Featured camp of the month: Popular Dance Intensive

Parker Espada in On the Edge

Many people recognize the Patel Conservatory for our exceptional ballet program. They may not know, however, that the Conservatory recently expanded our dance program by adding more classes and more flexibility for students wanting to study additional dance styles.

Led by Kelly King, a former Radio City Rockette for 12 years, the new Patel Conservatory Popular Dance program allows dancers to explore popular dance styles for opportunities such as Broadway, television, theme parks and more.

The growth of the program in the past year inspired a new camp this summer, the Popular Dance Intensive, which will be Aug. 10 through Aug. 14, 2015.

Parker Espada, 13, who joined the Conservatory’s ballet program last summer to work on her technique, also participated in the Popular Dance program.

“I liked it because it was different from what we were doing in my other classes [jazz and ballet]. It allowed me to work on contemporary and get the challenge that I needed to improve as a dancer,” she said.

The week-long intensive, led by King and Patel Conservatory dance faulty Susan Downey, will immerse dancers in multiple forms of commercial dance including tap, Broadway, contemporary and musical theater.

“I’m looking forward to taking different styles of dance, like tap. I normally don’t take tap,” said Parker.

Students will work with teaching artists who have years of professional experience on Broadway, on tour, and in television and film. The week will culminate in a ticketed performance in the Straz Center’s Ferguson Hall on Sat., Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Students will also be given the opportunity to audition a contemporary or jazz solo that may be included in the show.

Parker looks forward to the week-long intensive as part of her training. She hopes to one day be a professional dancer and feels the Conservatory has helped push her to the next level.

Being at the Conservatory, “has been a very, very good experience. As a dancer, it’s allowed me to grow.”

The Popular Dance Intensive is open to dancers in grades six through 12. For more information or to register, call 813.222.1040 or visit strazcenter.org.

Music auditions for Fall 2015

The Patel Conservatory Music Department will hold auditions for their 2015/2016 school year music ensembles.

Music Auditions

Tues., Aug. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Sat., Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Auditions will be held for the following ensembles:

• Chamber Ensembles (Instrumental), Grade 7-College
• Adult Chamber Ensembles (Instrumental), Adult
• Vocal Arts Choirs and Ensembles, Grade 5-College
• Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Advanced Jazz Improvisation, Grade 7-College; Adult
• Rock School, Grade 4-Adult

Audition requirements:

• Chamber Ensembles - prepare two short, contrasting pieces and scales. Students may be asked to sight-read.
• Vocal Arts - prepare 16 bars of an art song, folk song, or musical theater song and provide sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Students may be asked to sight-read.
• Jazz - prepare one short piece that best represents you, and scales. Students may be asked to improvise and/or sight-read.
• Rock School - prepare a piece that showcases your ability and aptitude to function in a Rock Band setting. Drums, keyboard and amps are provided, but student must bring a guitar or bass if auditioning on those instruments.

For more information, or to schedule an audition:

For chamber ensembles, jazz or Rock School, contact Allison Novak at allison.novak@strazcenter.org.

For vocal arts choirs and ensembles, contact Kavanaugh Gillespie at kavanaugh.gillespie@strazcenter.org.

Free workshop with legendary jazz artist

Are you a musician interested in gaining skills or learning more about jazz?

You’re invited to participate in a free jazz workshop with seasoned professionals in the business!

Jazz Workshop

Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center

Thurs., Apr. 23, 2015

5 p.m.

Free

The Patel Conservatory is hosting a jazz workshop for musicians who’d like to improve their skills and learn more about the form. Students will have the opportunity to study with jazz legend John Lamb, one of the most notable jazz musicians in the area. This virtuoso bassist played with the famed Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Participants will work with Lamb and other professionals, including the Conservatory's resident jazz expert Matt Weihmuller, in specialized master classes geared towards improvisation.

The workshop serves as an introduction to the Patel Conservatory’s jazz program and summer opportunities. Participants may be considered for the Conservatory’s Jazz Intensive, a week-long experience that includes small combo and big band playing as well as master classes and in-depth training.

The workshop is free and open to students in grades seven through college. Students should bring whatever instrument they play.

