Monday, February 11, 2013
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.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
January 2013 Student of the Month Joseph Ferenchiak's Words of Wisdom
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!
Monday, January 21, 2013
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.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts Is Proud to Add Theater Education Legend Susan Speidel to Our Fantastic Roster of Performing Arts Instructors
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
May Events at Elefante
featuring:
Mozart’s Quintet for Clarinet and Strings
Al Elefante, Clarinet
Farkhad Khudyev, Violin
Alex Wang, Violin
Marina Stefanovsky, Viola
Oliver Shapiro, Cello
Duo Fondamento
Farkhad Khudyev, Violin
Stephen Wale, Piano
performing works by Dvorak, Brahms, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
WindSync @ Elefante Music
Homeward Bound
A young, fresh and energetic ensemble, WindSync, is thrilling audiences with their unique approach to classical music. WindSync specializes in creative and engaging interactive performances that inspire audiences of all ages. Critics and audiences alike rave about performances that expand the woodwind quintet repertoire with several world premiere pieces that were written or arranged especially for WindSync. Houston public radio called WindSync, “innovative…unconventional and exciting” and Idyllwild Arts Academy praised WindSync as “one of the most talented groups of young musicians on the scene today.”
Strongly committed to educational enrichment, WindSync has performed in over 50 concerts in schools since the ensemble began in 2009, enriching the lives of students from San Francisco to the Virgin Islands. Young Audiences of Houston applauded WindSync for their “extraordinary ability to connect with students, educators, administrators and parents in a powerful and meaningful way.” Masterclasses and lecture recitals given at Drexel University and Stanford University and at high schools such as Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and California’s Idyllwild Arts Academy have received similar acclaim. Working with Music for Autism, Windsync has presented specialized performances across the United States for students with special needs. WindSync frequently performs at schools throughout southeastern Texas representing Da Camera of Houston and Young Audiences of Houston, an arts program that serves over a quarter of a million students.
Recognized for their adventurous programming, WindSync was named the 2011-2012 Ensemble in Residence for the Da Camera of Houston Young Artist Program. The ensemble was a finalist in the prestigious Astral Artist Competition in Philadelphia in 2009 and Artist in Residence for The Music Bus Tour in 2010. Recently, WindSync was named Artist in Residence for 2012 at Newark Academy in Livingston, New Jersey and was invited to perform at the 34th Annual Chamber Music America Conference in New York City in January 2012. Dedicated to building a sense of community and promoting arts engagement, they appear in the concert series “first Tuesday at Methodist” and their programs have been enjoyed by children and families at The Children's Museum of Houston and at M.D Anderson Children's Hospital. In Houston, where they are based, WindSync was the founding ensemble of Classical Revolution and have been heard numerous times on the Houston Public Radio’s “The Front Row.” As Windsync begins its third year with an array of accomplishments, it is apparent why CultureMap Houston writes, “the world is saying yes to WindSync.”
WINDSYNC MEMBERS
Garrett Hudson, Flute
Garrett emerged as a promising young musician through the Manitoba high school band program and has since gone on to win numerous local, provincial and national music competitions. He performed his orchestral solo debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at the age of 16 and with the same orchestra recently performed Mozart's Flute Concerto in D Major. Mr. Hudson earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia in 2007, studying under Scottish flutist Lorna McGhee. He has held positions in some of North America's leading professional training orchestras including the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Orchestre de la Francophonie based in Montreal, Quebec. Additionally he has participated in other world-class summer training programs such as the Young Artists Program through Ottawa's National Arts Center and The National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Garrett earned his Masters of Music Degree from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music under the tutelage of renowned flute pedagogue, Leone Buyse.
