NGB's Summer Fantasy features talent from around the country

To contact us Click HERE
When Tanner Bleck was little, he wanted to be on Blues Clues.“I always wanted to be Steve from Blues Clues, it used to be my favorite show,” said Tanner.So when he was six years old, he asked for acting lessons for his birthday. From then on, he’s loved performing.Now an accomplished dancer, the 14-year old from Lexington, KY will perform this Friday along with nearly 150 advanced ballet students from around the globe in Next Generation Ballet’s Summer Fantasy.The show will be a culmination of NGB’s summer intensive and will include performances from professional guest artists including Jeffrey Cirio and Lia Cirio of the Boston Ballet, and Dylan G-Bowley of Ballet Memphis.When Tanner was seven years old, through his acting classes, he learned about the concept of the triple threat (an actor, singer and dancer), which piqued his interest in dance. A fan of the television show So You Think You Can Dance, he thought he'd take ballroom dance. But he couldn't find any local classes. He wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of ballet, but his mom told him that ballet was the basis for most other dance styles.
"She told me, 'if you can do that, you can do anything,'" he said.
So he decided to take the plunge and signed up for lessons at Bluegrass Youth Ballet.“Every since I took my first ballet class, I fell in love with it,” said Tanner, who went on to the School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Lexington, and continued lessons at Bluegrass Youth Ballet.
Now, instead of dreaming about being on TV, he dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Earlier this year, he took first place in the junior classical dance category at the Indianapolis regional Youth America Grand Prix competition.


"At competitions, I like that feeling of seeing other kids do really good, and I want to be as good as them."


He went on to the YAGP finals in New York in April and has since had invitations to study at some of the best ballet schools.He has chosen to join us this fall at the Patel Conservatory to train full-time in NGB’s pre-professional program.“I kept hearing everyone talk about how Peter [Stark] would be a good fit for me. I had this gut feeling to come here,” said Tanner. “Then I started working with Peter, and I knew this is the one [school] I wanted to go to...“He’s helped me so much with my technique, and helping me build strength.”In addition learning how to jump higher and land his double tours, Tanner’s also enjoyed getting to know dancers from around the country these past few weeks. And, he’s earned the privilege to perform a solo in this Friday’s show.“No one’s really asked me to do anything like that before, my own solo,” he said.He’s thrilled to be able “to dance with other amazing dancers from around the world.”Other guest performers include NGB alumni Drew Nelson and Skyler Martin. Nelson currently attends Royal Ballet School (RBS), and Martin is a recent graduate of the RBS (2012) and new company member with Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.Check out Tanner and 150 other talented dancers this Friday at Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa for Summer Fantasy at 7 p.m.

Student from Italy learns more than Shakespeare in A Midsummer Night's Dream

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The cast of PCYT's A Midsummer Night's Dream, playing tomorrow at
the Patel Conservatory's TECO Theater.

Wrestling with the old English of a Shakespeare play is difficult for anyone. For Italian actor Lorenzo Tonelli, understanding the story was only half the problem.Lorenzo plays the fun-loving Puck in tomorrow’s PCYT production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Patel Conservatory.The 13-year-old from Bologna, Italy, speaks moderate English. So understanding the director and his fellow classmates for the past two weeks was as challenging as understanding the text.“This is the first time I’ve done Shakespeare. I have some problems what I’m reading, but my father and the director help me to translate,” said Lorenzo.The show will be the culmination of PCYT’s theater intensive program, during which students have learned vocal and acting techniques as well as an understanding of classic Shakespeare.

Lorenzo Tonelli, middle, joined us from Italy
to study theater this summer. Aaron Phillips,
left, plays Oberon, and Sasha Hollenbeck
plays Helena.

