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.

Summer music programs for beginners

Looking for camps and classes for the summer that are both fun and educational?

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center offers an array of beginning music camps and classes that will jumpstart your child's interest in music. Studies show that music education can actually help kids focus, learn self-discipline and increase academic performance.

The Conservatory offers many camps and classes designed for beginners to explore an array of instruments and musical styles and introduce them to basic music concepts.

No audition is required for the following music programs:

Instrumental Petting Zoo

Children in grades 2 through 4 spend a week exploring the instruments of the band and orchestra, allowing them hands-on, interactive fun as they discover their musical interests. Half-day options are available.

Young Children's Chorus Camp

Students in grades 1 through 4 will learn good singing technique and music reading while exploring songs from around the world in this half-day morning camp. Those who wish to spend the whole day in camp can add an afternoon Instrumental Petting Zoo.

Cultural Rhythms

Students in grades 5 through 12 will learn world music by performing on ethnic instruments.

Percussion Camp

Open to all percussionists in grades 5 through 12, this camp will focus on ensemble literature and proper technique. Students will perform on all types of percussion instruments.

Beginning Piano Class

This group class is for students in grades 5 through 12 who are looking to start playing piano. Fundamentals such as hand position, note reading, basic literature and playing techniques will be taught.

Guitar 1

Beginning guitar students in grades 5 through 12 are introduced to the basics of playing, including technique, music reading, chords and tablature. Students are expected to have their own guitar, preferably an acoustic guitar. No experience playing guitar or reading music is necessary.

Additional summer music programs are available for all skill levels. Private lessons are also available.

For more information, including dates and prices, call 813.222.1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

Auditions for spring music programs

by Paige Strott, Marketing Assistant

This spring the Patel Conservatory is offering a wide variety of music ensembles, and soon we'll be auditioning students for the opportunity to be part of them.

Vocal Arts

The Vocal Arts Junior and Senior Ensembles will be having auditions on Mon., Jan. 6, from 5-6:30 p.m. and Tues., Jan. 7, from 6-8 p.m.

Vocal Arts will be performing music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and Michael Jackson for their spring concerts, so you do not want to miss out on the chance to audition!

For the audition, students should prepare a short song or excerpt about 16 measures or 30 seconds to sing, preferably with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. To schedule your audition, email Kavan Gillespie at kavanaugh.gillespie@strazcenter.org.

Chamber Ensembles

The Chamber Music Ensemble audition will be on Tues., Jan. 7, from 5-7 p.m.

Students in 7^th grade through college are placed into chamber ensembles based on their ability levels. They’ll study chamber music of various composers, periods and styles and learn repertoire appropriate for their ability level. For an audition appointment, email music@strazcenter.org.

Jazz

Auditions for the jazz ensemble will be held Tues., Jan. 7, from 6-8 p.m.

In this class, students receive instruction in improvisation, ensemble playing and elements of music needed for performing jazz. For an audition appointment, email music@strazcenter.org.

Rock School

Rock School auditions will be Jan. 4, 6 and 7. For more information, click here.

All auditions require a $15 audition fee.

For more information about our spring music programs, please call 813.222.1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

Spotlight on Josh Chung

Josh Chung

Congratulations to Patel Conservatory violin student Josh Chung who recently celebrated his book one graduation in the Suzuki program.

The Suzuki violin program is a parent-child approach to learning the instrument based on the Japanese violin teacher Shinichi Suzuki's beliefs that every child has talent.

“There are 10 Suzuki Violin School books,” explained Patel Conservatory Suzuki instructor Catherine Michelsen. 

“Dr. Suzuki incorporated a graduation system in which students, upon achieving certain playing levels, would record several polished pieces of music...This was a celebration of accomplishment.”

Josh has been a Suzuki student at the Conservatory for two years, and he is the first Conservatory student to complete the first violin book.

