RALPH OPACIC
Ralph S. Opacic founded the award-winning Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) in 1987 and served as Executive Director till his retirement in 2021. In 2017, he helped establish OCSA’s first regional campus, California School of the Arts in San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV), where he served as Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Opacic is credited with assembling the finest arts and academic instructors in Southern California, as well as creating opportunities for young artists to develop their talents to their greatest potential. He is a distinguished arts education leader with over three decades of experience. As the Founder of the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), he passionately nurtured young artists, leaving an indelible legacy and a profound impact on arts education in Southern California and across the nation.
What began as a young man's dream developed into a lifelong commitment to nurturing the next generation of young artists. Driven by a deep passion for the performing arts, he initially sought a career as a professional musician, which led him to California. However, it was within the walls of a classroom that Dr. Opacic found his true calling. Armed with a bachelor's degree in music, he embarked on a transformative journey as the choir director at Los Alamitos High School.
In 1987, Dr. Opacic secured a pivotal state grant, fueling his dream to create a world-class arts school led by professional working artists, providing a clear pathway to higher education and careers in the arts. What initially started as a humble after-school program with just four conservatories soon outgrew its space in Los Alamitos.
Graduates of OCSA are consistently recruited by the nation's top universities, a testament to the quality of education provided. One of Dr. Opacic's central goals /were to provide a rich outreach program, offer accessible art activities and classes to the local community, and make the arts more inclusive.
Ralph Opacic's remarkable journey in arts education began with a Bachelor's degree in Music in 1981, a testament to his passion for the arts. Just a year later, he obtained his teaching credentials, marking the start of his career. In 1987, he founded the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), a pivotal moment that would shape the future of arts education in Southern California. His commitment to educational excellence led him to earn a Master's in Education Administration in 1990 and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California in 1994, solidifying his position as a leader in the field of arts education. He has shaped the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) into a top-tier institution, ranking in the top 3% of California high schools. His dedication to fostering young talent has earned OCSA recognition as a model arts education program by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Arts. Opacic's journey, from aspiring to be the next Billy Joel and Barry Manilow, was redirected towards choral music by the influential Frank Pooler. He believes that passion, dedication, perseverance, and unwavering vision are the cornerstones of success, embodying the saying "Vision is hitting a target that no one else can see".