Junior Mastery

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 about everything that’s happening at CEA. Students will also learn about the importance of photography in journalism

Requirements: Students who were members of Cougar Chronicle last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Cougar Chronicle last year? and What do you have to contribute now?

Cross Country requires students to run long distances. Students are expected to arrive on time in proper running attire (regulation shorts, shirt, and running shoes). Students run two to four miles daily at different paced intervals in order to vary the routine and 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 students run, the coaches are able to identify each runner’s strengths of each runner and best place him/her in the various yearly track meet events. Select students attend interscholastic meets throughout the school year.

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 help 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 focus on ballet and modern technique with other styles taught whenever possible.  Students 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.  The 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: 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, 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.

Fee: $30 equipment fee.  There are also extra costs which include, but are not limited to the dance mastery uniform, field trips, master classes and competitions.

Future Teachers work with Kindergarten – 1st Grade classrooms helping the classroom teacher with grading and filing students’ work, bulletin boards, small group and individual tutoring, and sharing their love of learning.

Requirements:  Students should love working with young children, be proactive, and be willing to work.  Students signing up for this group will undergo an interview process with teachers and Ms. Jolliff.

Returning Students: Students who were members of Future Teachers last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Future Teachers last year? and What do you have to contribute now?

Students in Garden to Table will spend one semester working in the garden and one semester working in the kitchen using the fruits/vegetables from the 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.  The semester they become chefs they will learn their way around the kitchen, preparing kid-friendly recipes and learning the importance of a healthy and balanced 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. 

Returning Students: Students who were members of Garden to Table last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Garden to Table last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, to Ms. Jolliff.

Fee: $30 annual fee for staples in the kitchen and garden.  During the course of the semester students may be asked to bring additional ingredients.

In Lego Robotics students learn new vocabulary, use creativity, science, technology, organization and planning skills, and problem-solving skills to build and program models.  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. 

Returning Students: Students who were members of Lego Robotics last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Lego Robotics last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, to Ms. Jolliff.

Fee: $140 fee to cover a portion of the cost for the robotics element of the program.

Mathletes fosters a love for mathematics, science, engineering and problem solving.  Students engage in hands-on activities, cooperative projects, and play math games.  Mathletes provides academic benefits, and 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.  Possible Interview.

Returning Students: Students who were members of Mathletes last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Mathletes last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, to Ms. Jolliff.

Music Makers is geared towards students interested in developing their passion for music. Through Music Makers, CEA’s younger musicians can experience playing in an ensemble. Students do not need previous music experience, but it is recommended. Faculty 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.

Requirements:   Interview – Tuesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 30. Participation in conservatory music classes is highly recommended.

Returning Students: Students who were members of MusicMakers last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in MusicMakers last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, to Ms. Jolliff.

Fee: $100 fee for use of instruments. 

In Theatre Mastery, students will explore the fundamentals of Creative Dramatics.  Through improvisational theater exercises, movement, and literature, students will discover an awareness of their own creativity and the creativity of others.  An emphasis is placed on ensemble building, spontaneity, and presence.  Acquired skills will be applied to various performance opportunities.

Requirements:  Students should have an interest in collaboration and a desire to spark their imagination.  Participation in Conservatory Theatre is encouraged, but not required.  Group Auditions will be on Tuesday, August 28.  No preparation is necessary. 

Returning Students: Students who were members of Theater last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Theater last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, to Ms. Jolliff.

Fee: $50 fee for rehearsal and production costs.

The goal for Visual Arts and Art Appreciation is to give students knowledge of the historical perspective of art, as well as introduce the classical techniques of each of the movements studied in class. Classes take a classical approach to teaching drawing and painting, as well as the history of art. The program goes beyond arts and crafts; 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-related 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. The 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. The portfolio should be submitted to Mrs. Vazquez by Thursday, August 30th and will be returned.

Returning Students: Students who were members of Visual Arts last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Visual Arts last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Wednesday, August 28, to Mrs. Vazquez.

Fee: $100 fee for supplies.

Choir has been a tradition at CEA for over 50 years.  By audition only, CEA Youth Choir has been nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence as a children’s chorale. They perform several times a year in various venues. In the Junior Choir students begin to develop their voices in preparation for Senior Choir, in which students will have additional performance opportunities. Students will participate vocal ensembles in a variety of choral styles including concert choir, show choir, soloists, duets, small vocal jazz ensemble, etc. The CEA choir sings in different languages and in a variety of musical styles from Mozart to The Beatles.  They will also learn sight singing skills.

Requirements:  Audition – Wednesday, August 29

Returning Students: Students who were members of Voice last year must submit two paragraphs answering the questions: What did you learn in Voice last year? and What do you have to contribute now? This must be submitted by Thursday, August 29, to Ms. Jolliff.

Fee: $50 fee for rehearsal and production costs.