“He and his family have been amazing to work with. Disciplined, dedicated, and supportive, Josh and his family really exemplify the Suzuki philosophy,” said Michelsen.

Josh developed a passion for music at an early age.

“He’s the one who asked to take violin lessons,” said Josh’s mom, Sue Chung. “We really love the whole program and the facility. I just love the environment [at the Patel Conservatory], it’s not only violin, but it’s Rock School and dance, and you just feel that when you enter the building...I walk in, and I just feel calm.”

To celebrate his recent accomplishment, Josh performed selections from the first Suzuki violin book in a recital for family and friends last week in the TECO Theater.

“I feel pretty good and proud,” said Josh.

Learning how to figure out the notes in practice was a challenge as he progressed through more difficult pieces. He’s learning how to play by ear and work through it on his own.

“It was kind of hard, but I persevered and I did it,” he said.

Josh will continue his Suzuki journey and start on the next book this year. The skills he gains from Suzuki - discipline, patience and teamwork - will serve him throughout all areas of his life.

“I’m so extremely proud of him...He’ll always have this love and passion for music,” said Sue.

For more information about Suzuki violin lessons or other instrumental private lessons at the Conservatory, 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.

Bring your gently used instruments to Camp-A-Palooza

Do you have an instrument sitting in a closet? Instruments are meant to be played!

Bring your gently used instrument to the Patel Conservatory and we’ll help find it a good home so it can make music again!

The Patel Conservatory is hosting a musical instrument drive in conjunction with their Camp-A-Palooza event.

Camp-A-Palooza is the Conservatory’s open house event on Sat., Apr. 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All are invited to come learn about the Conservatory’s summer camps and classes in the performing arts.

During the event, the public is invited to drop off their unwanted musical instruments.*

In turn, if you’ve been wanting to take music lessons, but don’t have an instrument, you can come see what instruments may be available.

Spend your summer making music in our camps and classes, including Chamber Music Camp, Percussion Camp, Rock Star Retreat, Suzuki violin camp and Instrumental Petting Zoo. We also have music classes that include Rock School, piano class and guitar class, and private lessons.

Our first musical instrument exchange will take place Sat., Apr. 27, 2013. Instruments may be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Help someone make music this summer!

All donated instruments should be in good, working condition, and of reasonable scale.

*The Patel Conservatory reserves the right to refuse donations based on size or condition. For extra large instruments, please call our office first at 813-222-1002.

Look who made it BIG!

Patel Conservatory Suzuki violin student Soraya Keaton-Baldwin recently got to see herself larger than life at OAI Corp.

OAI Corp is the Patel Conservatory and Straz Center’s printing partner who produces our billboards, banners, signs and more.

From on-site signage to billboards around the community, OAI has been a supporter of the Straz Center for more than 20 years.

Michael Garcia founded OAI in 1989 to provide hand-painted signs, billboards and blank banners to companies around Florida. He started with a $5,000 credit card in a 200-sqare-foot room.

Now the company is the largest grand-format printer in the Southeast and known throughout the nation. Its 40,000 square-foot Tampa facility houses a variety of digital and screenprinting machines.

OAI uses one of the world's largest ink-jet printers to create multi-media for its clients.

It’s pretty cool when our students get to see themselves on those giant billboards and enjoy a bit of fame, at least in the Tampa Bay area.

Dylan Riveiro is a longtime theater student at the
Patel Conservatory who enjoyed seeing his own face on
a Conservatory billboard in Brandon.

Baldwin, 6, a student at Cambridge Christian School, has been taking violin lessons at the Patel Conservatory for nearly three years. She also takes dance classes here. She was impressed when she saw herself on the enormous 50-foot billboard before it went up.

Spot our Patel Conservatory billboards around Tampa Bay and tell us if you know someone who’s made it BIG!

And if you're actually on one of our summer camps and classes billboards, take a picture of yourself in front of it and post it to our Facebook page!