Lorenzo attends a performing arts school in Italy, where he has performed in many musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar. He sings, acts and plays piano, and recently had a role in a television movie to be broadcast in Italy.His father Marco Tonelli works for an American company based out of Lakeland that manufactures commercial juice extractors for orange juice companies. He travels from Bologna to Lakeland about every other month.Last summer, Lorenzo joined him in Lakeland and attended YMCA summer camps. This summer, in searching for some performing arts camps, a co-worker referred Marco to the Patel Conservatory.“I visited in March, and found it extremely exciting,” said Marco. He says in Italy, when people think about the performing arts in America, they imagine the excitement of Broadway.Marco finds the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center, “exactly matching with this ideal we have,” he explained.Staying at the Howard Johnson’s across the street, Lorenzo goes to classes at the Conservatory while Marco goes to work in Lakeland.“I tried all that Patel Conservatory has to offer,” said Lorenzo, who also took voice and piano lessons at the Conservatory during his stay in Tampa. “It has been a good experience...it’s fun.”Lorenzo says his instructor and Midsummer director Giles Davies has helped him learn more about character.“I feel my character inside of me,” said Lorenzo. “I am not so much of a jokester as Puck, but I love it because he’s my favorite character.”As director, Davies has a keen instinct. “He finds the right movements in the right place... he can do that...few people can.”


See Tonelli and all the talented cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream tomorrow night, Fri., July 27, 2012 at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, click here.

NGB's Summer Fantasy features talent from around the country

To contact us Click HERE
When Tanner Bleck was little, he wanted to be on Blues Clues.“I always wanted to be Steve from Blues Clues, it used to be my favorite show,” said Tanner.So when he was six years old, he asked for acting lessons for his birthday. From then on, he’s loved performing.Now an accomplished dancer, the 14-year old from Lexington, KY will perform this Friday along with nearly 150 advanced ballet students from around the globe in Next Generation Ballet’s Summer Fantasy.The show will be a culmination of NGB’s summer intensive and will include performances from professional guest artists including Jeffrey Cirio and Lia Cirio of the Boston Ballet, and Dylan G-Bowley of Ballet Memphis.When Tanner was seven years old, through his acting classes, he learned about the concept of the triple threat (an actor, singer and dancer), which piqued his interest in dance. A fan of the television show So You Think You Can Dance, he thought he'd take ballroom dance. But he couldn't find any local classes. He wasn’t immediately sold on the idea of ballet, but his mom told him that ballet was the basis for most other dance styles.
"She told me, 'if you can do that, you can do anything,'" he said.
So he decided to take the plunge and signed up for lessons at Bluegrass Youth Ballet.“Every since I took my first ballet class, I fell in love with it,” said Tanner, who went on to the School for the Creative and Performing Arts in Lexington, and continued lessons at Bluegrass Youth Ballet.
Now, instead of dreaming about being on TV, he dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Earlier this year, he took first place in the junior classical dance category at the Indianapolis regional Youth America Grand Prix competition.


"At competitions, I like that feeling of seeing other kids do really good, and I want to be as good as them."


He went on to the YAGP finals in New York in April and has since had invitations to study at some of the best ballet schools.He has chosen to join us this fall at the Patel Conservatory to train full-time in NGB’s pre-professional program.“I kept hearing everyone talk about how Peter [Stark] would be a good fit for me. I had this gut feeling to come here,” said Tanner. “Then I started working with Peter, and I knew this is the one [school] I wanted to go to...“He’s helped me so much with my technique, and helping me build strength.”In addition learning how to jump higher and land his double tours, Tanner’s also enjoyed getting to know dancers from around the country these past few weeks. And, he’s earned the privilege to perform a solo in this Friday’s show.“No one’s really asked me to do anything like that before, my own solo,” he said.He’s thrilled to be able “to dance with other amazing dancers from around the world.”Other guest performers include NGB alumni Drew Nelson and Skyler Martin. Nelson currently attends Royal Ballet School (RBS), and Martin is a recent graduate of the RBS (2012) and new company member with Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.Check out Tanner and 150 other talented dancers this Friday at Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa for Summer Fantasy at 7 p.m.

Summer Fantasy featured on national television

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Daytime hosts Lindsay MacDonald and Cindi Edwards with brothers Ethan
and Colin Fuller, who will perform in NGB's Summer Fantasy on Friday.

