Spotlight on the Fontanini family

Jay and Marissa Fontanini have been bringing their kids to dance classes at the Patel Conservatory for almost three years.

Jay and Marissa say that, in addition to learning how to plié and tendu, their kids are learning lifelong skills like confidence and discipline through their positive experiences in the performing arts.

“Our children may not admit it, but without a doubt, what they get most excited about is being challenged to do things they don’t think are possible—only to find themselves reaching new heights,” said Marissa.

The Fontanini’s appreciate how the Patel Conservatory makes a difference not only in their kids’ lives in the classrooms and theaters, but also in the lives of thousands of other students throughout the Tampa Bay community.

That’s why they decided to become Straz Center donors.

“The decision to support the Patel Conservatory was an easy one for us,” said Marissa.

“What really gets us excited is the intentional impact the Patel Conservatory makes in the community. At our first Nutcracker experience, the Metropolitan Ministries partnership was highlighted. It is great to be a part of something that is available to everyone, especially those who might otherwise not have access to high quality fine arts education.”

For the Fontanini’s, performing arts education provides desperately needed instruction in a rapidly changing world.

“The Patel Conservatory enhances the culture of Tampa by giving consistent quality education to aspiring fine arts students. While our kids happen to dance - the convergence of so many performing arts educational outlets in one ‘hub’ makes the Tampa Bay area exceptional,” said Jay.

“The rise of technology in the information age could easily nudge out the performing arts. So it takes vigilance to keep such things alive to maintain a vibrant culture. We owe that to our future generations.”

The Fontanini’s invite other Conservatory parents and community members to show their support of arts education by making a pledge.

“We’d encourage any parent to think about how much their children can benefit, and consider making a contribution to help extend the reach of the Conservatory into the community,” said Jay.

Marissa agreed, “Perhaps some people may think their contribution won’t matter because they can’t make a major contribution, but several people making small donations with an ongoing commitment adds up!”

Please join us in supporting arts education at the Patel Conservatory by becoming a Straz Center Member. To make your gift today, clickhere. 

Why arts education matters (we couldn't have said it better ourselves)

Re-posted from the Straz Center blog, posted on 4.7.15.

We started to write a blog about why arts education matters, but we found we couldn't have said better than Tony Award winner Judith Light in her blog for the National Endowment for the Arts, “Why Arts Education Matters”.

Light echoes why the Straz Center and Patel Conservatory work so hard to create and maintain community outreach programs, our field trip series, scholarship opportunities, and jobs for extraordinary local teaching artists.

She explains why we should support arts education...

     Why Arts Education Matters

My mother taught me when I was three years old to memorize and recite "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." Everybody laughs, but it's absolutely the truth. My mother was my first teacher of the arts, and I performed "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" for my father, so he was my first audience…

When I was growing up, my parents supported my interest in taking acting classes and doing community theater. My father drove me to the rehearsals every day after school, whenever I was doing community theatre productions, and I went to a performing arts camp in New Hope, Penn. I grew up in Trenton, N.J., and my parents even allowed me to go on the train to New York City when I was a young teen to study theater.

My parents' faith in me at that young an age—and the kind of professional training I was getting from my theater teachers—gave me a sense of purpose, a sense of self-confidence, a sense of discipline. I learned what artistic achievement actually was, what hard work the business was. I didn't have this rosy picture of what our business was. I was really learning what it would require for me to become a professional.

I was also learning about life. … I learned about having faith in myself and about developing humility. Most people know that this business is all about not getting everything you want when you want it. Since success comes with such incredible gifts, many people don't realize that, for an actor, most of our lives are actually filled with recognizing that we can't control things. So I've learned, and am still learning as this is an active process, to simply be grateful for what I've been given. Those are very, very precious life skills that were all part of my arts education.

I became an actor, but arts education isn’t just about preparing our young people for a career in the arts. …They learn about discipline and hard work and what's required and what they have to do to bring themselves to the work.

They learn how they can be of service in the world through the arts. They learn how to elevate the people around them. They learn how to work with a team. By studying the arts, these students are exposed to worlds and lives that they might not have any other way of knowing about or any other way to connect with in their lives the way they are right now. Arts education expands their horizons.

