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.

Spotlight on Kayda and Thia Sandefur

Kayda and Thia Sandefur could certainly pass for twins. With similar short, bob haircuts and only a year and a half age difference, the two sisters from St. Petersburg are often seen together on Patel Conservatory stages in our theater productions.

In their first Conservatory show, they were even double cast in the same role as Alice in Alice and Wonderland, Jr. Since then, they each have played a variety of roles in our theater productions year after year, including Once Upon a Mattress, A Little Princess and Oklahoma!

“It’s good being close in age, we’re supportive of each other,” said Kayda, 14. “If someone gets a bigger role, we don’t get mad...whether you’re ensemble, or a lead, you should be honored just to be in the cast.”

“We’ve both had leads, and we’ve both been in ensemble, we’re just supportive of each other,” agreed Thia, 15.

Kayda, left, and This in Alice in Wonderland, Jr.
in 2011. Photo by Soho Images.

Although they look alike and perform in the same shows, and share inside jokes and sometimes finish each other’s sentences, the girls are each finding their own path at the Conservatory.

In Alice and Wonderland, Jr., “the director worked with the girls to bring out each of their strengths,” said mom Kelli Sandefur.

Working with different directors, choreographers and instructors over the past five years has inspired them to branch out beyond theater classes and into vocal and dance classes and private voice lessons.

This summer, Kayda will focus on voice, participating in the Conservatory’s Voice Intensive, and Thia will focus on dance in the Junior Intensive.

Kayda is looking forward to working with vocal instructor Kavan Gillespie. “He pushes you to go outside of your comfort area. You never feel nervous when it comes time for the performance because he gives you so much to prepare. You feel like you have everything you need to give your best performance.”

Thia took an interest in dance last summer when she got a chance to work with dance instructor Kelly King in Hairspray.

On the Edge,  April 2015. Photo by Soho Images.

“She made sure I did everything very sharp. It was the most intense dancing I’ve ever done,” said Thia.

That sold Thia and her sister on taking hip hop during the school year with Miss Kelly. Though they’ve picked up some dance along the way through theater experiences, neither had ever taken formal dance classes.

“At the beginning of the year, we were nervous. But by the end of year, your confidence is so built up,” said Thia.

Last year, she didn’t even know the Conservatory had a third floor. This year, she’ll spend two weeks in our third floor dance studios as she works on dance skills in the Junior Intensive.

"I want to improve in jazz so I can take Just for Kicks next year."

Ultimately, the two girls are striving for those triple threat skills that will land them professional jobs.

“From auditions to callbacks, the Patel Conservatory has prepared them for what it’s really like in the professional world. When they go to other auditions, they don’t have the unknown fear factor,” said Kelli.

The girls recently had roles as extras in the films Five Doctors and Dolphin Tale 2.

“Improv, dance, singing, drama, you don’t have to go to different places to meet all those needs,” said Thia.

“There are so many different avenues all within one building,” said Kayda. “Patel has really given us everything we need.”

For more information about dance, music and theater camps and classes, call 813.222.1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

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.