Suzuki students earn prizes for practice

Nitya Katwala opens her prize.

Congratulations to Patel Conservatory Suzuki violin students who recently received prizes for their hard work and dedication!

Students in Hollis Hammond’s and Catherine Michelsen’s Suzuki violin classes recently were rewarded for months of practice.

“We started keeping track of the student’s progress with a marble incentive in January,” said Michelsen.

Parents were asked to keep notes and keep track of how often the students practiced at home.

“For every day they practiced, they got a marble in their jar,” said Michelsen. “The idea is that they are competing with themselves, not each other.”

After months of watching their marble jars fill up, the students were rewarded with an in-class prize party.

Antonio Velazquez, left, and Josh Chung

Kids who practiced an average of 5 days a week received a prize, and kids who practiced 6 to 7 days a week received two tickets to the Florida Orchestra!

“We’re always trying new things to motivate the students. For some students, it was a wonderful motivator. The visual helped them.”

An added bonus of the marble incentive is that it helped instructors keep track of how the kids were progressing.

“I want to know what’s happening at home,” said Michelsen.

“The parents have enjoyed it and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m really proud of all of our students.”

Soraya Baldwin, left, and Sudenaz Koksal

Lee Ahlin to be recognized at this weekend's Rock School Blowout

by Paige Strott, Patel Conservatory Marketing Intern

Rock School founder Lee Ahlin, left, plays at last year's Rock School Blowout.

The Patel Conservatory would like to thank Lee Ahlin for his years of service.

Ahlin founded the Conservatory’s popular Rock School program. After eight years of teaching and inspiring students, he retired this past year.

We’ll honor his years of dedication and service with a tribute at this weekend’s Rock School Blowout.

A professional composer, musician, and educator, Ahlin has worked professionally on numerous musicals and compositions, including Crossing the Bay and Snow Queen, which were produced nationally. He founded Rock School along with Paragon Music in 2004, and it was one of the first education programs held here at the Straz Center.

The Rock School program provides student bands with instruction to advance their skills and collaborate together. Students are grouped into bands based on their instrument, age and musical taste. They come together at the end of every year and perform in a fully produced rock concert, the Rock School Blowout! 

Our spring Rock School Blowout will be held in conjunction with the annual Summer Splash summer camp fair this Saturday, April 6 at the Glazer Children’s Museum.

The show will include a tribute to Ahlin and a performance by all the Rock School instructors and former Rock School student Alex Shames.

Shames is a musician from the Sarasota area who drove to Tampa throughout his high school years to participate in Rock School. He now plays in several bands in the Tallahassee area and will graduate in May from Florida State University with a degree in music.

He credits the start of his music career to his Rock School experience.

“Lee and my private drum instructor really gave me the idea that I could make a living out of being a musician. They said I have the ability and the drive,” said Shames.

At the Blowout, Shames will perform with his former instructor Ahlin and Conservatory instructors Dee Lynch, Paul Stoddart and Dean Tidey. They’ll play the hit song “Sunshine of Your Love,” by Cream.

Ahlin has truly inspired many students at the Patel Conservatory. Help us pay tribute to Ahlin and all our talented Rock School students and instructors at the Summer Splash summer camp fair this weekend: 

Summer Splash! Summer Camp Fair

Glazer Children’s Museum

110 West Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL 33602

Saturday, April 6^th

Rock School Performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Tribute to Lee Ahlin at the 2 p.m. show

Rock School Band to perform at Gasparilla Music Festival

Matthew Sichterman, left, and Parker Wilkson

If you’re planning on getting out to enjoy some of the best from Tampa's music scene at the Gasparilla Music Festival this weekend, look for our Patel Conservatory students on stage!

Four of our Rock School students will be performing along with other local bands at the festival, which will be this Sat., Mar. 9 at Kiley Garden and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in downtown Tampa.

The Gasparilla Music Festival is an annual event featuring local bands and musicians from a wide variety of genres on several stages, and cuisine from the region's top restaurants.

