'Catch Me Bird'

Darren on the rings.

Margaret on the rings.

Kimmie on the rings.

Hope University student guest performers.

Catch Me Bird dancing together.

Catch Me Bird dancing together.

Napkin up her nose, napkin in his ears.

Catch Me Bird dancing with a table.

Catch Me Bird dancing with a table.

The Segerstrom Center for the Arts Teach Program provides a wonderful array of dance, music and drama programs for educational facilities.  We have had several of them perform for us.  In June we were treated to a duo called 'Catch Me Bird'.  They are a married couple who dances together.  Their choreography reflects the love, conflict and humor associated with many relationships.  In their dance piece they incorporated several props, such as a table, chairs, napkins and two large double ringed objects.  With these double rings they invited a few students onto the stage and made them part of the dance!  We loved having the guest performers and we think they liked us a lot too!
Some of the Hope University favorite moments of 'Catch Me Bird' are:
"I liked going on the 'rings' on stage."
Margaret K.
"When they put napkins up their nose and in their ears!"
Tanette T.
"I liked it when they danced together."
Lori S.
"My favorite part was when they set the table and danced on it!"
Michelle E.
"It was kind of scary when they balanced on their props."
Darren C.
"The way they stretched out their bodies as they danced on the stage, they opened their arms very wide."
Carol W.
"How the two dancers, who are husband and wife, were interacting with each other."
April R.

VSA Performance

The Hope University Choir

The Ladies of the Choir accompanied by Hope U student Ron Langloe on the guitar.

Men of the Choir.

Terry C. and April R. perform with the dance.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Hi-Hopes!

Hope University student Jim L. accompanies the Hope U. Dancers on the violin.

In April the VSA had their annual event at the Westfield Main Place Mall in Santa Ana California.  There was art on display by clients and students from around Orange County. Hope University was represented by several visual artists, poets, musicians, singers and dancers.  The Hope University Choir performed along with the Hi-Hopes and the Hope University Dance class.  The art is on display currently.  The students and staff of Hope U will be going on field trips to view the art work, so look for the blog posts about the field trips!

Several art pieces were chosen for a traveling show as well.  Hope University artists will have their work on display across the continent.

It was 'Comin' Up Christmastime'!

Terry C. (Downs Syndrome) Margaret K. Melanie V.(Downs Syndrome) and Miguel A.(Downs Syndrome)  play the bells.

Margaret K, Chris F.(Williams Syndrome)  Jason R. and Lori R.(Williams Syndrome) dance with snow branches.

Beautiful Crystal S.(Downs Syndrome)  in a graceful dance.

Melanie V.  Marvin C. Frank L. Tanette T. and Darren C. (all with Downs Syndrome) dance and play in the 'inflatable band'.

Fred M. greets the audience in front of Hope U's choir and drama.

Margaret K. Mikki D. Dena S. (CP) April R. (Hydroencephally)  and Cathy A. (PKU) sing with the choir.

Chris F.(Williams Syndrome)  Jim L.(Autism)  Jason R. Tom V. (Fragile X) and Paul K.(Autism) sing with the choir.

'Angels' by student Miguel A.(Downs Syndrome) hung over the stage.

The students of Hope University performed beautifully at their annual Holiday program titled 'Comin' Up Christmastime'.  There was square dancing and sign language, poetry, bells and so much more.  Every student had a part in this beautifully performed show.  There are DVD's of the show available if you would like one, please call the school (714) 778-4440 to get your copy.  The students did an amazing job and fun was had by all.  We had our famous boutique of handmade items produced by the students in the lobby of the theater and sales were brisk.  The talent shown by this population is inspiring and must be seen to be believed.
Some of the highlights of the show were the bell choir playing traditional holiday music.  The dance class performing a magical snow scene and the drama classes wonderful addition of holiday humor!  If you would be interested in attending this years (2011) show or any other of our performances, please call us for more information.

Beau Monde Float, A Beatiful Success!

All of the hard work and day long rehearsals certainly paid off for the students of Hope University, Saturday, September 25th at the Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton California.
The show was amazing, the students were all shining stars on the stage.
Here are two photos of the students rehearsing dances with guest artist Marco Schindelmann.
Here is what some of the Hope University students said about the show:
"I liked my costume because it hung down my back like a tail."
Karen Leeb
"I liked aria that I sang in."
Cathy Acton
"The drum circle outside of the theater before the show, I liked drumming."
Christopher Friedman
"Playing the bells was my favorite."
Margaret Kelley
"I liked dancing on stage, throwing paper airplanes into the audience and holding up a doily."
Rene Smith
"I got to hold up one of the big fish and make it go across the stage, I liked doing that."
Dolores (Shadow) Franks
"Using the rope to dance with Marco."
Jennifer Doyle
"I really liked moving my arms in the solo dance."
Crystal Serna
Congratulations to all of the students in the show, it was an amazing performance by a group of amazing people.

Orange County Fair Field Trip

Every year the Orange County California Fair has a special day for some very special people, called 'Friends of the Fair' Day. The Hope University students left in a bus on Wednesday, July 21st for a day of Fair fun, food and friends. They went on rides, like the big Ferris Wheel and were able to see many sights. The livestock area was a favorite, with cows, pigs and chickens, also the farm area where they have many different kinds of fruits and vegetables growing year round on the Fairgrounds. Students were also able to do some shopping and as always, lunch down food alley was an adventure. The Hi-Hopes, Hope University's musical performing group played on the big stage to the delight of many.
Firstly we have April Renick enjoying the attentions of a fun time clown while waiting in line at the gate.
Next is Gary Ahearn, one of the talented Hi-Hopes members smiling at the keyboard.
You see the entire Hi-Hopes band performing on the big stage at the Fair. From left to right: Tom Veltman, Richard Groves, Gary Ahearn, Howard Miller, Paul Kuehn, Cathy Acton, Mikki Davis and Lori Reyes.

Very Special Arts Festival Westfield Main Place, Santa Ana, CA

Westfield Main Place, Santa Ana California hosted the annual Very Special Arts Festival for artists with disabilities. The Hope University Choir sang and the Chiming group chimed at the performance event. Her we have a flamingo block print done by Hope U student Lori Slikker. She drew the image and carved 3 different linoleum blocks to create this amazing image. Next is Dena Schott (Cerebral Palsy) shown beaming next to her water color and ink painting titled 'Dream'. This was the first year that the written word was included in the show. Here we have a very proud Chih Tseng standing next to his poem, 'At Henry's', a haircut experience.

Hope U Performs at Main Place Mall!

On Saturday, April 21st a selection of Hope University students performed for Very Special Arts at the Santa Ana Main Place Mall. Our beautiful bell choir played, several of our students sang and the Hope U dance department performed a wonderful dance to the music, 'Claire de Lune' which was played on the piano by Hope U student Howard Miller. Here are some photos of the students dancing. Christie Cook, Jason Rosales, Isela Elias-Calles and Marvin Castillo among others were stars for the day. We are very proud of all the performers on Saturday. It is amazing what these developmentally disabled adults can do!