These young people are our legacy. We are passing the torch to them. And I think that’s one of the most important reasons why we need to foster the arts. … I think when we get into the arts as young people, it tends to be pretty much about us and our egos. But as we really learn about the arts we discover that it is all about being of service and all about supporting others in seeing things they would not otherwise see—about themselves as well as other people.

Make a choice to join us in inspiring audiences and artists to dream, reach, discover and create!

Become a Straz member today! Visit strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1002.

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.

Vocal arts students enjoy an array of performance opportunities

Patel Conservatory Vocal Arts students are enjoying a busy fall season!

Patel Conservatory's Vocal Arts kick off event at Al Lopez park

Students from the Junior and Senior Choirs and Ensembles recently kicked off the season with a welcome back picnic at Al Lopez Park, as well as their first fall concert last month.

This Sun., Nov. 2, they’ll perform at the Jaeb Theater as part of the Tampa Jewish Book Festival, with a special rendition of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen in honor of the event’s featured book.

The Conservatory’s vocal arts program continues to grow under the leadership of instructor Kavanaugh Gillespie. In both the Choirs and Ensembles, students work on proper singing technique and music reading and develop solo and group singing skills through rehearsal and performance of various styles of choral music. On Dec. 6, they’ll get the opportunity to learn from professionals as they participate in a master class with touring vocal artists the Medieval Babes, who will be performing at the Straz Center.

December also brings plenty of performance opportunities. Check out our vocal arts students these fun, family-friendly events that will get you in the holiday spirit!

Dec. 6 - Junior and Senior Choirs and Ensembles perform in the City of Tampa’s Santa Fest event at Curtis Hixon Park.

Dec. 10 - Patel Conservatory’s vocal and instrument students perform in a Holiday Concert, featuring a dessert bar, audience sing-a-long, and classic holiday tunes.

Dec. 14  - Vocal arts students help set the holiday mood with caroling in the Ruth Silbiger Lobby before the Sunday matinee of Next Generation Ballet’s The Nutcracker.

Come sing with us! If you’d like to join our vocal arts family, there’s room for you!

Auditions for the spring session will be Jan. 6, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Jan. 10, 2015 from 10 a.m. to noon. Placement auditions help instructors recommend the best class or ensemble for each student.  For more information, or to schedule an audition, contact Kavanaugh.gillespie@strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1002.

Deadline for program ads for the 2014 Spotlight Awards

Show your support for the Patel Conservatory by purchasing your ad in the 2014 Spotlight Awards event program.

The deadline for ads for the Spotlight Awards program is April 30, 2014.

All families are encouraged to purchase an ad to help us raise essential funds to sustain our programs. Ads can include a picture of your student and a personalized message. Or, you can thank a teacher or promote your business.

Prices range from $35 to $75 for ads, and all proceeds support the Conservatory’s classes, financial aid and outreach programs.

Help us continue to provide the finest training in dance, music and theater!

How to take out an ad:

1. Click here for payment form.

2. Payment should be submitted to the registrar in the Chairmen’s Library

• in person
• phone: 813.222.1040
• fax: 813.222.1277
• mail to: Patel Conservatory, Registrar, 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602

3. All text and pictures should be submitted to elizabeth.miller@strazcenter.org no later than April 30, 2014.

For questions or more information, please contact Beth Miller at 813.222.1040.

Enter to win three nights in New York City!

Imagine yourself on the bustling streets of the Big Apple, heading to see a Broadway show!

Enter our 2014 Spotlights Awards drawing, and you could be the lucky winner of a three-night stay at the exclusive Hilton Club in New York City!

This year’s drawing for the 2014 Spotlight Awards features three fantastic prizes. All proceeds from the drawing support the classes, scholarships and outreach programs of the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center.

The Patel Conservatory awards more than $250,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year.

You can help by entering our drawing. If every Conservatory student purchases just one ticket, the drawing will raise more than $10,000. Help us reach our goal by purchasing your tickets today!

Grand Prize will be a three-night stay in a two-bedroom suite at the exclusive Hilton Club AND four orchestra tickets to a Broadway show, generously donated by Florida Health Care News/Dr. Barry Levine and Gina d’Angelo.

The Hilton Club is just a block from the Museum of Modern Art, a few blocks south of Central Park, and a 10-minute walk to Times Square and the Theater District.

