Hope Academy of Music and the Arts

Love and All That Jazz with Kelley Hunt!

2012-01-09T13:36:00.000-05:00

Saturday, February 18 at 7:30 pm

A love-themed evening of music in the spirit of Valentine's Day to benefit Hope Academy of Music and the Arts. This family-friendly event features singer/songwriter/piano player Kelley Hunt and her band laying down some blues-heavy R&B tunes with passion and soul. Hope Academy's HAT Co band will open for Kelley Hunt, with Rev. Randy Bush sitting in on keys. Bring the entire family and share the love!

"Kelley Hunt delivers the goods with a voice that grafts passionate blues to scorching soul - instantly endearing her to all within earshot, as her band surrounds her in a greasy funk that completes the package and brings you back for more."

Eric Thom BLUES REVUE

Find out more about Kelley Hunt at www.KelleyHunt.com

Tickets: $15 general admission; $10 students and senior citizens 60+

Available at the door of the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater or online at Brown Paper Tickets

HAT Co Band Performing at MLK Celebration

2012-01-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

East Liberty Celebrates MLK, Jr Day

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Monday, January 16, 2012 | 12 PM–4 PM

KST celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Many Hands, a family-friendly afternoon of activities and performances celebrating the thousands of people who held hands in peace marches during King's life, and the thousands more who continue to work for change today.

The event begins at noon with activities from Bike Pittsburgh, CMU's Hear Me Project, MGR Foundation and Thomas Merton Center in the KST lobby.

At 2 PM, enjoy free performances from Alumni Theater Company, Dreams of Hope, Hip Hop on L.O.C.K , InterPlay , and Visionary Dance Academy. Hope Academy's HAT Co band -- Bethan Neely, Annajane Lowe, Zoe Zielinski, Bonnie Nickel, Sam Gardner, Jonathan Lee, Candace Burgess, Allie Brown, Jewel Strothers and Larry White -- will ~~close~~ OPEN the show. Be there at 2 pm to see HAT Co perform!

At 4 PM, march with friends up Highland Ave to Union Project where the celebration will continue with more activities until 8 PM, including a free community dinner.

Dates, Time & Tickets
Monday, Jan. 16 | 12–4 PM
FREE!

HAT Co teens do it all! Apply Now

2011-08-23T12:01:00.000-04:00

We are now accepting applications for new members of our teen theater company: HAT Co!

If you, or someone you know, is interested in becoming part of a performing ensemble (singing, dancing, acting and rock band) please download and fill out this HAT Co New Member Application.

HAT Co is an intensive training program that requires a high level of commitment -- not necessarily experience. Selected members take courses, participate in ensembles and receive private coaching and lessons in acting, movement, singing, dance and music (guitar, bass, keyboard, drums). This program is uniquely suited to multi-talented teens who are motivated to study and perform across a range of disciplines; and who have an interest in being part of an inclusive, supportive, non-competitive group.

The deadline for the application is September 3. Fill out the application completely... the more information you give us about yourself, the better.

If you would like to have an electronic version of this application emailed to you (so that you can fill it out on your computer) please call Norma at 412-441-3800 x11.

Register Now for Fall Term 2011!

2011-07-05T17:18:00.002-04:00

Hope Academy classes, and studios for some private teachers, fill quickly. So it's not too early to register for the fall term. New for 2011-2012: "Dance Together" and "Sing Together" classes for pre-schoolers with a parent or caregiver, offered FREE in partnership with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Guitar Society of Fine Art. Plus our usual offerings of Musical Theater, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dance classes (creative movement, pre-ballet and ballet 1), Boys Dance! and our free East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra (EL CEO). Applications for our teen theater company (HAT Co) will be online by the end of this week.

Download and print the Hope Academy Course Brochure, fill out the Registration Form and mail it in with your payment. Don't forget to read our Policies. And, if you would like to apply for a scholarship or tuition assistance for courses or private lessons, return the Scholarship Application by August 1, 2011.

Angelina's Farewell Piano Recital

2011-07-05T10:28:00.000-04:00

Thursday, July 7 @ 7 pm

Room 234 of ELPC

Please join us for Angelina Winbush's final piano recital before she leaves for a year to live and study in Malaysia. This will be a great time to say "Selamat Jalan" (have a safe journey)... and a bit of a summer reunion for members of EL CEO, as well!

The recital is hosted by Hope Academy, at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, and Angelina's teacher, Federico Garcia. It will be held in room 234 at 7 pm.

Dream On! This Weekend

2011-06-15T09:46:00.000-04:00

"A Midsummer Night's Dream" as you've never seen it before -- remixed, mashed up, deconstructed and re-imagined. Fifty Hope Academy students sing, dance and act their way through the madcap adventures of one of Shakespeare's most well-loved plays; with music from Spring Awakening, Pippin, Cee Lo, Aerosmith (of course), and more.

Midsummer weekend - Friday, June 17; Saturday, June 18; Sunday, June 19 - at 7 pm each evening. Performances are weather-dependent -- if it rains, we cancel. This will be announced here and on the Hope Academy facebook page.

Tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults; $5 for students and seniors. Seating is limited! Doors open for a pre-show at 6:45 pm.

DREAM ON! takes place outside in the courtyard of East Liberty Presbyterian Church (116 S. Highland Avenue on the corner of Penn and Highland in East Liberty). 412-441-3800

DREAM ON - Costume Requirements

2011-06-03T11:46:00.002-04:00

It’s challenging to find costumes for the wide age and size range we have… so this year we are keeping it FUN and SIMPLE. This will give you an opportunity to be your own costume designer and to be creative (within certain parameters).

BASIC COSTUME FOR GIRLS – we will be adding wings and things to this basic costume. Girls who are playing boys will dress like them.

SKIRT - layered, ruffled or tiered skirts in blues, greens, purples, pinks, yellows. SOLIDS or simple overall FLOWER patterns. Choose the length that best fits your body type and is full enough to move in easily.

TANK TOP – blues, greens, purples, pinks, yellows. SOLID.

CROPPED LEGGINGS & CONVERSE-LIKE SNEAKERS (hi or low tops) – coordinate with your skirt and top. Should be fun and a bit funky!

Here are two examples:

BASIC COSTUME FOR BOYS

Boys (and girls who are playing boys) will be fitted for brown or beige gaucho dance pants that we have from a previous show. So don’t worry about bottoms.

TANK TOP – solid green or blue, no logos. We have some tank tops for the boys to try on but may not have all sizes. Here are examples from the Gap. (It is difficult to find solid anything for boys – especially in colors, without logos. Do the best you can!)

CONVERSE-LIKE SNEAKERS (hi or lop tops) – colors are best. Black is OK if it is all you have and you don’t need a new pair. White is least favorable but don’t buy new ones if they are all you have.

Please wear your costume to the first evening rehearsal that you are scheduled for so that we can see what you have and what you might need (and to make sure it is appropriate)

Also, bring a water bottle and snack to evening rehearsals. They will be long and hot… and fun, of course. It will help immensely if every comes prepared!

DREAM ON - Rehearsal and Performance Schedule

2011-06-03T11:14:00.000-04:00

Sat. June 4

Rehearsal during classtime - Bio forms due - Photos will be taken for program

MTW students and their parents are invited to make costume and set pieces with us from 1 to 3 pm

Sat. June 11

Rehearsal during classtime
Extra coaching in the afternoon for those who need it (we will call you separately)

Mon. June 13
6:00 to 8:30 pm     HAT Co singers and band

Tues June 14
6:00 to 8:00 pm    MTW - "Magic to Do" "Spell on You" and acting pieces

Wed. June 15
6:00 to 9:00 pm    HAT Co and HAT Co Jr. Acting until 8 pm
                             HAT Co Band from 8 to 9 pm

Thurs. June 16
6:00 to 8:30 pm    Dress Tech - Everyone
                             HAT Co Band stays to 9 pm

Fri. June 17*
Call time 6:00 pm - Showtime 7:00 pm

Sat. June 18*
Call time 6:00 pm - Showtime 7:00 pm

Sun. June 19*
Call time 6:00 pm - Showtime 7:00 pm

*Please note: Performances will be canceled if it rains. Pray for nice weather and check this blog and our facebook page on performance days.

Vocal Performance Workshop with Joy Ike - SAT May 14

2011-05-13T14:31:00.001-04:00

Vocal performance workshop for HAT Co with singer-songwriter, Joy Ike, on Saturday, May 14 @ 1:30 pm. Joy will perform a few songs of her own for you, give you some feedback and assistance on your songs, and work with you specifically on how to connect the words to the music -- and convey the meaning and emotion to the audience. Check out her website so you know a bit more about her and her music before tomorrow.

“In a world saturated with singer-songwriters, Joy Ike stands out in the same way as Corinne Bailey Rae or Ingrid Michaelson. On her new release, Ike’s tapped into something special that pulls on your emotions when you listen to her sing away about finding God or fitting in. Her stellar backing band floats alongside her honey voice. Her thoughtful playing is comparable to Sarah McLachlan or Sara Bareilles. Joy Ike has got a one-up on most of her songwriter peers because not only is she brave enough to say what she’s saying, she has the chops and the skills to say it gracefully.” -Cindy Howes (WYEP Morning Mix Host & Producer)

newMoves Dance Festival Starts Today - Staycee Pearl dance project Tomorrow!

2011-05-12T09:58:00.000-04:00

Staycee Pearl's company, Staycee Pearl dance project, will be performing tomorrow night (FRI May 13 @ 7pm) at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in the newMoves Dance Festival. It's always great to be able to see the artistic work of our teaching artists -- and in this case you'll be able to see two of them: Staycee Pearl's choreography along with all of the fierceness that is teaching artist, Kerra Alexander's, dancing! (Kerra is in the company).

Staycee Pearl dance project | Octavia
A dance exploration of the life and work of Octavia Butler (African-American MacArthur Genius Award-winning science fiction writer). The movement and environment represents the powerful dynamic of Ms. Butler's characters in relation to her own steady personality - physically imagining how they might fit within each other. The premier is scheduled for December 2011.

newMoves begins tonight and runs thru Sunday

Festival Pass $45 | Single Tickets $20

youthMoves (Sunday at 2 pm) HAT Co Dancers are performing

$10 Adults | $5 Children | Under 5 are free

HA Teacher Lisa Joseph Running Marathon - Way to Go!

