October 28, 2004

SCHOOL SCENEin Almaden Valley

Castillero Middle School to present ‘Rhythm of Life’ Nov. 24 at CPA

Castillero Middle School will feature 450 students who participate in instrumental, dance and vocal groups in their “Rhythm of Life” show on Wednesday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts. Castillero continues a 16-year tradition of musical excellence with this show.

This year’s performance will feature a large production of “Circle of Life” from “Lion King” and will include a processional of more than 300 choir singers and dancers—all dressed in tribal customs, said David Finch, vocal director. The finale will include the full band and orchestra and choir groups, who will perform a gospel version of “Impossible Dream” from Man of “La Mancha.”

“Brand new this year is our Chamber Singers who will debut at the show with a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful Life,’” said Finch. “Broadway star Paul Bryant returns as our celebrity headliner.”

The 101 members of the Advanced Band and the Jazz Band will perform a repertoire of swing, jazz, improvisation and classical music. “There will be something from every genre within the scope of this show,” said Joseph DeMar, band director.

Castillero’s annual CPA program showcases the talents of 40 percent of the student body, this year about 430 students who are in sixth through eighth grades. Along with Finch and DeMar, the teachers who bring this showcase event together include Michelle Crivello, dance director; and Stephanie Rawls, orchestra director.

During the day of the show, students from local elementary schools are invited to the CPA to watch the dress rehearsal free of charge. For the evening show, a limited number of tickets will be available to the public at $20 and $25. For ticket information, e-mail: renee_pew@yahoo.com.

Castillero Middle School, a National Blue Ribbon School and California Distinguished School, is part of the San Jose Unified School District’s K-12 Academic/Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program. Its award-winning music and dance groups are available to perform at community events. Castillero is located at 6384 Leyland Park Drive in San Jose.

All that’s missing is the tin man, the lion and Dorothy…

Simonds Elementary School kindergartner Nicholas Gallizioli poses with the scarecrow he and his classmates in Mrs. Reed’s class made. Numerous classes are utilizing the garden this year as part of their curriculum.

Disney comes alive during Pioneer’s homecoming float competition

The creative talents of Pioneer High School students as well as their competitive class spirit went into overdrive recently as the upper classmen and women took on the lower classmen and women in a homecoming float competition. The floats, displayed during halftime of the football game on Oct. 23, all featured a Disney theme and were met with spirited applause from the audience.

First place honors went to the senior float, “Fantasy Land.” The freshmen came in second place with their float, “Toon Town.” The sophomores came in third place with “New Orleans Square” and the juniors came in fourth place with “Adventure Land.” Oh well guys…there’s always next year.

Andrew Schulz, one of the star running backs for Pioneer’s varsity football team, was crowned homecoming king and the homecoming queen honors went to Jessica Miller.

All photos by Ron Reed