Kerry Hughes, Oboe
A doctoral candidate at the University of Houston, Kerry Hughes has performed with the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont, TX, the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, the Galveston Symphony Orchestra, and the Clear Lake Symphony Orchestra. He has performed as principal oboist with the University of Houston Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, toured with the New England Youth Ensemble based at Columbia Union College, and was invited to play oboe and English horn with the Texas Music Festival. His primary teachers include Anne Leek, Robin Z. Hough, Robert J. Krause, and Janet Lanier. Kerry has performed at the John Mack Oboe Camp and has also studied with Daniel Stolper, Jan Eberle, Linda Strommen, Rebecca Henderson, Charles Veazey, and Amy Anderson. In addition to maintaining a private oboe studio, Kerry also taught music theory at the University of Houston with Dr. John Snyder. An avid connoisseur of the many culinary delights Houston offers, Kerry also enjoys sports, travelling, and involvement with his extensive family.
Ben Haeuser, Clarinet
Hailing from Atascadero on the central coast of California, Ben Haeuser earned Bachelor of Music degrees in both Performance and Education from California State University Long Beach. Following his undergraduate degrees, Ben left sunny California to complete a Master of Music degree and an Artist Diploma from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. While enjoying white, snowy winters in Cincinnati, Mr. Haeuser studied with Cincinnati Symphony clarinetists, Richie Hawley and Ixi Chen. Always an advocate for music education and outreach, Ben founded the clarinet and saxophone program at the Cincinnati Music Academy, and was on faculty from 2008 - 2011. He has also taught extensively in Long Beach, Los Alamitos and Irvine, California and in Northern Kentucky. Currently, Ben maintains an active studio in Houston Texas, continuing to educate young musicians and foster an appreciation and love of music.
Tracy Jacobson, Bassoon
A New Jersey native, Tracy Jacobson began her musical career riding the commuter train to Juilliard Pre-College every Saturday. She took her bassoon and moved southwest to continue her studies, to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree from Rice University's Shepherd School of Music. Throughout her career, Ms. Jacobson has been an active recitalist, playing solo and collaborative recitals across the country. Tracy has played with orchestras including the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Symphony of Southeast Texas and has soloed with the New Philharmonic of New Jersey. Ms. Jacobson is dedicated to outreach programs, particularly those designed to get both children and adults excited about classical music. She is a recipient of Rice University's Sviatoslav Richter Fund for music outreach and has led the JUMP! outreach program at Rice. Tracy founded the Music Bus Tour, an organization that sponsors emerging chamber groups. In addition to founding the Music Bus Tour, Tracy was a fellow at the Music Academy of the West, National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute and Sarasota Music Festival.
Anni Hochhalter, French Horn
Just like her inspired decision to join WindSync, Anni began playing the French horn in 7th grade after a few months on the trumpet, and she has never looked back. Her initial passion for music was fostered in Henderson, Nevada and continued during her undergraduate career at the University of Southern California. There she studied with James Thatcher and Kristy Morrell, discovering a love for chamber music and educational outreach programs. Anni was a founding member of the Horn Squad, a horn quartet which toured public and private schools in Los Angeles and, as the Thornton School of Music Outreach resident ensemble, the group traveled to New Orleans in 2008. In 2009 Anni won first prize in the Yen Liang Young Artist Competition and soloed with the Diablo Symphony in Walnut Creek, California. After graduating in 2009 with a Bachelor of Music she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and began working on a Masters degree at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In addition Anni has attended both the Chautauqua Music Festival and the Texas Music Festival where she studied with Roger Kaza.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
"Berkeley Heights Education Foundation to Sponsor Talent Show" - NJ.com
Monday, February 13, 2012
Auditions for Ridge Light Opera
|
||
Ridge Light Opera will be holding auditions for their upcoming
season on:
Friday March 23rd from 7-10pm
Saturday March 24th from 10am to 2pm
Friday March 30th from 7-10pm for additional auditions/call
backs
Season includes:
My Fair Lady, semi-staged
concert with orchestra , on May 11th and 12th 2012
"September Song"* operetta and musical theatre
highlights Sept 20th, 21st, 22nd 2012
Amahl and the Night Visitors...
(date tbd)
*September Song (now in its 18th year) will include scenes
from:
Auditions are held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 140 So.
Finley Ave in Basking Ridge, NJ and are by appointment only.
Please email ridgelightopera@optonline.net to
request at time. Send a photo and resume if available.