2011-05-12T09:41:00.000-04:00

Hope Academy violin teacher, Lisa Joseph, is running the marathon this Sunday. If you're on the course and want to cheer her on you can register for free Runner Tracking Updates for Lisa, or any other runner in the marathon. We will be posting her progress on facebook as well, so if you're a fan of the Hope Academy facebook page you will get updates in your newsfeed. If you're not a fan, become one today! Just click on "like" at the top of the Hope Academy facebook page.

Support Hope Academy by Donating to PBT and the PSO Today!

2011-05-11T09:38:00.005-04:00

You can help keep our young dancers on their toes and our musicians in tune by making a donation today, during Pittsburgh's Art Day of Giving, to one or both of Hope Academy's partners: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre (PBT) and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO).

While many cultural organizations have contributed to Hope Academy in various ways throughout the years, both Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra have generously and consistently been with us to make sure that dance and music are affordable and accessible -- and not a matter of privilege -- for young people in our community. Thousands of children have taken PBT dance classes at East Liberty Presbyterian Church on Saturdays over the past 15 years; and the PSO's community engagement concerts helped us to launch EL CEO, our free youth orchestra.

Please consider making a donation today. Your gift will receive a pro-rated match, so it will have greater impact. You'll receive a tax deduction. And you'll feel great for supporting world-class dance and music organizations that also contribute in significant ways to the children and youth in our community.

To make an online donation, click HERE today!

CORNINGWORKS Dance/Theater Workshop this Sunday!

2011-04-28T09:48:00.001-04:00

HAT Co dancers plus teaching artists Michael Walsh, Staycee Pearl, Meredith Hoppe and Linda Addlespurger will be taking part in this workshop on Sunday. There are still some openings, so pre-register today and join us!

CORNINGWORKS Dance/Theater Workshop

SUN May 1 at The New Hazlett Theater

11 am to 1:30 pm

ONE-DAY INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
with 5 Nationally Renowned Performing Artists

Peter Sparling (former principal dancer with The Martha Graham Company)
Claire Porter (critically acclaimed solo artist)
Jane Shockley (former dancer with Zenon Repertory Company)
John Giffin (former principal dancer with the Wuppertal Dance Theater company under the direction of the late Pina Bausch)
and CORNINGWORKS director, Beth Corning

The workshop is open to anyone 14 to 140 years of age interested in exploring dancetheater techniques. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. However, participants must be comfortable moving and improvising physically and verbally.

In this intensive workshop, participants will rotate through five 30-minute periods working with each individual guest artist. Each 30-minute session will explore different aspects of dancetheater - each guest artist bringing his or her own mastery to the class. The workshop will look at the ways movement and sound, text and non-verbal expression intersect and resonate, how music and silence create worlds of universal poignancy and often times humor. The final 30-minute session will involve the participants in the first-hand experience of creating and performing an improvisational dancetheater work.

Cost:

$35 (pre-register through showclix here)

Hope Academy Spring Term Events and Performances

2011-04-15T09:36:00.006-04:00

AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE CONTEST

Come see Hope Academy students (Ainslei Payne-Reid, Jewel Stothers and Larry White) perform. It’s open to the public and FREE!

Monday, April 18 @ 7 pm

August Wilson Center - 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh

BARD WALK: SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY BASH

Hope Academy’s “Bard to the Bone” Shakespeare students performing in the park, alongside other local actors. Open to the public and FREE!

Saturday, April 23 – 2:30 to 5:00 pm

Schenley Plaza, Oakland, on Forbes Ave

across from the Cathedral of Learning and the Carnegie Library

HAT Co Singers and Band – Family Resources BENEFIT PERFORMANCE

(Alexandra Brown, Candace Burgess, Jonathan Lee, Anna Lowe, Bethan Neely, Ainslei Payne Reid, Jewel Strothers, Zoe Taeger, Mimi Thomas, Zoe Zelinski)

Wednesday, April 27 @ 6 pm (call time for HAT Co is 5:15 pm)

Westin Convention Center Hotel - 1000 Penn Ave, Downtown Pittsburgh

SHAKESPEARE MONOLAB @ HOPE ACADEMY presented by Carnegie Mellon University Drama students

Saturday, April 30 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm – Music Room (3rd Floor)

Students under the direction of CMU Professor Janet Madelle Feindel are coming to perform Shakespeare monologues for us. Everyone is invited and it’s FREE

ONE-DAY DANCE INTENSIVE WORKSHOP - CorningWorks

HAT Co Dancers (Alexandra Brown, Candace Burgess, Dayna Rouse, Mimi Thomas and Larry White), plus Hope Academy teaching artists Michael Walsh, Staycee Pearl and Meredith Hoppe

Sunday, May 1 from 11 am to 1:30 pm

The New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East on the Northside

youthMoves @ THE KELLY-STRAYHORN THEATER

Hat Co dancers under the direction of Staycee Pearl

Sunday, May 15 @ 2 pm - Part of the newMoves dance festival

HAT Co AUDITIONS – Saturday, May 21

Hope Academy Theater Company auditions for 2011-2012

(6th-12th grade singers/dancers/actors/musicians)

Call or email for an audition packet – 412-441-3800 x11 or HopeAcademyArts@gmail.com

DREAM ON! - Hope Academy Showcase (Musical Theater and HAT Co students)

Friday, June 17; Saturday, June 18; Sunday, June 19 (7 pm)
Outside in the courtyard of East Liberty Presbyterian Church... under the stars!
It will be magical!

Spring Music Festival - SAT. March 26

2011-03-20T01:39:00.004-04:00

Join us as we celebrate our young singers, dancers, actors and musicians during a day-long marathon of recitals and performances on Saturday, March 26. All events are free and take place at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

10:00 am to 12 noon Shakespeare monologue and scene sharing (Music Room)

call time for performers 9:15 am
parents - coffee in the McKelvy Room at 9:15 am

1:00 pm to 6:00 pm Individual recitals -- see details below

7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Singing and Instrumental Ensembles (Sanctuary)

                                       call time for performers 6:30 pm
Musical Theater Workshop, Voices of Hope Jr., Voices of Hope African Drumming, Voices of Hope Gospel and Praise, EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra) and HAT Co (Hope Academy Theater Company), Shakespeare Contest Finalists

RECITALS

Time      Teaching Artist /Studio

1:00 Room 234
             Josephine Kost (Piano and Flute)

2:00      Music Room
             Ashley Buckley (Violin)
             Ryan Leonard (Clarinet)
             Federico Garcia – Group 1 (Piano and Composition)

5:00 Music Room
             Michael Chapman (Guitar)
             Anna Elder (Voice)
             Anna Diaz (Cello)
             Kevin Sapp (Clarinet)
             Lisa Joseph (Violin)
             Rachael Stutzman (Clarinet)
             Federico Garcia – Group 2 (Piano, French Horn and Composition)

6:00      Room 234
             Devin Flynt (Guitar, Drums and Bass)
             Elliot Beck (Drums)

There will be a reception in the McKelvy Room following the evening performance. Please bring a goodie or snack to share!

PBT Dance Classes - Open for Observation!

2011-03-08T20:22:00.001-05:00

Families and friends are invited to join us Saturday, March 19 to observe the final PBT dance classes for this year. This will be an informal sharing with an opportunity afterward to meet the PBT teaching artists. Students will receive their class pictures after the open class.

12:30 to 1:30 pm   Ballet for Teens
1:30 to 2:30 pm   Ballet 1
2:30 to 3:15 pm   Creative Movement
3:15 to 4:15 pm   Pre-Ballet

PICTURE DAY - Group photos will be taken on Saturday, March 12 during the regular class time. Please wear the appropriate dance clothes and shoes.

HAT Co's Larry White in Kuntu's Mahalia Jackson

2011-02-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

HAT Co member, Larry White, has been cast in Kuntu Repertory Theatre's production of Mahalia Jackson: Standing on Holy Ground. Written and directed by Kuntu founder and producing artistic director Vernell A Lillie, Mahalia Jackson celebrates the life of one of the most influential gospel singers in the world, known to many as The Queen of Gospel.

“My focus is to present and recapture the marvelous tradition of the Southern Baptist,” said Lillie, “and to celebrate the memory of Mahalia through the magic, beauty, dignity, and elegance of the rich contralto voice she presented to world audiences.”

The show runs from Feb. 24-March 12 in the Seventh-Floor Auditorium in the University’s Alumni Hall, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. We are working on getting a field trip together to support Larry in his first performance with Kuntu. Congratulations, Larry!

Snow Day! Tuesday, Feb 22

2011-02-22T08:32:00.001-05:00

No classes or private lessons today. Make some snow art!

"...in terms of capturing the beauty, hardship and sheer scope of the weather, Jamie Stuart’s snow-covered, New-York-shot ode to the Soviet montage is the end-all. Roger Ebert is already calling for the film to receive an Academy Award because of its quality and technical profiency as well as its “role as homage.” Indeed, Stuart’s short Idiot with a Tripod does an admirable job paying tribute to Dziga Vertov’s 1929 silent classic Man With a Movie Camera while still capturing the trials and tribulations that people (and dogs) endured at the hands of the snowstorm."

Photos from "Love and Alll That Jazz"

2011-02-17T16:58:00.000-05:00

Hope Academy Student Takes First Place in PPT Shakespeare Contest

2011-02-15T11:34:00.001-05:00

Last night, Hope Academy students, Sam Gardner and Charlotte Bush, competed in the Pittsburgh Public Theater's 17th Annual Showcase of Finalists for the Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. It was a wonderful evening of theater, filled with laughter, tears, suspense, sword fighting and seduction. Sam Gardner wowed the audience with his comedic portrayal of Launce and Charlotte Bush charmed them with her Hermia. Pittsburgh Public Theater Artistic Director, Ted Pappas, told the audience that not only are all of the students in the finals winners, but all of the students who prepared for the contest, memorized the lines and now carry a little piece of Shakespeare in their hearts. He then went on with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette theatre critic, Chris Rawson, to present the awards to monologue and scene winners in both divisions... and Sam Gardner took first place for his monologue!

Congratulations to Sam, Charlotte, all of the finalists and the other forty-two Hope Academy students who now carry a bit of Shakespeare in their hearts!