The hotel and Broadway package is valued at more than $4,000.*

Second Prize will be a Westinghouse 46” Flat screen HDTV, valued at $1,000, donated by Florida Health Care News/Dr. Barry Levine and Gina d’Angelo.

Third Prize will be a 16GB Apple iPad Air, valued at $499, Donated by Drs. Kiran C. and Pallavi K. Patel.

The drawing will take place at the Spotlight Awards, which will be Tues., May 20, 2014.

The suggested donation is $10 per entry. Get your tickets before May 15, and score three entries for $20. From May 15 through May 20, 2014, entries will be three for $25.

All students are encouraged to support their Conservatory by selling drawing tickets to family and friends.

This is an easy way to show your support! Stop by our registrar’s office in the Chairmen’s library for your tickets today!

*New York Experience must be completed no later than Sept. 1, 2015. Prize includes three consecutive nights in a privately-owned two-bedroom suite at the Hilton Club New York, and four orchestra level seats to a Broadway show selected by the donor and the winner. Dates of the stay and show are subject to availability. Winner must provide a minimum of 120 days notice for booking the stay. Blackout dates for Hilton Club are Nov. 21, 2014 through Jan. 4, 2015, and Mar. 29, 2015 through April 5, 2015. Airfare not included.

THE DAVID A. STRAZ, JR. CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IS A 501(C)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION  AND ALL GIFTS MADE TO THE STRAZ CENTER ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE TO THE EXTENT PROVIDED BY LAW. 100% OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED ARE RETAINED BY THIS ORGANIZATION.  A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION NUMBER SC-02449.

Jazz band takes on Miley’s Wrecking Ball

Patel Conservatory student plays for renowned pianist Jon Batiste and
jazz band Stay Human

Jazz artists Jon Batiste and the Stay Human band recently gave a master class to students from Blake High School’s and Patel Conservatory’s music programs.

Prior to their performance at the Straz Center, in their Jazz Is: Now! class, the group shared tips on how to become a professional musician and how to bring themselves to every performance.

“No one can be a better you,” said one of the band members.

Batiste invited students to play the piano, and gave feedback on their performances.

“It was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced,” said Conservatory student and pianist Parker Wilkson in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times. “It was really cool to get that close in such an intimate setting with such an incredible musician.”

The Patel Conservatory’s outreach program provides the opportunity for master classes and other arts education experiences like this for our students and our community partners.

The class ended with a jam session with Conservatory jazz and saxophone instructor Matt Weihmuller and Blake students, including Stay Human’s signature version of Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking Ball.

Check out the vocals from the Blake student who joins in on this You Tube video!

 Thanks to Jon Batiste and his band members for sharing their experience and wisdom.

To support the Conservatory’s outreach and arts education efforts, please click here.

An experience to remember

The 2014 Spotlight Awards supports our arts education programs at the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory, including our outreach program, which serves more than 30 community partners throughout the Tampa Bay community.

One of the things the Conservatory provides for our community partners is tickets to shows or dress rehearsals when they’re available. The goal is to give these opportunities to students who would otherwise be unable to attend shows at the Straz.

The following is a letter we received from one of our community partners,

“Jane attended The Nutcracker along with a group of 21 students that I hosted through the generosity of your educational program. I cannot put into words the effect the Nutcracker opportunity had on Jane. I watched her as I did the other youth and she did not take her eyes off the stage. She was AWE-STRUCK.

Jane is 16 and this is the first time she has been to a performance at the theatre. She lives in poverty at a trailer park... She lost her father six months ago to lung cancer. Jane also has been bullied and struggles with feeling like she doesn't belong.

The Straz Center opportunity was an eye opener for her. It was a magical afternoon for Jane and I can tell you, she was meant to join our group on Saturday...She took a lot of photos of the water fountain near the valet, pictures with Santa, etc.

...the opportunity the Straz provided, I felt you and your colleagues should know the impact it had on a child that lives in a depressed environment.

Continue your hard work and know that it is making a difference.”

- Nikki Inda, Program Coordinator, Moffitt Healthy Kidz

Making a Difference

You can help make a difference by reserving your seats now for the 2014 Spotlight Awards through sponsorship!

When you support this fundraising event, your contributions make a difference for students like Jane and thousands more!