For more information, or to RSVP, contact Allison.novak@strazcenter.org.

Auditions for Summer 2015 Music Programs

The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory is hosting auditions for its summer music programs.

For students in school ensembles, summer intensives can sharpen their techniques and performance skills so they’ll be ready for the new school year.

The Conservatory's summer music programs include our Chamber Music Intensive and Vocal Intensive, featuring broadened curriculum, master classes with professional musicians and an honors recital. We’ve also added new jazz and drumline intensives.

For a complete list of summer music camps and classes, click here.

Music auditions for summer programs will be:

Vocal Arts Voice Intensive (Jun. 8 -19) and Patel-A-Cappella (Jun. 10 - Aug. 15)
Sat., Mar. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Sat., May 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Students should prepare a short song or excerpt (16 measures or about 30 seconds) to sing, preferably with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

To schedule an audition, email Kavan Gillespie at kavanaugh.gillespie@strazcenter.org. 

Chamber Music Intensive (Jun. 8 - 19)
Sat., Mar. 21 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Sat., May 9 to 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Students should prepare 2 short contrasting pieces and scales. There will also be a short sight-reading element.

To schedule an audition, email allison.novak@patelconservatory.org.

Jazz Intensive (July 27 - 31)
Tues., May 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Sat., May 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Students should prepare one short piece that best represents them and there may be an improvisation or sight-reading exercise.livepage.apple.com

To schedule an audition, email allison.novak@patelconservatory.org.

Rock Star Retreat and Rock School
Tues., May 19 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Sat., May 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Students should prepare a piece that showcases their ability and aptitude on their instrument.

To schedule an audition, email allison.novak@patelconservatory.org.

Advanced music intensives offered this summer

The Patel Conservatory is offering advanced music intensives this summer that are sure to give vocal and instrumental students an edge.

“This year, we’ve expanded the scope and depth of our music offerings to include more intensive training for advanced music students,” said Dr. Daniel Powell, the Conservatory’s Music Department Chair.

New intensives added this year include our jazz and drumline intensives, and our vocal and chamber intensives have broadened in curriculum. All intensives include master classes with seasoned professionals in their respective genre.

“Students will benefit from working with a variety of experienced instructors in both large and small ensembles, and in doing so, will gain invaluable experience and new learning opportunities,” said Powell.

For students in school ensembles, these summer opportunities can sharpen their techniques and performance skills so they’ll be ready for the new school year with renewed vigor.

The vocal and chamber intensives will also include an Honors Recital, which will showcase exceptional students who demonstrate the necessary skills and passion.

Come train with the best in our advanced music intensives:

Voice Intensive

June 8 - 19

Gr 7 - college

Working with distinguished teaching artists in this two-week intensive, vocalists spend each day working in large and small ensemble rehearsals, including daily offerings in diction, song interpretation, master classes and choreography. The Honors Recital showcases those students with the skills and passion to enhance their experience. The intensive culminates with a combined performance on one of the Straz Center’s stages. Private voice lessons are available for an additional fee.

Chamber Music Intensive

Gr. 7 - college

June 8 - 19

Honing their performance and practice skills with master teachers and varied repertoire, string, wind and piano players will perform in a variety of large and small chamber music ensembles. Special topics will include music theory, performance technique, music history and master classes, all culminating in a combined performance on one of the Straz Center’s stages. Private lessons are offered for all instruments and skill levels for an additional fee.

Jazz Intensive

July 27 - 31

Gr 7 - college

For students interested in hands-on, in-depth exposure to the form, this camp pairs teaching artists with students for five full days of small combo and big band playing. With master classes, ear training, sight-reading and classes in improvisation, this camp includes instruction in all aspects of appreciation and performance of jazz and closes with a final jam session.

Drumline

Gr. 9 - college

July 27 - 31

Individual drummers as well as full drumlines can sharpen their skills in this week-long marching percussion camp. Focusing on rudimental drumming, marching percussion and pit percussion, students gain experience in playing, marching and leadership to enhance the impact of their marching band performances.

For audition information for summer music intensives, please click here.

