Holliston School News

Recital Videos from February 11th

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 10:11:50 -0500

Students of the Holliston School for the Performing Arts treated friends and family to a lovely recital on February 11th, 2012. This recital features guitar, flute, percussion, clarinet, saxophone, and piano students.

Congratulations on an amazing performance!

Here is Part 1 of the 1:00 pm Recital

Here is Part 2 of the 1:00 pm Recital

Here is the Part 1 of the 3:00 pm Recital

Here is the Part 2 of the 3:00 pm Recital

Reminder: Recitals on Feb 11th & 18th

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:27:38 -0500

Quick reminder...

Winter recitals are being held February 11th and 18th here at our school.

If you haven't confirmed with the office that your child is performing, then please give us a call immediately. We need confirmation no later than this Monday, February 6th, or we cannot guarantee a spot.

If you have any questions about the upcoming recital, please give us a call at 508-429-4772

Free Trial Classes for Creative Movement

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:01:08 -0500

You are invited to our Creative Movement free trial class!

Date: January 19th, 2012
Time: 4:00 pm
Instructor: Robin Vachon

Robin is a Holliston native who has been teaching dance to young children for many years. She has extensive experience with pre-school age children and incorporates her extensive training in bringing the joy of dance to her students.

We are very pleased to offer this opportunity for her to meet the community at large!

Please give us a call (508-429-4772) so that we may reserve your child’s seat. Also, we may be offering both a morning session and afternoon session for this class, please let us know what works best for your schedule in the future.

New Classes in January

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:31:46 -0500

We have several new classes starting in January of 2012. Please call (508) 429-4772 if you have any questions or you would like to register.

Music Classes
Saxophone Ensemble
This 8-week program is a rehearsal class providing the opportunity for saxophone students to work together to explore the fun of ensemble playing. Students will also have the chance to try all types of saxophones including soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone. The class will involve many different styles of music including jazz and pop, and will culminate with an ensemble performance.

(Max. 6 students)
Wednesdays | 6:00 to 7:00 pm | February 1st through March 28th
Instructor: Elise Kopesky
$120 for the Session
$100 for the Session if the student currently takes Private Music Lessons

Brass Ensemble
The Brass Ensemble will be open to brass students of all levels. Each class will focus on the learning, rehearsal and performance of 4-5 pieces of various classical, jazz and pop styles. Class will begin with group warm-ups and exercises designed to develop breathing techniques, mouthpiece buzzing, intonation (playing in tune), playing as a group and following a conductor. This ensemble will greatly benefit students who are currently taking private lessons and involved in their school bands.

(Max. 6 students)
Thursdays | 6:00 to 7:00 pm | January 19th through March 15th
Instructor: Pete Fanelli
$120 for the Session
$100 for the Session if the student currently takes Private Music Lessons

Woodwind Chamber Music
This 8-week program is an opportunity for woodwind students to explore the many possible combinations of woodwind ensembles featuring original classical compositions as well as arrangements of jazz and pop music. The class is open to flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, and bassoon players. It will be a rehearsal based class, and will culminate with ensemble performances.

(Max. 8 students)
Mondays | 7:30 to 8:30 pm | January 23rd through March 19th
Instructor: Elise Kopesky
$120 for the Session
$100 for the Session if the student currently takes Private Music Lessons

Improvisation Workshop
The Improvisation Workshop is designed to be stylistically open and inclusive of students of all levels, instruments and musical backgrounds. Each class will focus on exploring and utilizing melody, harmony, rhythm, texture and timbre as a means to develop greater musical expression, instrumental technique and the ability to interact with other musicians. Students will be encouraged to verbalize their musical thoughts and become team leaders. The class will use open improvisations as well as repertoire of various styles brought in by both the teacher and students as a basis for improvising.

(Max. 6 students)
Tuesdays | 7:30 to 8:30 pm | January 17th through March 20th
Instructor: Pete Fanelli
$120 for the Session
$100 for the Session if the student currently takes Private Music Lessons

Jazz Combo

The Jazz Combo will serve as a great supplement to students participating in their jazz bands at school or those who are interested in learning to play jazz music. The majority of the focus will be on improvisation within the jazz genre as well as performance practice. This includes: jazz rhythmic feels, soloing techniques, arranging jazz tunes and interacting with other musicians. Each class will have a music theory component, such as learning intervals, chord symbols, chord types and jazz scales and modes. Students will be encouraged to work as a group to develop 3-4 standard jazz songs towards being ready for a performance at the end of the semester.

(Max. 6 students)
Thursdays | 7:00 to 8:00 pm | January 19th through March 15th
Instructor: Pete Fanelli
$120 for the Session
$100 for the Session if the student currently takes Private Music Lessons

Global Percussion & Culture
This Class offers students of all ages the opportunity to receive hands-on experience playing different types of hand percussion. We will explore a broad range of traditional musical styles from across the globe and connect these songs and rhythms with their background. Visual materials (pictures, films, etc.) will be used to illustrate the importance that these instruments play in their native culture, as well as to introduce the students to the works of famous performers that ply these styles and instruments. Each class will conclude with a drum-circle-style improvisation drawing upon themes discussed in that class period!

