Welcome to the Performing Arts Institute Blog!

Zane Forshee - Fulbright Scholar

2009-05-08T16:08:00.009-04:00

Guitarist Zane Forshee, a doctoral candidate at The Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, and faculty member of the Peabody Conservatory and Preparatory, as well as the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, and The Performing Arts Institute, has been recently named as a Fulbright Scholar to Spain.

Zane, who has established a growing performance career with concerts taking him across the United States to Asia, will be using the grant to study, perform, and record works written for the guitar by some of the most influential Spanish composers of the 20th century including: Joaquín Turina, Federico Moreno Torroba, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Vicente Ascencio. He will be working closely with Ignacio Rodes, Professor of guitar at the Oscar Esplá Conservatorio in Alicante, Spain. Mr. Forshee chose to work with Professor Rodes due to his artistic relationship with renowned composer, Vicente Ascencio, as well as guitarist José Tomás, long considered to be one of the most influential Spanish guitar pedagogues of the 20th century. Tomás studied under Regino Sainz de la Maza, Alirio Diaz, and Andrés Segovia, the guitarists who commissioned, edited and premiered these works.

Guys and Dolls This Weekend!

2009-03-26T15:55:00.010-04:00

PAI's Celia Hottenstein and Taylor Delvecchio star in Wyoming Valley West's production of "Guys and Dolls." Words and music by Frank Loesser. Make sure you see all of PAI's guys and dolls in the cast: Taylor Delvecchio, Evan Frace, Sarah Galante, Celian Hottenstein, A.J. Klopotoski, Jillian Puhalla and Amanda Shaffern.

Date: April 2, 2009 - April 4, 2009. There will be a free senior citizen performance on April 1, 2009.

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: Wyoming Valley West High School, Wadham Street, Plymouth, PA 18651

Let Us Entertain You!

2009-03-17T10:08:00.012-04:00

We are pleased to announce that PAI Musical Theater will stage "Gypsy" during the 2009 summer season. Joining the PAI students will be guest artist Austin Pendleton in the role of "Herbie."

Mr. Pendleton is known as an actor, director, and writer. His third play, Orson's Shadow premiered at Steppenwolf and enjoyed an Off-Broadway run. Pendleton has directed numerous productions including the Boradway production of The Little Foxes with Elizabeth Taylor and the world premier of Say Goodnight Gracie and The Runner Stumbles. Pendleton has also directed at the prestigious Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He was the artistic director of The Circle Repertory Theatre in New York. His acting career includes the Broadway original cast productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Hail Scrawdyke, Doubles and the Lincoln Center and off Broadway revivals of Diary of Anne Frank and The Little Foxes, directed by Mike Nichols. Off-Broadway appearances include Educating Rita, Oh Dad, Poor Dad, The Last Sweet Days of Isaac, Sophistry, and the title roles in Hamlet, Richard III and Uncle Vanya. Mr. Pendleton has appeared in over 50 films: Skipping Christmas, Piccadilly Jim, Finding Nemo, A Beautiful Mind, Amistad, Trial and Error, TheFantasticks, Two Days in the Valley, The Mirror Has Two Faces, The Associate, Guarding Tess, My Cousin Vinny, Mr. amd Mr.s Bridge, Short Circuit, Starting Over, The Front Page, What's Up Doc? and Catch 22. Television appearances include: Law and Order SVU, Homicide, OZ, Fraser, American Dreamer, Miami Vice and St. Elsewhere, among others. Pendleton's first published play Booth starred Frank Langella and played at the Long Warf Theatre as well as Off-Broadway. His second play, Uncle Bob, was originally produced at the Mint Theatre in New York. His plays have been produced on three continents.

PAI Percussion Duo in Concert on March 17th

2009-03-14T10:12:00.004-04:00

Gene Koshinski and Mike Correa will be performing in Clarks Summit on March 17th. They are doing 6 shows in 6 days, all percussion duo works including the premiere of Gene's newest original work entitled "And So the Wind Blew...".

"Soundings"

March 17, 7:30 pm
1st Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summit,
300 School St
Clarks Summit, PA 18411

Admission: FREE

More information available at http://www.genekoshinski.com/.

Wyoming Seminary presents A Schubert Festival - This Weekend!