No calls please. New Jersey residents favored.
|
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Summit Playhouse: Audition Notice - Over the River and Through the Woods
Directed by Julia Frieri
Production dates: April 27 – May 12, 2012
Audition Dates:
Sunday, January 22 at 7 pm
Monday, January 23 at 7 pm
Callbacks on Wednesday, January 25 at 7 pm
All auditions are at The Playhouse, 10 New England Ave, Summit, NJ (directions: http://summitplayhouse.org/auditions.html).
Synopsis:
Nick is a single, Italian-American guy from NJ. His parents retired to Florida. He sees both sets of grandparents every Sunday for dinner. The dream job he's been waiting for -- marketing executive -- would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family's love to move to Seattle for a job? In this delightful and touching comedy they do their level best to make him change his mind.
Character Breakdown:
Nick Cristano
|
Late 20s-Early 30s.
High-strung, excitable, loyal grandson. Trying to find a way to honor the
past while growing up and moving toward his future.
|
Frank Gianelli
|
Can look 60s plus.
Maternal grandfather and husband of Aida. Patriarch, family is the center of
his world. Worked hard to provide a better life for his descendants and he
does not want to slow down. Straight shooter.
|
Aida Gianelli
|
Can look 60s plus.
Maternal grandmother and wife of Frank. Shows her love through her cooking.
Caregiver. Well-meaning but overbearing.
|
Nunzio Cristano
|
Can look 60s plus.
Paternal grandfather and husband of Emma. Wisecracking and loud but
full of heart. Great storyteller, charismatic, strong.
|
Emma Cristano
|
Can look 60s plus.
Paternal grandmother and wife of Nunzio. Loud and strong woman. Tells it like
it is. Schemes to keep Nick around. Loves her husband.
|
Caitlin O’Hare
|
Mid to Late 20s. Irish,
envies that all of Nick’s grandparents are around. Charming, opinionated.
Wants to find love.
|
Are you interested in becoming more involved in the Playhouse? Want to work backstage? Help with costumes and make-up? We are always looking for assistance in our productions. Contact Sally Ponzio at 908-273-2192 or send mail to President@SummitPlayhouse.org.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts Announces First Ever Spring Musical - Into the Woods Jr.
Students who would like to participate in INTO THE WOODS JR. will have to register for “Elefante Spring Musical Workshop” in the Spring 2012 semester. This class will meet Thursdays from 5:30-7:00pm from January 26 – May 24, and dress rehearsals will take place May 30 and 31. The performances will take place June 1 and 2 at the Oakes Center in Summit, NJ.
There’s nothing like putting on a show! This class is a great opportunity to take part in a unique and exciting musical theater performance experience. In addition to performers, we’ll also be looking for talented set builders, painters and stage crew members who want to be part of this fun production.
In addition to INTO THE WOODS JR., we'll also be offering a roster of fun performing arts classes at our studio in New Providence. Our classes this spring will include: 3-in-1 Acting/Dancing/Singing, Acting the Song, Musical Theater, Acting Onstage, Drama Fun, Tap and Broadway Baby.
For more information or to register, contact Stefani at (908) 464-5928 or shealey@elefantemusic.com, or visit www.elefantemusic.com/springmusical.shtml.
Monday, November 21, 2011
A Well-Deserved Honor for Nelson
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Note from the Artistic Director
3-in-1: Acting, Dancing, Singing
Karen Cantor, Greta Martin and Laura Chaneski
Acting the Song
Joe Elefante & Stephanie Kurtzuba
Musical Theater
Karen Cantor
Acting
Clare Dill
Drama Fun with Miss Clare
Clare Dill
Musical Theater Dance
Laura Chaneski
Beginning & Intermediate Tap
Laura Chaneski
For more information or to register for classes, please visit our Performing Arts Classes page. Happy Holidays!
Joe Elefante
Artistic Director
Elefante School for the Performing Arts
Thursday, October 20, 2011
When It's Time to Upgrade - Elefante 10/11 Newsletter
In This Issue:
- When It's Time to Upgrade
- Student of the Month
- So You Have Your Instrument...
