New theater classes for homeschool students

The Patel Conservatory theater department is excited to introduce new classes geared toward homeschool students this spring.

New classes have been added for preschoolers through 12th grade, including Young Theater Arts, Theater 1 and American Musical Theater. Classes are offered side by side, so that siblings of varying ages can all participate at the same time.

“This is a unique opportunity for homeschool students to expand their academic experience through the corporate learning offered by participating in the performing arts”, said Theater Department Chair Suzanne Livesay.

“These classes are offered during regular school hours which makes them convenient for homeschoolers’ schedules.”

Classes start the week of Jan. 12, 2015. New students are encouraged to attend our upcoming open house on Jan. 3 or Jan. 6 to get an overview of all our Conservatory programs, policies and procedures.

New class descriptions:

Young Theater Arts

Pre-K3 through first grade

Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon, or Thursdays from 11a.m. to noon

Engaging instructors will lead students through samples of movement, pantomime, clowning, storytelling, improvisation and theater games. This action-packed class will help students build confidence and enthusiasm about the theater arts. The cost is $180.

Theater 1

Grades two through 12

Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon

Through this 18-week course, students will explore basic performance and technical theatrical studies with the goal of preparing, staging and presenting a classroom showcase of a one act play. Open to students in grades 2-12, students will be divided into age and skill-appropriate work groups. The cost is $180.

American Musical Theater

Grades two through 12

Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon

This 18-week course offers students an overview of musical theater from the historical and performance perspectives. Students will explore examples of American Musical Theater pieces, and various musical, theatrical and dance styles from throughout the 20th century. This performance-based class culminates in a classroom showcase performance. Open to students in grades 2-12, students will be divided into age and skill-appropriate work groups. The cost is $180.

For more information, or to register, call 813.222.1002.

Spring 2015 Open House dates

The Straz Center's Patel Conservatory will host two free open houses for all new and prospective parents and students.

Spring classes begin the week of Jan. 12, 2015, with more than 100 classes for adults and children of all ages and skill levels, including new theater classes just added, and our popular Rock School program.

New theater classes include Adult Improv, and youth Theater Arts classes offered during the day for homeschool students.

Come learn more about all of our performing arts programs in dance, theater and music and tour the Conservatory’s 45,000 square-foot facility, which includes dance studios, classrooms, private music lesson studios and the Conservatory’s TECO Theater.

Brief orientation sessions will provide students and parents the opportunity to meet staff,    ask questions and receive more information about our programs, policies and procedures.

Patel Conservatory Spring Open House Dates

Sat., Jan. 3, 2015
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Orientation at 10:30 a.m.

Tues., Jan. 6, 2015
6 to 8 p.m.
Orientation at 6:30 p.m.

Tours are offered before and after each orientation session, and light refreshments will be served.

Auditions for select music classes will also be held on Tues., Jan. 6. For more info, click here.

To RSVP, call 813-222-1002 or email patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.

Be a star this holiday season, donate an item on our Wish Tree!

The Patel Conservatory holiday Wish Tree is back!

Last year, ballet student Amanda Greenway contributed to our Scholarship Stars because she wanted to help others enjoy the same opportunities she's had at the Patel Conservatory.

This holiday season, you, too, can be a star by choosing an item to give from the Patel Conservatory's Wish Tree in TECO Lobby.

From dry erase markers and DVDs to our Scholarship Stars, the Conservatory’s wish list items directly benefit our students in our classrooms.

Help a student’s dreams come true by contributing to our Scholarship Stars! Every gift, no matter the amount, helps provide scholarships to our students, keeping arts education available for all.

When you contribute an item on our Wish Tree, we’ll put your name, or your student’s name, on the tree!

Simply choose an item on our Wish Tree in TECO Lobby, then give your gift to the registrar in the Chairmen’s Library by Sat., Dec. 20, 2014.

For questions or more information, contact us at 813.222.1002 or patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.

Giving back this holiday season

Cast members from NGB's The Nutrcracker with students from
Metropolitan Ministries Parnership School at last week's preview.
Photo by Soho Images.

Students from the Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School were treated to a sneak peek of Next Generation Ballet’s The Nutcracker last week.

Following the performance, the kids enjoyed a holiday party complete with gifts and a visit from Santa.

Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School is one of Patel Conservatory’s community partners. Through our partnership program, the Conservatory provides arts experiences - from classes to performances - for underserved students through local schools, agencies, community organizations and after-school programs.

These outreach programs are possible through the generosity of our donors and sponsors.

Last week’s holiday party was generously underwritten by the Yob Family Foundation.

“As a family, we look for ways to give back to the community,” said Lisa Yob, whose children have attended the Conservatory’s classes and lessons. “Any time you can take an opportunity to bring the arts to kids, it brings them another voice, another way to relate.”

Lisa Yob with daughter Alexis.
Photo by Soho Images.

This is the second year that the foundation has provided this experience for our partner school. Yob and family members personally helped Santa pick out and wrap all the gifts for the students.

She said that she hopes it inspires others to give. “To us it’s a privilege that we can do this.”

For more information about the Conservatory’s partnerships, outreach programs or ways to support, please visit patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1002.

Auditions for music classes for Spring 2015

The Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory is hosting auditions for its spring music classes. Space is available in many vocal and instrumental classes including Rock School, Chamber and Jazz Ensembles and Vocal Arts classes.

Auditions will be as follows:

Rock School
Sat., Dec. 6, 2014 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Tues., Jan. 13, 2015 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Students are placed in bands according to age and skill level, and weekly rehearsals culminate in a fully-produced Rock School Blowout concert at Skipper’s Smokehouse.

Jazz and Chamber Ensembles
Tues., Jan. 6, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. to noon
In the jazz ensembles, students receive instruction in improvisation, ensemble playing and elements of music theory.
In chamber ensembles, students study chamber music of various composers, periods and styles, and learn repertoire appropriate for their ability level.

To schedule an audition for Rock School, Jazz or Chamber Ensembles, email allison.novak@patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1002.

Vocal Arts Junior and Senior Choirs and Ensembles
Tues., Jan. 6, 2015 from 5 - 8 p.m.
Sat., Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
In vocal arts classes, student receive instruction in proper singing technique and music reading skills, studying choral music of many styles and languages, including Broadway hits, folk tunes, classical standards, popular music and elements of show choir.

For the audition, 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 for a vocal arts class, email Kavan Gillespie at kavanaugh.gillespie@strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1002.