FROM TODAY'S PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

Shakespeare winners listed

Monday, February 14, 2011

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In its 17th year, the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest attracted some 1,100 entrants from throughout Western Pennsylvania. Monday night's O'Reilly Theater finals saw the awards for best monologues and scenes, grades 4-7 and 8-12, go to Hermione, Antony, Launce, the duo of Cleon and Dionyza and a gaggle of pub-dwellers led by Falstaff and Prince Hal.

More specifically, those winners were, in that same order: Emily Kolb (CAPA), Elfonzo Williams (Langley), Sam Gardner (Hope Academy), Dominic Skeele and Emily Appel (Slippery Rock Area Elementary) and the team of Andy Guthrie, Jason Michalenk, Micah Carleton, Chris Tyson and Josh Bostanic (Beaver County Christian).
More details in Wednesday's newspaper.

Shakespeare Showcase of Finalists - See You There!

2011-02-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

Tonight…join us downtown at the O’Reilly Theater for the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 2011 Showcase of Finalists. Hope Academy will be well represented by Charlotte Bush (Hermia from Midsummer) and Sam Gardner (Launce from Two Gentlemen). It’s at 7:00 pm and it’s FREE. Let’s get our cheering section on!

Here is a map of downtown's cultural district; and here are some suggestions for parking.

Looking forward to seeing many of you there... this is a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day together!

Love and All That Jazz - SAT February 12 @ 7 pm

2011-02-04T08:17:00.002-05:00

A love-themed evening of poetry and song in the spirit of Valentine’s Day to benefit Hope Academy of Music and the Arts! This family-friendly event features an eclectic mix of love-themed poetry and song from classical and jazz to Broadway and hip hop.

Performers include Cello Fury; Howie Alexander and friends; the entire Pittsburgh City Council performing "love quotes" with Rev. Randy Bush; Carly Noel Black and Alexandra Loutsion performing the Flower Duet; Hope Academy's community orchestra, EL CEO, and teen theater company, HAT Co.

Tickets are available at the door:
$10 adults; $5 college students and seniors 60+; FREE for kids and teens.
For more information call: 412-441-3800 x11. For directions click here.

Plus, a free after-party Cabaret featuring HAT Co!

CELLO FURY

HOWIE ALEXANDER

LOVE QUOTES
From "Love and All That Jazz" in 2007, featuring councilman Bill Peduto.

HAT Co

Winter Term 2011 Begins Tomorrow!

2011-01-07T11:09:00.001-05:00

Pack up your dance shoes, sharpen your pencils and tune your instruments... Hope Academy classes and private lessons begin tomorrow, Saturday January 8th!

If you haven't registered yet, there may still be room in some of the Saturday classes. Wednesday free classes are all still open and there is always room in our free community engagement orchestra, EL CEO. Download the course brochure for more information, then print out the registration form, fill it in and return it with your payment before your classes begin.

Here is a video of EL CEO performing in the Winter Concert

Howlers Benefit for Hope Academy - SAT January 22

2011-01-06T09:59:00.002-05:00

Some of Pittsburgh's finest musicians perform some of the best of Motown to benefit Hope Academy of Music and the Arts! Sat. Jan 22 @ 8 pm at Howlers Coyote Cafe (4509 Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield). Get a sitter for the kids (it's 21+) and come out to have some adult fun for a good cause. $5-$10 sliding scale suggested donation.

Performers include: The Harlan Twins, Meeting of Important People, Slow Reel, Neighbors, Allegheny Rhythm Rangers, Dave Wheeler, Weird Paul Rock Band, Earls of Industry, Moldies & Monsters, Lover 29 and more...

Here is a video featuring one of the bands performing that night, Meeting of Important People:

Open Classes this Saturday, Dec 11

2010-12-06T11:40:00.007-05:00

OPEN CLASSES - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11

FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO OBSERVE
AND LEARN MORE ABOUT NEXT TERM

Please join us this Saturday to observe your children in their classes. This will be an informal sharing with an opportunity afterward to meet the teaching artists and ask questions about next term.

9:30 to 10:30 am Musical Theater Acting Tonya Lynn & Meredith Hoppe’s classes

10:30 to 12 noon HAT Co Acting Tonya Lynn & Meredith Hoppe’s classes

ALL HAT Co students and a parent/guardian are required to attend this session!

12:30 to 1:30 pm Ballet for Teens (12 to 18 year olds)

1:30 to 2:30 pm Ballet 1 (9 to 12 year olds)

2:30 to 3:15 pm Creative Movement (4 and 5 year olds)

3:15 to 4:15 pm            Pre-Ballet (6 to 8 year olds)

3:00 to 4:30 pm    EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra)
Guests are welcome to observe and find out more about joining the orchestra in January . EL CEO students, invite your friends!

Hope Academy Winter Concert - Dec 5 @ 3 pm

2010-11-22T10:00:00.006-05:00

A classical, rock, gospel and world music-filled concert featuring Hope Academy kids from 4- to 18-years-old on Sunday, December 5 at 3:00 pm.

EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra) will perform the "Theme from Harry Potter," featuring Bethan Neely on our magnificent Aeolian-Skinner pipe organ; musical theater students will sing some glee-ful show tunes; Voices of Hope Jr. will warm our hearts with a special arrangement of “Simple Gifts”; Voices of Hope African drummers will sing and drum - yes, at the same time!; HAT Co singers and band will rock out to songs from the Beatles, Britney Spears, Motown and more; and our new gospel and praise group will raise the roof as we lift our hands “In the Sanctuary.”

Plus special performances by Hope Academy teaching artists Michael Chapman, Lisa Joseph and Rachael Stutzman's trio, Nouveau.

This FREE concert is a great way to kick off the holiday season. Please join us!

Student performers and their families: please see the post below for detailed information about dress code and call times for the performance.

Winter Concert - Info for Student Performers

2010-11-21T23:00:00.000-05:00

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS PERFORMING IN HOPE ACADEMY'S

WINTER CONCERT ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5th

STUDENT PERFORMERS:

All Wednesday Voices of Hope Singing & Drumming Ensembles

Saturday Musical Theater and HAT Co Singers and Band

EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra)

DRESS CODE FOR PERFORMERS:

Red on top & black on the bottom

RED TOP (nice, plain, long-sleeved sweater or shirt – no t-shirts or anything with writing or embellishments). Girls may wear solid red dresses with black tights and shoes if they would like.

BLACK BOTTOM (well-fitting pants – not jeans. No sagging, bagging, tears or embellishments). Girls may wear black skirts, if they would like.

BLACK socks or tights, if wearing a skirt or dress

BLACK shoes. Can be nice sneakers if all black and no other embellishments.

If anyone has extra red shirts or sweaters to donate, please bring them on Sunday. We always have a few children who are unable to purchase appropriate concert attire and your donation will help them to participate more fully. The same concert attire will be required for students performing in Love and All That Jazz on February 12, 2011.

CALL TIME

(Arrival time to warm-up and rehearse before the concert. Please sign in and leave all belongings in the Harambe room.)

1:00 pm HAT Co

2:00 pm Musical Theater & Voices of Hope Gospel/Praise

2:15 pm Voices of Hope Drumming

2:30 pm EL CEO

2:45 pm Voices of Hope Jr

RECEPTION AFTER THE CONCERT

We would like to have a reception following the concert, but we need your help! Please call Norma Meyer (412-441-3800 x11) if you are able to contribute drinks or goodies; or if you would like to help set up, serve or clean up. We will only have a reception if there seems to be enough interest in helping to put it together.

CMU Monologue Sharing - 11/20/2010

2010-11-21T11:15:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Professor Janet Madelle Feindel and her CMU drama students for the monologue sharing and talk back session on Saturday. It was great to see monologues from such a wide range of playwrights (everything from Shakespeare to Tennessee Williams to Lorraine Hansberry and August Wilson).

Photos - Oct 15 Student Recital PSO Concert

2010-11-02T09:26:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow at Hope Academy PSO Concert and HA Performances

2010-10-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Resident Conductor, Lawrence Loh, will conduct a Community Engagement Concert tomorrow, Friday, Oct 15 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for college students and senior citizens; free for children and youth 18 and under. It will be a great concert featuring music by Beethoven, Rossini, Tchaikovsky and Mozart in East Liberty Presbyterian Church's beautiful sanctuary.

A FREE pre-concert student recital will take place from 6:00-6:45 pm, featuring students from Dilworth Elementary's World Drummers, CAPA's Jazz Combo and Hope Academy's East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra (EL CEO) and HAT Co Singers and Rock Band; then a post-concert celebration featuring Obama's Steel Drummers and a bake sale from 8:30-9:00

BAKE SALE DONATIONS WANTED! If you would like to help support music education programs for students in the East Liberty community (at Dilworth, Obama 6-12, CAPA Middle School and Hope Academy of Music and the Arts) please consider donating baked goods for the bake sale following the PSO concert. Your donations can be dropped off at the Highland Avenue hospitality desk on Friday, October 15 all day up until 6 pm.

Map and directions to Hope Academy/East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Support Your Local Music Education Programs!

2010-10-14T07:01:00.000-04:00

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is performing a Community Engagement concert at East Liberty Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 15. Proceeds from the concert benefit local music education programs. Students from those programs will be performing before and after the PSO's 7 pm concert. Hope Academy of Music and the Arts (Orchestra and Rock Band), Dilworth World Drummers and CAPA Middle School's Jazz Combo at 6 pm. Then Obama Steel Drummers after the concert at 8:30 pm. Student recitals are free.

Dilworth World Drummers performing at the 2009 PSO Community Engagement Concert

EL CEO and HAT Co Rehearsal Photos

2010-10-14T01:14:00.000-04:00

"We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."

PSO Concert Program for this Friday, Oct 15

2010-10-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs a community engagement concert at East Liberty Presbyterian Church this Friday, Oct 15 at 7 pm to benefit the music education programs of Hope Academy of Music and the Arts, Dilworth Elementary, CAPA Middle School and Obama 6-12. Here is the program followed by a video of the Tchaikovsky Serenade in C major for Strings.

