Judging from the flow of school-age dancers, musicians and thespians who keep our Patel Conservatory lively, one might surmise that it exclusively serves younger aspiring performers.
Patel also has plenty of classes, workshops and lessons for adults in dance, theater and music. “We believe it’s important to offer classes for all ages and all skills levels,” said Alice Santana, the Straz Center’s vice president of education and community engagement.
Some Straz employees are spreading their creative wings through private lessons or at Patel’s classes for adults.
One such Straz staffer is Controller Kendra Green, who played piano as a youngster, took a piano course at Patel a few years back and is still playing occasionally.
Now she’s learning violin through private lessons just a short walk from her office.
“I’ve always loved the violin but I never got around to learning to play,” Kendra said. When a former co-worker also wanted to learn, the two looked to see what was available at Patel. Kendra now takes lessons every Thursday.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Kendra said. “I look forward to the classes. I look forward to just setting the time aside to practice, so I am absolutely enjoying it.”
Bowed instruments such as the violin add a few degrees to the learning curve. A non-musician can pluck a guitar string or tap a piano key and get a musical tone. A novice drawing a bow across a violin’s strings creates a godawful racket.
“It’s always about the technique – how you hold the bow, the amount of weight you put on the strings to get just that right sound,” Kendra said. “I’m grateful to my instructor, Dr. Catherine Michelsen, who guides and instructs me every step of the way.”
Kendra also draws inspiration from the duo Black Violin, which will perform Nov. 23 at the Straz. “They have performed here several times and I have attended all their performances,” Kendra said. “They are insanely talented.”
Beyond playing the violin, we were interested to know more about Kendra, so we gave her our “Behind the Persona” questionnaire:
How did your career at the Straz begin?
I was in the market for a new job and was excited about an opportunity here. I went through the interview process and the rest – as they say – is history. That was more than 17 years ago.
What’s always in your refrigerator?
Orange juice, hummus and vegetables.
What is your worst quality?
I tend to be a procrastinator.
What music is on your playlist?
Everything from country to R&B to gospel but my favorite is Soca music, which aligns with my Caribbean roots.
Read any good books lately?
I am currently reading an autographed copy of 10% Happier by Dan Harris. The book was gifted to me by my aunt.
Cat person or dog person?
Neither, sorry! I do admire both from a distance though.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
This advice was not given to me personally, but I heard it and it resonated with me. “Feed the eagles and starve the turkeys.” It’s a reminder to pour your energy into the things that matter and ignore the noise.
What’s your “guilty pleasure” television show?
The Office! It is so relatable.
In the movie version of your life, who would play you?
Hmm, would have to say Regina King because she is one of my favorite actresses.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by people who know what they want and go for it.
What do you consider your greatest successes – personally and professionally?
That’s a tough one. I believe I’ve done OK in both areas.
If you hadn’t chosen this career, what career path do you think you would have followed?
Definitely a career in architecture.
Visit strazcenter.org/patel-conservatory for information on individual classes and registration. To schedule a tour of Patel Conservatory, please email us at patelconservatory@strazcenter.org or call (813) 222-1040.