SOUNDWAVES Student Steelband Ensemble
Presented by Kelly Strayhorn Theater in partnership with Union Project
Tuesday–Thursday, April 17–May 24 | Performance Wednesday, May 30
SOUNDWAVES is a full-scholarship intensive steelband music program designed for talented students (ages 12–17) to develop and hone their musical skills. Ten students will be selected to participate in an intensive six-week program consisting of 18 sessions, held Tuesday–Thursdays from 4–6 pm. Participants will be required to attend every session. The program will culminate in a special performance on May 30, 2012 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Avenue in East Liberty.
The program is designed for students interested in a broad range of musical styles, with an interest in developing their skills. Training sessions will take place at Union Project, located at 801 North Negley Avenue in Highland Park.
World-renowned teachers will guide students as they advance their technique, gain experience in performing with an ensemble, and practice performing for an audience. This one-of-a-kind project provides young musicians a platform to expand their interests in music and a chance to make invaluable connections in the music scene in Pittsburgh and beyond.
After submitting an application, students will be asked to audition for the ensemble on April 17, 2012. If selected, tuition for the SOUNDWAVES program is free. Students are responsible for the cost of instrument rental which is $10 per week, totaling $60 for the six-week program. Click HERE to download the application.
INSTRUCTORS
Mat Docktor
Docktor is an international steelpan performer, having played with the award-winning “Steelheads” at the Montreux Jazz Festival, London Heritage Festival, and Jazz a’Vienna. A graduate of Central Michigan University, Docktor has been playing steelpan since the age of 13. Docktor is a noted teacher and is resident teaching artist with Kelly Strayhorn Theater.
Phil Solomon
Born in British Guyana, Phil Solomon steelpan builder, composer, arranger, and innovator started making musical toys from tin cans at the age of seven. Phil became interested in music as a teenager and after hearing his first steelband decided that making, playing, arranging, and composing for steelbands would be his lifelong commitment. After moving to Pittsburgh in the 1980s, he began building instruments for ensembles across the country including several in Pittsburgh. Solomon is a pioneer and inventor of the Grooveless Tuning Method and Note Placement Systems for modern steelpan.
APPLICATION/AUDITION PROCESS
Students of all music experience and interest levels are encouraged to apply. Download the application HERE. Complete the form and return to KST via Mail or E-mail by Monday, April 2, 2012. In addition to the application form, prospective students are encouraged to submit an accompanying video or audio clip that highlights either their desire to be a part of this ensemble or their musical skills.
Once the completed application has been received, selected students will be invited to audition. Auditions will be held on April 17, 2012 from 4–6 pm at Union Project, 801 North Negley Avenue in Highland Park. Students must submitted a completed application to be considered for an audition.
Students selected to audition will be notified before Monday, April 9, 2012
Registration is free
Instrument rentals are $10/week ($60 total)
Apply via Mail:
SOUNDWAVES
c/o Dan Derks
Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Apply via E-Mail:
dan@kelly-strayhorn.org
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