The Patel Conservatory's Rock School band 'Nfin8 will perform two original songs, Every Time I Think of You and Smile, both with music and lyrics by the band’s keyboardist and vocalist Parker Wilkson.

The band worked together on the musical arrangements for both songs.

Alex Smith, left, and Davin Norman

Band members also include Davin Norman, bass and vocal harmonies; Alex Smith, drums, percussion and vocal harmonies; and Matthew Sichterman, guitar, percussion and vocal harmonies.

The group will also be performing at the upcoming Rock School Blowout concert, which will be Sat., Apr. 6 at the Glazer Children's Museum.

‘Nfin8 will perform at about 11:20 a.m. on the Kiley Garden stage on Saturday. Best of luck to the group!

Spotlight on Paul Stoddart

Paul Stoddart, left, jams at a Rock School Blowout concert,

Musician Paul Stoddart describes himself as a gun for hire. 

As the guitarist for a Frank Sinatra cover band, Andy Stefano and the Summit Orchestra, Stoddart has played at charity events and casino nights. He’s also freelanced for theater productions, including American Stage’s Rocky Horror Show. He’s played at bars on weekend nights and at churches on Sundays. He plays at recording studios when vocalists need a musician, and he’s been teaching private lessons and Rock School bands for years.

An unassuming guy, Stoddart is usually in the background, letting the front man, vocalist, performer or student have the spotlight, and he’s good with that.

“I mean, really, does anyone remember who played in Frank Sinatra’s band?” said Stoddart.

As long as Stoddart can make a living doing what he loves - playing music - he’s perfectly happy.

“When most people think about touring with a band, it’s living on the road, sleeping in a van, eating really unhealthy. That never seemed like a fun time to me,” said Stoddart. “I’ve been blessed...I haven’t had to live in a van or anything.”

As part of the Tampa music scene for nearly 13 years, Stoddart deserves his own spotlight. He’s been a Patel Conservatory Rock School instructor since its early days in 2005, before the Patel Conservatory was even built. And he's helped grow the program and keep it going strong.

Rock School helps musicians put into practice what they learn in private lessons. Students sign up to be in a band, and bands are formed according to age and skill level. They rehearse weekly under the direction of Stoddart and other instructors, and perform in a final Rock School Blowout concert. 

“Rock School teaches musicians how to interact with other members of a band, and how you need to listen to other people playing,” said Stoddart, who also plays keyboard, bass, banjo and even the ukelele.

He manages to help players of various skill levels on an array of instruments come together harmoniously to perform favorite rock music from the classics to contemporary.

This season’s Rock School program features 12 bands performing in two free Blowout concerts on April 6.

A native of Chicago, Stoddart holds a songwriting degree from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, but his teaching career began long before college.

At the age of 14, his guitar teacher decided to go on tour with his band. He asked Stoddart to take over his 17 students, and suddenly Stoddart was teaching budding guitarists from kids to seniors. He’s been teaching ever since.

To this day, he’s often the one who learns from his students.

“You learn a lot teaching, basic things you might forget otherwise,” said Stoddart.

As a Rock School instructor, he’s excited about the recent additions to the program, such as the inclusion of vocal coaching and songwriting.

“A lot of Rock School bands have stayed together for a couple of years. We’re encouraging them to start doing some writing. So they’ll be performing some original music in the concert,” said Stoddart.

As a solo artist, he writes and records his own music, and will soon have a new CD available on his website, currently under construction. The CD will reflect his style, which is a little bit of everything, from jazz to blues to rock. Passing along his songwriting skills is just one more reason why he enjoys teaching at the Conservatory.

“I just really like working with kids. They’re all like my own children,” he said.

Catch Stoddart and all the Conservatory’s Rock School bands in concert on April 6, 2013. The two free outdoor concerts will be at the Glazer Children’s Museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.