Gioachino Rossini
Overture to Il Signor Bruschino

Wolfgang Amadé Mozart
Concerto No. 4 in E-flat major for Horn and Orchestra, K. 495
I.    Allegro moderato
II.   Romanza: Andante
III. Rondo: Allegro vivace

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Serenade in C major for Strings, Op. 48
III. Elégie: Larghetto eleglaco

Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
I.   Adagio molto – Allegro con brio
II. Andante cantabile con moto
III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
IV. Finale: Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace

"Ready for Love" HAT Co Performance

2010-10-08T01:34:00.001-04:00

Hope Academy Theater Company (HAT Co) performed "Ready for Love" at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in June. Featured in this song are Ainslei, Allie, Candace, Mimi and Zoe with accompaniment by Angelina, Jonathan and Kate.

Our new company, formed only three weeks ago, includes 25 talented young singers, dancers, actors and musicians. They will perform "Ready for Love," "Waiting on the World to Change," and "Waka Waka" in a student recital before the Pittsburgh Symphony Community Engagement Concert on Friday, October 15 at 6 pm. Join us for a wonderful evening of music at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

First Week of Classes Down - 35 More to Go!

2010-09-24T15:12:00.000-04:00

Our first full week of classes and private lessons is coming to a close with only a few more students to schedule and most classes completely filled. Yes, you can beg but there is a waiting list; we will be happy to add your name to it in case someone drops out. All scholarships for courses and private lessons have been awarded for the year.

The good news is...

There is always room in EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra) for young musicians of all ages and ability levels, and their musically-inclined parents. A few spots are open in Voices of Hope Jr, our free Wednesday after school music class for 5 to 8 year olds (from 5 to 6 pm) and Boys Dance! for 8 to 12 year old boys (from 5 to 6 pm); as well as in our Saturday Ballet I class for 9 to 12 year olds (from 1:30 to 2:30 pm). We will accept students into these classes on a first-come, first-served basis until they are filled.

Welcome to Michael Chapman - Hope Academy's Music Director

2010-09-24T14:50:00.000-04:00

Michael Chapman

Music Director, Hope Academy of Music and the Arts

Michael Chapman came to Pittsburgh from Trinidad and Tobago in 1996 when he was offered a scholarship to study music at Duquesne University. Sensitivity to the life transforming effect that music had on his own life, and the vital role that the arts play in human existence, inspired him to seek ways of sharing fine art with others. With the vision of the guitar as a gateway into the arts, and the merging of his artistic and administrative talents, he founded the Guitar Society of Fine Art in April 2001. He joined the guitar faculty at Duquesne University as adjunct professor and Classical Guitar Ensemble Director in 2002. Since 2003 Michael and the Guitar Society of Fine Art have been partnering with Hope Academy of Music and the Arts to give regional young people of diverse ethnic, social, economic and religious backgrounds an opportunity to further their personal and artistic growth through the study and performance of music.

As the new Music Director of Hope Academy, Michael will oversee all public performing activity of the various performing ensembles (EL CEO, HAT Co and all three Voices of Hope groups). Additionally, Michael will work with Hope Academy teaching artists, students and parents to increase the effectiveness and outcomes of the music instruction program.

Michael Chapman's position and Hope Academy's partnership with Guitar Society of Fine Art is being funded by the R.K. Mellon Foundation.

Congratulations to HAT Co and HAT Co Rock Band Members

2010-09-24T13:55:00.003-04:00

After auditioning in August, 24 students were selected to be part of the Hope Academy Theater Company (HAT Co) and HAT Co Rock Band. The group met for the first time last Saturday.They will be performing on Friday, OCT 15 @ 6 pm before the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Community Engagement Concert at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

EL CEO in Preparation for PSO Concert on Oct 15

2010-09-24T13:16:00.000-04:00

The first day of EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra). Over 40 young musicians, and their musically-inclined parents, are getting ready to perform in their first concert on Friday, Oct 15 prior to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, here at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. Join us as a musician or an audience member, and support music education in our community.

For more information about joining the orchestra or buying tickets for the concert, call 412-441-3800 x11.

Alia Musica Recital Tonight

2010-07-22T11:51:00.000-04:00

Duo Paginas (mezzo Raquel Winnica-Young and oboist Lenny Young) are joined by guitarist John Arrigo. Music by Corigliano, Joaquín Rodrigo, De Falla, Hindemith, among others. With premieres by Lenny Young and Federico Garcia (Hope Academy teaching artist and artistic director of EL CEO).

7:30 pm - Frick Fine Arts Auditorium

This Friday - STAYCEE PEARL dance project SPdp

2010-07-07T15:12:00.003-04:00

pupa: new…again

Friday, July 9, 2010 | 10AM

Friday, July 9, 2010 | 8PM

Featuring dance works created by choreographer/artist/Hope Academy teacher, Staycee Pearl, and six dancers, ranging in inspiration from the lighthearted to the weighty and worldly. Collaborator, Herman ‘Soy Sos’ Pearl offers up innovative sound design and original music.

Kelly-Strayhorn Theater

$10 General Advance | Door

$5 Student | Artist, Student

Hope Academy students and their families should come to the 10 am matinee performance. Tickets are only $2.50 each and there will be a question and answer session afterward. See you there!

"We stayed to watch the sneak peak of Staycee Pearl's Dance Project after the Hope Academy showcase because I've never seen modern dance before. Wow! It was freaking wild. I'm glad I stayed and I will be back to see more."

-- Hope Academy parent

Love it! SPdp T-Shirt

2010-07-07T13:34:00.001-04:00

Show your support for STAYCEE PEARL dance project and look pretty hip at the same time. Get yours on Friday at their Kelly-Strayhorn performance. $20 seems like a real deal for all this coolness.

Planning for Fall 2010 and Beyond - HA Course Brochure, Registration Form and Scholarship Applications

2010-07-06T18:51:00.003-04:00

The summer's only just begun and it's already time to start thinking about the fall.

Hope Academy's course brochure, registration form, policy info form, and scholarship applications are now available to download as pdfs. In an effort to cut costs (and save some trees) we will be mailing postcards to let everyone know that they can download everything here. If you would like a complete printed brochure, you can pick one up at the front desk or call and we will send one to you (412-441-3800 x11).

If you are interested in auditioning for Hope Academy Theater Company (HAT Co) or HAT Co Band, call to reserve your audition time on Saturday, August 28. We will mail you a packet with an application and all of the audition details.Scholarship applications are due by Monday, August 16 (no exceptions).

So check out our new courses, and get your registration forms in as soon as possible to make sure that you have a spot in the class(es) you are interested in. It's going to be a terrific year and you won't want to miss out.

Lessons from the Birds: a Rachel Carson puppet play

2010-07-01T08:40:00.000-04:00

Hope Academy is on break for the summer, but we will still be attending all kinds of wonderful arts events around the city. Check the blog often and let's meet up and have some fun.

The story of Rachel Carson is brought to life in this puppet-theater piece for people of all ages. Funded by the Heinz Endowment Youth EcoArt Initiative, the show features local favorite, Elena Alexandratos, and a slew of exciting puppets designed in collaboration with Pittsburgh artists Cheryl Capezutti and Kellee Van Aken.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

This is a free performance at the Carnegie Library in Oakland, but you should register

online at the Carnegie Library's website, or

call - 412-622-3122

email - children@carnegielibrary.org

"Star Crossed" and "Array" Today!

2010-06-27T10:08:00.002-04:00

Last chance to catch "Star Crossed," today at 3 pm at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. Don't miss it! Tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the door. Here is a cast photo from last night's performance. More photos coming soon... keep checking back.

After "Star Crossed," grab something to eat and come back at 7 pm for "Array," a dance performance featuring Hope Academy dancers and Staycee Pearl's adult company (SPdp). Admission is "pay what you can" at the door.

Star Crossed First Rehearsal Photos

2010-06-23T09:26:00.002-04:00

Star Crossed and Array - Showcase Details

2010-06-18T09:30:00.001-04:00

STAR CROSSED

Romeo and Juliet as you've never seen it before -- remixed, mashed up, deconstructed and re-imagined. Fifty Hope Academy students will sing, dance and act their way through the complexities of the story and themes of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays. With text straight from the Bard and music from West Side Story, Spring Awakening, Radiohead, Dire Straights, The Proclaimers and more, this 400 year old play takes on a whole new life. Shakespeare scenes are directed by Tonya Lynn, with choreography by Staycee Pearl and Michael Walsh, and music direction by Anna Elder, Devin Flynt and Michael Chapman.

Saturday, June 26 at 7pm

Sunday, June 27 at 3 pm

Tickets are available at the door for $5 each

STAYCEE PEARL dance project (SPdp): ARRAY

ar-ray /uh-rey
1. An orderly series, arrangement or sequence
2. To set out for display or use
3. To dress in finery: adorn

HAT Co. Pearl Dancers (from Hope Academy's teen theater company) perform their end of the year concert on Sunday, June 27 at 7 pm alongside teaching artist Staycee Pearl's adult dance company (STAYCEE PEARL dance project, SPdp). Each company performs dance works created by artistic director, Staycee Pearl, SPdp artists and HAT Co/SPdc emerging artists. The two groups also perform as one in a range of inspired performances. Hope Academy student dancers include Angelina Winbush, Candace Burgess, Mimi Thomas, Dayna Rouse and Alexandra Brown. SPdp members include Kerra Alexander, Jamie Murphy, Cassie Shafer, Renee Smith, Amanda Vavra, and Laura Warren.

Sunday, June 27 at 7 pm

Admission to this performance is "pay what you can."

ABOUT HAT Co Pearl Dance
HAT Co (Hope Academy Theater Company) Pearl Dance, is Hope Academy’s student dance workshop established by dancer and choreographer, Staycee Pearl. Under her artistic direction, pre-teen and teenage dancers complete a broad curriculum of study in various dance techniques and styles. As they learn to think about and respect dance as an art form -- and themselves as artists and creators – they are encouraged to make their own work. The dancers participate in the larger theater company (HAT Co) and receive additional classes and private lessons in singing, dancing, acting and instrumental music -- depending on their area of concentration. This holistic and non-competitive approach to training values and respects the “giftedness” of each company member, helping them to gain the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in school and work, and to contribute in positive ways to our community.

Staycee Pearl’s residency with the company is supported by the generosity of The Heinz Endowments.

Rethinking our Drinking -- Bottled Water is OUT at Hope Academy

2010-06-16T07:59:00.008-04:00

Actors, singers, dancers and musicians need to stay hydrated when they are working, especially now, when it’s getting hotter and most of our classrooms and rehearsal spaces are not air-conditioned. We have been buying bottled water to have on hand for dancers and long rehearsals, but after one of our students pointed out how eco-unfriendly this is we have decided to go a bit greener with a self-imposed ban on purchasing bottled water. Students may bring their own bottled water, if they would like, but hopefully after reading on and watching the video below you will be convinced to bring a reusable water bottle that can be refilled at the water fountains or with the iced tap water that we will provide.