(Max. 8 students)
Mondays | 4:30 to 5:30 pm | January 23rd through March 19th
Instructor: Jason Karol
$96 for the Session

Theater Classes
Creative Dramatics
Creative Dramatics: Aesops Fables
In this exciting introduction to theater and movement, students will enjoy large ensemble choreography and collaborative storytelling to awaken a fable. Components include character movement, large blocking, craft project, and language arts. The last session is our rehearsal and performance.

$96 for the Session

Stage Combat
Stage combat is a specialized movement discipline designed to create the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers. It is employed in live stage plays, operatic, and ballet productions. The term is also used informally to describe fight choreography for other production media including film and television. It is a common field of study for actors and dancers and is closely related to the practice of stunts.
Combat 1:
For Beginners: Unarmed combat is the focus for this session. Students will learn choreography, develop scenes, and perform their work for family and friends at the conclusion of the session.

Grades 5-8

Saturdays, January 21 to March 3
Performance at 10:30 am on March 10
6 sessions
9:30am – 11:00am
$90
Instructor: Chris Roberts
Grades 9-12
Saturdays, January 21 to March 3
Performance at 12:30pm on March 10
6 sessions
11:30 - 1:00pm
$90
Instructor: Chris Roberts

Upcoming Winter Recital

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:22:11 -0500

We will be hosting our winter recitals after the holiday break. Recitals will be held in the school on February 11th and 18th of 2012 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm on each day.

Participation is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged! Please speak with your teacher to pick an appropriate performance piece and inform the office of your decision to participate.

Final schedules and details will become available at the end of January!

New Teacher!

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:16:47 -0500

Richard A.A. Larraga of Dedham, an internationally trained conductor and musicologist, has joined the Holliston School for the Performing Arts (HSPA) as a vocal and piano instructor. He is currently Minister of Music at the First Congregational Church in Holliston.

Larraga has held numerous teaching positions in Boston and around the world, including the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, St. Scholastica’s College and the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music in Manila, and the University of the Philippines.

Among his accomplishments he has conducted Harvard University's Musica Modus Vivendi, The North Shore Players, the Harvard Gilbert and Sullivan Society, the MIT Summer Opera, and the Pilgrim Festival Chorus. He also served as a conductor of the German ensemble, Sängerchor Boston, as Associate Conductor of the Nashua Symphony Association, as the Children’s Choirs Repertoire, and as Standards Chair for the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA).

A graduate of Boston University, Larraga also studied at the Konservatorium Wien (Vienna Conservatory) and Earned a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the New England Conservatory (NEC), where he graduated with Academic Honors. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at Northeastern University specializing in Organizational Leadership and Communication.

Larraga will teach at HSPA on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the afternoons and on Saturdays in the morning and afternoon.

Wizard's Performance

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:11:25 -0400

On October 18th, HSPA was able to arrange a performance for a music ensemble to benefit the Miller playground project. We were very lucky to have four amazing students perform for an audience of 700+ people at the Harlem Wizard's Game at the Holliston High School.

The ensemble included:
Lydia on Guitar
Ben on Trombone
Rachel on Drums
Jessica on Vocals

Congratulations on an amazing performance! HSPA is very proud of the students' hard work, dedication, and of course great courage. Thanks for the show, it was epic!

Many thanks for the parents and faculty who helped pull this together and provide support!

"The Coffee House" was a great success!

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:46:05 -0400

Our first Open Mic night at the school was great fun! We will definitely be hosting another Open Mic in the not too distant future. Stay tuned for details!

Thanks to all our performers for putting on a wonderful show: Abby, Grace, Ella, Sarah, Morgan, Caroline, Ruthann & Chris.

Special Thanks to Ruthann Baler, from Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity, and Judy Giovangelo, from Ben Speaks...your encouragement and wisdom were a huge help!

This video is a few performers from "The Coffee House" series, hosted by Holliston School for the Arts.

"The Coffee House" Open Mic Night

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:47:56 -0400

Our first of many Open Mic nights start this Friday! Come and Join us for a collaborative artistic experience.

Teen musicians and poets are invited to participate in “The Coffee House” at the Holliston School for Performing Arts (HSPA), 1657 Washington Street, 3A (behind the Holliston Post Office) on Friday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 10 p.m. Performers are welcome to arrive at 6 p.m. to begin signing up. Admission is $5, which covers refreshments.

“We are inviting musicians from all towns and of all genres and levels of experience to share their talents and have a great time on a Friday evening,” said HSPA owner Chris Roberts. “We have long wanted to offer this type of event to the community as a way for teens to showcase and share their music and art with one another and also create an opportunity for them to gain experience in a performing environment.”

Roberts said his school will provide the sound system, drum kit, microphones, amplifiers, and piano. Performers are invited to bring their guitars or other instruments and share one song or poem. Musicians and poets are asked to prepare a piece that is no longer than five minutes so that everyone has an opportunity to be on stage. Solo performers, collaborations, and band performances are all welcome.

