PBA's Preparatory Department Newsletter: Summer 2021

Preparatory Department NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2021 • • • • •

Director’s Message Piano and Dance News Teacher and Student Spotlights Summer lessons/ Calendar Graduates

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Director’s Message ......................... 2 Teacher /Student Spotlights………..3 Piano News ..................................... 4 Music News ................................... 5 Dance Teacher/Student spotlight .. 6

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Greetings Preparatory Family, We are almost there, it has been a trying year to say the least. For sure, there have been many sad and disheartening times for many families as we all have been impacted by the COVID. For sure, we will never forget this pandemic and all of its ramifications. But, to those who were determined and doubled their efforts we can also now begin to see some of the positive results and benefits of those efforts.

Dance News .................................... 7 Upcoming dates………………………...8 Prep Calendar…………………………….9

The more we act on His promises the easier it becomes to follow Him because He never fails. Let’s all persevere through to the end of this school year and take some time to reflect on all that He has done for us and communicate our gratitude toward Him. Here are a few things I am grateful for: I am grateful for Palm Beach Atlantic’s decision to follow God’s direction and allow us to learn in person for a full year. I am grateful to be able to teach our students and for their amazing work this year. I am grateful that we are going to have in person juries and recitals this May and June to end our school year and celebrate our student’s diligence, perseverance, progress and growth.

Even before we see positive results God’s word tells us we should “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” I Thessalonians 5:18. In the dark moments and trying times it is very difficult to give thanks but that is I look forward to seeing you all there! the very time we need to most. When our Blessings, perspective is eschewed because we are focusing on the problems and difficulties, this is the very time to shift our focus to all of God’s promises. It is hard because we don’t see or feel those promises in those Patrick Clifford times. But God’s promises are just that, promises; and He is God, the only one that can absolutely keep all of His promises. If you can’t seem to muster any gratitude due to your circumstances tell Him and ask Him to show you. If you don’t know Him ask Him to reveal Himself to you. He will, He says so!

PREPARATORY MUSIC DEPARTMENT TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

“ As with all musicians, it is also important to be good listeners, know our role at all times, knowing when to lead and when to follow.”

Dr. Claudio Jaffe who teaches CELLO at the preparatory department has had an amazing journey to reach musical success.

At what age did you begin playing the cello?

I started playing the cello when I was almost 8 years old.

Dr. Claudio Jaffe

As a child who inspired you?

Was there someone who mentored you?

MUSIC STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

My father was a violinist and my mother is a pianist. I started learning piano from my mother when I was 5, but it only lasted half a year! My parents had a cellist friend who used to come to our house to rehearse trios. I fell in love with that big instrument with a gorgeous sound, and when I told my parents I wanted to play cello they got me a teacher right away. My first teacher was one of the best cellists in Rio de Janeiro at the time, Ibere Gomes Grosso.

He had studied with Pablo Casals, among others, and I think he gave me a very good foundation. At age 13 we moved to a different town, and I studied with my father for a year.

When I was 16 I came to the United States where I studied with Aldo Parisot at Yale University.

You started playing professionally at what age? What kind of training did you receive?

From the studio of Patrick Clifford Michael Li

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I started playing recitals and concertos professionally in Brazil around the age of 15, touring the country with my mother, playing cello and piano recitals. I studied with Aldo Parisot at Yale for 8 years – my last 2 years of High School, Undergraduate and Graduate studies at Yale, where I earned my Doctorate.

What is one of your favorite performances?

It is difficult to say. I still remember the first time I was a soloist with the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra at age 16, it was such an honor and a thrill. While in college I got to perform chamber music with Yale faculty several times. That was unforgettable. My recitals in London, Tokyo and Buenos Aires were also very special.

Did you travel to different countries to play your instrument and if so which ones?

While still an undergraduate at Yale, I started working with a concert manager from Philadelphia. She really got my solo career started.

Over the next 13 years or so I played as guest soloist with many orchestras and in recitals around the country and parts of the world. I’ve performed in 41 American states, In Canada, Dominican Republic, Trinidad, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, England, Italy, Spain, Russia and Japan.

What are the most important traits a cellist should have?

As part of an orchestra or chamber ensemble, the cello is often responsible for the bass line.

As such, a good sense of rhythm is very important as we often form the rhythmic and harmonic base of the music. Because of its wide range, the cello is often asked to play the melody. We need to be able to project with a strong and expressive sound. As with all musicians, it is also important to be good listeners, know our role at all times, knowing when to lead and when to follow.