Sponsorship starts at $1,000 and includes reserved seating for the show and dinner. Share a sponsorship with another family, or ask your company to get involved.

If you have questions about how you can help support the arts education programs at the Straz Center's Patel Conservatory, please contact Beth Miller at 813-222-1002 or elizabeth.miller@strazcenter.org.

Auction donations requested for the 2014 Spotlight Awards

The Patel Conservatory’s 2014 Spotlight Awards is guaranteed to be a fabulous evening. This fundraising event will showcase highlights of our 2013/2014 season, followed by dinner and dancing for the entire family.

This year, the event will also include an expanded silent auction. Guests will have the opportunity to bid on fantastic items like jewelry, electronics, autographed memorabilia from visiting artists like Adam Carrolla, tickets to local attractions and more!

Get tickets to see Winter the Dophin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium
and more great items at the 2014 Spotlight Awards silent auction.

You can help make it a huge success by donating items for our auction.

The more we have, the more we sell! And the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center will receive 100% of the proceeds.

Do you have season tickets to the Bucs or Lightning? Do you know someone who sells Pampered Chef, Silpada, etc.? 

Think outside the box! Unique experiences like a hot air balloon ride, fishing excursion or box seats to a concert or sporting event are great contributions!

Other ideas include a weekend at a beach condo or mountain cabin, gift baskets from boutiques or kid friendly businesses, golf packages, autographed sports memorabilia, and gift certificates to local movie theaters, miniature golf, etc. (All items must be new.)

Donations may be dropped off at the registration desk in the Patel Conservatory’s Chairmen’s Library. Please include the auction donation form with each donation. (And please make sure donors keep a copy for their own records.)

For questions or more information, or to volunteer for our auction committee, please contact auction chair Brandy Gold at brandy.gold@aol.com or call 813.222.1002.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Free lecture with Carolina Chocolate Drops

The Patel Conservatory is proud to offer two unique opportunities with visiting concert guest artists this weekend.

Carolina Chocolate Drops Lecture/Demonstration

Sat., Feb. 1, 2014

12 to 1 p.m.

Conservatory students and families are invited to attend a lecture and demonstration from the Carolina Chocolate Drops.

This popular Grammy award-winning ensemble from Durham, North Carolina mixes the best of string-band, jug-band, R & B, early jazz, and roots music into a jubilee performance that wouldn’t be complete without a little shoutin’, flat-foot dancing and jug playing.

The group performs Sat., Feb. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in Ferguson Hall.

This event is free, however RSVP is requested. Please call 813.222.1002.

Conservatory student pays it forward

A sincere thank you goes out to the Greenway family for their recent contribution to our Wish Tree!

When Julie Greenway saw the Patel Conservatory’s Wish Tree in our TECO Lobby, she asked her daughter Amanda to pick an ornament to donate.

Amanda could have chosen anything from whiteboard markers to an iTunes gift card, but she picked one of the biggest items on the tree, a large star marked with a $250 scholarship.

“I wanted to give the most that I could,” said Amanda, who has taken classes in the Conservatory’s ballet program and now takes piano lessons with Jill Sentif.

“It’s good to give back,” she said.

Amanda said she appreciates the Conservatory’s facilities and instructors and wanted to help others enjoy the same opportunities she’s had.

Thanks, Amanda!

All donations for our Scholarship Stars directly supports students in our classrooms. The Conservatory awards more than $200,000 a year in scholarships and financial aid thanks to the generous support of individuals, foundations and businesses.

Be sure to visit our Wish Tree in TECO Lobby and see how you can give back to the Conservatory this holiday season!

Give back. Check out the Conservatory's holiday Wish List!

As the holidays approach, we’re reminded of the giving spirit of the season. Caring for others is as much a part of the season as turkey and presents under the tree.

This holiday season, you can give back to the Patel Conservatory by choosing an ornament on our Wish Tree in TECO Lobby.

From iTunes and Home Depot gift cards to hand sanitizer, the Conservatory’s wish list items will directly benefit the teachers in our classrooms.

Consider giving an item from our Wish Tree in lieu of holiday gifts for the teacher this year.