2009-02-20T13:51:00.003-05:00

A weekend of free concerts featuring Sophie Till – Violin, Christiane Appenheimer-Vaida – Cello, Ron Stabinsky and Cathy Liu – Piano, Kevin Grace – Baritone, and the Wyoming Seminary Madrigal Singers with John Vaida

Friday, February 20, 2009
8:00 p.m.
Piano Trios Op 99
and Op 100

Saturday, February 21
8:00 p.m.
A Major Duo D 574
“Fantaisie” D 934 for Violin and Piano
“Arpeggione” Sonata D 821
for Cello and Piano

Sunday, February 22
4:00 p.m.
Excerpts from
“Schwanengesang”
Tenor and Piano
Wyoming Seminary Madrigal Singers

This festival is supported by the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts and Wyoming Seminary.
All performances are held on Wyoming Seminary’s Upper School campus,
in the Great Hall, 228 Wyoming Avenue, just north of Kingston Corners.

Concerts are Free and Open to the Public.

The Shanghai String Quartet Returns July 6, 2009

2009-02-17T09:48:00.009-05:00

We are pleased to announce that the world renowned Shanghai String Quartet will join us this summer on July 6th for a day of masterclasses and an evening performance. We consider the quartet to be very good friends of PAI and we are fortunate that they are so generous with their time and talents.

The Quartet regularly tours the great music centers of North and South America, Asia, and Europe. They have appeared frequently at New York's Carnegie Hall, and their travels have taken them from London, Vienna and Prague, to Australia's Sydney Opera House. Strad magazine recently praised the group saying, “Exquisite taste... stunningly beautiful... their playing of the entire work was one of the most distinguished accounts of a Mozart quartet I have ever heard in concert” -The Strad

More information about the Shanghai Quartet at http://www.shanghaiquartet.com/main.php.

Arrive Early and attend Tim's Dance Masterclass!

2009-02-11T10:19:00.011-05:00

PAI Dance faculty member Tim Early will return to the area and join Ballet Northeast from March 6 - 8, as they present "Swan Lake Act II & Other Works." He will be dancing the role of Prince Siegfried and PAI's Julie Degnan will dance the role of Odette.

Tim also will present a masterclass on Saturday afternoon, March 7th for intermediate and advanced dancers, which is included in the price of the student ticket - a mere $7.50!

Like all the best tales of enchantment, "Swan Lake" involves a beautiful princess, a passionate prince, and a really major obstacle to their happiness. Set to Tchaikovsky’s enduring score, this production features the beautiful prelude and second act of this popular ballet.Other Works include "Joplin", original choreography by Artistic Director, Kristin Degnan and her late husband Peter Degnan, set to a Scott Joplin ragtime composition, as well as selected works from Ballet Northeast’s Emerging Choreographers’ Workshop.

Tickets and more information is available at balletnortheast.org,
by phone at 570-287-5802,
or at the box office prior to the performance.

Musical Theater Scholarship Competition - Round One

2009-02-06T16:26:00.002-05:00

The Performing Arts Institute Musical Theater Scholarship Competition
First Round: Sunday, April 5, 2009
Buckingham Performing Arts Center

201 North Sprague Avenue

Kingston, Pennsylvania

Five finalists will advance to the final competition at our Gala Benefit (date to be announced) where three winners will be selected.

First Place:
A full scholarship to attend PAI’s 2009 Musical Theater Program

Second Place:
A $1000 scholarship to attend PAI’s 2009 Musical Theater Program

Third Place:
A $500 scholarship to attend PAI’s 2009 Musical Theater Program

More information at: http://www.wyomingseminary.org/pai/mtaudition.htm

Join us on Facebook!

2009-01-30T10:35:00.006-05:00

Share photos and videos. Catch up with PAI alumni, counselors and faculty. See what PAI is up to!

http://www.facebook.com/

Group Name: The Performing Arts Institute (PAI)

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - On the Importance of Jazz

2009-01-19T13:51:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Tom Tallitsch for sending this to us!

Opening Address to the 1964 Berlin Jazz Festival

God has wrought many things out of oppression. He has endowed his creatures with the capacity to create-and from this capacity has flowed the sweet songs of sorrow and joy that have allowed man to cope with his environment and many different situations. Jazz speaks for life. The Blues tell the story of life's difficulties, and if you think for a moment, you will realize that they take the hardest realities of life and put them into music, only to come out with some new hope or sense of triumph. This is triumphant music. Modern jazz has continued in this tradition, singing the songs of a more complicated urban existence. When life itself offers no order and meaning, the musician creates an order and meaning from the sounds of the earth which flow through his instrument. It is no wonder that so much of the search for identity among American Negroes was championed by Jazz musicians. Long before the modern essayists and scholars wrote of racial identity as a problem for a multiracial world, musicians were returning to their roots to affirm that which was stirring within their souls. Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the United States has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down. And now, Jazz is exported to the world. For in the particular struggle of the Negro in America there is something akin to the universal struggle of modern man. Everybody has the Blues. Everybody longs for meaning. Everybody needs to love and be loved. Everybody needs to clap hands and be happy. Everybody longs for faith. In music, especially this broad category called Jazz, there is a stepping stone towards all of these.
WPFW News (Washington), [23 August 2002]

www.tomtallitsch.com
www.tomtallitschblog.com

Auditions in Asia

2009-01-16T09:05:00.006-05:00

Nancy Sanderson will travel to Asia to host auditions and catch up with PAI alumni. She will visit Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. For more information and to schedule an audition, please visit http://www.wyomingseminary.org/pai/PAI2007AsiaScholarship.htm.

