December 2, 2004


Castillero students shine in CPA show

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

The “Rhythm of Life” reverberated through the San Jose Center for Performing Arts last Wednesday as Castillero Middle School students took to the stage in their 16th annual CPA show.

For those performers who had first watched the show as wide-eyed fourth graders, performing in it was nothing less than a dream come true.

The professional-caliber presentation opened with a harmony of color and sound as dancers adorned in wrap skirts of yellow, purple, red, and blue, waving matching-colored ribbons, leapt and twirled en pointe while headliner Paul Bryant joined his voice to the choir in singing a welcome song. The energy was infectious, and soon had the audience clapping along. Rising from the pit, the eloquent jazz band played next, spotlighting featured soloists.

Members of Castillero Middle School’s “Dance Infinia” performed “Peter Pan” in the 16th annual CPA show.

As their piece concluded, and they descended from view, the curtain rose seamlessly behind them, revealing the Silver Tones poised to break into song in sparkling silver costumes befitting their name. Then, with swirling skirts and swaying hips, Dance Infinia performed interpretive movements from classic ballet to modern dance in “Bombay Dreams.” The string orchestra blended well with the mood of this lively piece with “Dance of Iscariot.”

Following Paul Bryant’s expressive rendition of “This is the Moment,” the Advanced Band played “Espana Cani” with flair. Afterwards, surprising and delighting the audience, the Boys of The Company, dressed in sailor garb, invaded from the aisles, searching by flashlight for SpongeBob SquarePants. Landing on stage, they performed a comic rendition of the character’s theme song while Bryant chased after SpongeBob. The audience was further gifted with the Show Stoppers enjoyable performance of “Big City Swing,”’ and the Chamber Singers’ impressive debut with “What a Wonderful World.”

Featuring highlights from “The Lion King,” performers wearing jungle prints swept into the auditorium and danced along the aisles while others performed on stage. With pounding drums, spears, feet, and hearts, about 300 choir singers and dancers joined in the thrilling “Circle of Life,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” There was certainly love and appreciation emanating from the spellbound audience as performers sprang like gazelles across the stage, Bryant twirled choreographer Michelle Crivello upon his shoulders, and the choir lifted its voices to the heavens as one—and that was just the first act.

“The talent of these kids amazes me,” states CPA Committee Chair Lisa Rebhan. “Mr. Finch is exceptional—the kids all love him, and he’s brought the choir to a new level. Michelle is a true visionary—the children just idolize her.”

Although they made it look easy, an enormous amount of preparation went into the CPA show. Parents worked for months on costumes, props, sets, publicity, fundraising, and more. As CPA show founder Shirley Garner notes, the show depends upon the work of these dedicated volunteers.

The teachers responsible for creating the showcase include vocal director David Finch, band director Joseph DeMar, dance director Michelle Crivello, and orchestra director Stephanie Rawls. “Mr. Finch is a marvelous vocal teacher,” observes Garner. When Finch learned he had a cancerous tumor on his kidney, he postponed surgery until after the show in order to be there for his students. “Such dedication speaks loudly to the kind of person that Mr. Finch is,” notes Garner.

Garner also appreciates the ability of show choreographer Crivello to create the beauty and movement of the show. “Her ideas and instruction contribute to the high quality of the performances,” she Garner, “as the Jazz Band, Advanced Band, and Orchestra’s brilliant performances are indicative of the high level of instruction by band instructor Mr. DeMar and orchestra teacher Mrs. Rawls. The result of all this work is a truly professional show.”

The CPA Show, which today boasts over 400 students in 10 music and dance groups, had its start in 1989 with about half that number. The show began as a benefit concert after the two choirs took first and second place in a music festival competition in Southern California, and as a result, were invited to participate in an invitation-only music festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. That summer, the booster club was formed to raise the money needed for the trip. When they realized that with the show’s expenses, Washington was beyond their reach, they focused on funding an annual performance competition at Disneyland instead, with the added bonus of starting a thrilling tradition of performing annually at the Center for Performing Arts.

Boys of the Company in “SpongeBob SquarePants”

“It’s like putting on a Broadway show,” comments Finch. “Your heart has to be there and you have to be dedicated. It won’t work if you’re not.” Finch feels that all of the hard work is worthwhile because of what it brings to the students. “It gives them a real boost to their self-image,” he attests. “This is something that will stay with them all their lives. When the final curtain goes down, the kids’ excitement is amazing—everyone’s hugging and high-fiving.”

“It means a lot to me,” shares Crivello. “It’s a very big part of their lives.”

“I open the door, showing them what’s possible, and they walk through it,” states DeMar, who being a professional musician himself, teaches his students what it takes to play professionally. “If you have high expectations, the students will reach them,” he contends. “The kids are incredible. It’s all about them performing on a professional stage together as a team. It takes the students, parents, teachers, and administrators to make it happen. You see the kids at the end of the show, and they’re so happy. These are lifetime memories. I’m just blessed to be part of it.”

“The kids are such an incentive. I love it!” declares Broadway star and show headliner Paul Bryant. “They work so hard, and the product they put out each and every year is amazing. I’ll come back as long as I can still move.”

Parent volunteers agree. Backstage chair Denise Bachur has assisted with the show since her daughter was a Showstopper 13 years ago. “This kind of program just doesn’t exist any place else,” comments Bachur. “I still get goosebumps when it starts and tears in my eyes when it’s over. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. I love seeing the kids’ excitement as they go on and off the stage. Sometimes I close my eyes and listen to them, and then I look at them in amazement: these kids are 11, 12, and 13 years old, and they produce that kind of professionalism—you can’t help but be astonished and entertained.”

Volunteer coordinator LaVerne Washington appreciates the teachers’ dedication. “They give their hearts and souls to the students and the program,” expresses Washington. “I feel that I’m giving back to the school that gives so much to my daughter. She’s fallen in love with singing and has gained a sense of confidence and professionalism. It’s her last year here, but I want to help this program go on for as long as it can.”

Volunteer Valerie Doyle is delighted by what her sons have gained from participating in the show. “My boys walk around the house singing,” she enthuses. “These boys who never sang before now want to do solos. I’m just amazed.”

Student Josh La Plante finds performing in Jazz Band slightly intimidating, but also fun. “You know people are listening to you and they’re expecting you to do well,” says La Plante. “I was hoping to make jazz band, and I’m in it now, so I’m happy.” Student Nick De Martina is also excited to be in jazz band. “It’s really cool to play in it,” he affirms.

Dance Infinia Captain Adizah Eghan was inspired when saw her sister perform in the CPA show. “It’s really fun to be on the stage,” states Eghan. Dance Infinia member Jenna Todd first saw the show in elementary school. “I really liked it and always wanted to be in it,” exclaims Todd. “I put my mind to it and I’m here now.” Concert Choir member Madeline Courville agrees. “I really wanted to go to Castillero to be in the show,” she enthuses, “The CPA show rules!”

Crivello is extremely proud of her students and the CPA show. “The show is so professional and advanced in so many ways,” she contends, “It’s really rewarding to stand in the wings and watch the kids. It makes me smile to see them be so successful. I’ve met students who, having seen the show, dreamed about this for many, many years, and to see them reach their goals is very exciting.”