Students in grades five through 12 may also be interested in our Guitar Camp, Cultural Drumming camp or Rock Star Retreat.

Younger students may be interested in our Children’s Chorus Camp, Pint-Sized Percussion Camp and Instrument Petting Zoo.

For more information, please call 813.222.1002.

Spotlight on Tyler Hanks

When drummer Tyler Hanks signed up for a jazz class last year at the Patel Conservatory, he didn’t know a lot about jazz.

Tyler Hanks

He played a bit with his school jazz band, and had taken some drum lessons on and off, but “Patel is where I really got into jazz,” said Tyler, a junior at Steinbrenner High School.

Tyler came to the Conservatory because his sister Arden was taking dance classes. His parents wanted him to keep up his music skills and encouraged him to try the jazz class. He ended up enjoying the class a lot more than he expected.

“I just enjoy that it’s a small and intimate atmosphere,” he said.

Led by instructor Matt Weihmuller, the Patel Conservatory’s jazz ensembles will perform in the upcoming Jazz Jam concert on Dec. 5.

“Matt is a great teacher,” said Tyler, “I’ve learned a lot of different jazz tunes, and learned more about the history and different styles of jazz.”

In the class, Tyler connected with fellow musicians Parker Wilkson and Davin Norman, and joined their band, Infinite Eights. The alternative rock group plays local venues including at the Market on 7th and, most recently, opening for Aaron Carter at the Crowbar in Ybor City.

“We’re all really good friends. I love being able to go places and play...it’s fun being able to express yourself,” he said.

Tyler also takes drum lessons with instructor Dave Rudolph at the Conservatory.

“I’ll learn something with Dave in the lesson and then be able to apply it in the class. It lets me practice and get better at things and cement stuff in my mind,” he said.

“Overall, it’s just a really good experience.”

Come enjoy an intimate evening with our talented jazz students, performing classics like Four by Miles Davis, at the Jazz Jam concert, Fri., Dec. 5, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

For upcoming auditions for the Patel Conservatory's spring music ensembles, including jazz, chamber and Rock School, click here.

Dance intensive brings students young and old together for a week of holiday fun

What are you doing for yourself this season? You’ve worked hard all year. So put on your dancing shoes and have some holiday fun with the Patel Conservatory’s Winter Fantasy dance intensive.

Patel Conservatory’s Open Dance Intensive:

Winter Fantasy

Dec. 16 through Dec. 20, 2014

Winter Fantasy is a week of dance classes that culminate in a ticketed performance in the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater.

“To see what you can actually put together in such a short period of time,” said Jacqueline Rivera, who did the open dance intensive last spring, “it was a lot of fun...I was really proud of being a part of that.”

Bianca Rivera, left, with daughter
Bianca Rivera-Irions

When Rivera signed up for the adult jazz class at the Conservatory last summer, she had never before taken a dance class.

“I wanted to be a dancer when I was young, but we just couldn’t afford it,” she said.

Her daughter Bianca, 14, had taken classes at the Conservatory for years before Rivera finally decided to try it herself. Rivera and her daughter participated together in the open dance intensive in March.

“She was so encouraging, she would practice with me at home,” said Rivera.

Rivera currently takes the adult ballet class and is looking forward to the Winter Fantasy intensive.

“I refuse to give in to the fear, or the idea that I’m too old,” said Rivera.

In the upcoming intensive, students will get their toes tapping to Pennies from Heaven, experience the dazzle of Radio City as they learn Rockette style kicks, get their jazz hands on to Let it Snow and shake their hips with a little Flamenco.

It’s a holiday celebration from around the world that will get your heart rate going and help you earn a few extra treats this season.

Led by Patel Conservatory dance faculty Susan Downey and Kelly King, the week-long program allows students to challenge their skills and learn fun choreography in a variety of dance styles.

Whether you have had former dance experience, or if you want to try something new, the intensive is geared towards adults and teens of varying skill levels.

Tuesday through Friday, you’ll learn and rehearse dance and musical theater pieces. On Saturday, you’ll be ready to perform in the Winter Fantasy showcase, a ticketed performance that will be fun for the whole family.