The facts about bottled water

Americans spent $15 billion last year on bottled water, which can cost up to 1000 times more than tap water. Despite the ads and marketing, bottled water is not any cleaner, tastier or healthier than tap water. Each year, 2.7 million tons of plastic are used to make 50 billion disposable drinking bottles, requiring an estimated 47 million gallons of oil -- and that doesn’t include the energy costs of shipping the bottled water to the stores where you buy them. Ultimately, one liter of bottled water requires 2,000 times more energy to produce than one liter of tap water. At the end of their life cycle, less than 20 percent of plastic bottles are recycled which means that 38 billion plastic water bottles end up in U.S. landfills each year -- 100 million every day! -- and they can sit there for up to a thousand years.

What we can do:

Everything we consume has a climate impact, but manufacturing and trucking water bottles to homes (or churches) with clean tap water seems particularly wasteful. Instead, you can carry a reusable bottle and fill it with tap water. You'll not only save money but will reduce the use of the non-renewable resources required to make plastic bottles -- and keep them out of landfills.

Next week, during our showcase performances at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, we will be selling our new reusable BPA-free Hope Academy water bottles (photo left) for $3 each. Choose from blue, green or pink and we will fill it for you with delicious iced tap water. Refills are free! Watch the video below and if you aren't convinced that buying bottled water is not only unnecessary but uncool as well, let us know. Together, we can make a small change and lots of small changes can add up to something BIG. Spread the word!

Showcase Rehearsal and Performance Schedule

2010-06-12T07:27:00.002-04:00

The showcase performance is only two weeks away and we are kicking into high gear as we get ready to move into the theater for rehearsals next week. The parent information packet will be distributed in class today and also mailed home. Here is the Rehearsal and Performance Schedule -- if (when) you lose it you can come back here to download it again :-)
Photo: Last year's cast of "Born for a Reason" at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater

Kelly-Strayhorn Theater's Full Bloom

2010-06-11T14:20:00.002-04:00

Full Bloom: Take the Stage

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Tomorrow! Saturday, June 12, 2010

A fab Saturday night celebrating the Kelly-Strayhorn and the East End. And you get to make your dance moves on the KST stage. The evening benefits the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and keeps the arts alive through the year.Featuring Hope Academy teaching artist's STAYCEE PEARL dance project, SPdp.

"Don't Stop Believing": HA song of the year

2010-06-09T09:21:00.001-04:00

Just when you thought you'd heard the last of the Journey song, it shows up again in the finale of GLEE.

HAT Co Singers and Band Rehearsal

2010-06-07T17:27:00.006-04:00

This was the very first rehearsal for HAT Co. musicians and singers at our sleepover last week. Our new HAT Co band will perform during Hope Academy's showcase performance of STAR CROSSED on June 26 and 27 at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. Gabe Winbush (drums), Jonathan Lee (guitar) Ethan Ziegler (bass), Zoe Taeger (violin), Angelina Winbush (keyboard). You guys rock!

HAT Co Sleepover Photos

2010-06-04T09:36:00.000-04:00

Photos from last week's rehearsal and sleepover. We all had a blast and the new HAT Co band sounds awesome! Thanks to all of the teaching artists who came to rehearse and hang out with us: Federico Garcia, Anna Elder, Devin Flynt, Michael Chapman, Staycee Pearl... and Ms. Norma, of course.

Spring Music Festival - African Drumming with Devin Flynt

2010-06-03T09:47:00.000-04:00

Twinkle, Fireflies and Happy from Spring Music Festival

2010-05-26T10:16:00.000-04:00

Here is the first video from our Spring Music Festival. This one features Voices of Hope students under the direction of Josie Kost (1st - 3rd grades) and Anna Elder (4th - 6th grades). They are accompanied by teaching artists Devin Flynt (drums and bass) and Suzanne Polak (piano).

The final song, Happy Doesn't Have to Have an Ending, includes an animated music video created by Hope Academy students with help from Squonk Opera's Michelle Carello. Unfortunately, the video didn't synch in this performance but you can watch the entire video here.

HAT Co Pearl Dancers - Inspired by Comedic Movement

2010-05-22T07:27:00.001-04:00

A video playlist has been compiled, and we can add to it, of famous comedic dances and movement on film. From Charlie Chaplin (an inspiration to Michael Jackson), to Mr. Bean, Steve Martin, Carlton and Napolean Dynamite, this collection is laugh-out-loud funny. Watch them all to find out what tickles your funny bone and think about why. Then create your own moves for the Napolean Dynamite-inspired dance you are making. Watch Charlie Chaplin's famous dance from the film "Modern Times" below, and then click here to go to the entire playlist on Hope Academy's YouTube channel.

HAT Co. Pearl Dancers - Inspired by newMoves Choreographers

2010-05-14T03:55:00.003-04:00

HAT Co. Pearl Dancers have been invited to an Artist's Lunch at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Saturday, May 15. The videos below are examples of the work of some of the newMoves Dance Festival choreographers you will meet there. Please watch these videos and think of any questions you might have for them.

Meredith Rainey - Thursday's newMoves choreographer

Camille Brown - Friday's newMoves choreographer

Luke Murphy - Saturday's newMoves choreographer

HA Teachers and Students in newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival This Weekend

2010-05-11T16:25:00.007-04:00

Hope Academy students should plan to come to the newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater this weekend. Not only will you be able to see wonderful dance, within walking distance of your classes here (right across the street, actually), but you will be able to see many of your favorite teaching artists in action.

Michael Walsh (Musical Theater dance teacher, pictured left), Staycee Pearl (HAT Co. dance director) and Jamie Murphy (HAT Co. choreographer and substitute dance teacher) are all choreographing pieces for the performance on Saturday, May 15 at 7:30 pm. Kerra Alexander (PBT Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet and Ballet 1 teacher) will be dancing with Staycee Pearl's company.

It is a festival of Hope Academy dance teachers... all for only $5 (for students).

And don't forget that Hope Academy students in HAT Co. Pearl Dance will be performing in youthMoves on Sunday, May 16 at 2 pm.

ABOUT HAT Co. PEARL DANCE

HAT Co (Hope Academy Theater Company) Pearl Dance, is Hope Academy’s student dance workshop established by dancer and choreographer, Staycee Pearl (pictured right). Under her artistic direction, pre-teen and teenage dancers complete a broad curriculum of study in various dance techniques and styles. As they learn to think about and respect dance as an art form -- and themselves as artists and creators – they are encouraged to make their own work. The dancers participate in the larger theater company and receive additional classes and private lessons in singing, dancing, acting and instrumental music (depending on their area of concentration). This holistic and non-competitive approach to training values and respects the “giftedness” of each company member, helping them to gain the skills and confidence necessary to succeed in school and work, and to contribute in positive ways to our community.

Staycee Pearl’s residency with the company is supported by the generosity of The Heinz Endowments.

newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival

2010-05-11T08:38:00.004-04:00

newMoves Contemporary Dance Festival

Thursday - Saturday, May 13-15, 2010 | 7:30PM

youthMoves

Sunday, May 16, 2010 | 2PM

Presented by Kelly-Strayhorn Theater

Voted best of 2009 by Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Pittsburgh City Paper, KST presents newMoves 2010: a contemporary dance festival that engages Pittsburgh audiences in supporting new talent with movement ideas that are fresh, challenging and fun.

Thursday, May 13 at 7:30 pm, the festival opens with Meredith Rainey (Philadelphia), Gwen Ritchie, and Megan Bridge (Philadelphia).

Friday, May 14 at 7:30 pm, features work by Nichole Canuso (Philadelphia) and Camille Brown (NYC).

Saturday, May 15 at 7:30 pm, includes work by Pearlann Porter, Staycee Pearl*, Michael Walsh*, Jamie Murphy* and Kaylin Horgan.

Sunday, May 16, at 2 pm, the festival concludes with youthMoves – a showcase of young dancers featuring performances by students from Hope Academy of Music and the Arts, Alumni Theater Company, Naka Entertainment and Bodiography .

Hope Academy students performing in youthMoves are Angelina Winbush, Dayna Rouse, Candace Burgess, Allie Brown and Mimi Thomas. They have been working together all year, under the direction of Staycee Pearl, as part of HAT Co. Pearl Dance, an artist residency supported by The Heinz Endowments.

2010 Emerging Choreographers are Andrew Blight, Jamie Murphy*, Renee Danielle Smith, Keila Cordova and Bailey Bretz.

* Hope Academy Teaching Artists

$15 Advance | $20 Door

$10 15206 Zip

$5 Student & Artist

A newMovesPass for $25 provides access to all newMoves Festival events.

HAT Co Pearl Dancers - Inspired by Vincent Dance Theater

2010-04-21T17:37:00.002-04:00

We have been given free tickets to see Vincent Dance Theatre (see video below) on Saturday, May 1 at the Byham Theater downtown. Please let Linda Addlespurger know this Saturday if you will be coming with us. Thanks to Tickets for Kids and the Pittsburgh Dance Council for providing HAT Co Pearl Dancers with this opportunity!

"Pulling together movement, text, choreography, theatre, live music and a strong visual sense of place, VDT’s rollercoaster productions challenge conventional values in dance and gender politics."

HAT Co Pearl Dancers - Inspired by Netherlands Dance Theater

2010-04-17T06:45:00.002-04:00

Netherlands Dance Theater (NDT) was established in 1959 by a group of 18 members who broke away from the traditionally orientated Het Nederlands Ballet company. Dedicated to bridging the gap between modern dance and classical ballet, the new group quickly forged a reputation as one of the most innovative and exciting dance groups in Europe. Here are two pieces by choreographer, Jiří Kylian.

Beijing Guitar Duo this Saturday - FREE Tickets

2010-04-14T00:54:00.004-04:00

The Guitar Society of Fine Art presents

Beijing Guitar Duo
Meng Su and Wang Yameng

Saturday April 17, 2010 at 8:00 pm

PNC Recital Hall, Duquesne University

The Beijing Guitar Duo hails from China, but they studied in America with a Cuban guitar legend, play Brazilian music, and recently made their New York debut. The duo, comprised of Meng Su and Yameng Wang, performs live at Duquesne University's PNC Recital Hall this coming Saturday. Hope Academy students and their families are invited to attend FREE. Please email Michael Chapman to let him know how many tickets you would like and they will be left for you at the door.

