OC Music & Dance

12/23/2024

09/26/2024

OC Music & Dance is honored to receive the "Outstanding Arts Organization" award at the 2024 OC Arts Awards, held yesterday at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa!

"The 24th OC Arts Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in the arts, has become Orange County’s most prestigious honor for those who have dedicated their lives to the county’s cultural life. [...] During its seven years [OCMD] has evolved from a dream to provide children arts training to one of Orange County’s premier performing arts schools and is planning a major new facility in Irvine’s Great Park." —Culture OC, "OC Arts Awards Honor Carl St.Clair, Nancy Ruyter and Other Major Local Figures" by Paul Hodgins and Richard Chang

OCMD thanks Arts Orange County for the recognition, and are delighted to stand alongside Pacific Symphony music director Carl St.Clair, Emerging Artist and filmmaker Quyên Nguyen-Le, UC Irvine dance professor Nancy Lee Ruyter, and the other 2024 honorees.

Most importantly, OCMD thanks our students, parents, and faculty for their continued participation and support.

https://www.cultureoc.org/post/oc-arts-awards-honor-carl-st-clair-nancy-ruyter-and-other-major-local-figures

09/26/2024

09/20/2024

We are thrilled to be featured in Culture OC's story covering our move to the Great Park Cultural Terrace, and our collaboration with the Asian Hall of Fame to build a new state-of-the-art performing arts center! Opening in 2027, the 800-seat, 15,000 sq ft venue will become the first Asian and Indigenous PAC in the United States. Check out the story for more!

https://www.cultureoc.org/post/new-performing-arts-center-in-irvine-partners-an-orange-county-arts-institution-with-one-in-l-a

09/17/2024

OC Music and Dance is giving the Pasadena-based performing arts project entrée into an 800-seat multipurpose venue slated to open at the Great Park in 2027.A seemingly straightforward and routine press release dated June 5 reports that Pasadena-based Asian Hall of Fame, which issued the release, is...

08/06/2024

China's ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Xie Feng, shared a video on social media featuring OCMD youth ambassadors in China!

From July 23-30, the city of Xiamen hosted "US Youth ambassadors in Xiamen 2024." Over the week, 25 participants, including 8 OCMD students, explored Xiamen's natural ecology, technology, traditional dishes, and rich historical culture. The OCMD students performed for their hosts at the Xiamen Music School, further enriching the cultural exchange between the two countries.

OCMD CEO Doug Freeman writes, "Our goals in traveling to Xiamen, China, were to expose our students to the culture of another country and to build new friendships with its children. We know we were successful on both objectives and we thank China’s ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Xie Feng, for his recognition and encouragement!"

More photos to come!

https://x.com/AmbXieFeng/status/1818451307327377486

08/01/2024

OCMD is hosting LA Dance Synergy for a 2-Day Workshop: Exploring South Asian Classical Rhythms and Dance on Sunday, August 4 from 11AM-2PM and Tuesday, August 6 from 12-2PM!

Experience how South Asian classical music (Tabla) and dance (Kathak) merge to foster connections and community healing. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of live Tabla and the intricate footwork and movements of Kathak. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, actively engage and enjoy the transformative power of movement and music. Discover how South Asian classical arts enhance emotional and community well-being.

Our space welcomes both participants and observers. All ages are welcome—kids, adults, and everyone in between. We ensure a welcoming and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Fee: $40 per person per workshop (sliding scale available. Call 714-619-1487 for more info or to sign up.)

06/23/2024

Please participate, and encourage others to do so as well, in the City of Irvine Public Arts Master Plan online community survey. It’s important to inform the City’s planning for arts and culture in Irvine. Here is the URL: https://arcg.is/1bjmzG. Thanks all!

06/13/2024

This past Sunday, 25 cellists performed in our OCMD Spring Cello recitals, featuring works by J.S Bach, Dvořák, Saint-Saëns, Elgar, and more. In addition to solo performances, this year's recitals also featured several family cello duets and a cello quartet, highlighting the versatility of the instrument. Congratulations to all of the performers!

06/12/2024

Congratulations to the voice students who sang in our Spring Voice Recital this past Sunday! The audience enjoyed a wide range of performances, including classical arias by Franck and Handel, a number of selections from musical theater, and contemporary songs. All three instructors, Ms. Stephanie, Ms. Mandi, and Ms. Robin commend the performers and their hard work. Bravi tutti!

06/04/2024

Yesterday, 48 of OCMD's violin and viola students performed in our Spring recitals for an audience of family and friends. Represented among the performers were all levels of experience, from age 4 to several of our Class of 2024 graduates. Congratulations to all of the performers!⁠
⁠

06/04/2024

Congratulations to our pianists on a fantastic recital on Saturday, June 1st! We had 53 students perform over three concerts, from age 5 to adult. The programs featured works by Bach, Beethoven, and Liszt; arrangements of popular tunes; and even the premiere some original compositions!

05/20/2024

Congratulations to our flute, guitar, and percussion students who performed in this Sunday's recital! The audience enjoyed a variety of performances, ranging from classical repertoire by Handel and Telemann to songs by the Beatles and Taylor Swift. Congratulations to the students and to their teachers Ms. Christine, Mr. Milton, and Mr. Nels. Thank you to accompanist Ms. Man Ling, and to all the families and friends who came to support these performers!