Featured camp of the month: Popular Dance Intensive

Parker Espada in On the Edge

Many people recognize the Patel Conservatory for our exceptional ballet program. They may not know, however, that the Conservatory recently expanded our dance program by adding more classes and more flexibility for students wanting to study additional dance styles.

Led by Kelly King, a former Radio City Rockette for 12 years, the new Patel Conservatory Popular Dance program allows dancers to explore popular dance styles for opportunities such as Broadway, television, theme parks and more.

The growth of the program in the past year inspired a new camp this summer, the Popular Dance Intensive, which will be Aug. 10 through Aug. 14, 2015.

Parker Espada, 13, who joined the Conservatory’s ballet program last summer to work on her technique, also participated in the Popular Dance program.

“I liked it because it was different from what we were doing in my other classes [jazz and ballet]. It allowed me to work on contemporary and get the challenge that I needed to improve as a dancer,” she said.

The week-long intensive, led by King and Patel Conservatory dance faulty Susan Downey, will immerse dancers in multiple forms of commercial dance including tap, Broadway, contemporary and musical theater.

“I’m looking forward to taking different styles of dance, like tap. I normally don’t take tap,” said Parker.

Students will work with teaching artists who have years of professional experience on Broadway, on tour, and in television and film. The week will culminate in a ticketed performance in the Straz Center’s Ferguson Hall on Sat., Aug. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Students will also be given the opportunity to audition a contemporary or jazz solo that may be included in the show.

Parker looks forward to the week-long intensive as part of her training. She hopes to one day be a professional dancer and feels the Conservatory has helped push her to the next level.

Being at the Conservatory, “has been a very, very good experience. As a dancer, it’s allowed me to grow.”

The Popular Dance Intensive is open to dancers in grades six through 12. For more information or to register, call 813.222.1040 or visit strazcenter.org.

Featured Camps of the Month: Showstoppers and Showstoppers, Jr.

This month, we highlight our Patel Conservatory Theater intensive, Showstoppers and, new this year, Showstoppers, Jr.

Showstoppers is a musical revue of popular Broadway favorites performed by advanced level theater students in our summer theater intensive of the same name. It’s been so well received the past couple of years that we’ve added even more fun to this summer’s line-up.

Due to the popularity of Showstoppers, we added Showstoppers, Jr. This two week camp for students in grades five through eight allows younger students to work on their vocal and musical theater skills. There is no audition required for this level.

Directed by Matt Belopavlovich, Showstoppers Jr. gives students the opportunity to hone their solo and ensemble skills through rehearsal and performance of songs from popular musicals including 42nd Street, High School Musical and Fame.

In addition, this year’s Showstoppers revue promises to be just as exciting as ever!

“We’re going even bigger this year with the show, including an eight-piece orchestra,” said Showstoppers director Scott Daniel.

“A major difference this year is that we’ve gone from a two-week intensive to three weeks to expand the show. That extra week gives us more time to put together a full 90-minute production.”

Daniel, in his second year of directing this production, brings a wealth of musical theater experience to the show. He has performed in national tours of Cirque Dreams and Footloose, and regional credits include The Wiz, Spring Awakening, Bright Lights Big City and many more. He's also performed with Royal Caribbean International and Holland America cruise lines.

In the intensive, advanced level students in grades seven through college will spend three weeks in rehearsals, which culminate in multiple performances which have traditionally sold out.

This year’s performance, Showstoppers: Words and Music, pays tribute to great American composers such as Andrew Lloyd Weber, Stephen Sondheim and Kander and Ebb. With selections from Chicago, Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Phantom of the Opera, and many more, it’s sure to be truly showstopping!

Registration is still available to participate in the Showstoppers, Jr. camp. To register, click here or call 813.222.1002.

For tickets to Showstoppers: Words and Music, click here.

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.

Featured camp of the month: Musical Theater

This month, we highlight our most popular camp, Musical Theater.

Does your child love to act out different characters, sing along to their favorite shows and dance their hearts out around the living room?

Harness that energy and budding love of the arts in one of the Patel Conservatory's musical theater camps!

In our musical theater camps, students explore music, dance and theater in one fun-filled week that lets them use their imaginations and explore the performing arts. They’ll enjoy drama-based games and activities, improvisation and scene work geared toward their age levels.

At the end of the week, they'll show off new skills in a showcase for friends and family.

Offered multiple weeks throughout the summer, with different themes each week, they’ll want to come back again and again!

Full day Musical Theater camps are offered for 2^nd through 8^th graders, and half day Mini Musical Theater camps are offered for preschoolers through Kindergartners.

Musical Theater Camp (Grades 2-8)

Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$345 per week
Weeks offered:
July 20-24

July 27-31
August 10-14

Mini Musical Theater (PreK-Gr. 1)
Mon. – Fri., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
$245 per week

Weeks offered:
June 8-12

June 15-19
July 13-17
July 20-24
August 3-7

To register, click here, or call 813.222.1002.

