Sunset & Vinyl: OCSA’s Unforgettable Gala

Tabitha Finamore

OCSA's creativity extends far beyond the school day, reaching past the walls of its conservatories. One of its most notable events is Gala, which was first established in 1989. It has become a beloved tradition at OCSA, offering students the incredible opportunity to perform together across conservatories while raising funds for future generations of OCSA students.

"As an arts education institution, OCSA relies entirely on donations to support its conservatory programs, requiring approximately $10 million annually," says Elizabeth Ton, Vice President of Development at Orange County School of the Arts. "This amount is essential to ensure that all students can experience OCSA to the fullest extent, including dances, performances, access to costumes and technology, and more. Gala plays a significant role in raising funds, contributing one to two million dollars each year."

Gala brings together 550 to 700 guests and involves over 300 students from all conservatories, creating a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. It showcases the diverse talents and skills nurtured at OCSA, highlighting the synergy among different disciplines with the involvement of every conservatory. 

Beyond dancers, vocalists, and musicians, conservatories like Production and Design (P&D) and Film and Television (FTV) play crucial roles. P&D students take charge of ensuring Gala’s smooth execution, while FTV students work alongside industry professionals to capture the performances on film. The Visual Art and Digital Media conservatories also contribute by creating art pieces to be auctioned off, raising additional funds. 

Participants have expressed their appreciation for Gala's unique nature. Audrey Warne-McGraw  (P&D '23) describes the experience, "having Gala as one of the last shows I worked at OCSA was amazing. I loved working alongside some of my best friends and watching the incredible performance from the sidelines!"

 Lucas Brenes (FTV '23) highlights Gala’s inclusive nature, stating, "It's incredible to see how students from different conservatories collaborate to bring the event to life. It showcases the diversity and depth of talent at OCSA."

Considering how heavily OCSA relies on Gala for funding, the stakes seem impossibly high. However, every year, OCSA's creative director, Cindy Pecca, rises to the challenge with unwavering determination. Her journey at OCSA began as a teacher for the commercial dance conservatory, and over time, she has assumed the position of creative director. Pecca organizes various events throughout the year, including Season Finale, Montage, and, of course, Gala.

Pecca's Gala planning process is a year-round endeavor. She conceptualizes ideas, collaborates with the Gala creative team as well as  OCSA's music director, Melissa Wackermen, meticulously researching music to piece the show together. Each song is specifically orchestrated for Gala, giving it a unique touch that sets it apart from other performances. Auditions for performers and greeters take place in December, and Pecca assigns choreographers and student  performance groups to different sections based on her vision for each piece.

Gala comprises three acts that incorporate various styles of dance and encourage interaction between conservatories, illustrating the importance of arts education. From orchestras accompanying vocalists to dancers preforming to these tracks, Gala showcases the impressive talent nurtured at OCSA.

For Pecca, the culmination of all her hard work is the Gala event itself. She enjoys seeing all the moving pieces come together, witnessing the materialization of ambition and talent while also allowing herself to let go and enjoy the event alongside the guests.

This year's Gala, titled "Sunset & Vinyl," featured a roller skating act, a boxing number, and a performance where PM senior Joan Park sang while dancers attached themselves to a harness handcrafted by Heaven Hanson (P&D '23). Pecca is proud of all her students and thanks her graduates for their participation while simultaneously brainstorming for next year's Gala.

Dominic DeAugestine (CV '23) has participated in Montage, CV shows, PM shows, and other OCSA performances, but nothing compares to Gala in his eyes. He says, "I have loved every opportunity to perform I have had, but being a part of Gala my senior year was an experience I will appreciate for the rest of my life. There is something about being on this huge stage with professional lighting and costumes with an audience made up of friends and strangers all coming together to support what you love."