HAT Co Pearl Dancers - Inspired by Pina Bausch

2010-04-10T04:53:00.003-04:00

Pina Bausch was a German choreographer who combined potent drama and dreamlike movement to create a powerful form of dance theater. Her work influenced generations of dance-makers. The music in these videos is from Henry Purcell's The Fairy Queen, "O, Let Me Weep."

Bombtrack - Spring Music Festival Video

2010-04-10T03:38:00.000-04:00

Fifth grade students, Ethan and Owen, and their teacher, Devin Flynt, perform "Bombtrack," at Hope Academy's 2010 Spring Music Festival.

Richard III Field Trips for Shakespeare Students

2010-03-30T09:05:00.001-04:00

HAT Co and Upper Division Shakespeare Students Invited to Tour CMU's Theater and See Richard III

Carnegie Mellon University Theater Tour

Monday, April 12 @ 5:00 pm

Purnell Theater on the CMU Campus

The tour will take about an hour and we will be able to see the load-in of Richard III

We are also invited to a FREE performance of Richard III

Monday, April 26 @ 10 am

Purnell Theater on the CMU Campus

This should be no problem for home schoolers. All others will need to evaluate whether or not their schools would be willing to excuse them for an educational field trip. We need to RSVP for this so please let us know by April 1 whether or not you can come (call Ms. Norma at 412-441-3800 x11)

About Richard III

Richard III, Shakespeare's Machiavellian tour-de-force, tells the story of a nobleman's bloody and narcissistic ascent to power and his infectious impact on the society that nurtured and destroyed him. Exploring the worlds of terror, mistrust, corruption and delusion, it effectively echoes some current political shenanigans.

Spring Music Festival Photos

2010-03-28T23:36:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to everyone who participated in Saturday's Spring Music Festival.

Happy Doesn't Have to Have an Ending - Animation

2010-03-28T12:06:00.000-04:00

If you missed yesterday's Spring Music Festival, here is the video that our Wednesday Animation Club created with Michelle Carello from Squonk Opera. Lots of photos and videos from yesterday's marathon event coming soon. Keep checking back!

Don't Miss Federico & Alia Musica

2010-03-27T22:58:00.000-04:00

Hope Academy teaching artist and EL CEO conductor, Federico Garcia, is also the artistic director of the New Music ensemble, Alia Musica. They will be performing their final Spring 2010 concert on Thursday, April 8 at 7 pm at Synod Hall, and you are invited. One of Mr. Garcia's compositions will be performed and he will also be conducting.

So, if you're thinking to yourself, "this sounds great, but what is New Music?" don't bother trying to google an answer... a layman's definition doesn't seem to exist -- even on Wikipedia. You've just got to go to the concert to find out for yourself. Don't like to take chances? OK. Check out the video below for a sample of one kind of New Music performed by Alia Musica. This piece also features Hope Academy teaching artists Lisa Joseph (violin) and Ana Diaz (cello). Need more of an incentive? Hope Academy students and members of East Liberty Presbyterian Church are admitted FREE! Tickets for Hope Academy parents are only $10 (regularly $15). Just email Federico Garcia to let him know how many tickets you would like and he will leave them at the door for you. Hope to see you there!

Put Something in the Hat and Bake Some Cookies - We Need Your Help

2010-03-23T03:02:00.000-04:00

It costs over $1,000 to rent the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater for the daylong Spring Music Festival.

Instead of charging admission, we will be “passing the hat” to collect donations. It sounds like a lot of money to raise but if each student donates $10 we will cover our costs.

We will also have a bake sale to defray the costs, and provide sustenance – so please consider volunteering to help throughout the day (call Norma at 412-441-3800 x11 to schedule a time). And of course, we need your delicious baked goods! Just drop them off at the theater. Thank you.

Spring Music Festival - Saturday, March 27

2010-03-23T00:56:00.004-04:00

Join us as we celebrate our young musicians, singers, dancers, actors and artists during a daylong marathon of recitals, capped off by an evening performance of our Wednesday vocal and drumming ensembles (Voices of Hope); our new community orchestra, EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra); our “Bard to the Bone” Shakespeare students; and the premiere of an animated music video of the They Might Be Giants song, “Happy Doesn’t Have to Have an Ending,” created by our Wednesday Animation Club, in collaboration with Squonk Opera.

Recitals at 1:30 and 3:00 pm, click here for studios during each time period
Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Sharing at 5:30 pm
Evening Ensemble* Performances at 7:00 pm

*Voices of Hope Singing and Drumming, EL CEO, HAT Co, Pearl Dance, Squonk Animation

Fireflies! For the Spring Music Festival

2010-03-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

Our youngest Voices of Hope kids will be singing their favorite song, "Fireflies," in the Spring Music Festival at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Saturday, March 27. Here is the PS 22 choir singing it -- watch it and practice!

Mayhem & Majesty Mesmerizes Audiences with Squonk Opera Magic

2010-03-18T11:18:00.006-04:00

FINAL FOUR PERFORMANCES OF THE WORLD PREMIERE

Thursday - Saturday, March 18-20 | 8 PM Sunday, March 21 | 2 PM
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater - 5941 Penn Avenue
(across the street from East Liberty Presbyterian Church)

"A musical experience that's colorful, chaotic, spiky, elegant, sensuous and surreal..." -- Tribune-Review. Click here to read the T-R review by Alice Carter.

"Free again to rely on sound and quirky staging to explore music director Jackie Dempsey's colorful compositions, "Mayhem and Majesty" is a concert of ethereal music and imagery -- think Cirque du Soleil-style music without a wispy story arc and clowns on trapeze." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Click here to read the P-G review by John Hayes.

Don't miss Squonk Opera's newest piece of sonic brilliance: MAYHEM & MAJESTY! The Squonkers journey from the depths of moody minimalism to the heights of gypsy rock raucous delight. Their award-willing multimedia canvas takes your eyes to those wondrous places your ears have long kept secret. Tickets still available for this can't-miss-experience! Click here to visit Squonk Opera's website!

Come early to view art and sculpture created by students (including Hope Academy's animation club) working with Squonk Opera during their residency! A post-show talk-back will be held on Sunday, March 21st. Hope Academy animation students and their families will be attending the Sunday, March 21 performance.

CORNING WORKS Dance Performance

2010-03-17T11:55:00.000-04:00

CORNING WORKS and THE NEW HAZLETT THEATER PRESENT

THE GLUE FACTORY PROJECT - A Seat at the Table

MARCH 25 - 28

6 consummate performers from the field of dance explore the question
of who deserves...
A SEAT AT THE TABLE.
A series of provocative vignettes designed to refract our perspectives on that proverbial place of belonging and power — from the domestic dinner tables to the seats of social power. Who gets a seat? Who makes the offer? Once seated…then what?

24’ of table, a metamorphic game of musical chairs, transparent alliances, personal compromises ... one’s relative position and perspective grows more & more uncertain. What does a seat at the table really get you anyway?

Featuring Michael Blake (former dancer with The José Limón Dance Company and Donald Byrd), David Covey (award-winning dance lighting designer and performer), Janet Lilly (former principal dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company), Peter Sparling (former principal dancer with the Martha Graham Company), Cathy Young (former principal dancer with Danny Buraczeski’s JAZZDANCE), and Beth Corning.

SHOW TIMES:
Thurs. 8pm

includes Champagne Reception catered by DISH OSTERIA BAR (doors open at 6:30)

Fri. & Sat. 8pm

Sun. 2pm PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN admission

(HAT Co Pearl Dancers should attend this performance. See Staycee Pearl for info)

All performances are followed by an informal “meet & greet” with the performers in the New Hazlett Lobby.

WHERE: The New Hazlett Theater , Northside

TICKETS: $30 general admission, $20 senior/students

RESERVATIONS: 1.888.718.4253 or www.showclix.com/display_events
FOR FURTHER INFO: 412. 320.4610

Guitar Hero Inventor Talks About What's Next

2010-03-15T23:52:00.001-04:00

"The first idea I’d like to suggest is that we all love music a great deal, it means a lot to us. But music is even more powerful if you don’t just listen to it, but you make it yourself...everybody, each of us, everybody in the world has the power to create and be part of music in a very dynamic way, and that’s one of the main parts of my work. So, with the MIT Media Lab for quite a while now. We’ve been engaged in a field called the act of music. What are all the possible ways that we can think of, to get everybody in the middle of a musical experience? Not just listening, but by making music." (Watch Tod Machover's lecture below, recorded March 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 20:35.)

HAT Co Pearl Dancers - Inspired by Birds

2010-03-12T21:08:00.005-05:00

We will look at these three short videos tomorrow. The first, "From Haunts of Coot and Hen," is performed by Pilobolus. The second, "The Ostrich," is performed by Charles Moore and choreographed by Asadata Defora (1932). The third, "Beach Birds for Camera," is choreographed by Merce Cunningham with music by John Cage.

While all three pieces are inspired by the imagery of birds/animals, each uses a very different movement sensibility; Pilobolus and Cunningham have a contemporary/modern aesthetic, in contrast with "The Ostrich," with its reliance on more traditional African dance. Staycee Pearl.

HAT Co Pearl Dancers - Inspired by Bill T. Jones

2010-03-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

Staycee Pearl's dancers are beginning to make their own dances and adding Thursday evening work sessions (starting tonight at 6 pm) to the regular Saturday class schedule.

Part of this process involves studying other choreographers and finding inspiration/meaning for your work. Last week we looked at a clip from Bill T. Jones' Dancing to the Promised Land (you can watch the entire documentary on Netflix). Jones used the gesture of his mother resting on a hoe for inspiration, divided the part of Eliza from Uncle Tom's Cabin between four dancers (each of whom connected to the character and the story in a distinctly personal way), and incorporated words/language. So you should be thinking this week about gesture, images, story and language. Please bring an idea with you into our 9 am session on Saturday in room 340, where we will continue our inspiration sessions before dance class.

