Spotlight on Tatiana Tipton

Tatiana Tipton quickly ran from TECO Theater’s backstage through the Straz Center halls to Ferguson Hall’s backstage.

She had just performed in the Patel Conservatory’s end of summer music concert, and had just a few minutes to change costumes and go on stage in the summer’s Popular Dance Intensive Showcase.

Such is life for this eighth grader from Williams Middle School. Between academics, dance, theater and music classes, rehearsals and performances, her schedule is a complex balancing act. And that’s the way she likes it.

“I love performing on stage and becoming another character. I’m always wanting to do more,” said Tatiana, who will be performing in the Conservatory’s fall productions of Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Jr., and The Nutcracker.

Tatiana began taking dance classes at the Patel Conservatory when she was about three years old. She took classes elsewhere for a while until her mom, Jeanette, realized she was developing some bad habits and brought her back to the Conservatory.

“Within a year of being back at the Conservatory, I saw a difference in her ballet technique and ability,” said Jeanette.

That was the first year Tatiana performed in The Nutcracker.

“I was so surprised when I got a role as a Party Girl. It was so much fun to be in a role that required me to act and dance, and part of what got me into acting,...the whole experience of the beautiful sets and costumes, it was amazing,” said Tatiana.

The following summer, she jumped into musical theater with the Conservatory’s production of The Little Mermaid, Jr.

“The Little Mermaid was a whole new experience. Watching the design and building of the sets and the costumes, and seeing it all come together, I thought it was the coolest thing. I just wanted to do everything.”

She has since performed in several Conservatory theater productions, and added voice and acting classes to her already busy dance schedule. She’s currently enrolled in several dance, theater and music classes, as well as private voice and flute lessons at the Conservatory. She’s working towards a theater certification and hopes to one day perform on Broadway.

“Being able to take singing, acting and dance is a great experience. I like putting in the work. I like to challenge myself,” she said.

Jeanette appreciates that Tatiana can get all of her performing arts training under one roof with such a professional staff.

“Every show they produce, whether it’s musical theater or dance, is so amazing that it’s hard to believe sometimes that the kids are just students and not professional performers,” said Jeanette.

“I like that she has the ability to dabble in everything. I see how much it has made her blossom as an individual. I think it’s made her more well-rounded and much more self-confident.”

In addition to Tatiana’s busy performance schedule, she plays flute in her school band and maintains almost excellent grades in Williams’ challenging IB program.

“I try very hard to stick to my schedule. I work to get a lot done on the weekends, I can’t get too sidetracked by my phone or TV. I’ve always been pretty much a straight A student, and I try to keep that up,” said Tatiana.

Whether memorizing scripts, practicing flute, or working on dance choreography, Tatiana feels most at home at the Conservatory.

“I enjoy coming here so much. All the teachers here are great. It’s like family,” she said.

Don’t miss Tatiana and a cast of more the 30 students in the musical version of the popular television show, SchoolhouseRock Live!, Jr., Nov. 5 through 8, 2015 in TECO Theater.


For tickets or more information, click here or call 813.229.7827.

Aspiring musician works with seasoned pro in Rock School

Nadine Ramadan dreams of making it in a rock band. The 16-year-old junior from Steinbrenner High School is laying the groundwork and building her performance experience in the Patel Conservatory’s Rock School program.

“I really wanted to be in a band when I was about 13 years old,” said Nadine, who began singing when she was nine.

She had taken some voice lessons, but wanted the experience of singing with a real band. She joined a local rock band program and was hooked.

She took piano lessons off and on for a few years before joining Patel Conservatory’s Rock School last year, performing vocals and keyboard.

Led by renowned UK musician, Dean Tidey, the Conservatory’s Rock School program gives students the experience of working with a seasoned professional in the industry. Tidey has toured the world as guitarist for the acclaimed UK band Feeder, and has played on support tours with The Rolling Stones, U2, Coldplay and REM.

“Dean takes time to perfect all the songs and make sure they’re the best they can be. He’s a really good teacher,” said Nadine.

Now in her third session, she’s even taken up bass guitar.

“Being here made me want to play bass. Seeing all the different students, and even Dean, play bass, I thought it was so cool.”

