Palm City Patio Sessions
Treasure Coast Talent Under the Stars
~ A Directors Showcase ~
January 9th, 2026 • The Patio • Palm City, Florida
~ A Directors Showcase ~
January 9th, 2026 • The Patio • Palm City, Florida
Welcome
As the lake reflects the lights and the stars rise overhead, we’re so glad you’re here to share this moment. Tonight, these young performers bring their hard work, courage, and joy to the stage—supported by the people who matter most. Settle in, breathe the evening air, and enjoy the magic of music and movement under the open sky.
Program
Opening Ceremonies
MARTIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AIR FORCE JROTC COLOR GUARD
Presentation of Colors
Star Spangled Banner ~ Charles Jones
Welcome hosted by Charles Jones, Master of Ceremonies
~ Carrie Straub, Performing Arts Educators
~ Ed Ciampi, District 5, Martin County Commissioner
MARTIN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL AIR FORCE JROTC COLOR GUARD
Presentation of Colors
Star Spangled Banner ~ Charles Jones
Welcome hosted by Charles Jones, Master of Ceremonies
~ Carrie Straub, Performing Arts Educators
~ Ed Ciampi, District 5, Martin County Commissioner
Directors Showcase
SOUTH FORK HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND
~ Alfred Hager, Director
Mambo Swing
Carnaval
Mr. Basket
Match Point
Work Song
FLORIDA ARTS & DANCE COMPANY
~ Mina Hamilton, Programs Director
~ Joann Gallagher, President
Selections from Nutcracker
Bon Bons
Tea
Sugar Plum
Solo from Les Syphides
Can’t Stop the Beat solo - Hairspray
Irish Step Dance 1
Irish Step finale
JENSEN BEACH ELEMENTARY CHORUS
~ George Skrobinski, Director
Dance Monkey-Tones and I
Wellerman (w/ percussion)
Thunder- Imagine Dragons (w/ percussion)
Roar-Katy Perry
OPUS
~ Amy James, Director
Wassail
Veni, Veni
Simple Gifts
Word Was God
Let the River Run
~ Alfred Hager, Director
Mambo Swing
Carnaval
Mr. Basket
Match Point
Work Song
FLORIDA ARTS & DANCE COMPANY
~ Mina Hamilton, Programs Director
~ Joann Gallagher, President
Selections from Nutcracker
Bon Bons
Tea
Sugar Plum
Solo from Les Syphides
Can’t Stop the Beat solo - Hairspray
Irish Step Dance 1
Irish Step finale
JENSEN BEACH ELEMENTARY CHORUS
~ George Skrobinski, Director
Dance Monkey-Tones and I
Wellerman (w/ percussion)
Thunder- Imagine Dragons (w/ percussion)
Roar-Katy Perry
OPUS
~ Amy James, Director
Wassail
Veni, Veni
Simple Gifts
Word Was God
Let the River Run
Rose Ceremony
~ A Directors Showcase Tradition
In appreciation of their extraordinary dedication, we present each director with a single rose – a symbol of gratitude for their tireless work as educators, mentors, and guiding lights. Beyond the classroom and rehearsal hall, these directors play a profound mentoring role in the lives of their students, nurturing not only artistic talent but also confidence, discipline, and community spirit. Tonight, we honor them for the lasting impact they make on our young performers and Martin County’s cultural future.
In appreciation of their extraordinary dedication, we present each director with a single rose – a symbol of gratitude for their tireless work as educators, mentors, and guiding lights. Beyond the classroom and rehearsal hall, these directors play a profound mentoring role in the lives of their students, nurturing not only artistic talent but also confidence, discipline, and community spirit. Tonight, we honor them for the lasting impact they make on our young performers and Martin County’s cultural future.
Afterhours Dance Party
Instead of leaving with the crowd, stay afterwards and wind down with the ones who like to leave at their own pace.