Here is a clip of Bill T. Jones talking about his work, Fondly Do We Hope... Fervently Do We Pray (a dance about Abraham Lincoln) with Bill Moyers. And here is a link to a longer video of Jones giving a lecture about dance, choreography and life. Take an hour to watch it. You will certainly come away with some ideas.

Upcoming Event - Squonk Opera Sun. March 21 @ 2 pm

2010-03-05T13:42:00.003-05:00

Hope Academy's Wednesday Animation Club has been working with Squonk Opera's Michelle Carello, as part of the community residency program at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. The animation students are making a music video to the They Might Be Giants song, "Happy Doesn't Have to Have an Ending." The animated music video will be performed to live at our Spring Music Festival on Saturday, March 27 at 7 pm.

In the meantime, Michelle and Squonk Opera have generously offered us tickets to see their performance of Mayhem and Majesty on Sunday, March 21 at 2 pm at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. Hope Academy animation and HAT Co students are invited. There will be a question and answer session following the performance and Michelle will be there to talk about her role in the production. Please RSVP to Norma Meyer at 412-441-3800 x11 by Friday, March 12 if you would like to attend.

Here is a taste of what you can expect.

Squonk Opera’s Mayhem & Majesty

Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater & Squonk Opera

Thursdays-Saturdays, March 11-13 and March 18-20 | 8PM &
Sundays, March 14 and 21 | 2PM

In Mayhem and Majesty, the sonic hooligans of Squonk Opera explore the poetry of music making and the power of sound with camera jibs, projection puppets and kinetic machines.

Each song evokes different atmospheres and dynamics, which are made vivid through mesmerizing projections and constantly transforming scenery. One moment you are alone in a swarm of stars with a gently swaying keyboard and a sparse lullaby your only guide. The next, you see how romance is just a series of cell mutations set to post-punk beats.

The Squonkers journey from the depths of moody minimalism to the heights of gypsy rock raucous delight. And our award-winning multimedia canvas takes your eyes to those wondrous places your ears have long kept secret.

Click here to visit Squonk Opera's website.

Click here to purchase tickets

$15 Advance | $20 Door
$10 15206 Zip Code
$5 Student | Artist

Sam Gardner's Honorable Mention Award

2010-03-05T09:19:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Sam Gardner who won an honorable mention in the 2010 Pittsburgh Public Theater Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. His "Alas, poor Yorick" speech was filled with "infinite jest."

A Shakespearean Sonnet for Bode Miller by Angelina

2010-02-28T16:46:00.001-05:00

Angelina was inspired by her favorite Olympic athlete, Bode Miller, to write the Shakespearean sonnet that won the Hope Academy sonnet writing contest. Congratulations, Angelina!

A Sonnet for Bode by Angelina

Some know him as the fastest man on snow

Bode, the commonly alluded name
The Silver Metal champion we know

Going for gold in the Vancouver games

Such as the impression of his skis

he found his life escalating downhill

Sasha Rearick took the dream he had seized

For he was partying instead of drills

With his spot on the Olympic team gone

Sasha awards Bode a second chance

His love for skiing still continued on

from there he has done nothing but advance

Undisputedly the best on the team

Bode will never give up on his dream

Carnival!

2010-02-28T12:18:00.004-05:00

We came... we ate... we danced... we limbo-ed... we dressed in funny costumes and hats... we partied last night and celebrated a belated Carnival/Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras. Thanks to ELPC's Worship, Music and the Arts Committee for a fantastic evening. And to the hearty souls who were determined not to let a little snow stop them from having a good time. Check out more photos here.

SAT February 27 - WE'RE OPEN

2010-02-27T07:10:00.000-05:00

Yes, we are open today with classes and private lessons as usual (unless something changes, weather-wise -- check back later for updates). Six inches is nothing!

FRI February 26 - Classes and Private Lessons Cancelled

2010-02-26T09:13:00.002-05:00

Fountain East Liberty Presbyterian Church
Saturday, Feb 6 - First day of Snow 2010

Twenty days of snow, sleet, wind, rain, shoveling, salting, no parking, school closings and rescheduling... it seems as if it will never end. Once again, classes and private lessons are canceled for today. Stay safe and warm. Memorize your lines, practice your music, write a song or a sonnet. Make something. See you all tomorrow (hopefully).

Mardi Gras/Carnival this Saturday!

2010-02-22T12:37:00.009-05:00

Thaw out with us this Saturday at our Hot, Hot, Hot Carnival -- rescheduled from two weeks ago and better late than never!

Carnival fun and frolic will be had by all as we transform the Social Hall into an island paradise. Dress in your most colorful outfit showing off your warm-weather island wardrobe -- ditch the down coat and dig out your favorite shorts, flip flops and Hawaiian shirts -- and enjoy dinner with a kid-friendly menu and some tasty Caribbean treats. Entertainment includes a live steel drum band performing authentic Soul-Calypso (Soca) music. Start limbering up for a Limbo contest (really, how low can you go?) plus crafts and activities for kids of all ages. Last year's Mardi Gras queen, Charlotte, in her German Fasching costume pictured above. More photos of last year's Mardi Gras here.

SAT February 27 at 4:30 pm (dinner will be served at 5:15)

Social Hall of East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Tickets are $6 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under, or $18 for an entire family. Call Norma Meyer at 412.441.3800 x11 to RSVP

This is how they do it in Trinidad - steel drum soca music

Bethan Neely Wins Duquesne Piano Festival Competition

2010-02-22T11:44:00.003-05:00

Hope Academy student, Bethan Neely, is one of the winners of the first Duquesne Young Artist National Competition and Piano Festival. This festival recognizes and honors the achievements of piano students ages 6 to 18. Winners will perform in a Winner's Recital on March 6, 2010 at 11 AM in the PNC Recital Hall in the School of Music at Duquesne University.

Bethan studies organ with Dr. Richard J. Szeremany. She is also a member of our Voices of Hope vocal ensembles under the direction of Suzanne Polak and Anna Elder. Bethan is pictured, above, playing the organ during the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Community Engagement Concert student recital at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

Congratulations to Bethan!

Suzanne Polak's Recital and CD Release

2010-02-22T11:03:00.000-05:00

Tuesday February 23rd

7:00 to 8:00 pm

Duquesne University - PNC Recital Hall (click for directions and campus map)

Hope Academy teaching artist extraordinaire, Suzanne Polak, invites everyone to join her tomorrow evening for a recital of her composition work and the release of her new CD, Unguarded Moments. You can listen to samples from the CD on her website here.

The recital will feature a wind symphony and brass choir, conducted by George Vosburgh, with violist, Marylene Gingas-Roy, and percussionist, Joel Panian.

A reception follows.

Congratulations to Suzanne!

Love and All That Jazz - This Week!

2010-02-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

For more information click here

Student performers (Voices of Hope, EL CEO and HAT Co) click here

Friends, colleagues, family and fans of the Rev. Dr. J. Richard Szeremany, click here

(we would like you to come and sing with us!)

HA Closed Today - Wednesday, Feb 17

2010-02-17T08:09:00.010-05:00

Hope Academy classes and private lessons are canceled today

Wednesday, February 17

The view from Ms. Linda's office

See the post below for links to all of the music and mp3s for the songs that many of you are singing this Saturday at Love and All That Jazz. Plus EL CEO music for the Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet.

For all students participating in Love and All That Jazz on Saturday, Feb 20 (Voices of Hope, HAT Co, EL CEO): Call time is 6:00 pm. Wear red on the top and black on the bottom. Bring your family and friends!

Shakespeare students will receive an email today with monologues and scenes to work on for class this Saturday. The Pittsburgh Public Showcase of Finalists has been rescheduled to this Friday, February 19 at 4:00 pm at the O'Reilly Theater. And don't forget to check out the Flickr site for photos from the preliminary round last week and hurling insults in class.

More soon...

Love, Twinkle, Prayer and Romeo & Juliet Music

2010-02-17T05:36:00.012-05:00

Because our last two rehearsals were snowed out, you will need to practice the songs for Love and All That Jazz on your own at home. Here are mp3s of Love, Twinkle and Prayer.

And here is music to print out for All You Need is Love and Twinkle (for singers) and Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet for EL CEO musicians.

DETAILS FOR STUDENT PERFORMERS

Performance Date and Time: Saturday, February 20th @ 7 pm

Student performers must be at East Liberty Presbyterian Church by 6:00 pm (sign in and leave your coats in the Harambe room – across from the security desk - and then go to Music Room for a warm-up and quick rehearsal all together). This includes all Voices of Hope singers, EL CEO musicians and HAT Co.

Performance Location: Sanctuary of East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Rehearsal: We will rehearse together at 6:00 pm on the evening of the performance. This is mandatory!

What to Wear – LOVE-ly Valentines-themed Attire!

RED on the top (shirt or sweater or dress)

BLACK on the bottom (pants or skirt)

BLACK shoes

RED or Valentines-themed accessories -- jewelry, scarves, pins, ties, etc.

Contact Information for Questions:

Linda Addlespurger, Hope Academy Director – 412-441-3800 x12

Norma Meyer, Hope Academy Administrative Assistant – 412-441-3800 x11

We need your presence and your voice!

2010-02-16T00:27:00.018-05:00

Please come and sing at
"Love and All That Jazz" for Dr. Z!

The grand finale of Love and All That Jazz will be giant sing-a-long of "All You Need is Love," see the video above, on the steps of the Sanctuary. If you are a friend, colleague or admirer of Richard Szeremany (Dr. Z) please join us!

Performance Date and Time: Saturday, February 20th @ 7 pm

If you are singing with us please be at East Liberty Presbyterian Church by 6:00 pm (sign in and leave your coats in the Harambe room – across from the security desk - and then go to Music Room for a warm-up and quick rehearsal all together)

Performance Location: Sanctuary of East Liberty Presbyterian Church

Rehearsal: We will rehearse together at 6:00 pm on the evening of the performance. Here is a link to the music.

And here is an mp3 of the song:

What to Wear – LOVE-ly Valentines-themed Attire!

RED on the top (shirt or sweater or dress)

BLACK on the bottom (pants or skirt)

BLACK shoes

RED or Valentines-themed accessories -- jewelry, scarves, pins, ties, etc.

Contact Information for Questions and to RSVP:

Linda Addlespurger, Hope Academy Director – 412-441-3800 x12

Norma Meyer, Hope Academy Administrative Assistant – 412-441-3800 x11

Please call or email to let us know if you will be singing with us (we would like to put all of your names in the program).