Sem's Music Department Hosts Edna Golandsky

2008-12-17T14:34:00.004-05:00

A Day of String Masterclasses
The Taubman Technique applied to String Players

Saturday January 31st
11am- 1pm
2pm-5:30pm

Ms. Golandsky is the foremost proponent of the Taubman Approach to Piano Playing. She is head of the Golandsky Institute in New York, which, through educational and professional collaborations, research and multi-media presentations on the Taubman Technique, shows performers and teachers how to overcome technical and musical limitations, as well as how to cure and prevent injuries.

morning session 11-1
afternoon session 2-5.30

The Chorale Room, Buckingham Performing Arts Center
Wyoming Seminary
201 North Sprague Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704

Entrance fee for the day $20
Family Rate $20 Per Family

Questions? Please phone Sophie Till (570) 592 8237

Ballet Northeast presents The Nutcracker December 12-14

2008-12-08T13:35:00.006-05:00

Dance on over to the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA and support the many PAI dance students who will be a part of Ballet Northeast's production of The Nutcracker. It is an excellent way to get into the holiday spirit and support fellow PAI performing artists.

Ballet Northeast schedule and information:
http://www.balletnortheast.org/

Cast list:
The Nutcracker

An Invitation to Join Mark Hardy at Carnegie Hall

2008-12-08T12:30:00.006-05:00

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Mark Hardy will be conducting Vaughan Williams’ "Dona Nobis Pacem" at Carnegie Hall on February 28, 2010. If you or your high school choir would like to join him, please contact the concert sponsor, MidAmerica. They will be delighted to send you information along with a concert package. In the meantime, if you have questions, please feel free to contact Andrea Rose Rousseaux from MidAmerica.

Her contact information is as follows:

Andrea Rose Rousseaux
MidAmerica Productions, Inc.
"25th Anniversary Season"
132 West 36th Street, Fourth Floor
New York, NY 10018-6903
Tel: (212) 239-0205
Fax: (212) 563-5587

www.arousseaux@midamerica-music.com
www.midamerica-music.com
www.carnegiehall.com

We encourage you to inform your choral conductor about this valuable opportunity!

Klung!

2008-12-08T08:57:00.005-05:00

PAI Percussion Director Gene Koshinski's debut CD features a diverse collection of contemporary music, highlighting new music for percussion. Carried by Equilibrium Records, it is available now at www.equilibri.com; through iTunes where you can download one piece or the entire album; and soon from Amazon.

Sound samples and additional information is available at Gene's Web site: http://www.genekoshinski.com/live/

The Suzuki School for Strings Holiday Show and Fiddlers' Clinic

2008-11-19T08:38:00.004-05:00

The Suzuki School for Strings is having a fundraising event at the Wyoming Seminary Lower School on Dec. 12th at 8pm. The Holiday Show will feature the Hunt Family Fiddlers, a family of award-winning Celtic dancers and fiddlers. Please see www.huntfamilyfiddlers.com for more info. Tickets for the Holiday Show cost $25 Adults; $15 children under 18. There will also be a raffle and auction.

There will also be a Fiddlers' Clinic held at the Lower School's Amato Auditorium at 4pm on Dec. 12th. Advanced violinists from both the Upper and Lower Schools are invited to attend and participate; there is music available and practice sessions will be held before the event. Interested musicians must contact Mr. Kubasek or the Suzuki School for Strings at 287-6671. The clinic is open to anyone who would like to observe.

Little Shop of Horrors!

2008-10-28T14:21:00.003-04:00

November 7, 8 and 9

PAI and Wyoming Seminary student, Kyle Segarra, is Seymour, a down-and-out skid row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for blood. Soon the plant, “Audrey II”, grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, Rhythm & Blues singing carnivore with an ever growing need to be fed, and Seymour is in deep trouble with all who are important in his life.

One of the longest running off-Broadway shows of all time, this hilarious spoof of the 1950’s sci-fi movies is an outrageously entertaining show that never fails to catch the audience off guard.

Don't miss the Wyoming Seminary Players as they present "Little Shop of Horrors" on Friday, Nov. 7th at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8th at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $3.00 in advance and $4.00 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in the Activities Office or from any cast member.

