LLOOSS AALLAAMMIITTOOSS HHIIGGHH SSCCHHOOOOLL XXTTRRAAVVAAGGAANNZZAA MMaarrcchh 19–219–211,, 220011 55 Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. —Victor Hugo— We are thrilled to be hosting over 45 of the most talented groups in competitive show choir this year. The number of choirs continues to go up as show choir becomes more and more popular across the country. I hope you truly enjoy the varied performance styles, sound and unique productions of our competitive groups. We are honored to have you here and very proud to be hosting this incredible line-up. Our event will surely be a success with your dedication, hard work and passion fueling what we do. Our distinguished panel of judges has a varied background in all aspects of show choir and vocal education. We are honored to have these talented individuals at Xtravaganza to share their expertise and knowledge with each of our competing groups. I hope their insights and advice add to the success of your students throughout this competition season and well into the future. An event of this size doesn't happen alone. I would like to personally thank the army of parents and student volunteers who have contributed their time and energy toward making this event a fun and memorable experience for all. If you have any questions or need information during the competition please ask any of our volunteers, wearing black XTRAVAGANZA tee shirts, and they will be more than happy to assist you. Please take the time to enjoy a delicious meal at our food court or purchase a tee shirt as a souvenir—there is something for everyone at Xtravaganza and it’s our goal to show you a great time! On behalf of the students, families and faculty at Los Alamitos High School, Welcome to Xtravaganza 2015! David Moellenkamp Vocal Music Director, Los Alamitos High School Adjudicators PAUL GULSVIG MICHELLE JENSEN Paul Gulsvig has been involved in Choral Education for Michelle is a choral director, clinician, and teacher. the past 42 years, and retired in 2006 from Onalaska Currently directing the Chamber Singers and teaching High School in Onalaska, WI where he taught for in the area of Music Education at Azusa Pacific 28 of those 42 years. University, she has also served as an adjunct instructor Paul Gulsvig has begun a new career with a new at the University of Southern California where she is company, More Than Music. Paul's new career currently pursuing a DMA in Choral Music and earned includes; retreat presenter, show doctor, motivational speaker, leadership both her BM and MME. Michelle is a member of both SAG and AFTRA workshops for high school, in-service workshops for school districts and with an extensive performance resume including commercials, voice- show choir adjudication. He has been able to assist a wide variety of overs, music videos, guest-star roles on television and live performances. schools, including elementary, middle & high schools, college and Michelle continues to serve as a clinician, adjudicator, honor choir graduate programs. Having directed All-State and Regional Choirs in conductor, choreographer, and guest artist throughout the United States Nebraska, Alabama, Alaska, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Arizona, Paul and abroad. has been involved in a variety of educational experiences. He is most proud of his three children who have college degrees in music. Amy and Jennifer are both Choral Directors in Florida and Wisconsin. Kurt is involved in entertainment as a talent agent, working for SBV based in Hollywood, California. In his spare time, you will find Paul on the golf course, working out at the fitness center or spending time with his grand twins, Hailey and Riley and their new sister, Lily Grace. Adjudicators MICHAEL ORLAND TINA GLANDER PETERSON Michael Orland is currently the Pianist, Arranger and Tina Glander Peterson is Director of Choirs at Irvine Associate Musical Director for the hit FOX-TV series High School where she directs five choirs and AP AMERICAN IDOL. Through this amazing opportunity, music theory. She is currently in her second season as Michael has appeared on OPRAH, ENTERTAINMENT Assistant Director of the Southern California Children’s TONIGHT, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD and a record Choir for Concert Choir and Ensemble. Mrs. Peterson number of appearances on THE ELLEN SHOW. At the also serves as the Minister of Music at Church of the end of every IDOL season, Michael also accompanies the top 3 Foothills in Tustin, CA. For three years she was the Director of Choirs at contestants to New York for appearances on REGIS & KELLY, CBS EARLY Oak Middle School (Sing with Pride!) in Los Alamitos, CA., and taught SHOW, and concerts on the plaza for THE TODAY SHOW. He has middle school choral music for ten years in the public schools of collaborated with music industry giants such as Burt