She's also started picking up her guitar at home more and enjoys writing lyrics. She likes heavy rock music with strong lead female vocalists, like Paramore. Through Rock School, she gets to perform the type of music she loves and is learning valuable skills along the way.

Since Nadine has enough credits to graduate a year early, she’s looking at college options for next year. But mostly she just wants to get a band together and perform. In the meantime, she looks forward to performing in the Conservatory’s Rock School Blowout in December at one of Tampa’s most popular music venues.

“The shows are cool because they’re at Skipper’s,” said Nadine. “I definitely want to be in a rock band. It’s a tough industry, but that’s what I love to do.”

For more information on joining Patel Conservatory’s Rock School, click here or call 813.222.1002.

New singing opportunities at the Patel Conservatory

The Patel Conservatory has added new Vocal Arts classes to our 2015/2016 music schedule.

We’ve added more options to give students the best experience for their age and experience level. With a variety of choirs and ensembles, beginner through advanced students can experience the joys of singing while working with master teachers to improve their skills.

“This is going to be a new and exciting year of music-making! With the recent changes to our program, we are able to raise the quality of all of our ensembles and add variety to the music that we are singing. I can’t wait to get started!” said Kavanaugh Gillespie, director of Patel Conservatory’s Vocal Arts program.

Students in our Vocal Arts classes enjoy performance opportunities throughout the year, including two concerts on our Straz Center stages, and community events. They’ll also enjoy the camaraderie of social events such as our Fall Vocal Arts Kick Off Retreat, which will be Sept. 13 and includes food, fun and Frisbee, and, a trip to see the group Straight No Chaser at the Straz Center.

Check out our new Vocal Arts classes: 

Treble Choir FORMERLY JUNIOR CHOIR
Grades 5 to 8
Fridays, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
For boys and girls with unchanged voices, this class helps students build their music reading skills and develop good singing technique through classic choral and popular repertoire. This class would be a great fit for our musical theater students who want to build their vocal skills and gain large-group choral and performance experience. No audition required.

Women’s Ensemble NEW!
Grades 7 to CollegeTuesdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Men’s Ensemble NEW!
Grades 7 to College
Thursdays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Students in these ensembles will explore challenging and fun, gender-specific repertoire for performance opportunities throughout the year. Our holiday performance will include “Mr. Santa (a play on “Mr. Sandman”) by the women, and the men’s group will perform “The Twelve Days After Christmas,” a humorous piece detailing the horror that ensues once all the fabled gifts arrived. Audition is required for both ensembles.


Mixed Choir NEW!
Grades 7 to College
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Exceptional male and female vocalists are selected for this advanced choir. The group will study exciting and challenging choral literature for performance opportunities. Repertoire will include a piece commissioned for the Straz Center’s 2015 Broadway Season and written by Jamey Ray, of Liberty Voices, a renowned a cappella group that performs around the world. The group visited our recent Summer Voice Intensive and performed at the Straz Center's President’s Luncheon. (Check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ0CZB_DUzE)Audition is required for Mixed Choir. Students in Mixed Choir are also strongly encouraged to enroll in Men's Ensemble or Women's Ensemble.

To schedule an audition for advanced ensembles, contact Kavanaugh Gillespie at kavanaugh.gillespie@strazcenter.org.

For more information or to register, call 813.222.1002 or email patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.

Open House for Patel Conservatory's 2015/2016 Season

If you've ever thought about performing on stage, you're invited to attend an upcoming open house at the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa!

The Patel Conservatory offers classes in dance, theater and music for preschoolers through adults.

No matter your age or experience level, we’ve got something for everyone.

Our fall session begins on Aug. 24, 2015. From adult acting classes to preschool dance, come learn more about all of our programs, tour the Conservatory and ask questions.

Classes include dance, adult acting, musical theater, group guitar and Rock School, voice classes and much more! All classes include performance opportunities ranging from open classrooms to fully ticketed productions on one of our Straz Center stages.

The open house includes a brief presentation to provide an overview of our Straz Center education programs, and light refreshments will be served.

For your convenience, there are two open house dates from which to choose:

Upcoming open house dates:

Tues., Aug. 18

6 to 7:30 p.m.

Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Sat., Aug. 2210 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Presentation at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

To RSVP, please click here.

For more information or questions, please contact our registration office at 813.222.1002 or patelconservatory@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.

Featured Camp of the Month: Pint-Sized Percussion

This month, we feature a new music camp: Pint-Sized Percussion.

New to the Patel Conservatory's schedule this summer, Pint-Sized Percussion is a great way for first through fifth graders to make some noise while learning about the percussion family of instruments.

Due to popular demand, we've recently added another week of the Pint-Sized Percussion camp! (The first week is sold out.)

Pint-Sized Percussion

Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2015

Grades 1-5

1 to 4 p.m.

Cost: $150

The second week of Pint Sized Percussion will feature more music styles.

In this one-week, half-day camp taught by Heather DeRigo, students will learn about and play traditional Orff instruments. They'll also explore world music through various cultural drumming styles including African Djembe, Indian Tabla and Latin Conga Drums.

Students registered for the first week of the camp can add the second week to continue their music journey and build on what they learn.

Make it a full day and save!

Students who register for both Instrument Petting Zoo camp in the morning and Pint Size Percussion in the afternoon will save $50. Our popular Instrument Petting Zoo allows students to explore band and orchestra instruments and helps them discover their musical interests.

Instrument Petting Zoo

July 27-31, 2015

Grades 1-5

9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Cost: $150

Register for both and save $50.

For more information, or to register, call 813.222.1002.

For more music camps and classes, visit http://www.strazcenter.org/Patel-Conservatory/Music.

Patel Conservatory's Summer Open House

The Patel Conservatory will have an open house for all new and prospective parents and students interested in our summer camps and classes.


Located at the David A. Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, the Conservatory offers performing arts camps and classes in dance, theater and music. Whether you want to sing, dance, act or play an instrument, we have classes for all ages and skill levels. From Tots and Tunes to Adult Improv, there's something for everyone!

Come learn more at our upcoming open house. It’s your opportunity to tour the Conservatory, meet staff and ask questions. Our summer camp lunch provider, EVOS, will also be available to answer questions.

For your convenience, there are two dates to choose from:

Patel Conservatory Open House
Tues., Jun. 2, 2015
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Orientation at 6:30 p.m.

Sat., June 6, 2015
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Orientation at 10:30 a.m. and noon

Light refreshments will be offered.

Tours are offered before and after each informative orientation session.

To RSVP, click here.

For more information, call 813.222.1002.

Discounts available for select music camps

The Patel Conservatory is offering discounts for select music camps this summer. Check out these combo deals when you register for two or more music camps!

Young Children’s Music Combo

Sign up for three of our young children’s music camps and save $100!

Get your little ones started on a path towards lifelong music appreciation with a solid foundation in music education.

Children’s Chorus Camp (Grades 1-4)

Jun. 29 - Jul. 10, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - $250

Pint-sized Percussion (Grades 1-5)

Jun. 29 - Jul. 3, 1 to 4 p.m. - $150

Instrument Petting Zoo (Grades 2-5)*

Jul. 6 - 10, 1 to 4 p.m. - $150

Cost for all three camps: $450

*Offer good for Instrument Petting Zoo from July 6-10 only.

Instrumental Combo

Save $50 when you combine Instrument Petting Zoo and Pint-Sized Percussion the week of July 27 through July 31.

Instrument Petting Zoo (Grades 1-5)*

Jul. 27 - 31, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - $150

Pint-Sized Percussion (Grades 1-5)

Jul. 27 - 31, 1 to 4 p.m. - $150

Cost for both camps: $250

*Offer good for Instrument Petting Zoo from July 27-31 only.

For more information on Patel Conservatory's music camps and classes, click here. Discounts not available through online registration. To register, call 813.222.1002.

Spotlight on: Alex Carr, Rock School student

Alex Carr had taken drum lessons for years before he finally got the opportunity to perform in a band.

“Before Rock School, I hadn’t been able to find anyone interested in starting a band,” said Alex.

