danella Bedford 

Conchita Espinosa Youth Dance Ensemble (CEYDE) is dedicated to enhancing the dance training for CEA’s dancers in various dance styles. This program has a junior level and a senior level and aims to provide students with the tools needed for performance in the professional world. In today’s dance world, the dancer must be extremely versatile as this art form continues to develop and, therefore, classes will focus on ballet and modern technique with other styles taught whenever possible. Students will also study the “progressive ballet technique” which is a specific body conditioning class, with the use of various simple equipment. 

Field trips to performances, workshops, or a combination of both, in or out of town, are an integral part of the training. Our goal is not only to improve technique and offer performance opportunities but also to develop the human inside. Dance cannot be considered an art if it is executed without a soul. 

Requirements: Audition and pre-audition classes.

Students must have a desire and a passion to pursue dance and the ability to work hard. Students wishing to be a part of the Dance Mastery program must audition at the beginning of the year on all specified days and must be enrolled in ballet in the Conchita Espinosa Conservatory of the Arts. Once accepted into CEYDE, students are expected to commit fully to the program, which includes consistent attendance to all conservatory classes, all rehearsals, workshops, master classes, competitions, and field trips that are scheduled at the beginning of the year. Please note that most 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 also extra costs, including, but not limited to, uniform, field trips, master classes and competitions. The cost can vary for each student, but an approximate cost of main events will be discussed in the first meeting at the beginning of the year. 

Garden to Table – Ana Vizoso, Veronica Castillo and Coach Danny 

Students in this mastery will spend one day a week working in the garden and the other day working in the kitchen using the fruits/vegetables of our garden. As gardeners, students will plant and tend to the garden. They will learn about the necessary elements for quality plant production and enjoy watching what they plant grow and transform. As chefs, they will learn their way around the kitchen, preparing kid-friendly recipes and learning the importance of a balanced, nutritious and healthy diet. 

Requirements: Students must be able to listen and follow directions, work in teams, enjoy working with the earth as well as in the kitchen. 

A $30 fee for staples in the kitchen and garden will be assessed. During the course of the year students may be requested to bring specific ingredients depending on the recipe they are creating. 

Lego Robotics – Diane Majors 

Students will learn new vocabulary, use creativity, science, technology, organization and planning skills, and problem-solving skills to build models and program them. Students will be able to share creations with peers orally and in writing. 

Requirements: Students should enjoy building and creating with Legos, blocks, etc. Students should enjoy using technology to create programs, be good listeners, and be able to follow oral and written directions. 

There is a $140 fee that will cover a portion of the cost for the robotics portion of the program. 

Mathletes – Fransel Lapica and Maryann Salvat 

This mastery fosters a love for mathematics, science, engineering and problem solving. Students will engage in hands-on activities, cooperative projects, and playing games. Mathletes provides academic benefits, and it is a great way to express creativity and develop teamwork skills. 

Requirements: Students must have a passion for math and science, be good team players, have a competitive spirit, be creative and be ready to have fun. During the course of the year, students will be asked to bring materials for different projects we will be making. 

MusicMakers – Yirka Ledon, Iliana Raymat and Norman Milanes

MusicMakers is the Mastery Group for CEA’s youngest musicians. It is geared towards students interested in developing their passion for music. Students do not need previous music experience, but it is recommended. Moderators in the MusicMakers work with students on an individual basis to strengthen their technical skills as musicians, as well as participate in ensemble work, in order to discover the magic of making music through teamwork. Violins, flutes, clarinets, guitars, percussion instruments, keyboards, etc., are used to create music that delights audiences of all ages. MusicMakers participate in several performances each year. 

Requirements: Audition and Interview. 

There will be a $100 fee for materials. Participation in conservatory music classes is highly recommended. 

Theatre – Stephanie Richards Lawrence

Student’s imaginations will be invigorated as the various acting techniques and exercises are explored. The many types of theatre will be revealed. Participants will develop and fine-tune their instruments through movement, vocal projection, and sensory exploration work. We will focus on scene study, as well as the joy and benefits of improvisational games. Training in character development and tips for excellent auditions will also be shared. Students desiring a career in the theatre will be introduced to the art of monologue performance in addition to production work. Performance opportunities will be consistently available in class during the year. Students will take field trips to theatre arts-related events. Details of upcoming field trips will be shared in a letter to parents during the first week of school. Theatre Mastery participants will learn to become fearless on stage and in life!

Requirements: Audition.

Visual Arts and Art Appreciation – Karina Vazquez and Vivian Martinez 

The goal for Visual Arts and Art Appreciation is to give the students the knowledge of the historical perspective of art, as well as the classical techniques of each of the movements that we will study in class. 

Visual Arts and Art Appreciation classes take a classical approach to teaching drawing and painting as well as the history of art. The program goes beyond arts and crafts; the students learn how “to see” in a new way as well as to view, discuss, and create art masterpieces. Technology is used 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 at home. Portfolio submission is required. Portfolio should include current sketchbook with more than 10 pages completed and an original art work (size 8½ x 11) along with a paragraph or two about their artwork and/or interest in art. Name and homeroom should be on the back of the sketchbook and the art work. There is a $100 fee for supplies.