Next Generation Ballet’s summer dance production, Summer Fantasy, will be featured on the national television morning show Daytime tomorrow.
Dancers Ethan and Colin Fuller joined NGB’s artistic director Peter Stark on the show to talk about the production and show off a preview.Longtime students of Stark, Ethan and Colin are training at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa for four weeks this summer as part of NGB’s summer intensive program.“It’s been great, very challenging,” said Colin, 18, who has trained with the School of American Ballet for the past two years and will attend Julliard this fall. Colin recently made it to the top 35 contestants on the popular television show So You Think You Can Dance.His younger brother Ethan, 14, started dancing because he was always in tow for dance classes and competitions.“We have an aunt who dances in New York City, so we both got into it because of her,” said Ethan.Ethan toured last year from January through December with the Broadway musical Billy Elliot. He played the coveted lead role of Billy.Playing the lead in a major Broadway musical was both fun, and emotionally and physically taxing, said Ethan.“It was stressful on my body and mind, but I loved performing the show,” said Ethan.Ethan’s background is predominantly in ballet and contemporary, so he hadn’t done any tapping or much acting or singing prior to being cast in the show.“It amazed me what a good actor he was, it was a really dramatic role,” said Ethan’s mom Camille.Though rehearsals were tough, and he toured six cities, including three months in San Francisco, CA, “I always had enough energy that it was still fun.”The brothers are from Melbourne and have trained with Stark on and off for years, both in Orlando and at the Patel Conservatory. Ethan also trains with New Dimensions Dance Company in Titusville.Both have enjoyed taking classes this summer with NGB’s guest instructors, including Jeremy Blanton, Dylan G-Bowley and siblings Jeff and Lia Cirio of the Boston Ballet, and look forward to performing in Friday’s Summer Fantasy.For a preview of Friday night’s show, check out Colin performing a contemporary piece on Daytime this Wednesday morning, July 25, 2012, on WFLA Channel 8 at 10 a.m.Summer Fantasy will be Fri., July 27, 2012 at 7 p.m. in Ferguson Hall at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa. For tickets, click here.

Student from Italy learns more than Shakespeare in A Midsummer Night's Dream

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The cast of PCYT's A Midsummer Night's Dream, playing tomorrow at
the Patel Conservatory's TECO Theater.

Wrestling with the old English of a Shakespeare play is difficult for anyone. For Italian actor Lorenzo Tonelli, understanding the story was only half the problem.Lorenzo plays the fun-loving Puck in tomorrow’s PCYT production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Patel Conservatory.The 13-year-old from Bologna, Italy, speaks moderate English. So understanding the director and his fellow classmates for the past two weeks was as challenging as understanding the text.“This is the first time I’ve done Shakespeare. I have some problems what I’m reading, but my father and the director help me to translate,” said Lorenzo.The show will be the culmination of PCYT’s theater intensive program, during which students have learned vocal and acting techniques as well as an understanding of classic Shakespeare.

Lorenzo Tonelli, middle, joined us from Italy
to study theater this summer. Aaron Phillips,
left, plays Oberon, and Sasha Hollenbeck
plays Helena.

Lorenzo attends a performing arts school in Italy, where he has performed in many musicals including Jesus Christ Superstar. He sings, acts and plays piano, and recently had a role in a television movie to be broadcast in Italy.His father Marco Tonelli works for an American company based out of Lakeland that manufactures commercial juice extractors for orange juice companies. He travels from Bologna to Lakeland about every other month.Last summer, Lorenzo joined him in Lakeland and attended YMCA summer camps. This summer, in searching for some performing arts camps, a co-worker referred Marco to the Patel Conservatory.“I visited in March, and found it extremely exciting,” said Marco. He says in Italy, when people think about the performing arts in America, they imagine the excitement of Broadway.Marco finds the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center, “exactly matching with this ideal we have,” he explained.Staying at the Howard Johnson’s across the street, Lorenzo goes to classes at the Conservatory while Marco goes to work in Lakeland.“I tried all that Patel Conservatory has to offer,” said Lorenzo, who also took voice and piano lessons at the Conservatory during his stay in Tampa. “It has been a good experience...it’s fun.”Lorenzo says his instructor and Midsummer director Giles Davies has helped him learn more about character.“I feel my character inside of me,” said Lorenzo. “I am not so much of a jokester as Puck, but I love it because he’s my favorite character.”As director, Davies has a keen instinct. “He finds the right movements in the right place... he can do that...few people can.”