- Teacher Feature
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A Note from the Artistic Director
jack menashe photography - affordable actor headshots
Jack Menashe is proud to be bringing professional and affordable high quality headshot photography to Elefante Music and School for the Performing Arts!
A veteran of the entertainment industry and former president of one of New York’s leading talent agencies, Jack Menashe has developed the careers of many of Hollywood and Broadway’s leading performers. He has been known to have photographed Golden Globe, Academy Award, and Tony Award celebrated artists. Having shot thousands of beautiful headshots, his work has been seen on CD covers, America’s Next Top Model, and inVanity Fa ir.
Jack will be offering an exclusive rate to all members of Elefante Music and School for the Performing Arts, and is available to shoot either within the location of the school or at your home. If you give him a call or send him an email, he will discuss with you how he may provide you with great quality, highly effective headshots!
All of Jack Menashe’s sessions include make-up, consultation and a CD of your photographs. He will guide you in your selection of which pictures will work best for you, and will provide you with information on the process of having your photographs duplicated and/or retouched.
Jack’s website can be viewed at http://www.jackmenashe.com.
You could also reach him by telephone at (917) 837-3020, and by email: jack@jackmenashe.com.
He is extremely excited about hearing from all of you, and hopes that he may provide you with everything that you need to continue on your path of success!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Elefante Music Theater Camp
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Session I Comes to a Close
Thursday, June 16, 2011
EMU Newsletter 6/11
- Summer at Elefante
- Student of the Month
- Thank You!
- Teacher Feature
- Elefante Represented at Duckfest 11
- Joe Directs Little Anthony and the Imperials
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Customer Appreciation Day/Open House Video
The Elefante All-Stars perform "Grenade."
Joe Elefante performs "Up on the Roof" with Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts faculty.
Al Elefante performs "Summer Wind" with Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts faculty.
Kelly Bennett performs "Piece of My Heart" with Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts faculty.
Elefante Music & School for the Performing Arts faculty perform "All the Things You Are."
And, as always, check out all of our student and faculty performance videos at www.youtube.com/elefantemusic.
What's on Our Minds...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Clarinet Mania
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
"What Music Means to Me"
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
"What Does Music Mean to You?"
Friday, April 15, 2011
Teacher Feature: Anthony Sanacore
EM: What do you feel is one of the more important aspects of teaching music?
Anthony: Enlightening each student about the connection between art and music. There have been many wonderful compositions written (especially in pop music) that I feel have never resulted in true art. It's a methodology that requires an understanding of public sentiment. This is fine, sociologically speaking, but usually does not express the unique essence of the individual.
Many beginners assume that the guitar is fairly simple to learn because pop stars seem to play effortlessly. They have yet to realize how asymmetrical the guitar is. One challenge of teaching this instrument is demonstrating its esoteric symmetry via its idiom in association with other instrumentation. The aesthetic is eventually revealed as it facilitates inspiration and passion: the platform to a healthy work ethic and the prime ingredients for lifelong satisfaction of musical knowledge.
Who are your favorite performers?
Louis Prima and Yamashita (classical guitarist).
Who has inspired you?
Over the years I’ve gone through a transformation where my inspirations have become intrinsic. There’s a dichotomy I live on everyday: when to be technical, when to throw it out the window for the sake of originality, when to shed the influence. My early inspirations: Keith Emerson, Randy Rhoads, Bob Dylan, Sex Pistols.
Also studying classical guitar with Kevin Gallagher and jazz guitar with Jack Wilkins has done wonders for my overall musicianship as they are of the best in their field.
What are you working on now?
I’m recording a CD which will summarize my abilities. Outside of programming the drums (which is a lot of work), I am playing all of the instruments and writing most of the songs. My friend, who has sung professionally, will do most of the vocals. I estimate it will be done before 2012. The compositions that I don’t write will be classical pieces or jazz standards.
What advice can you give?
Dare to be different and be true to yourself. Some of the best music, at one time, was unusual and unpopular.