Intro to Romeo and Juliet

2010-02-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

Shakespeare students began their work today on Romeo and Juliet with the two households prologue, hurling insults, the opening thumb-biting scene, the holy palmer's sonnet and the balcony scene.

We watched a clip of the balcony scene from the 1996 Baz Luhrmann film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. In this modernization of the play the balcony scene takes place in a pool. Here is a video of the making of that scene, including rehearsals and all of the technical details that went into filming underwater.

Shakespeare can be interpreted and presented in many different ways. Here is the Reduced Shakespeare Company's take on Romeo and Juliet.

For next week, the older group should continue working on either the opening prologue or the thumb-biting scene. Extra credit: write a sonnet. More about sonnets in the next post.

Bravo to everyone who braved the storm and made it to the preliminary round of the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. The Showcase of Finalists is on Friday, February 19 at 4 pm at the O'Reilly Theater.

Sonnets from Romeo and Juliet

2010-02-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

The word "sonnet" comes from the Occitan word sonet and the Italian word sonetto, both meaning "little song" or "little sound." William Shakespeare wrote 154 sonnets, not including those that appear in his plays, like the two households and holy palmer’s sonnets from Romeo and Juliet.

A Shakespearean sonnet consists of 14 lines. Each line has ten syllables written in iambic pentameter:

da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM da DUM

two HOUSE holds BOTH a LIKE in DIG ni TY

The rhyme scheme in a Shakespearean sonnet is a-b-a-b, c-d-c-d, e-f-e-f, g-g; the last two lines are a rhyming couplet.

Here is the text to the two households prologue of Romeo and Juliet, written in sonnet form:

Two households, both alike in dignity

(In fair Verona, where we lay our scene),

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes

A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life;

Whose misadventured piteous overthrows

Doth with their death bury their parents’strife.

The fearful passage of their death-marked love

And the continuance of their parents’ rage,

Which, but their children’s end, naught could remove,

Is now the two hours’ traffic of our stage;

The which, if you with patient ears attend,

What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

You can read more Shakespeare sonnets here.

LOVE AND ALL THAT JAZZ RESCHEDULED for SAT February 20 @ 7 pm

2010-02-12T23:16:00.000-05:00

A love-themed evening of poetry, song and dance in the spirit of Valentine’s Day to celebrate Hope Academy's 10th anniversary! RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20

This family-friendly event features an eclectic mix of love-themed poetry, song and dance from around the world.

Performers include spoken word artist, Vanessa German (back by popular demand!); jazz singer, Tania Grubbs; guitarist and Hope Academy teaching artist, Michael “El Trini” Chapman, with some of Pittsburgh’s finest flamenco dancers; plus, Hope Academy's “Voices of Hope,” HAT Co, EL CEO and more!

A cookie and punch reception to celebrate Hope Academy’s 10^th anniversary and honor founding director, Dr. Richard J. Szeremany, follows the concert.

Tickets are available at the door

Adults - $10

Seniors and college students - $5

Children and youth, 18 and under – FREE

Hope Academy students and others performing in the concert should arrive at 6:00 pm. Attire for performers is red on top and black on the bottom.

HA Back in Business on Saturday!

2010-02-12T22:18:00.001-05:00

It's been a long week, filled with cancellations, but we are finally ready to open our doors again. Classes and private lessons will resume, as usual, on Saturday, Feb 13.

Unfortunately, we need to reschedule "Love and All That Jazz" from this Saturday (Feb 13) to next Saturday (Feb 20) -- see the post above.

The good news is that we will at least be able to get a few rehearsals in before then... if this snow ever stops and if East Liberty ever gets shoveled out!

The Shakespeare students performed brilliantly on Friday at the Pittsburgh Public Theater. Here is the group photo... more photos will follow later in a separate post.

More Snow! We are closed today and tomorrow...

2010-02-09T13:49:00.001-05:00

Classes and private lessons are canceled for today, Tuesday, Feb 9 and tomorrow Wednesday, Feb 10. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we can dig out from all of this and that "Love and All That Jazz" will not have to be canceled as well. Check back later for more information about what you can be doing to rehearse on your own. We will post mp3s of the songs and lyrics.

Hopefully we will have more information about the status of the Pittsburgh Public Theater Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest... so keep posted.

Stay safe and warm!

The Blizzard is Coming! Cancelations for Friday and Saturday

2010-02-05T15:54:00.001-05:00

All private lessons and classes are canceled for tonight (Fri. February 5).

All private lessons and the following classes are canceled for tomorrow (Sat. February 6)

EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra)
Creative Movement
Pre-Ballet
Ballet 1

Shakespeare Workshop (from 12 noon to 3:00 pm) is also canceled. Instead, we will try to schedule individual coaching throughout the day for Shakespeare students who are taking part in the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest. Calls will be made to all students on Saturday morning.

We will also try to have HAT Co rehearsal from 10 am to 12:00 pm, weather permitting. for Love and All That Jazz. Please practice "Say a Little Prayer."

Finally, the Mardi Gras/Caribbean Carnival party, schedule for tomorrow night (Sat. Feb 6) has also, sadly, been canceled.

Tomorrow is the first day... of the winter term!

2010-01-08T11:31:00.013-05:00

Happy New Year!

Hope Academy's winter term begins this week on Saturday, January 9. Registrations have been pouring in and most Saturday classes are filled. If you haven't registered yet please call to see if there is room for you (412-441-3800 x11). You can download Hope Academy's 2009 - 2010 course brochure to view all of our course and private lesson offerings. If there is room in the course you are interested in, print out the registration form, fill it in and bring it with your payment to the first class or private lesson you are attending.
There is still room in our FREE after-school vocal and drumming ensembles that meet on Wednesdays.

4:30 to 5:45 Voices of Hope 1 Singing and Drumming (4th - 6th grades)
4:45 to 5:45 Voices of Hope 2 Singing (7th grade and up)
5:00 to 5:45 Voices of Hope Jr Music (1st - 3rd grades)
5:45 to 6:30 Voices of Hope Performance Choir (select students)

There is also always room for young musicians in EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra) A Community Orchestra for Kids (and their Families) Who Have a Passion for Music!

Hope Academy's new East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra (EL CEO) was inspired by the National System of Venezuelan Youth and Children's Orchestras (El Systema), whose young members are a source of national pride, much like football stars in other Latin American countries. Participation in Hope Academy's EL CEO is free and open to young musicians, and their musically-inclined parents, of all ability levels.

Conductor Federico Garcia (Artistic Director of Alia Musica Pittsburgh) selects music from the symphonic and popular repertories, ranging from pieces by Tchaikovsky to the theme from the Harry Potter movies -- and everything in between -- and creates arrangements to suit each musician's ability. Musicians of all levels are welcome to join and participate! Weekly rehearsals take place on Saturdays at East Liberty Presbyterian Church from 3:00 to 4:30 pm throughout the year; the winter term begins this Saturday! Please join us.

Shakespeare Workshop for Hope Academy's Winter Term

2010-01-02T11:13:00.002-05:00

Hope Academy's Shakespeare Workshop begins on Saturday, January 9! Students will prepare monologues for the Pittsburgh Public Theater's Shakespeare Monologue and Scene contest (in mid-February) and then work on scenes for a performance at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater on Saturday, March 27.

And for those of you who worry that Shakespeare might be too intimidating for children, check out this video of Brian Cox teaching a two-year-old the "To Be Or Not To Be" soliloquy from Hamlet.

Hope Academy's Shakespeare Workshop has two sections. The lower division is for 4th through 7th graders; the upper division is for 8th through 12 graders. The workshop runs from January 9 to March 27 and meets on Saturdays from 12 noon to 3 pm at East Liberty Presbyterian Church.

Busy but Rested Kids are the Happiest and Healthiest

2010-01-01T13:01:00.005-05:00

Hope Academy "mom extraordinaire," Claudia Neely, passed on a couple of articles that she thought would be of interest to the other parents. If you are wondering if your child is over-scheduled, recent research suggests that the "hurried child" is actually a myth; and that most children do well, in fact better, in life if they are participating in many activities. “We found that the very active children were thriving emotionally,” said Hofferth, a family science professor. “In contrast, children who had the fewest activities were the most withdrawn, socially immature and had the lowest self-esteem.” It turns out, no surprise, that it is not the kids but the parents who are stressed! The complete article is here.

While active children tend to be happier, new research cautions parents of adolescents to make sure that all of the activity doesn't interfere with getting enough sleep.

"Adolescents whose parents set earlier bedtimes are significantly less likely to suffer from depression or have suicidal thoughts compared to youngsters who hit the sack later, new research indicates.

Youngsters in the study whose parents set bedtimes of midnight or later were 24% more likely to suffer from depression and 20% more apt to have thoughts of suicide, compared to youngsters with bedtimes of 10 p.m. or earlier, researchers report in the Jan. 1 issue of the journal SLEEP." To read the entire article, "Earlier Bedtimes May Fight Teen Depression," click here.

Winter Concert Video - Let It Be

2009-12-08T22:32:00.002-05:00

Winter Concert Photo Slideshow

2009-12-08T12:15:00.005-05:00

Bravo to all of you who performed in the Winter Concert last Sunday. Over 275 people were in the audience (during a Steelers' game, no less), and you impressed each and every one of them. Here is a slideshow of photos from our Flickr page. Videos are on their way!

WINTER CONCERT this SUNDAY Sunday, Dec 6 @ 3:00—4:30 pm

2009-12-04T10:01:00.008-05:00

Our Fall term Winter Concert features:

All Voices of Hope Singing & Drumming Ensembles
Saturday Musical Theater and HAT Co Students
EL CEO (East Liberty Community Engagement Orchestra)
Select Private Vocal and Instrumental Students

Dress Code for Performers: Red on top & black on the bottom

CALL TIME

(Arrival time to warm-up and rehearse before the concert)

1:30 pm     Voices of Hope Select Choir and HAT Co
2:00 pm     Musical Theater
2:30 pm    Voices of Hope 1 & 2
2:45 pm     EL CEO
2:45 pm     Voices of Hope Jr.

Voices of Hope Select Choir—Extra Rehearsal
If you can come this Saturday to rehearse with the HAT Co & MTW students (from 10:30 am to 12 noon) it would be extremely beneficial.