Featured Directors and Ensembles
~ A Directors Showcase ~
Martin County High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard
DAVID A. CORTEZ, Lt Col, USAF (Ret)
Senior Aerospace Science Instructor
Air Force JROTC, FL-937
Martin County High School
Students presenting the colors:
~ Bentley Bishop
~ Caden Alexander-Lee
~ Christian Noriega
~ Sam Pedraza
Martin County High School
Students presenting the colors:
~ Bentley Bishop
~ Caden Alexander-Lee
~ Christian Noriega
~ Sam Pedraza
South Fork High School Jazz Band
The South Fork High School Band has not had a band director for the Fall season. Rachel Terrlizzi represents all of the parents who have stepped in with their own time and resources to cover the daily classes to make sure their beloved musical organization has survived.
Alfred Hager, Jazz Band Director
Alfred Hager holds degrees from Florida State University and the University of Florida. A veteran educator (1968–2009), he founded and directed major jazz ensembles, including Disney’s All-American College Band. An active performer, state-wide clinician, and published composer/arranger, he also is a seven-time National Barefoot Water Ski Champion. Mr. Hager has given of his own time daily to bring the Jazz Band up to this high level.
~Jazz Band Members ~
SAXES: Isabella Shearn, Ali Kraemer, Tomas Felipe-Andres, Sandra Juan-Manuel, Jaime Hernandez
TRUMPETS: Lily Lefco, Bradley Terlizzi, Noah Thomson
TROMBONES: Evan Terlizzi, Landon Kodare, Drew Armond, Christian Nolasco Tomas
PIANO: Lily Bergin
BASS: Lilyana Johnson, Alexis Fischer
DRUMS: Connor Brandt
GUITAR: Clair Kelleher
VIBES: John Marquardt
~Jazz Band Members ~
SAXES: Isabella Shearn, Ali Kraemer, Tomas Felipe-Andres, Sandra Juan-Manuel, Jaime Hernandez
TRUMPETS: Lily Lefco, Bradley Terlizzi, Noah Thomson
TROMBONES: Evan Terlizzi, Landon Kodare, Drew Armond, Christian Nolasco Tomas
PIANO: Lily Bergin
BASS: Lilyana Johnson, Alexis Fischer
DRUMS: Connor Brandt
GUITAR: Clair Kelleher
VIBES: John Marquardt
Florida Arts & Dance Company
Florida Arts & Dance Company's Nutcracker at the Lyric Theater
Mina Hamilton, Program Director
Mina Hamilton is the programs director of Florida Arts & Dance Company and the main choreographer and producer of its annual production of FADC’s The Nutcracker. She leads the studio with passion, creativity, and a deep commitment to youth development, inspiring dancers of all abilities to grow in confidence, artistry, and discipline within a supportive, nurturing community.
Joann Gallagher, Board President
Joann Gallagher serves as Board President of Florida Arts & Dance Company, where she is deeply committed to expanding access to arts education for all children. A dedicated nonprofit leader and community advocate, Joann champions scholarships and outreach programs; bringing dance into schools through initiatives like Dance into Health; to empower youth, build confidence, and strengthen the community through the arts.
Jensen Beach Elementary Chorus
The Jensen Beach Elementary Chorus is an active music program featuring student performances at school and community events, showcasing holiday and patriotic songs, and led by dedicated teachers.
George Skrobinski, Director
George Skrobinski, a former JBE, SMS, & MCHS student, is a music educator and multi-instrumentalist who has spent 25+ years teaching and performing music on every instrument (Brass, Strings, Woodwinds, Percussion) as well as Voice. He is a graduate of the University of Florida, majoring in Music Education and History.
OPUS (Outstanding People United to Sing)
OPUS (Outstanding People United to Sing)
OPUS is a high school choir that has brought joy to the community through music for over 30 years. Throughout its history, OPUS has earned countless superior ratings at both district and state-level assessments. The ensemble has also received numerous national awards, performing and competing across the country in destinations such as Hawaii, California, Nashville, and New York. In addition to competitions, OPUS regularly shares its music at a wide variety of community events.