Rutgers Woodwind Day

2008-09-24T12:11:00.005-04:00

On Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Maureen Hurd, PAI clarinet faculty member, says, "We have a great day planned featuring faculty and students of the Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, as well as a guest master repairperson and many instrument and accessory vendors. You will hear performances, master classes, a session on successful auditioning, and presentations on instrument design and care, reeds, and music business. You'll have the chance to try instruments and accessories. Don't miss this informative day!

We hope to see you on Nov. 9. Please let me know if you have questions, and
feel free to share this (information). (flyer)

Best wishes,
Maureen Hurd
Chair of Woodwinds and Asst. Prof. of Clarinet
Department of Music
Mason Gross School of the Arts
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
81 George St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
(732) 932-8862
mlhurd@rci.rutgers.edu"

Sophie Till's Performances Broadcast on WVIA-FM!

2008-09-19T17:46:00.002-04:00

Sophie Till, renowned violinist, PAI string faculty member and artist in residence at Sem, recently recorded all 10 of Beethoven's violin and piano sonatas with her accompanist, pianist Ron Stabinski.WVIA-FM made the recordings, and you'll have an opportunity to hear those recordings on two Sundays this month:Sunday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 28, both at 2 p.m. on WVIA-FM, 89.9. Each two-hour program is introduced by Sem parent and WVIA-FM Program Manager Larry Vojtko and includes discussion and interviews with Sophie and Ron.

If you aren't in the local listening area, you may listen live at http://wvia.org/.

Tim Broscious says "Hello" from Amman, Jordan!

2008-09-17T15:20:00.009-04:00

PAI percussion faculty member Tim Broscious reports that his new position as Professor of Western Percussion at the National Music Conservatory in Amman, Jordan is going great. He is also Principal Percussion for the Amman Symphony Orchestra. He sent us this image of the view he sees each day from his apartment window.

Beth is also on Campus Duhr-ing the School Year!

2008-09-17T15:10:00.010-04:00

We enjoy having PAI faculty member Beth Duhr on campus during the regular school year to teach voice lessons one day a week. If you are in the area, please plan to stop in and see her. If that isn't possible, be sure to visit her Web site: http://www.elizabethduhr.com/.

Viola Duet Anyone?

2008-09-16T13:07:00.004-04:00

We send our heartfelt congratulations to Holly Rose Jones and Steven Schmidt on the announcement of their engagement.

Lafayette College Presents: A Theater Workshop

2008-09-16T12:35:00.003-04:00

On Thursday, October 30, Lafayette College will present "A Theater Workshop."

Starting at 9:45 am, the day will include a campus tour, theater workshops, lunchtime theater, and a question and answer session with Michael O'Neill, Director of Theater. There is no charge for this event.

For more information, please visit the Lafayette College Web site http://www.lafayette.edu/admissions/ , e-mail lichtenj@lafayette.edu or call 610-330-5106 by October 15th.

The Demon Barber appears on Hughes Street

2008-09-16T10:34:00.003-04:00

The Music Box Dinner Playhouse presents Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street September 18 - 21 and 25 - 28. PAI musical theater students Kyle Seggara, Amanda Shaffern and Mitch Burke are all involved in this fine production.

Music Box is offering the "Close Shave Special" for students - present your student ID and receive a "show only" ticket for $12.50.

For ticket information, dinner and show times, please visit the Music Box Web site: http://www.musicbox.org/

The Music Box Dinner Playhouse
196 Hughes Street
Swoyersville, PA 18704

Ballet Northeast Announces Open Company Auditions

2008-09-16T10:13:00.002-04:00

When: Saturday, September 20, 2008

Where: Degnan Ballet Center
239 Schuyler Avenue, 3rd Floor, Kingston, PA 18704

Master Instructor: Karla Kovatch, formerly of Boston Ballet and Ballet Northeast alumnus

Who:
Audition for Company I and Company II Members
Dancers ages 13 and older From: 12:00 - 1:30

Audition for Company Apprentices
Dancers ages 11 and 12 From: 2:00 - 3:30

Attire: Dancers should wear black leotards, pink tights, black or pink ballet shoes and bring pointe shoes.

Costs: No fees are due at the time of the audition class.
Dancers who are invited to become Company Members will be charged annual company dues of $175, which will cover all costs of auditions, rehearsals and costumes.

Parents' Meeting: Members of Ballet Northeast's Board of Directors will be available to discuss events and plans for the upcoming season and answer any questions.

Dancers who are interested in becoming a member, but are unable to attend the audition should contact Ballet Northeast at 570-287-5802 or BNE@ballet northeast.org.