Dancers will need tap, jazz and character shoes, a black leotard, black tights and black jazz pants.

Open dance intensive rehearsals will be:

Tues., Dec. 16 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Thurs., Dec. 18 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 19 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Sat. 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The showcase will be on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Jaeb Theater.

The tuition for the week is $250. For more information, or to register, please call 813.222.1002.

For more information about the Patel Conservatory’s open dance program, click here.

Patel Conservatory's fall auditions

The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory will host auditions for upcoming classes for the 2014/2015 season.

A Year with Frog and Toad 

Grades 5 through 8
This performance-based program allows students to put into practice the skills they learn in the classroom. The program culminates in a ticketed performance of this whimsical musical, written by brothers Robert (music) and Willie Reale (book and lyrics), based on the Frog and Toad children's stories.
Auditions will be Mon., Aug. 25 and Tues., Aug. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Instrumental and Vocal programs
Grades 5 through 12
Orchestra, chamber and jazz musicians, and vocalists, hone their skills and gain vaulable ensemble experience.
Auditions will be Sat., Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to Noon

Rock School

Students are placed in bands according to age and skill level, and weekly rehearsals culminate in a fully-produced Rock School Blowout concert.
Auditions will be Tues., Sept. 2 and Wed., Sept. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information, or to RSVP for an audition, please call 813.222.1002.

Auditions for Patel Conservatory's 2014 summer music programs

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa offers an array of summer music camps and classes.

All interested students are invited to our upcoming auditions for placement in our music programs. Placement auditions help instructors recommend the appropriate classes for the students’ age and skill level.

For more details on our summer music programs, including dates and prices, click here.

Vocal Arts: Patel-A-Capella

Students in grade 7 through college will prepare arrangements of pop and musical theater songs. They’ll perform all solo and instrumental parts with only their voices and learn the fundamentals of beat-boxing and vocal arranging.

Auditions will be:

Sat., Apr. 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Mon., Apr. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Vocal Arts: Junior and Senior Show Choir

Students receive high-level vocal ensemble training in a show choir setting.

Auditions will be:

Sun., Apr.  6 at 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m. (Summer Splash also on Apr. 6)

Mon., Apr. 7  (call for times)
Tues., Jun. 3 (call for times)
Sat., Jun. 7 at 9 a.m. or 12 p.m.

Rock School and Rock Star Retreat

Students in grades 5 through12 who have experience on an instrument (guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, vocals) learn classic and contemporary rock songs and perform in an end-of-the-session concert.

Auditions will be:

Mon., Jun. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Tues., Jun. 3 from 5 to 8 p.m. (Open House also on June 3.)

Chamber Music

Students get ensemble playing experience and hone their techniques on their instruments.

Auditions will be:

Tues., Jun. 3 at 6:30 p.m. (Open House also on June 3.)

Sat., Jun. 7 10:30 a.m. (Open House also on June 7.)
Mon., Jul. 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Jazz Improv

Students get ensemble playing experience and hone their improvisation techniques.

Auditions will be:

Tues., Jun. 3 at 6:30 p.m. (Open House also on June 3.)

Sat., Jun. 7 10:30 a.m. (Open House also on June 7.)

There is a $15 audition fee for all music auditions. RSVP is required. Please call 813.222.1002 or email patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.

Additional music classes and camps are available for all skill levels. For music programs that do not require an audition, click here.

For more information, please call 813.222.1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

Jazz band takes on Miley’s Wrecking Ball

Patel Conservatory student plays for renowned pianist Jon Batiste and
jazz band Stay Human

Jazz artists Jon Batiste and the Stay Human band recently gave a master class to students from Blake High School’s and Patel Conservatory’s music programs.

Prior to their performance at the Straz Center, in their Jazz Is: Now! class, the group shared tips on how to become a professional musician and how to bring themselves to every performance.

“No one can be a better you,” said one of the band members.

Batiste invited students to play the piano, and gave feedback on their performances.

“It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced,” said Conservatory student and pianist Parker Wilkson in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times. “It was really cool to get that close in such an intimate setting with such an incredible musician.”