Amy James, OPUS Director
Amy James is a dedicated and passionate choral director with 25 years of experience inspiring singers through music education. A Wisconsin native, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, and began her career teaching at schools across Illinois and Florida. Now in her fourth year at Martin County High School, Amy has led the choir program to new heights, earning Superior ratings at both District and State levels. Most recently, under her leadership, OPUS captured First Place at the Heritage Festivals in Nashville and New York.
Charles Jones, Singer & Master of Ceremonies
Charles Jones (DJ Celo) is a homegrown talent who sings and performs regularly on the Treasure Coast. He is the owner/operator of Cdj Entertainment (offering trivia, deejay and live music services) and the President of local nonprofit - Music4Unity. In addition to judging and emceeing events, he enjoys sports and working out. Charles lives in Port St. Lucie with his wife, Fiona, and their rescue dog, Dexter.
Production Team
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Matt ("Max") Straub, Performing Arts Educators
Mark Jacob, Performing Arts Educators
LIGHTING
Robbie Shekon, NEFX
SOUND
Brigite Babine, Babine Solutions
Matt ("Max") Straub, Performing Arts Educators
Mark Jacob, Performing Arts Educators
LIGHTING
Robbie Shekon, NEFX
SOUND
Brigite Babine, Babine Solutions
Acknowledgements
With sincere thanks to:
Interact Club, Clark Advanced Learning Center
Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people aged 12-18, fostering leadership and global understanding through community and international service projects, sponsored and guided by local Rotary clubs but self-governed by the youth members, creating a worldwide network of service-oriented teens. "Interact" combines "International" and "Action". This evening is staffed by Interact Club members helping with sound, as production assistants, as ambassadors, and manning the cocoa table as a club fundraiser. Special thanks to Interact President, Ara Winship, and Clark Advanced Learning Centers's Principal, Dr. Leslie Judd.
Sponsors
Stuart Sunrise Rotary Club
The Stuart Sunrise Rotary Club is an energetic, service-driven group making a real impact both locally and globally. Known for timely public forums (from water-quality challenges to community issues), the club also champions youth through Interact clubs and scholarships. Members meet regularly at Banyan Creek Golf Club, welcome new faces, and invite anyone interested to learn more about our local and international work.
Music 4 Unity
Music4Unity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring diversity and inspiring unity through the power of music, creating inclusive community spaces where everyone belongs. By hosting free, family-friendly events like Sunday Jazz in the Park in Stuart, Florida, they bridge divides, uplift voices, and foster connections with the support of local sponsors and volunteers. Charles Jones, our MC known to Treasure Coast crowds as DJ Celo, hosts monthly concerts ~ glorious afternoons of Sunday Jazz in the Park at beautiful Stuart Memorial Park, 300 East Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL DJ Celo starts the tunes at 2PM.
Performing Arts Educators
Performing Arts Educators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to collaborative, non-competitive performing arts experiences. By bringing groups together cooperatively, we are able to access world class venues with sell out audiences for 25+ years.
Upcoming Performances
January 18th, 2026
Carnegie Hall, New York City
17th Annual Invitational at Carnegie Hall, New York City ~ featuring eleven national and international dance groups
June 14th - 21st, 2026
Ireland
New Caledonia String Orchestra Goes to Ireland ~ Join as a musician (guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, fiddle, harp, bodhran, flutes) or go along and experience the excitement as a Friend of the Orchestra.
July 15 to 22, 2026 or July 22 to 29, 2026
Summer Stages ~ Lisbon, Portugal.
Summer Stages takes 20 dance groups over two weeks to perform in Portugal.
https://www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsEducators/
Upcoming Performances
January 18th, 2026
Carnegie Hall, New York City
17th Annual Invitational at Carnegie Hall, New York City ~ featuring eleven national and international dance groups
June 14th - 21st, 2026
Ireland
New Caledonia String Orchestra Goes to Ireland ~ Join as a musician (guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, fiddle, harp, bodhran, flutes) or go along and experience the excitement as a Friend of the Orchestra.
July 15 to 22, 2026 or July 22 to 29, 2026
Summer Stages ~ Lisbon, Portugal.
Summer Stages takes 20 dance groups over two weeks to perform in Portugal.
https://www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsEducators/