See Tonelli and all the talented cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream tomorrow night, Fri., July 27, 2012 at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, click here.

Theater auditions for Kiss Me, Kate and fall classes

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The Patel Conservatory Theater department will have auditions for their fall theater classes, as well as their production of the popular musical, Kiss Me, Kate.
Auditions will be:
August 11, 20121 to 4 p.m.andAugust 22, 2012 (Note date change)5 to 8 p.m.
Auditions for fall classes are for students in grades 2 through college, and allow instructors to place students in the most appropriate class for their age and skill levels. 
General auditions start at 1 p.m and participants will take three 45-minute classes in dance, music and theater. You’ll receive class placement immediately following the audition.

To audition for Kiss Me, Kate, please come prepared with a 30-second monologue and 16 bars of a song, preferably a traditional musical theater song. Bring sheet music if possible, an accompanist will be available.
PCYT’s fall production of Kiss Me, Kate will be performed by advanced students in grades 7 through college who are enrolled in a Patel Conservatory theater class. There is a $15 audition fee for new or lapsed students.
This play-within-a-play is a fun, melodious and sophisticated musical, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
Students in the show will participate in an advanced performance-based program that allows them to put into practice the skills they gain in the classroom. The rehearsal process is both nurturing and demanding and culminates in a series of ticketed performances open to the public.
Kiss Me, Kate will be performed in the TECO Theater at the Patel Conservatory Nov. 8 - 10, 2012 and Nov. 15 - 17, 2012.
Reservations are required for all auditions. To reserve your audition slot, please call our theater department at 813.222.6414 or visit pateltheater@strazcenter.org.
(Kiss Me, Kate will be performed with live accompaniment by Patel Conservatory advanced music students. To learn more about auditions for the Kiss Me, Kate Pit Orchestra and other music programs, click here.)

Auditions for fall music classes

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The Patel Conservatory in downtown Tampa will hold auditions this week for its fall music classes.

Did you know that the Patel Conservatory is accredited by the same organization as Hillsborough County Public Schools?
Academic credit may be available for classes taken at the Conservatory. Prior approval from your school is required.
Auditions are required for placement in the appropriate level classes for the following music programs:
Rock School
Mon., Aug. 13, 5 - 8 p.m.Tues., Aug. 14, 5 - 8 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 5, 5 to 8 p.m.Instrument and cords required (drum set, amps and keyboards provided). If you are auditioning as a vocalist, you must audition on an instrument as well. Rock School students returning after a one-semester or more absence must audition.
Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra
For Prelude Strings, Intermezzo String Orchestra and Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra. Conducted by Stephen Brown, Associate Conductor, Catherine Michelsen.Mon., Aug. 13, 5:30-8 p.m.
Tues., Aug. 14, 5:30-8 p.m.
Wed., Aug. 15, 5:30-8 p.m.
For additional information on audition requirements, click here.
Pit Orchestra
Aug. 13-15, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Be a part of the live orchestra ensemble for PCYT’s fall production of Kiss Me, Kate!
All auditions require a $15 audition fee. To schedule an audition appointment, please email music@strazcenter.org or call 813.222.1002.

To supplement your ensemble experience, private lessons are encouraged on your instrument. For information on private lessons, please click here.

New this fall: Fundamentals of Music, a free class for students enrolled in a Patel Conservatory music class. Click here for more info.

Free music class for Patel Conservatory students

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The Patel Conservatory in Tampa has added a free class for our students.

Fundamentals of Music begins this fall for grade 4 through Adult, and is free for youth and high school students registered in another class at the Conservatory.  
This is a great class for adults who've always wanted to learn more about music, or for parents of music students want to speak their kids' language. There is a fee for adult students.

It's also the perfect supplement for Rock School, musical theater or beginning voice students.

The class will cover the basics of music reading, terminology and notation, and may even be eligible for academic credit. The Patel Conservatory is accredited by the same organization as Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Academic credit may be available for many classes taken at the Conservatory in dance, music and theater. Prior approval from your school is required.
For a full list of more than 100 performing arts classes for all ages and skill levels, please see our online brochure or click here.