This monthly event is a collaborative among the HSPA, Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity, and Ben Speaks, which helps, in part, to create artistic programs for teens and young adults.

“We are thrilled that the HSPA is dedicating its time and resources to teen musicians and poets throughout the Metrowest area,” said Judy Giovangelo, founder of Ben Speaks. “One of our missions is to continually work toward providing different opportunities throughout the community in which young people can express themselves artistically.”

For more information about The Coffee House, call 508-429-HSPA.

About Ben Speaks

Founded by Medway resident Judy Giovangelo, Ben speaks is a nonprofit that provides resources and support throughout the community to, in part, develop C.A.R.E. (Create Alternate Resources for Expression) for teens and young adults. Visit www.benspeaks.org or its Facebook page.

About Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity

Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity supports nonprofit organizations by raising money and awareness through benefit concerts. Strike a Chord was founded by Holliston musician Ruthann Baler. Visit Strike a Chord Concerts for Charity on Facebook.

October 2011 Schedule

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 15:42:22 -0400

HSPA will be offering new classes for October 2011. This is part of an initiative to introduce shorter (6-week) classes to our curriculum and to offer specific skills-based learning through the arts.

Stage Combat
Stage combat is a specialized movement discipline designed to create the illusion of physical combat without causing harm to the performers. It is employed in live stage plays, operatic, and ballet productions. The term is also used informally to describe fight choreography for other production media including film and television. It is a common field of study for actors and dancers and is closely related to the practice of stunts.
Combat 1:
For Beginners: Unarmed combat is the focus for this session. Students will learn choreography, develop scenes, and perform their work for family and friends at the conclusion of the session.

Grades 5-8
Saturdays, October 15-November 19th
Performance at 10:30 am on November 19th
6 sessions
9:30am – 11:00am
$90
Instructor: Chris Roberts

Grades 9-12
Saturdays, October 15th-November 19th
Performance at 12:30pm on November 19th
6 sessions
11:30 - 1:00pm
$90
Instructor: Chris Roberts

Combat 2:
Prerequisite: Combat 1: Fundamental single sword combat will be the focus for the session.
Coming in January 2012

Music Ensembles
Join HSPA faculty in realizing your dreams to play in a band! Put your skills to the test, learn standard songs, and perform for friends and family in our studio! We create ensembles with the students in mind so if you want to play in a classical duet or a full on rock band we can help take your skills further!
Look at what students did last year

All of the music faculty have a hand in shaping the ensembles and placement is based on proficiency.

What is the schedule?
Session 1: October 15th – November 19th
5 rehearsals and 1 performance for $100
Session 2: Coming in January 2012

Our schedule is flexible as we have multiple teachers working on this project on multiple days. However, a guiding principle is to assemble students based on achievement. With that in mind we will talk with interested families and create a suitable, consistent schedule.

We have the current availability:

*Faculty Member*	*Date/Time*	*Specialty*
*Elise Kopesky*	MON 6:30-7:30 WEDS 5:00-6:00	Classical, Woodwind Section duets/trios/quartets
*Dave Hines*	TUES 6:00-7:00 WEDS 3:30-4:30	Jazz, Fusion, Rock, Pop small band
*Jason Karol*	THU 6:30-7:30	Rock, Pop
*Peter Fanelli*	THU 5:30-6:30	First Ensemble, Brass Section duets/trios/quartets
*Morgan Scagliotti*	THU 3:00-4:00	Strings Ensembles

What is the student commitment?
Students will need to practice at home and be ready to play at each session. Participants will receive musical selections based on difficulty. A classical piece will take more time to rehearse than a modern pop song. We encourage you to think about quality over quantity. Students are asked to practice their pieces during their private lessons as well.

How to Join?
If you are a currently registered student, inform Chris Roberts of your intention to join. If you are not currently registered we will meet with you for a brief interview and audition prior to session starts. Ask yourself this: What type of ensemble would I like to play in? What genre of music? How big or small is the group? Give us a call at 508-254-3017 or email Chris at Chris@hollistonarts.com

Capoeira
Capoeira is an art form that involves movement, music, and elements of practical philosophy. One experiences the essence of capoeira by "playing" a physical game called jogo de capoeira (game of capoeira) or simply jogo. During this ritualized combat, two capoeiristas (players of capoeira) exchange movements of attack and defense in a constant flow while observing rituals and proper manners of the art. Both players attempt to control the space by confusing the opponent with feints and deceptive moves. During the jogo, the capoeiristas explore their strengths and weaknesses, fears and fatigue in a sometimes frustrating, but nevertheless enjoyable, challenging and constant process of personal expression, self-reflection and growth. -By: Mestre Acordeon

Free Trial Class
Tuesday, October 18th 7:00-8:30

Class will meet regularly on Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30 and is taught my Mestre Tico Tico (Chico Chico)

Check back often, as we will be offering many news classes to expand our programming.