December’s Performing Arts Showcases had 560 Student Performers and More Than 2,200 Audience Members

This month, we had many firsts in our recently expanded Wiseburn Da Vinci Performing Arts Department, including two performances at two locations with 560 student performers and more than 2,200 audience members.

On December 5th, we had the pleasure of watching 160 Da Vinci students from grades TK-12th on stage for our theater department’s first ever theater showcase at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center.

This first ever theatrical performance drew a full house of over 700 people who came out to celebrate these young artists as they performed to the theme of Family. Diane Feldman, Da Vinci’s new theater arts teacher and the director/musical director of this performance, divided the show into four parts: Family Members, Friends as Our Chosen Family, Ancestors, and Handing Things Down from Generation to Generation.

The Dec 5th performance included original scenes; original narration; Broadway songs from Hamilton, Fanny, Bye, Bye, Birdie, Oliver and more, sung by students; and surprise performances by Da Vinci parents and teachers. There was also a beautiful original poem written and performed by 9th grade Da Vinci Connect High student, AmirahLee Chea, called “Like A Quilt”, in which she depicted the messiness and beauty that is family.

Da Vinci’s debut theater showcase was a resounding success, with students gaining practical skills and experience in the rehearsal and performance process. We are especially grateful to our wonderful theater teacher, Diane Feldman, who involved students in conceptualizing, writing, running tech and design elements, and transforming their ideas into dramatic action.

In speaking with the students in their first theater class following the performance, many shared thoughts about theater being so much more than acting to them—they shared thoughts about belonging and becoming a part of a family, a theater family. Here are a few of the heartfelt feelings they shared:

“Before theater class, I didn’t know half the people here and now I can’t imagine my life without them.”

“I didn’t know most of the people here because we go to different (Da Vinci) schools, but I made a lot of friends—even with people I didn’t think would like me or let me into their group, and they did.”

“I’ve been around these people for such a short amount of time, and I already know them so well.”

“It was really fun, and theater gave me a new support system.”

“I did theater when I was young, but I never felt connected to my cast mates, and I love it even more now because I can connect with my peers and connect with a different maturity level. I never would have spoken to most of these people, but now my face lights up when I see them. I’m so glad to know them all.”

The theater program began in September 2023 and leading up to the December 5th performance, Da Vinci’s TK-8 students had been rehearsing one hour per week since September and high school students had been rehearsing four hours per week.

One high school student shared that theater has given her something to look forward to. “I have loved having something to do after school,” she said. “I had nothing going on in my life. Now I look forward to coming to school.”

Da Vinci parents were incredibly involved as well, volunteering their time and energy in various capacities, including supervision, errand running, supporting students in every TK-8 class, and more.

“I could not be more proud of everyone,” said Diane. “Watching these evolving young performing artists live joyfully in their confidences and passions has been the best gift ever! Every student, in every grade level, has been shedding reluctances, overcoming trepidations, and stepping into their true energies (and hilarities!). I am SO grateful everyone had the chance to perform and learn even more about themselves, each other, and their capabilities!”

The expansion of the WDV Performing Arts program has allowed for the addition of theater and choir, and is allowing for students at every grade level, in every Da Vinci school, to work together on performances. There is a ton of joy spreading throughout the program, and a lot of support within the schools, the district, and the community.

Thank you to all our student performers, and all the teachers, staff, leaders, and parents who made this production possible. We are so grateful to you all.

Winter Music Concert Had its Largest Audience Ever

On December 12th, for the first time, the Wiseburn Da Vinci Gymnasium was host to more than 1,600 people who all came out to support students from Wiseburn Middle School and Da Vinci Schools as they joined forces to put on a musical show that was filled with choirs, a string instrument performance, soloists, and a combined middle school and high school WDV Studio Orchestra.

Leaders from Da Vinci Schools, Wiseburn USD, and Wiseburn Education Foundation joined the 1,600 supporters who were all there to witness this first-time performance on our schools’ home turf. Members of Da Vinci’s staff and facilities team collaborated with members of Wiseburn USD’s staff and facilities team, to ensure that the event went off without a hitch.

“It was truly great to see so many students, families, and members of our schools’ community come out to support the students and the hard work they put into preparing for this performance,” said Dr. Matthew Wunder, CEO and Superintendent of Da Vinci Schools. “Having an audience of 1,600 people is the largest audience most of these students have ever performed in front of and we couldn’t be more proud.”

There were 400 students who performed at the winter concert, which included 230 students from Wiseburn Middle School, and 170 student performers from Da Vinci Schools.

Given that the WDV Gymnasium is much larger than any venue students have performed in before, the students were able to invite not just parents and immediate family, but also extended family, friends, neighbors, and members from our broader school community. 

In reflecting on the event, some students shared that they are grateful for all the people who came out to support them. They also expressed pride in being able to show up and sing, despite some unexpected circumstances, including a venue change just days before the event. Below are some of the thoughts they shared with us:

“In doing this big performance, we showed that the entire community is together and we did something that’s never been done and showed that we’re continuing to grow as a school community.”

“I got sick days before the concert and I had doubts that I could still do my solo performance. But this performance was all about overcoming obstacles and not giving up. I was really looking forward to it and so happy to have been able to push through.”

“It felt fun performing together, and it was fun overcoming the obstacles. It was like fate was trying to stop us and we came together to perform, anyway.”

Students are looking forward to the next time they will perform together, at Rock Around The Block on May 4, 2024. 

Thank you to all our student performers and all the family members, friends, and community members who came out to support our school community and all the students in our district who worked so hard to make this an incredible night for us all. We are so grateful for you.