Spotlight on Catherine Michelsen

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Catherine Michelsen, Associate Conductor
of the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra

As a little girl, Catherine Michelsen had taken piano lessons for years.

But her musical journey took on a new direction when she was saw a student violin performance at her elementary school.
“I saw a Suzuki in the Schools group perform. Watching them play together, I was mesmerized by it,” said Michelsen.
She soon began taking violin lessons and it wasn’t long before Michelsen knew she’d major in music and become a professional violinist.
Michelsen is now the Associate Conductor of the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestras (PCYO), String Specialist and a Suzuki-trained violin instructor. She's also a performer who has played frequently with the Florida Orchestra, Opera Tampa, the Orlando Philharmonic and many other professional orchestras.
While she’s always had a passion for music and violin, she didn’t realize she wanted to become a teacher until she took a Suzuki training class while at the Boston Conservatory working on a master’s degree in violin performance.
“When I did my first Suzuki training in 2003, I had taught private lessons before, but I hadn’t taught small children or started students on first lessons...The idea of totally starting from scratch with kids as young as three was a little scary.”
But the Suzuki method clicked with Catherine and she continued her training throughout her years of pursuing another graduate degree and a doctorate degree.
The goal of Suzuki (violin) training is “to make better human beings through music,” explained Catherine.
She feels that music lessons help children learn to focus, especially in today’s society where children are often overbooked with activities from the time they’re in preschool.
“The necessary concentration and attention to detail for Suzuki violin, or any instrument, transfers to anything in life,” she said.
Working in tandem with the parents, Catherine feels that Suzuki violin lessons provide consistency, discipline and rewarding social benefits for kids.
“The idea is that children learn to play an instrument the way they learn to speak...through repetition and continually building on their vocabulary, or repertoire,” said Catherine.
As they grow with the program, kids gain valuable skills through joining an orchestra.
“Playing in an ensemble adds a whole new dimension to music lessons. You have to be aware of everyone else’s parts, not just your own, and you have to get used to seeing a conductor in front of you.”
As the associate conductor of PCYO, Catherine prides herself on the personal attention given to our students.
“I started with the goal of trying to get to know every student and working with them individually,” she said. “I feel like I have a great rapport with the students and the parents. It’s become like a family."
Being in private music lessons or a youth orchestra can be a big time and financial commitment, but, she says, “It’s absolutely worth it. In the end, whether that’s in elementary school, high school or college, the journey stays with you.”

Class cards offer flexibility for adults

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You’re a busy adult with work, kids and family obligations, a mile-long list of things to do, and a host of commitments pulling you in different directions.
Fortunately, with the class cards at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa, you don’t have to sacrifice personal time just for you!
Escape from reality and explore your creativity at a time that suits your schedule with our Class Card and Reel Deal Card.
CLASS CARDSClass cards are available for adults and college students for dance classes and the new  class, Who Knew?
More than 80 people took advantage of our class cards over the summer, said Melissa Fortman, registrar at the Patel Conservatory.
“A lot of people who travel for their jobs or have family commitments enjoy the freedom of the Class Cards because they have the ability to drop in when it’s convenient for them,” said Fortman.
She points out that it’s also a great option for those who simply want variety.
“A lot of our adult dance students took dance when they were young. As they get back into it, they want to try different styles of classes, like ballet, hip hop and jazz,” she said.

• Who Knew? This new class is a great way to learn about concerts, Broadway musicals or other events at the Straz Center. Discuss the music, study the script or chat with professionals involved in the performance for a behind-the-scenes look at how shows and concerts are produced. Who Knew? classes are available on a drop-in basis only. Topics to be announced throughout the year.
• Community Dance Classes Get your body moving and alleviate stress with one of our community dance classes.  Choose from ballet, contemporary, hip hop, tap, jazz and flamenco.

