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TAPA

TALON ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

Supportive and enriching, with a focus on building students’ artistic skills as well as their confidence, TAPA offers an inclusive, collaborative environment for students to grow as artists and as young people finding their creative voice in the world. TAPA is an afterschool conservatory at
Santa Margarita Catholic High School that provides one of the foremost training programs for aspiring performing artists. 

TAPA Program Grades 9th - 12th

The conservatory is open to all students including SMCHS students, homeschool, public and private school students. There are five TAPA tracks available. Please refer to full course description information below. 
Orientation and welcome:
August 14, 2025
Classes start: August 19, 2025 
Classes end: May 14, 2026
Class days and times:
Information coming soon! 

Register for TAPA grades 9 - 12:

Download Registration Form

Please contact TAPA Registrar Mrs. Aimee Martinez at martineza@smhs.org for more information.

The Talon Academy of Performing Arts (TAPA) is thrilled to announce our new and elite vocal ensemble, Aquila Cantorum. This premier group will explore a wide variety of advanced repertoire styles, offering additional performance opportunities and paid travel for a domestic performance tour. The ensemble consists of highly skilled singers with excellent tone, superior ear-training, advanced reading skills, and a healthy bel canto vocal production.

Eligibility: 

  • Grades 9-12
  • Accepted singers must enroll in the Vocal Performance track in TAPA

Audition Requirements:

  • Singing: 
    Perform one piece, no longer than three minutes. Choose a classical art song or aria. Memorization of the selection is not required. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a second copy of your music for the accompanist.
  • Sight-reading:
    You will be asked to read musical passages on sight. Evaluation will focus on your ability to read musical intervals and rhythmic patterns.
  • Pronunciation:
    You will be asked to recite passages encompassing a variety of foreign languages on sight, including English, German, French, Latin, and Italian. 

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to join a distinguished vocal ensemble in TAPA. For more information, please contact the Talon Academy of Performing Arts office or email calvof@smhs.org.

2024-2025 Course Information

Triple Threat Musical Theatre Track

Grades: 9-12

The theatre conservatory program in the Talon Academy of Arts offers high school students of all levels from the newest beginner to the most advanced opportunities to explore their creative potential in theatre arts within a nurturing yet disciplined environment. The program is designed as a sequential four-year training program in theatre arts with core classes and electives. Students may specialize in an Acting, Triple Threat Musical Theatre or a Technical Theatre/Design track.

Incoming freshmen interested in enrolling in the Triple-Threat Musical Theatre track of TAPA for 2025-26 are required to audition. Auditions will be held May 19 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Click here to sign up. For more information, contact TAPA Registrar Aimee Martinez

 

Acting Track

Grades: 9-12

 

Technical Theatre And Design Track

Grades: 9-12

The Design and Production Conservatory offers students of all levels from beginners to advanced learners opportunities to explore their creative potential in Technical Design and Production within a nurturing yet disciplined environment. The Conservatory is designed as a sequential four-year training program in technical theatre with core classes and electives. In year 3 students may choose an area of specialization.

Vocal Performance

Vocal Music Curriculum Overview – 
Grades: 9 - 12

The Vocal Music Conservatory is designed as a college preparatory program focused on vocal arts. The vocal music conservatory program in the Talon Academy of Arts offers all levels of study and is available to all students regardless of ability or proficiency. Our comprehensive program allows our students to explore their creativity, celebrate music, grow in faith, and share their talents with the community. Modeled after well-established national collegiate vocal-arts programs, the classical voice conservatory curriculum is balanced between performance-focused classes and academic music courses. Students also benefit from the knowledge, experience, and high level of education of our faculty.

Master Classes

In addition to the wide variety of music courses and performances, students are also exposed to the professional world of music through ongoing master classes, guest lecturers, field trips, and collaborations with various professional ensembles and performers.

 

 

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Curriculum Overview – 
Grades: 9 - 12

The Instrumental Music Conservatory is designed as a college preparatory program focused on students who wish to study a musical instrument. The instrumental music conservatory program in the Talon Academy of Arts offers all levels of study and is available to all students regardless of ability or proficiency. Our comprehensive program allows our students to explore their creativity, celebrate music, grow in faith, and share their talents with the community. Students also benefit from the knowledge, experience, and high level of education of our faculty.

Master Classes
In addition to the wide variety of music courses and performances, students are also exposed to the professional world of music through ongoing master classes, guest lecturers, field trips, and collaborations with various professional ensembles and performers

 

 

READ MORE ABOUT TAPA

Read more about the Talon Academy of Performing Arts

Intro to TAPA
Grades 6th-8th

The Intro to TAPA conservatory program class meets one day a week from
4-6 p.m. on Thursdays at SMCHS. The 2025-2026 year begins on August 21.

Performing Arts Calendar