Renowned Violin Prodigy Holds Master Class for VPA Music
Celebrated concert violinist SooBeen Lee visited VPA Music students on Nov. 8 to perform, work with violinists, and participate in a Q & A. The visit was arranged through the VPA’s partnership with Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota.
After dazzling Music students with her skill, Lee offered a masterclass to orchestra students Larah Pereira Figueroa and Danae Tran.
Lee won the first place award at the 2014 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, along with several other awards. Among symphonies with which she’s performed are the Plymouth Philharmonic and the Palm Beach Symphony.
The VPA is grateful to the Artist Series Concerts for making this event possible.
Artist Gives Masterclass to 3-D Students
Visual artist and storyteller Deborah Rodriguez offered an intimate glimpse into her childhood in her visit to the VPA Art studios on Nov. 10. Rodriguez, a photographer and sculptor, explained her recent exhibit of paper garments (and photographs of the garments).
She brought in several meticulously crafted paper garments to display, sharing that the dresses and other items represented the story of her youth. In photographs, the nostalgic dresses cling to a clothesline, harkening back to a time both of innocence and probable poverty.
Rodriguez inspired the students, who were mesmerized both by the craftsmanship of her work and the stories they told.
Fall Music Recital Demonstrates Skill & Growth
VPA Music held its annual fall music recital on Nov. 10. The recital showcases winners of juries that require students to to perform solo works for a panel. This year’s recital featured the following:
Guitar:
- Gavyn Pierreantoine
- Caleb Horner
- Charlie Bonds
- Andrei Enriquez-Gervacio
- Diego Orellana-Rojas
- Hope Davis
Orchestra:
- Danae Tran
- Mackenzie Lopatinsky
- Larah Pereira
Piano:
- Abbey Holdway
- Jonathan Demarini
- Julia Stover
- Solan Palmer
- Cris Lugardo
- Chelsea Louis
- Kristina Beall
- Mackenzie Lopatinsky
- Jasper Johnson
- Mihajlo Sibinkic
- Dante Rutland
- Caleb Horner
- Danae Tran
- Niko Goesel
- Tatyanna Mitchell
- Trenton Baker
- Emma Otto
- Haylee Wolffer
- Ben Strom
- Tristan Tran
Theatre Seniors Spend Weekend at Florida Theatre Conference
A group from the VPA Theatre Class of 2021 traveled to Winter Haven this weekend, where they attended the annual Florida Theatre Conference. FTC presents opportunities for students to audition for colleges and scholarships, participate in master classes, and network with industry insiders.
Stay tuned for a report of offers, coming soon!
“Those Who Can, Teach…”
One facet of the VPA that sets it apart from a typical arts program is that our teachers are practicing professionals. Two of our VPA teachers this week had gigs in the community worth mentioning.
Music teacher Alex Zickafoose was featured in The Players’ “Falsettos,” which closes Nov. 14. “Falsettos” is an operetta focused on the intricacies of family vis a vis queer relationships in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s. Former VPA Theatre Department Chair Scott Keys directs. VPA alum Timarus Foulks is also featured in the show, as is former VPA Theatre adjunct Natalia Mock.
Art Dept. Chair Steve Strenk’s work was exhibited in the Sarasota Contemporary Dance company’s “In Studio” performance with Sarasota Orchestra Principal Cello Natalie Helm. It’s a multi-sensory exhibit of different art forms.
And Some of Those Who Can, Lead
Illustrator and BHS Assistant Principal Greg Rumph popped into the animation studio to demonstrate drawing technique. Rumph is for a style that captures personality and tells a story of the subject with just a glance. He confided to the students that the most time-consuming part of his portrait process is researching the subject.
After showing his work, he did a live drawing of the audience choice: Bob Ross. Students witnessed transfixed as Ross’s smile and afro began to emerge from the lines on the page.
Coming Events
Mark your calendars and reserve your seats TODAY for these special upcoming events!
VPA Dance Presents “Six Degrees of Separation” | Nov. 18 & 19 @ 7 p.m.
In a time of unprecedented isolation and “social distance,” the Dance Department has turned its sights on unity. The concept of connection is explored in the intimate and provocative “Six Degrees of Separation,” Nov. 18-19 at 7 p.m. This show examines the ways in which our relationships shape us and the world around us. Pieces in modern, ballet, hip hop, African and more will be performed. Get your tickets here while they last!
VPA Music Presents “Winter Wonderland” | Dec. 2 & 3 @ 7 p.m.
Cozy up with your favorite holiday songs at “Winter Wonderland.” Presenting performances in orchestra, piano, guitar, band and chorus, this is the perfect way to slide into the holiday. The performance will be at the First Presbyterian Church.
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” | Dec. 9-11 @ 7 p.m.
One of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most enduring musicals, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is the upbeat biblical story that will put a smile on your face. Get your ticket before they’re sold out!
Hermitage @ Booker Series: The Edge of Music | Dec. 17 @ 5:30 p.m.
Celebrated bassist and Hermitage fellow Luke Stewart will perform at the Eye of the Tornado in a concert that culminates with a jam session including student musicians. Register today for this very special performance.
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