Tappers show off their talent

Patel Conservatory tap students got to strut their stuff at the Metropolitan Ministries holiday drive this past Saturday.

Students from Susan Downey's Tap I, II and III danced to different Christmas classics.

"It was really fun and put everyone in the Christmas spirit," said Laura Cheek, one of the students who performed.

The group will also perform this Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 at the Adult Student Showcase, featuring performances from the following classes: Adult Tap, Hip-Hop, Modern, Flamenco, Jazz, Musical Theater Cabaret and Jazz Voice Ensemble.

You can also check out the final performances from our acting classes this Thursday!

Come watch your favorite Patel Conservatory student as they put the skills they've learned into action on stage!

Catch this weekend's Jazz Jam

Catch an evening of jazz music this Friday night with vocals and instrumentals from Patel Conservatory jazz students in the fall Jazz Jam.

“It’s a great mix of people,” said Patel Conservatory veteran Jayne Trinette. “Everyone has such a great voice, and James [Crumbly, the instructor] is very creative.”

Trinette, an established singer with an upcoming show at American Stage, has taken several classes at the Patel Conservatory and will perform Friday with the Jazz Voice Ensemble.

Jayne Trinette

“I think the audience is going to be surprised with this show,” she said. “We’ve even got choreography!”

The show will also include pieces from the Jazz Ensemble and the Advanced Jazz Combo classes.

Trinette has been staying busy around town. She performs over the holidays for the Kwanzaa storytelling at Epcot, and at American Stage Dec. 17 - 23 in Holiday Ham.

Friday’s Jazz Jam starts at 7 p.m. in the TECO Theater. Call 222-1002 for more information.

Spotlight on Sarah Aloia

Today’s spotlight is on Sarah Aloia.

When Sarah enrolled in a rock and roll camp at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa last year, she had no idea how it would change her. She played a little bass guitar and loved to sing.

She enjoyed the camp experience so much that she continued her music training at the Patel Conservatory with Rock School. Everything seemed to clique.

“I’ve grown the most from Rock School, musically,” said Sarah, 15, of Clearwater. “I’ve met some insanely talented musicians, and [Lee] has helped me grow a lot.”

Sarah (far right) with Patel Conservatory students and
Roger Waters at his concert last month at the Forum.

Led by instructor Lee Ahlin, Rock School pairs musicians together to form bands and helps members not only grow musically, but also build performance skills.

The first time Sarah joined Rock School, she cliqued with her band members so well that they remained together for two more sessions.

“I’ve gotten a lot more range in my voice,” said Sarah. “If I hadn’t joined Rock School, I probably would have stopped singing and never would have started playing bass. If I didn’t get something right away, Lee would help with me it. It’s helped me become a better bass player.”

Now music has become her whole world. “When there’s no Rock School, it feels like I have no life. You make some awesome friends and you learn a lot.”

This past fall, Sarah joined another Rock School band as well, and now she’s looking to form her own band outside of classes.

“When I started, I didn’t know what I was doing at all,” she said “Now, I can play Led Zepplin and I feel like a beast.”

At last month’s Rock School Blowout, her performance included Stay Together for the Kids by blink-182, and Meant to Live by Switchfoot. Last month, she also got to perform, along with other music students, with legendary rocker Roger Waters from Pink Floyd at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Her goal is to become a professional musician, and Rock School has given her the confidence to pursue her dreams.

“It’s the only thing I want to do,” said Sarah, “I just want to be in a band and get signed with a record company, and make people happy with what I have to offer.”

Everyone gets started somewhere. If you love music like Sarah, and want to test drive what it’s like to be in a band, come check out the Rock Encounter this Saturday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. Auditions for Rock School will follow, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Free Ballet Master Classes

Dancers, mark your calendars now for the upcoming free Ballet Master Classes at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa in January.

Don't miss this opportunity to train with Peter Stark, artistic director of Next Generation Ballet, the apprentice ballet company at the Straz Center.

Participation in either class will qualify students for placement in the Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet, the official school of Next Generation Ballet.

Interested students may audition for the Next Generation Ballet Summer Intensive during either class. A $25 audition fee will apply for anyone auditioning for the summer intensive. Students must be at least 11 years old to be eligible to audition; young women must be dancing on pointe.

Master Classes are free, but RSVPs are requested.

Upcoming Master classes:

Thursday, January 6
5-6:30 p.m.
Advanced Ballet Master Class with Peter Stark
Gr. 8-12

For young men and women with several years of serious, advanced ballet training. Young women must have at least three years of experience on pointe.

[Patel Conservatory students currently enrolled in Levels 4B, 5, Trainee and NGB New Artists will attend this class as a part of their regular training program.]

Monday, January 10
6-7:30 p.m.

Intermediate Ballet Master Class with Peter Stark
Gr. 6-12

For students with a minimum of four years of consistent ballet training.

[Patel Conservatory students currently enrolled in Levels 3 and 4A will attend this class as a part of their regular training program.]

Please contact the Patel Conservatory dance department at 813.222.1263 to reserve a spot in either master class, or to receive additional information.

Your chance to jam with the band is next Saturday!

Play the guitar, bass, drums or keyboard? Want to get better? Want to play in a band? This is your chance to do it all for free!

Join us at the free Rock Encounter next Saturday, Dec. 11 where you can jam with other musicians and get tips from professional musician and instructor Lee Ahlin.


This is the perfect opportunity for you to explore your musical talent and learn more about music opportunities at the Patel Conservatory, from private lessons to Rock School. If you’re new to the Patel Conservatory, Rock School places musicians in a band according to skill level and age. Students receive weekly instruction and bands work towards the goal of performing in a concert at the end of each session. The next Rock School session starts Jan. 3.

Next Saturday’s Rock Encounter starts at 1 p.m. and musicians of all ages from grade 5 through adult are invited come rock. Bring your guitar, bass or drumsticks - keyboards, amps and drums will be provided.

So come check it out, and if you love jamming with other musicians, stay for placement auditions for the Spring Session of Rock School (grade 5 - adult) and Rock School, Jr. (grades 2 - 4), starting at 3:30 p.m. [A $15 audition fee is required. Instrument and cords required (drum set, amps and keyboards provided). If you are auditioning as a vocalist, you must audition an instrument as well. Current Rock School students do not need to audition.]

To RSVP for the FREE Rock Encounter, call 222-1002. To make an audition appointment for Rock School, email musicarts@strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1273.

Buy one, get one for White Christmas tomorrow night only!

Want to get in the holiday spirit? Give your kids the gift of Broadway tomorrow night!

Tomorrow night is Broadway Family Night at the Straz Center. Purchase one full-price adult ticket to Irving Berlin's White Christmas for Wed., Dec. 1, and get one free child's ticket. What a perfect way to kick off your family's holiday season.

Come early for family-friendly activities from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., including mini-workshops from Patel Conservatory theater and dance instructors.

Join us in Hyde Park on Friday

Look for the Patel Conservatory table this Friday at the Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony in Hyde Park.

A favorite activity to kick off the holiday season in Tampa, this family-friendly event includes activities for the kids, entertainment, free cookies and cocoa and the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree. There'll also be a visit from Santa.

Don't miss the fun, and stop by our table to say hello and enjoy a free craft activity for the kids. See you there!