Exciting Fine Arts Updates

Village Christian Fine Arts is proud to announce three talented additions to the department and an exciting new dance program.

Please join us in welcoming Sergio Montes, who will serve as the Choir Director, new Fine Arts Administrative Assistant Rita Outtrim, and MS/HS Director of Percussion Tyler Smith.

Sergio Montes
Sergio Montes is a recent graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in Music Education. During his undergraduate career, he was a music and marching tech at Warren High School in Downey, California where he helped them earn many state awards for marching, music, and overall show.

Sergio has been able to work with highly esteemed choral clinicians, educators and conductors including Charlene Archibeque, Rodney Eichenberger, and Tammi Aldermann. He is currently studying privately with Michelle Jensen and continues to strive to know, love, and teach choral music to the best of his ability whenever the opportunity arises. Sergio has also had the opportunity to sing in the Azusa Pacific Chamber Singers for two years, which allowed for performances in the Notre Dame Cathedral in France, various cathedrals and venues in Europe, international competitions in France and Germany, as well as a National Choral Collegiate Convention back in the states.

Sergio previously worked as a student teacher at San Marino High School and is a member of First Fundamental Bible Church in Whittier, where he also serves as a worship team member as well as a leader in the Awana Clubs ministry. His hope is to continue to be able to be a good steward of the opportunities he has been given with all joy and patience.

Rita Outtrim
Rita Outtrim began performing in musicals at the age of five in Houston, Texas. Growing up she had the wonderful opportunity to perform with various theatres, bands, orchestras, and choirs including the Houston Grand Opera. She later received a Bachelor's of Music Education at the University of North Texas. Notable credits include: Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Adelaide in Guys and Dolls, The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, and Kathy in The Last Five Years. Most recently she performed in The Hollywood Fringe Festival with a fun parody show called Slightly Off-Broadway. In addition to performing, she loves to work with children and teach.

Tyler Smith
Mr. Smith is a freelance percussionist, educator and composer living in the Los Angeles area. He has also had the privilege of teaching percussion at Oaks Christian School, Calabasas High School, Sierra Canyon, Moorpark High School, and Lawrence Middle School. He has also had the privilege of starting drumline programs for both Sierra Canyon and Oaks Christian School. He is delighted to bring his talents and abilities to serve the Lord and his students at Village Christian.

Highlights include over 50 musical theater productions in the greater Los Angeles Area, performing the “Raise the Roof” timpani concerto with The Master’s College and Azusa Pacific University, and recording under Gordon Goodwin for Disneyland Paris. In addition to writing percussion literature, he is also involved in music technology - composing, arranging, recording, editing and engraving, most notably through his electronic music duo - Holy Buckets. He holds a Bachelors of Music degree from Azusa Pacific University, and a Masters of Music degree from California State University, Northridge. He has studied under Bill Schlitt, Mark Converse, John Magnussen and the previous principal percussionist of the LA Philharmonic: Raynor Carroll. Check out the following site for more info: TylerSmith4Music.com.

Village Christian Dance Company
Also new for the 2017-2018 school year is the Village Christian Dance Company. This group of auditioned dancers (grade 7 through high school) will represent Village Christian School at various campus-wide events throughout the year, as well as at outside venues. Professional choreographers from all different genres of dance will be brought in to work with these students throughout the year, preparing them for their upcoming performances. Each dancer in the company will be required to take Intermediate/Advanced Ballet/Point, Contemporary Ballet Repertoire, and the Dance Company class during the fall and spring semesters. A participation fee will include all required classes, as well as costumes and the cost of instructors.

Auditions for the Village Christian Dance Company will be held on September 5 at 6 p.m. in the Band Room.