Elefante Music Theater Camp - "Best of the Best"

The theme of the 2013 Elefante Music Theater Camp is "Best of the Best!"  This summer we will only be performing songs from the Tony Award winners for Best Musical.  Here is a list of some of the songs we'll be performing this summer:

"Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" (Cats), "Shipoopi" (Music Man), "Too Darn Hot" (Kiss Me Kate), "One" (A Chorus Line) ,"Put on a Happy Face" (Bye, Bye Birdie), "I Can't Be Bothered Now" (Crazy for You), "Shuffle off to Buffalo" (42nd Street), "Nicest Kids in Town" (Hairspray), "Welcome to the 60s" (Hairspray), "Brotherhood of Man" (How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying), "Hernando's Hideaway" (Pajama Game), "Luck Be a Lady" (Guys and Dolls), "So Long, Farewell" (Sound of Music), "You're Never Fully Dressed without a Smile" (Annie), "Side by Side by Side" (Company), "Don't Tell Mama" (Gypsy), "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" (Sweeney Todd), "The Song of Purple Summer" (Spring Awakening), "Six Months out of Every Year" (Damn Yankees), "Do You Hear the People Sing" (Les Miserables), "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now" (Hairspray),  "Fugue for Tinhorns" (Guys and Dolls), "With a Little Bit of Luck" (My Fair Lady), "I'm Not at All in Love" (Pajama Game)

For more info or to register, contact Karen at (908) 464-5928 or karen@elefantemusic.com, or visit the Summer at Elefante page.

January 2013 Student of the Month Joseph Ferenchiak's Words of Wisdom

I must say that although the piano is a very popular instrument, it is in no way an easy instrument. However, that is NOT a reason to give up on it, for there is so much that you would be missing out on. Practice truly does make perfect, and the more you practice, the better you will become.

Every time I begin a new song, I always find that I have a little voice screaming, "This song is way to advanced for you. Go do something else with your time". Do I ever think to listen to that voice? No. Do I ever grow frustrated while learning new songs? Absolutely. However, I find that when I am practicing, and become frustrated with a really difficult part of a song, walking away from the piano for a few minutes to calm my nerves will usually help. (A few minutes does not equal a few months, kids.)

Afterwards, I go back and I find the part to be much easier to move through. Otherwise, I repeat that difficult part over and over again until I get the knack of it. In terms of how long to practice: do not follow my practice times! My routine may not be helpful for everyone! Practice for at least thirty minutes to an hour everyday (I do strive to practice songs that I do with Agnes for at least fifteen to twenty minutes daily), or however long your teachers recommend. The reason I have such an unsteady method of practicing is because of my schedule, and because I juggle between songs with Agnes, and songs that I compose/improvise on my own.

If you find the music/exercises that you are studying to be boring, buckle down and keep practicing. Although you may not notice, the songs that you are learning act as stepping stones that gradually help you move into more difficult material. If you keep "walking along the path", you will be able to play anything that your heart desires in the future!

Elefante Spring Musical - Seussical, Jr.!

Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce its second annual Spring Musical - Seussical, Jr.!

In this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, Tony winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year and Ragtime) have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination--Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. 

Join Pixie Dust Players Director/Choreographer Lindsay Maron and Elefante Music’s Artistic Director Joe Elefante for a fun-filled class focusing on the development of a full production. The class will meet on Thursdays from 5:30-7:30. This 16-week class will culminate in a performance of Seussical, Jr. on Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23. This is a great opportunity for all types of performers, those just looking for a first taste of theatre and those looking for another chance to shine on stage!

Details:

• The final production will be performed with a set, full costumes, and professional hair and make-up.

• Class on Thursday, May 16 will be held at the Summit Playhouse (10 New England Ave, Summit NJ)

• There will be additional classes before the show held at the Summit Playhouse on Sunday, May 19 (5:30-7:30), Monday, May 20 (5:00-8:00), and Tuesday, May 21 (5:00-8:00)

• The performances will begin at 7:00pm on Wednesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 23 (all class members will be asked to arrive at 5:00pm)

• Each member of the class will receive 2 tickets to each performance.

• The total cost for the class will be $500

Download our registration form here or contact Carolyn at (908) 464-5928 orcarolyn@elefantemusic.com for more information or to register.