PIANO NEWS

FROM THE DESK OF DR. ROJAS AND PIANO FACULTY

Dear Prep family, As we approach the end of the “tunnel”, behold the light! Our team has carefully and prayerfully decided to celebrate this difficult, but amazing year of determination and perseverance by offering end-of-semester recitals and juries, wherein we have exciting opportunities to share, in person, the harvest of the musical labor that we have carried out in the privacy of our safe studios and homes. While every familiar safety protocol against Covid-19 will be observed, we hope these events will shed the light on the future we hope for: the return of fuller human interaction and our year-round musical activities, such as in-person lessons, studio classes, concerto competitions, recitals and juries.

Within the piano department, our young pianists have been crafting music that has matured to the level of public performance in many cases. We commend their courageous effort and that of their families, who have triumphed this year in proving that music making is and will be an indispensable reality in human life, no matter the challenge. Quietly, but not unnoticeably, our students have accomplished much this year. Some have grown into playing big-form, multi-movement works, such as concertos or sonatas/sonatinas. Others have touched Bach for the first time (and survived!). One of our outstanding students, Elizabeth Thomashoff, studying with Dr. Kingma, won Honorable Mention at District 6 Concerto Competition / Piano. She awaits additional college acceptances, having already been accepted (with a significant scholarship) at our own college division at PBAU. As she graduates from the Prep this year, we congratulate her achievements and pray for God’s most rewarding blessings and clear leading for her future.

Some of our students and colleagues have not been seen in more than a year! Come out to our recital and let’s be encouraged by one another’s cheerful countenance. Who knows, maybe I magically grew hair on my head. You wouldn’t want to miss that... nah, I’m still pretty bald. But, some of our little ones have grown, their hands now reaching an octave, or more! Others have expanded their triads into full, four-note chords.

Still others have acquired a faster vehicle in which to “drive” their scales and arpeggios at faster and faster metronomic speeds, even while maintaining control and not “crashing”. Oh! And when you see Daniel Johnson, don’t mistake him for his older brother, David, our wonderful alum, though Daniel may actually be taller by now (and plays just as beautifully).

I cannot wait to see our supportive families, and to hear as many of our piano students as can participate.

Though I often see Dr. Kingma in our work at the college level, I’ve missed seeing Dr. Soo-Mauldin, hearing and working with her students, and benefiting from the joy of her insightful instruction and encouraging camaraderie.

I look forward to seeing you all again, soon... Until then, Grace and Peace to you and yours!

Dr. Rojas

MUSIC DEPARTMENT NEWS

Congratulations To our seniors on their college acceptances

CONGRATULATIONS TO BEATRIZ COELHO

Sarah Coleman Rosenstiel School at the University of Miami.

ON HER GRADUATION FROM PBAU !

Juan Plaza

Catholic National University in Washington DC

Jay Coleman

University of Florida Elisabeth Krueger Honorable Mention FSMTA District 6 Concerto Competition / Piano Elisabeth is currently waiting on additional college acceptances and was already accepted to PBAU Also a big congratulations to the following students : Gabriel Murcia – accepted in Bak Middle School of the Arts Aislinn O’Brien - accepted in Bak Middle School of the Arts Lila VanGiessen - accepted in American Heritage Eva Kiziah – Bak Middle School of the Arts Michael Li – Bak Middle School of the Arts, 8th grade Isabella James – Dreyfoos School of the Arts High School 5

PREPARATORY DANCE DEPARTMENT

Look who is on Pointe !

Congratulations FROM THE DESK OF EILEEN HEBRON

Level 3 Dancers

Dear Dance Preparatory Parents and Students.

On behalf of the dance faculty at PBA, we want to say how grateful we are for having the opportunity to teach you live and also on zoom this year. We have enjoyed many great moments, in the Vera Lea Rinker studios. Teaching you live is definitely the best! Witnessing one another soar to new heights and laughing are heads off at the funniest of moments, has been what got us all through COVID. We appreciate you so much.

We would like to celebrate the following commitments to earn their BFA’s; Carson Van Popering to Jacob’s School of Music, at the University of Indiana, Casey Butler to Shenandoah Conservatory, at Shenandoah University, in Winchester, VA. and Ekko Greenbaum to The Boston Conservatory, in Boston, MA and Erica Borden to the Nashville Ballet. . I feel like a proud mother. We are all so happy for you and we loved sharing our and your pearls of wisdom. We wish you great happiness as you soar to new heights in the performing arts and life. You will make a difference this world needs. Stay close to the Vine, please! The experiences we had will be cherished for a lifetime.

We are thrilled to announce our Spring Dance Performance, the Excerpts of Sleeping Beauty, at the DeSantis Family Chapel, on June 6th @ 7:00 pm. Dancer’s arrive at the chapel by 5:00 pm.

Our Dress/ Tech Rehearsal will be June 4th @ 5:00 -9:00 pm. This will be in full costume, with hair and makeup. The first week of June will be our final week of classes.

Finally, we are excited to announce that it is our hope to present a Summer Intensive for the Students during the end of July, from 7/19-7/30. It will be a great time to get back into shape or brush up on our skills prior to going back to school. More news to come later this month.