Help our teachers purchase songs for classes with an iTunes gift card. Help our production department purchase materials for sets and classroom supplies, including lumber, spike tape and Marley tape with Visa or Home Depot gift cards. Or, support our outreach program by contributing to the cost of ballet shoes for students in the dance classes at Metropolitan Ministries.

You can also help a student’s dreams come true by contributing to our Scholarship Stars!

Every gift, no matter the amount, contributes to the Conservatory’s ability to keep excellent performing arts education accessible for all.

As you do your holiday shopping, add one of the following items to your list:

iTunes gift card (all teachers)

Visa gift card (Marley tape for dance floors, spike tape, etc.)

Home Depot gift cards (building sets and classroom maintenance)

Gift card for Sam Ash or Paragon Music (Rock School supplies)

$20 donation (to underwrite cost of ballet shoes for Metropolitan Ministries students)

$25 - $250 donation for our Scholarship Stars (to help underwrite our financial assistance and scholarship program)

Macbook batteries (4) and power cords (4) (model #: A1185 10.8V) 

OR

New MacBook (for video editing and production needs)

Expo markers (all classrooms)

Tissues, ice packs and band-aids (all classrooms)

All gifts directly support the Patel Conservatory's efforts in our classrooms, on our stages and throughout the community.

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, purchase the gift, then turn it in to the registrar in the Chairmen’s Library or Student Life office by Dec. 21, 2013.

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

Save the date for the 2014 Spotlight Awards

Mark your calendars now for the 2014 Spotlight Awards!

Tuesday

May 20, 2014

6:30 Performance
8 p.m. Dinner and dancing

This end-of-the year show will recognize outstanding students and feature the best performances from the Patel Conservatory’s 2013/14 season.

After the performance, enjoy dinner and dancing for the entire family.

This year, the evening will include a silent auction, and a drawing for the chance to win a trip for four to New York City!

Proceeds from the Spotlight Awards supports our classes, scholarships and outreach programs.

The Conservatory provides more than $250,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year. In addition, we provide performing arts classes for deserving schools and organizations throughout the community. Tuition and ticket sales only cover 65% of our overall costs. We rely on the generosity of individuals, companies and private foundations to bridge the gap.

Help us continue to enrich the lives of thousands of children, both in our classrooms and throughout Tampa Bay.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, program ads, and silent auction donations, or to volunteer for the event, contact Beth Miller at 813-222-6425 or elizabeth.miller@strazcenter.org.

Give the gift to dream, reach, discover and create. Support the Patel Conservatory’s 2014 Spotlight Awards.

October was full of exciting guest artist appearances

Owen Thorne, of the Scottish Ballet, works with
NGB students at the Patel Conservatory.

When visiting artists perform at the Straz Center, students at the Patel Conservatory and our partnership schools often reap the benefits.

Last month, guest artists offered some exciting master classes and performances.

Scottish Ballet

Artists from the Scottish Ballet recently offered master classes to our Next Generation Ballet (NGB) students at the Conservatory, as well as our partnerships schools.

The Scottish Ballet is Scotland's national dance company, presenting a wide range of high-quality dance to audiences across Scotland, the UK and abroad. They brought their production of A Street Car Named Desire to only three locations in the U.S., and the Straz Center was one of them.

During their time in Tampa, artists from the company spent time in the community by providing dance master classes for students at Blake High School, Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School and NGB.

Students at the Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School enjoyed a
master class with the Scottish Ballet.

Scottish Ballet master class at Blake High School

Improvised Shakespeare Company

Back by popular demand, The Improvised Shakespeare Company (ISC) returned to the Straz Center in October. Based on one audience suggestion, ISC creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style.

While in town for their two performances, ISC spent time in residence with some of our great partnership organizations. They had the opportunity to visit Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Tampa Preparatory School, Orange Grove Middle Magnet School, as well as our Conservatory students. Each workshop was different and unique. Why? Because it’s improv! Students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive performances created on the spot!

Students at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School enjoyed a workshop with
the Improvised Shakespeare company (back row).

More guest artist appearances and workshops are always on the horizon at the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center.

Join us this Sun., Nov. 10, 2013 for a free theater workshop with the theater troupe, TE’A (Theatre, Engagement & Action).

To keep up with master classes, workshops and events offered throughout the year at the Conservatory, make sure to like us on Facebook!