Bacharach, Neil Wisconsin. While in Wisconsin she was also the conductor of the Sedaka, Diane Warren, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, Milwaukee Children’s Choir upper-level treble ensemble, the Cantorei Choir. Jennifer Lopez, and Tony Bennett all as a result of American Idol. He also In 2005, Mrs. Peterson was the recipient of the WCDA Middle Level served as a pianist/coach for the successful summer series AMERICA’S Choral Director of the Year Award. Her choirs have been selected to GOT TALENT (Seasons 1 & 2) and a few seasons back AMERICAN perform for state conventions and special performances including the JUNIORS and has Associate Produced two hit singles (GOD BLESS THE 2001 WMEA State Convention, the 2003 WCDA State Convention, and U.S.A. and WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW IS LOVE) for AMERICAN the 2010 CMEA state convention in Sacramento, CA. She is an active IDOL as well as the hit compilation CD from AMERICAN JUNIORS. adjudicator and guest clinician for choral music festivals and performance Michael began his impressive musical career in his hometown of events around the state. She is a member of American Choral Directors Worcester, Massachusetts at the tender age of three, when he escorted Association (ACDA) and The Southern California Vocal Association each member of his family, one by one, to see “MARY POPPINS” and (SCVA). Mrs. Peterson earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree then sat down at the piano and played the songs by ear. Since this from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and her Master of Music in auspicious beginning, he has become one of the most acclaimed musical Music Education and Choral Conducting from the University of directors on the concert, theater, and nightclub scene. Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Tina lives in Tustin, CA with her handsome In addition to playing and conducting for many celebrities including husband Chris and her two adorable puppies, Hannya and Suki. Susan Anton, Lucie Arnaz, Kaye Ballard, Lynda Carter, Sam Harris, Jennifer Holliday, Lainie Kazan, Sally Kellerman, Gladys Knight, Barry Manilow, ELLEN SKINNER Maureen McGovern, Chita Rivera, Cybill Shepherd and the late Wayland Ellen J. Skinner is a retired Michigan community Flowers & Madame, Michael played for the hit shows “FORBIDDEN College professor of music theatre, show and chamber BROADWAY”, “RUTHLESS!”, and “WHEN PIGS FLY” in Los Angeles. He choir. She also taught high school for 38 years where made his Hollywood Bowl debut accompanying the legendary MGM star her show groups were National Champions year after Ann Miller. year. In the 90s her groups were some of the first to Prior to AMERICAN IDOL, television appearances have included The incorporate stories and musical theatre aspects into a Rosie O’Donnell Show, Leeza, The Maury Povich Show, The Wayne Brady competition group. In her retirement, she has taught music production Show, and Geraldo. He also appeared on the hit sitcom “THE NANNY” and served as a vocal and choral coach for Los Alamitos High School as performing an original song. He also played a pianist (it’s a stretch) on well as teaching private voice and judging show choir and solo classical the WB sitcom “WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU” and the UPN sitcom HALF & state competitions throughout the Midwest. HALF. Ellen has two grown daughters and three grandsons who she enjoys Every winter, Michael musically directs one of the touring companies spending time with at her summer lake cottage in Indiana. of the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR starring the world-famous Rockettes. And he is now a published author in the best-selling book THOR STEINGRABER “Chicken Soup For The American Idol Soul” An accomplished songwriter, Thor Steingraber is the Executive Director of the Valley his songs have been featured on several daytime soaps and primetime Performing Arts Center at California State University, shows. On recordings, he can be heard on Debbie Gravitte’s “Alan Northridge, and former Vice President of Programming Menken Album” and “MGM Album”; Rita McKenzie’s “Ethel Merman’s at the Los Angeles Music Center. Thor brings to this Broadway”, “Ruthless! The Musical”, and produced and arranged several role over 20 years in the performing arts, as a director, CD’s for cabaret artists. Michael is currently working on a solo piano writer, and arts administrator. As a director his work album due out soon. has appeared on 3 continents and at most of the major American opera houses, including Lincoln Center, San Francisco Opera, Santa Fe Opera, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. He enjoyed a relationship with the Los Angeles Opera for more than a decade, where he directed regularly. As an educator, Thor has taught at some of the nation’s most esteemed