May all God’s blessings fill your hearts and families. There is a lot to celebrate! Have a wonderful Summer!

Best Regards, Eileen P. Hebron

DANCE NEWS

ACCEPTANCES:

CONGRATUALTIONS TO THE SENIORS ON THEIR COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

Carson Van Popering Jacob’s School of Music, at the University of Indiana Casey Butler Shenandoah Conservatory, at Shenandoah University, in Winchester, VA.

Dance Department Isabella Regalado - Bak Middle School of the Arts Gianna Orr - Dreyfoos School of the Arts High School Lydia Park - Dreyfoos School of the Arts High School Sophia Feuer - Dreyfoos School of the Arts High School

Ekko Greenbaum The Boston Conservatory, in Boston, MA Erica Borden

Alex Jones – was accepted to Juilliard Summer Intensive

Nashville Ballet

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT At what age did you begin dancing? 16 Years old

EMMANUELA— MODERN TEACHER Who inspired you? Was there someone who mentored you? I was inspired by my childhood friend, Kim. I didn’t have a mentor as my drive had always come from within. However, I was influenced by various educators and master artists When did you decide to make dancing your career? At 24 years old. This is when I realized that I couldn’t see myself doing anything else than being in the dance world and so I decided to pursue my performing arts degree

You started dancing professionally at what age? What kind of training did you do? I started dancing professionally at 22 years old. Ballet, Modern, Jazz and African What is one of your favorite performances? I have had multiple performances and sometimes it's hard to point out which was my favorite. However, the one that stands out most to me is BREACH. It was a compelling show that focus on who we truly are, our struggles and how we can overcome our struggle, knowing that the kingdom of heaven is within Did you travel to different countries to dance? No. My focus has been to highlight the importance of arts locally and nationally What are the most important traits a dancer should have? A dancer should know their voice and not be afraid to truly embrace themselves as an artist

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UPCOMING DATES The Preparatory Department end of semester is June 4th.

Music : Summer lessons info: PHONE NUMBER :

561-803-2403 EMAIL: Preparatory_department@pba.edu

WEBSITE

https://www.pba.edu/ academics/schools/musicfine-arts/preparatory/

Summer lessons start the week of June 7th, registration form will be emailed soon.

Dance : We are thrilled to announce our Spring Dance Performance, the Excerpts of Sleeping Beauty, at the DeSantis Family Chapel, on June 6th @ 7:00 pm. Dancer’s arrive at the chapel by 5:00 pm.

Our Dress/ Tech Rehearsal will be June 4th @ 5:00 -9:00 pm.

This will be in full costume, with hair and makeup. The first week of June will be our final week of classes.

PLEASE NOTE: See email with instructions from Eileen and Prep Dept.

Summer Intensive for the Students during the end of July, from 7/19-7/30. Details coming soon . ************ LAST TUITION PAYMENT WAS DUE ON MAY 1st,2021 Emails will go out with any balances due, thank you.

QR CODE FOR MOBILE DEVICES: SCAN AND FILL OUT FORM BEFORE ENTERING BUILDING

COVID-19 Wellness Check

PREPARATORY CALENDAR June 1– 4 Prep JURIES from 3-7pm ****Jury schedule will be emailed soon

Recital schedules

May 2021 Sun

9 16

Mon

10 17

Tue

11 18

Wed

Thu

12 19

13 20

Fri

Sat

14

1 15

PIANO

Mrs. Krueger

Dress Rehearsal

2:00pm—3:30 Dress Rehearsal

21

22

5-8pm

RECITAL PIANO 4:00-5:30p

23

24

25

26

28

27

29 Dress Rehearsal

Renata

Dr. Jaffe 12:30pm – 2pm

2-5p Dress rehearsal

RECITAL Mrs. Krueger 2:30-4pm

30

31

June 2021

Sun

Mon

Tue Wed Thu

Fri

Holiday

1

2

3

4

Memorial

Jury week

Jury week

Jury week

Jury Week

Juries

Juries

3-7pm

3-7pm

Day No scheduled classes or lessons

Sat 5 Recitals

Juries

Renata 9am,10 am

Juries

3-7pm

Kelsey Lin 12 pm—1:30m

3-7pm

———————

Dr. Jaffe :2:00p– 3:30

Dress Rehearsal

Dress rehearsal

Kelsey Lin

Susan Snow 4pm –5 pm

6-7pm 6

Recitals

11

12 Recitals

Mrs. Krueger 1pm-2:30 p

Belen & Mr. Clifford

Susan Snow 10 am –11:30a

Renata 6:00pm

Dress rehearsal

Belen & Mr. Clifford

4-6pm

Recital 1:00 pm

18

19

13 27

7

8

9

10

for the seniors 3:00-

14

15

16

28

29

30

17