Thomas Downey High School Theater Program

The theater program produces 2 productions each year, a play in the fall and a full musical in the spring. The spring musical features a live pit orchestra and has been a community favorite for many years. The musicals continue to impress the community with their overall quality; from the sets to the acting and singing to the beautifully hand-crafted costumes, you do not want to miss the spring musical! The program has been directed by several wonderful instructors over the years, most recently by Karen Lotko who directed many wonderful productions such as Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, and Beauty and the Beast. Following Ms. Lotko's tenure at Downey, the program was handed off to Mike Johnson, who put on such hits as Putnam County Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, and Camelot. After his retirement in 2016, the program was combined with the choir program and is currently directed by John Armes, Director of Choirs and Theater Arts.

***Classes Offered in Drama Include: Drama 1-8 and Theater Stagecraft

Thomas Downey High School Choir Program

The TDHS Choir program is made up of 3 choral ensembles. All ensembles participate in adjudicated festivals where they consistently receive superior ratings. TDHS Choir students put on 4 major concerts a year and have several performance opportunities throughout the community throughout the year. The Downey Choirs were established in 1951 by Gladys Gagos Crane Burke (1951-1961) who began a 61-year tradition of excellence in choral music. Eleanor McKnight Haines (1961-1975) expanded the program with her special flair which helped to make the Downey Choirs legendary from Modesto to Vienna. After a year of student teaching under Mrs. Haines, Polly Phillips Vasché (1975-2004) took the Downey Choirs to great heights during her 29 years as director. Mrs. Vasché worked to make the Choirs well-known for their exceptional musicianship, their outstanding citizenship, and time-honored traditions. The directorship of the Choirs was passed to Downey alumni Chelsea Costa (2004-2007) who student taught under Mrs. Vasché. Ms. Costa brought a new energy into the program while making music relevant to everyday life. The Downey Choirs continued to flourish under the direction of Mrs. Mary Ann Vlach (2007-2015). In 2015, the choirs were handed off to Mrs. Joanne Mizutani-Neuffer (2015-2016) who took the choirs under her wing to ensure the programs continuance in the community. In 2016, the choirs were handed off to John Armes (2016-Present) who continues to serve as the Director of Choirs and Theater Arts at Thomas Downey High School. The Downey Choirs are also very fortunate to work with Mrs. Barbara Vukich who has served as the Downey Choir Accompanist for many years.

***The Following Choirs are Offered Every Year***

Ensembles

Gloriana (Beginning/Intermediate Treble Clef)

Directed By: Joanne Mizutani-Neuffer

This class is for female singers who are new to the Downey Choirs. Students develop their singing voice and increase their ability to sing in harmony, read music, and practice proper stage and rehearsal etiquette.

This class meets during the regular school day, traditionally during 6th period.

Gloriana prepares students for advanced ensembles if they choose to audition.

Knightengales (Advanced Treble Clef)

Directed By: Dr. John Armes

An auditioned group of female singers who perform widely throughout the school year. Singers grow in their flexibility of musical styles, ability to read music, basic knowledge of vocal technique, and professionalism.

This group meets as an 8th Period Course from 2:05pm-3:05pm.

This group does travel, most recently, they competed in the Heritage Festival of Southern California on a 3 Night Southern California Tour.

Madrigals (Concert Choir 1-8)

Directed By: Dr. John Armes

An auditioned group of male and female singers and perform widely throughout the school year. Singers grow in their flexibility of musical styles, ability to read music, basic knowledge of vocal technique, and professionalism.

This class meets as a 0 period course at 7am every day of the week.

This group does travel, most recently, they competed in the Heritage Festival of Southern California on a 3 Night Southern California Tour.