He signed up for his first Rock School band at the Patel Conservatory after his parents saw an article in the newspaper about the program. That was about five years ago. Now a sophomore at Berkeley Preparatory School, Alex continues to enjoy the experience year after year.

“I really just like the experience of playing with a band, rehearsing and putting on a show at the end,” said Alex. “It’s great to be able to practice with a group of people that are around your skill level and like basically the same kind of music you do.”

He’s played with an array of musicians over the past few years, and even keeps in touch with some of his first bandmates.

“It’s a good way to make friends who are interested in music… you branch out musically, and you keep a lot of the connections,” he said.

In fact, his most recent Rock School band has begun to jam together outside of Conservatory rehearsals, including at a youth jam night at the Living Room in Dunedin.

Alex is looking forward to playing at the upcoming Rock School Blowout concert this Sunday at Skipper’s Smokehouse. His band will play Strange Times by the The Black Keys, and Ignorance by Paramore. The concert will also include performances from the Conservatory's jazz ensembles.

“Skipper's is a really cool venue. They have a nice stage and it’s a cool atmosphere they have going on.”

Alex also keeps busy with crew and varsity volleyball at school. (His volleyball team recently won the state championship).

Rock School remains his time to jam, chill and just have fun.

“It’s great to play in a band. I don’t have to be world famous, but to play every once in a while [in front of an audience] is a lot of fun.”

Don’t miss the Patel Conservatory's free Rock School Blowout concert this Sun., Apr. 12 at 3 p.m. at Skipper’s Smokehouse!

Auditions for the Conservatory’s summer Rock School and Rock Star Retreat will be May 19 and 23. For more info, or to sign up, contact Allison at 813.222.1002 or allison.novak@patelconservatory.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.

Extended camp hours available

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is pleased to offer extended camp hours before and after  some of our most popular performing arts camps this year!

Many of our Conservatory summer camps, including our popular Musical Theater Camp, are offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year, we’ve added our Pre- and Post- camps to give families the flexibility of extended hours.

Before and after camp, students enjoy age-appropriate arts and crafts, movies, activities and theater games.

Pre- and post- camps are offered Monday through Friday from Jun. 8 through Aug. 14, 2015.

Pre-camps are offered from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Post-camps are offered from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Pre- and post-camps are $25 per week each, or $40 when added together during the same week.

The Patel Conservatory offers more than 50 summer camps and classes in dance, music and theater. For more information, visit patelconservatory.org, or call 813.222.1002.

Join us for Camp-A-Palooza 2015!

Ready for some summer fun? Join us for free food, fun and prizes at the Patel Conservatory’s Camp-A-Palooza!

Patel Conservatory's
Camp-A-Palooza

Sat., Mar. 21, 2015

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your friends and come hang out with us on Tampa’s beautiful Riverwalk and learn how you can become a part of one of the largest performing arts centers in the country!

Enjoy live music from our Rock School bands and performances from our Barbershop quartet, award-winning dance Show Team and a preview from Fiddler on the Roof.

Then, join in on the fun with free interactive demonstrations. Let the kids make some noise with our percussion demo, and instrumental demos from Sam Ash Music, get some free vocal tips, try your hand at Improv, and sing along to Aladdin's A Whole New World.

It's your opportunity to tour the Conservatory, check out our theater and studios, meet staff and ask questions.

There'll be free face painting and a chance to win a family 4-pack to the Broadway production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and other shows.

The Patel Conservatory offers a variety of  summer camps and classes in dance, theater and music, for preschoolers to adults.  

Learn how your kids can perform on stage in Shrek the Musical or Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.! From Mini Musical Theater camps to pre-professional training, there’s something for everyone.

New camps this year include our Popular Dance Intensive, led by award-winning choreographer Kelly King, and our instrumental camps including Jazz Intensive, Chamber Music and Vocal Intensives and Drumline.

Extended camps hours are now available before and after most camps.

Enjoy samples from PDQ, EVOS, our summer camp lunch partner, cotton candy, and more.

Register early and save! Register for summer camps or classes by Mar. 28, 2015 and receive 10% off!*

For more information, call 813-222-1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

Don't miss the fun! See you at Camp-A-Palooza!

*Discount not available for Next Generation Ballet Intensives.