Welcome to the Music Center's Spotlight program, a wonderful learning opportunity for high school students in the visual and performing arts. We look forward to meeting your student and helping them grow as young artists.

Spotlight's mission is to provide a supportive environment in which high school students can develop the skills needed to pursue their artistic dreams, with an emphasis on self-esteem, preparation and perseverance. While there is an element of competition, our main goal is to provide a positive learning experience for every student who participates.

The Spotlight performance categories are ballet, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental music and jazz instrumental music. The visual arts are included with the two-dimensional art and photography categories.

Our Spotlight auditions are designed as a positive learning experience. Before the audition we will help your student calm their nerves and know what to expect in the audition room. During the audition, our expert judges may offer specific suggestions about how the student can continue to improve. But in all cases, the student will receive a personal letter listing the specific feedback and suggestions of the judges. This personalized feedback is a great resource to help each student grow in their art form.

Spotlight is a program of the Music Center: Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the Music Center includes four venues: the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Ahmanson Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. These theatres are home to internationally acclaimed resident companies: Center Theatre Group, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

In addition to the world class performances presented on its stages, the Music Center is also a leader in supporting K-12 arts education in schools across Southern California. The Music Center brings outstanding artists in music, dance, theatre, and visual arts to schools to help spark the development of quality arts programs for all students. The Music Center relies on the Education Guild, a dedicated group of volunteers, to help support the Spotlight Awards and our other arts education programs. If you would like to join the Education Guild and help bring the arts to young people, please contact Marie Westphalen atjazzymarie@gmail.com.

To learn more about performances and programs offered by the Music Center, please visit us on the web at www.musiccenter.org. For questions about Spotlight, please email spotlight@musiccenter.org.

Mark Slavkin Vice President for Education Music Center

Jeri Gaile Director, Spotlight Music Center