Class Cards are $65 for a 5-class card, or $120 for a 10-class card.
REEL DEAL CARDSNew this fall! We are now offering a Reel Deal card for our On-Camera Acting class.
The on-camera acting class helps students improve audition techniques and develop honesty on camera through exercises in improvisation, Meisner Technique and character development. Gain confidence and strengthen your acting skills, and prepare for professional auditions and bookings.
The class is offered Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 3 to 5 p.m.
The Reel Deal card is available for the Saturday classes only, and allows students to drop in when it’s convenient for them.
The Real Deal Card is $65 for a 5-class card and $120 for a 10-class card.
For more information about the Class Cards and Reel Deal cards, please call 813-222-1002.

NGB students gear up for YAGP

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Hannah Bettes, former NGB student, at a YAGP competition.

Students of Patel Conservatory’s Next Generation Ballet (NGB) will be participating in their first round of Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) auditions this weekend.
On Saturday morning, hopeful advanced ballet students will participate in a warm-up class followed by the audition that will decide who will qualify to go to the YAGP regional competition held at the Straz Center in January.
This year, qualifying students will be selected by an outside panel of judges rather than Patel Conservatory faculty.
“This is a new initiative to have outside eyes select the best fit of dancer to compete at YAGP,” said Claire Olson, dance manager at the Conservatory.
The judges for the auditions will be Bruce Marks, Andrew Carroll, Robert DeWarren and Jack Clark.
Historically, NGB students have placed well at YAGP competitions, winning scholarships from prestigious ballet schools around the world. Many have gone on to compete at the finals in New York City, where Patel Conservatory received YAGP's Outstanding School Award in 2011.
The YAGP competition in January will include a final gala, featuring the best competitors alongside international ballet stars. The Gala will be filmed and broadcasted through Emerging Pictures Dance and Cinema Series.

Conservatory To-Go! helps schools supplement curriculum

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The Patel Conservatory is pleased to announce a new partnership with Most Holy Redeemer (MHR) Catholic School in Tampa.

Students at MHR will take violin
lessons as part of the
Conservatory-To-Go! program.

Through our Conservatory To-Go! program, we’re now offering arts education classes on MHR’s campus as part of the school’s curriculum.
When Thom Laux took over as principal last year at MHR, he knew the school needed to improve their arts programming.
“Although a lot of public schools are taking out arts education, we knew it was important to put it in,” said Laux.
Laux had previously worked at the Metropolitan Ministries partnership school, a school for homeless and at-risk students where the Conservatory holds outreach classes.
“It was a great partnership... the talent of the instructors, they were incredible,” said Laux.
When looking to supplement the curriculum at MHR, he said, “My goal was to get Patel because I wanted the best.”
By utilizing the resources of the Conservatory, which is an accredited arts institution, MHR is able to bring quality arts education to their students during the day on their campus.
“When I introduced the partnership at the end of last year, our community was buzzing,” said Laux.
He says parents, students and faculty have been thrilled with the new classes.
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade participate in age appropriate theater and music classes taught by Patel Conservatory instructors.
For music, students in 3rd through 8th grades receive fundamental music instruction and violin lessons. Older students may also have the opportunity to learn woodwind and percussion instruments with the possibility of a band class.
For theater, students in 5th through 8th grades will have a full year drama class and the opportunity to participate in Patel Conservatory Youth Theater productions at the Conservatory, such as Kiss Me, Kate and Music Man, Jr..
“The drama class is unreal, fantastic. I could see how it will help in the classroom. The activity [the instructor] was doing the other day looked like a game, but it was teaching [students] things like concentration,” said Laux.
Even if kids don't pursue the arts, exposure to the arts helps them build confidence, discipline and creativity, he said.
“But if it excites them, and opens the door for kids who have the talent and want to pursue that, the goal has been accomplished.”
Some music classes will also be offered at Morning Star School, a special needs school on MHR’s campus.
The Conservatory To-Go! program is the perfect solution for schools like MHR who want more arts education, but don’t have the internal resources.
“We’re still that hidden jewel in the community that many people don’t know about,” said Tina James, Education Programs Coordinator at the Conservatory.
“For MHR it gives them the performing arts that they’ve been missing, and for us, it expands our reach into the community and helps fulfill our mission,” which is to help students dream, reach, discover and create through the performing arts.
Laux says, “Having the Patel Conservatory at our school has made our school better.”
For more information about the Conservatory To-Go! program, please call 813.222.1002.