The Patel Conservatory’s outreach program provides the opportunity for master classes and other arts education experiences like this for our students and our community partners.

The class ended with a jam session with Conservatory jazz and saxophone instructor Matt Weihmuller and Blake students, including Stay Human’s signature version of Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball.

Check out the vocals from the Blake student who joins in on this You Tube video!

 Thanks to Jon Batiste and his band members for sharing their experience and wisdom.

To support the Conservatory’s outreach and arts education efforts, please click here.

Spotlight on Davin Norman

When Davin Norman started in the Rock School program at the Patel Conservatory, he never would have imagined himself playing jazz music.

Davin Norman, front, performs with the Patel
Conservatory's jazz quartet.

“I was a metal head,” said Davin, who now plays bass guitar with the Conservatory’s jazz quartet.

Davin will perform with the quartet in the Conservatory’s Jazz Jamm concert this Friday.

Prior to joining Rock School four years ago, Davin had taken guitar lessons at Paragon Music for a couple of years.

“When my dad mentioned Rock School, I got really excited,” said Davin. He connected with fellow bandmate Parker Wilkson.

“Parker introduced me to jazz, and my appreciation for jazz music rose immensely,” said Davin.

Davin joined Parker in our now popular jazz quartet. The talented ensemble quickly gained popularity and has been asked to perform around town numerous times, including at the Straz Center’s recent Broadway Ball.

“It’s a lot of fun. I get to improvise and trade off solos,” he said. “It’s actually harder than rock. It involves a lot of skill.”

In addition to playing with the jazz quartet, he continues to play with his Rock School band, Nfin8. The band performed at the Gasparilla Music Festival earlier this year and other venues.

Davin is now a freshman at the University of Tampa majoring in information systems, with a minor in music.

He says being in the Conservatory’s rock and jazz programs has helped him improve his music skills. He enjoys working with jazz instructor Matt Weihmuller.

“It’s fun working with Matt. He’s a genius with music and amazing at what he does,” said Davin.

“If anyone wants to learn more about rock or jazz music, they should try a class at the Conservatory. It’s taught me a lot. It’s just been a fun ride.”

The Conservatory will have music placement auditions for spring classes in vocal arts, rock, jazz and chamber music. For more information, click here or call 813-222-1002.

Check out all of our jazz students in the Jazz Jamm concert Fri., Dec. 6, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. in TECO Theater. For tickets, click here.

Music auditions for fall: vocal and instrumental ensembles

The Patel Conservatory will have auditions for its 2013/2014 music programs.

Upcoming auditions will be for our Vocal Arts, Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra, Jazz Ensembles and Rock School programs on the following days:

Rock School
Aug. 13 and 14, 5 to 8 p.m.

Sept. 4, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Our popular Rock School program places students in bands according to age and ability level. Instrument and cords are required (drum set, amps and keyboards provided). Vocalists without an instrument are invited to audition.

Vocal Arts Program

Aug. 13 and 14, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Aug. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Conservatory’s Vocal Arts programs include the Junior and Senior Choirs and advanced vocal Ensembles. Students should prepare a short song or excerpt (16 measures or about 30 seconds) to sing, preferably with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.

Fundamentals of Jazz and Jazz Combo
Aug. 13 and 14, 6 to 7 p.m.
This class provides an opportunity for intermediate level students, grade 7-college, of brass, woodwind and rhythm section instruments to explore the fundamentals of the jazz experience, including improvisation and ensemble playing.

Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra (PCYO):
Aug. 13 and 14, 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Our youth orchestra features the Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra (PCCO) for advanced string, woodwind, brass and percussion players, the Intermezzo String Orchestra for intermediate violin, viola, cello or bass players, and Chamber Ensembles. Students learn to apply skills from private lessons or school music programs as they gain orchestral ensemble experience.

All auditions require a $15 audition fee and RSVP. For more information, or to schedule an audition, please email music@strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1002.

There will also be an Open House on both Tues., Aug. 13 and Sat., Aug. 24, during which prospective students and parents can learn more about the Conservatory’s programs, take a tour and ask questions. To RSVP for the Open House, please click here, or call 813.222.1002.