Free workshop with legendary jazz artist

Are you a musician interested in gaining skills or learning more about jazz?

You’re invited to participate in a free jazz workshop with seasoned professionals in the business!

Jazz Workshop

Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center

Thurs., Apr. 23, 2015

5 p.m.

Free

The Patel Conservatory is hosting a jazz workshop for musicians who’d like to improve their skills and learn more about the form. Students will have the opportunity to study with jazz legend John Lamb, one of the most notable jazz musicians in the area. This virtuoso bassist played with the famed Duke Ellington Orchestra.

Participants will work with Lamb and other professionals, including the Conservatory's resident jazz expert Matt Weihmuller, in specialized master classes geared towards improvisation.

The workshop serves as an introduction to the Patel Conservatory’s jazz program and summer opportunities. Participants may be considered for the Conservatory’s Jazz Intensive, a week-long experience that includes small combo and big band playing as well as master classes and in-depth training.

The workshop is free and open to students in grades seven through college. Students should bring whatever instrument they play.

For more information, or to RSVP, contact Allison.novak@strazcenter.org.

Former NYC Ballet principal Philip Neal to direct NGB 2015 summer intensive

The Patel Conservatory and Next Generation Ballet (NGB) is proud to announce that acclaimed choreographer and former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Philip Neal has been engaged as the interim artistic director of NGB’s 2015 Summer Intensive.

Neal gives corrections at an NGB master class.

Having been a guest instructor for NGB’s summer intensive in previous years, Neal is excited to return to Tampa this summer.

“I’m really honored and thrilled. I love to be in the studio working with students,” said Neal.

After a 23-year tenure with New York City Ballet, 17 years as a principal dancer, Neal currently is a repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust and the Jerome Robbins Rights Trust, staging the ballets of both legendary choreographers throughout the world.

He began his dance career with the New York City Ballet in the same year as current NGB artistic director Peter Stark, and the two have remained friends throughout the years.

“I work with companies all over the world," said Neal. "I saw NGB’s Nutcracker in December, and what Peter has built with NGB is amazing. So it’s very important to me that I protect the top level of training expected. I want to be sure students receive training that will continue to serve them on a global scale, preparing them for a myriad of companies.”

Neal has created work for the Richmond Ballet, and has been invited to participate in the New York Choreographic Institute. He has been on the permanent faculty of the School of American Ballet, and continues to teach there as a guest instructor. He has been a guest instructor for numerous dance companies and schools, including Miami City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Joffrey Ballet.

NGB’s summer intensive will also feature many guest instructors including Maria Kowroski, principal ballerina with New York City Ballet and Sascha Radetsky, star of the movie Center Stage and former soloist with American Ballet Theatre. 

In addition to leading a stellar group of instructors, Neal hopes to impart more than technique to his students.

“Training is as much about learning how to jump and turn, as it is about learning dignity and humility. I think those are principles that Peter and I  have in common,” said Neal. “Students joining us this summer will improve their training, mindset, discipline and humility, all the things they need to survive and succeed as a dancer in a professional environment.”

For more information on NGB’s summer intensive, including a full list of guest instructors, visit nextgenerationballet.org.

Extended camp hours available

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is pleased to offer extended camp hours before and after  some of our most popular performing arts camps this year!

Many of our Conservatory summer camps, including our popular Musical Theater Camp, are offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This year, we’ve added our Pre- and Post- camps to give families the flexibility of extended hours.

Before and after camp, students enjoy age-appropriate arts and crafts, movies, activities and theater games.

Pre- and post- camps are offered Monday through Friday from Jun. 8 through Aug. 14, 2015.

Pre-camps are offered from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Post-camps are offered from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Pre- and post-camps are $25 per week each, or $40 when added together during the same week.

The Patel Conservatory offers more than 50 summer camps and classes in dance, music and theater. For more information, visit patelconservatory.org, or call 813.222.1002.

Join us for Camp-A-Palooza 2015!

Ready for some summer fun? Join us for free food, fun and prizes at the Patel Conservatory’s Camp-A-Palooza!

Patel Conservatory's
Camp-A-Palooza

Sat., Mar. 21, 2015

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring your friends and come hang out with us on Tampa’s beautiful Riverwalk and learn how you can become a part of one of the largest performing arts centers in the country!

Enjoy live music from our Rock School bands and performances from our Barbershop quartet, award-winning dance Show Team and a preview from Fiddler on the Roof.

Then, join in on the fun with free interactive demonstrations. Let the kids make some noise with our percussion demo, and instrumental demos from Sam Ash Music, get some free vocal tips, try your hand at Improv, and sing along to Aladdin's A Whole New World.

It's your opportunity to tour the Conservatory, check out our theater and studios, meet staff and ask questions.

There'll be free face painting and a chance to win a family 4-pack to the Broadway production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and other shows.

The Patel Conservatory offers a variety of  summer camps and classes in dance, theater and music, for preschoolers to adults.  