Spotlight on Katlyn Iacovino

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Katlyn Iacovino always enjoyed singing. When she was little, she sang around the house, and when she got to middle school, she joined her school choir.

It wasn’t until high school though that Katlyn began thinking seriously about becoming a professional singer.
As a freshman at Riverview High School, she met a senior who was interested in opera.
“I thought that was very unusual and she was a big inspiration to me,” said Katlyn, 17, now starting her senior year at Riverview.
Last year, she began looking for music programs to study voice and she found the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.
“The whole experience of being there overwhelmed me in a good way. I felt everyone was very supportive of each other,” she said.
She started at the Conservatory with private voice lessons with music chair, Gregory Ruffer.
“I realized if I want to take this seriously, I need to take that next step,” said Katlyn. “Working with Greg helped me learn more about myself and what I can do. I was challenged more.”
She joined the Conservatory’s senior choir, and, in May, was the recipient of the Patel Conservatory’s Spotlight Award for Outstanding Student Achievement in Music.
Katlyn says that being at the Conservatory has provided her with exceptional opportunities to study and train with talented professionals and students alike.
“It opened me up to new experiences beyond what I could imagine,” she said.
Last year, she was chosen to be part of the Opera Tampa Chorus, and, this past summer, she participated in the Conservatory’s Classical Voice Intensive during which she took master classes with world renowned instructors including Beverley Rinaldi and Mark Lubas.
The Classical Voice Intensive “was the best experience ever. I got to work with kids my age and grad students and undergraduate students. It was like a glimpse of what it would be like to be in college focusing on music,” she said. “The group was absolutely amazing and so supportive.”
This fall, she intends to take a musical theater class to try something different and get more performance experience. She recently auditioned for PCYT’s production of Kiss Me, Kate.
“Being at the Conservatory six days a week, I’ve discovered this is my niche, this is what I want.”

Patel Conservatory hosts Orchestra Festival for area schools

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Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Centerannounces the2012 Straz Student Orchestra FestivalOctober 9, 2012
In celebration of contemporary and classical music, Tampa Bay area youth orchestras are invited to attend a day at the Straz. 
It’s your chance to perform with your high school or middle school orchestra on stage in the majestic Carol Morsani Hall at the Straz Center!
Students will gain inspiration and solid instruction as they participate in master classes with professional musicians. All groups will also attend individual and massed orchestra rehearsals.
The event will culminate in a collaborative performance in Carol Morsani Hall. Each school orchestra will perform three to four works of their choice, followed by a spectacular group finale conducted by Stephen P. Brown, principal conductor of the Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra.
This unique educational and performance experience is a great way to kick off your season! Network with other organizations and learn from one another as we foster a sense of community.
Students will have fun and grow as individual musicians and as an ensemble.
All Tampa Bay area school orchestras are encouraged to attend. Registration is due by September 1, 2012. If your school group is interested, please call 813-222-1002.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at upcoming shows at the Straz

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Ever watch a live performance and wonder what went into it, how the actors made it work or the history of the music?
The Patel Conservatory and the Straz Center invite you to attend a new, informal class called Who Knew?
Led by Maestro Stephen P. Brown, the class is an opportunity to learn more about concerts, Broadway musicals and other events at the Straz before you see the show. 
Discuss the music, study the script or chat with professionals involved in the performance.
Who Knew will beTuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The Fall 2012 schedule for the Who Knew class is as follows:
Sept. 4 - Fahrenheit 451Sept. 11 - The Great Gospel ShowcaseSept. 18 - Latin NightsSept. 25 - You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up!Oct. 2 - Beethoven to Bernstein to BrownOct. 16 - SibeliusOct. 23 - Jekyll and HydeOct. 30 - GershwinNov. 6 - DvorakNov. 13 - Kiss Me, KateNov. 20 - ElfNov. 27 - Idina MenzelDec. 4 - SchubertDec. 11 - Sister ActDec. 18 - The Nutcracker
The cost is $65 for a 5-class card, or $120 for a 10-class card. No registration is required. Classes are held on a drop-in basis so you can attend the classes that interest you and work for your schedule.
For more information, please call 813-222-1002.