Learn how your kids can perform on stage in Shrek the Musical or Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.! From Mini Musical Theater camps to pre-professional training, there’s something for everyone.

New camps this year include our Popular Dance Intensive, led by award-winning choreographer Kelly King, and our instrumental camps including Jazz Intensive, Chamber Music and Vocal Intensives and Drumline.

Extended camps hours are now available before and after most camps.

Enjoy samples from PDQ, EVOS, our summer camp lunch partner, cotton candy, and more.

Register early and save! Register for summer camps or classes by Mar. 28, 2015 and receive 10% off!*

For more information, call 813-222-1002 or visit patelconservatory.org.

Don't miss the fun! See you at Camp-A-Palooza!

*Discount not available for Next Generation Ballet Intensives.

Advanced music intensives offered this summer

The Patel Conservatory is offering advanced music intensives this summer that are sure to give vocal and instrumental students an edge.

“This year, we’ve expanded the scope and depth of our music offerings to include more intensive training for advanced music students,” said Dr. Daniel Powell, the Conservatory’s Music Department Chair.

New intensives added this year include our jazz and drumline intensives, and our vocal and chamber intensives have broadened in curriculum. All intensives include master classes with seasoned professionals in their respective genre.

“Students will benefit from working with a variety of experienced instructors in both large and small ensembles, and in doing so, will gain invaluable experience and new learning opportunities,” said Powell.

For students in school ensembles, these summer opportunities can sharpen their techniques and performance skills so they’ll be ready for the new school year with renewed vigor.

The vocal and chamber intensives will also include an Honors Recital, which will showcase exceptional students who demonstrate the necessary skills and passion.

Come train with the best in our advanced music intensives:

Voice Intensive

June 8 - 19

Gr 7 - college

Working with distinguished teaching artists in this two-week intensive, vocalists spend each day working in large and small ensemble rehearsals, including daily offerings in diction, song interpretation, master classes and choreography. The Honors Recital showcases those students with the skills and passion to enhance their experience. The intensive culminates with a combined performance on one of the Straz Center’s stages. Private voice lessons are available for an additional fee.

Chamber Music Intensive

Gr. 7 - college

June 8 - 19

Honing their performance and practice skills with master teachers and varied repertoire, string, wind and piano players will perform in a variety of large and small chamber music ensembles. Special topics will include music theory, performance technique, music history and master classes, all culminating in a combined performance on one of the Straz Center’s stages. Private lessons are offered for all instruments and skill levels for an additional fee.

Jazz Intensive

July 27 - 31

Gr 7 - college

For students interested in hands-on, in-depth exposure to the form, this camp pairs teaching artists with students for five full days of small combo and big band playing. With master classes, ear training, sight-reading and classes in improvisation, this camp includes instruction in all aspects of appreciation and performance of jazz and closes with a final jam session.

Drumline

Gr. 9 - college

July 27 - 31

Individual drummers as well as full drumlines can sharpen their skills in this week-long marching percussion camp. Focusing on rudimental drumming, marching percussion and pit percussion, students gain experience in playing, marching and leadership to enhance the impact of their marching band performances.

For audition information for summer music intensives, please click here.

Students in grades five through 12 may also be interested in our Guitar Camp, Cultural Drumming camp or Rock Star Retreat.

Younger students may be interested in our Children’s Chorus Camp, Pint-Sized Percussion Camp and Instrument Petting Zoo.

For more information, please call 813.222.1002.

Auditions for Patel Conservatory's 2014 Summer Theater programs

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in Tampa will host auditions for our summer theater programs.

Our summer theater productions are performance based programs designed to allow students to put into practice the skills they gain in the classroom. Students receive intensive theater training and participate in a nurturing and demanding rehearsal process that culminates in a ticketed production in one our theaters, open to the public.

2014 Summer Musicals:

Jungle Book (Grades 2 to 4)

Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr. (Grades 5 to 8)

Showstoppers Musical Revue (Grades 5 through college)

Hairspray (Grades 9 through college)

Auditions for all new students will be:

Sun., Apr. 6. at 10:30 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Auditions for all returning students will be:

Mon., Apr. 7. Call for times.

Students should prepare 16 bars of a song. Piano accompaniment and CD/ iPod hookups will be available.

Students will also will learn a short dance routine and be led through some theater warm ups and improv exercises, so come prepared to move (no revealing or restrictive clothing, no high heels, flip flops, etc.).

All students may also be considered for summer vocal arts programs at these auditions.

2014 Summer plays (non-musical):

Grades 9 through adult

Winter’s Tale

All in the Timing

Agreeable Husband

Auditions for new students will be:

Sat., Apr. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

Auditions for returning students will be:

Mon., Apr. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Please prepare a 1 minute monologue or Shakespearean sonnet.

There is a $15 audition fee for all auditions. RSVP is required.

Placement will be given immediately following auditions.

For more information, or to RSVP, please call 813.222.1002.

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.