March for Our Lives - PGH to DC
2018-03-24 04:30 - 23:30 (America/Halifax) | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Youth organizers and students from across the Pittsburgh region will take buses on March 24th to join the national March for Our Lives day of action to end gun violence. We stand in solidarity with survivors of the Parkland Florida shooting and demand that our lawmakers make gun reform a top priority to end this cycle of gun violence in our schools and our communities at large.
The time to lift your voice and change our laws has come.
Hope Academy has chartered a tour bus to leave from East Liberty Presbyterian Church around 4:30 am and return around midnight. We can take 40-45 high school students and 10-15 chaperones (college students or parents/guardians). High school students need to have parent/guardian permission documents signed before their spot will be reserved for the trip. Chaperones need to have clearances – Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History and Child Abuse History Clearance – these are free for volunteers.
We are partnering with One Pennsylvania and will caravan with at least two other buses of young people from Pittsburgh. There will be a kickoff meeting on Monday, March 19 to pick up tickets, make signs and get to know the other students attending the march. There will also be a training session for chaperones/bus captains. One Pennsylvania is organizing all of this, along with a t-shirt making event later that week at AIR studio on the North Side. Lots of plans are being made and updates will be emailed to those who apply.
Priority will be given to students from East Liberty, Hope Academy, ELPC’s youth group and Woodland Hills High School. When our bus is filled, applications will be forwarded to One Pennsylvania. Their buses will be leaving from Schenley Plaza in Oakland, with additional stops east of Pittsburgh.
This trip is generously supported by The Sherman Evans Fund at The Pittsburgh Foundation.
We have filled all of the buses for the March for Our Lives in Washington, DC on SAT March 24
Please consider supporting the work of our partner, One Pennsylvania, by clicking here to make a donation. Thank you!

Les Violons du Roy Chamber Music Concert
2018-04-30 19:30 - 21:00 | Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Hope Academy families are invited to a chamber music concert featuring Les Violins du Roy with Bernard Labadie, conductor, and Isabelle Faust, violin have been generously donated to us by our partner, Chamber Music Pittsburgh. This performance is recommended for students whose attention span and behavior is equivalent to an 8 year old.
Please read about the performance, so that you know what to expect; and the etiquette guidelines, so that you understand the expectations; then RSVP here by Thursday, April 26.
PROGRAM
A program of violin concerti and other works by Johann Sebastian Bach
Three Leipzig Chorales, BWV 651, 660, 655
Passacaglia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 582
Violin Concerto in E major, BWV 1042
Violin Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041
Contrapunctus XIV from “The Art of Fugue,” BWV 1080
Concerto for Two Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 – with Pascale Giguère, violin
ABOUT THE ARTIST

Les Violons du Roy, with Bernard Labadie, conductor
The chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy takes its name from the renowned string orchestra of the court of the French kings. The group, which has a core membership of fifteen players, was brought together in 1984 by founding conductor Bernard Labadie and specializes in the vast repertoire of music for chamber orchestra, performed in the stylistic manner most appropriate to each era. Although the ensemble plays on modern instruments, its approach to the works of the Baroque and Classical periods has been strongly influenced by current research into performance practice in the 17th and 18th centuries; in this repertoire Les Violons du Roy uses copies of period bows. The orchestra also regularly delves into the repertoire of the 19th and 20th centuries, as witnessed by its recordings of works by Piazzolla, Bartók, and Britten.

HOW TO BE A GOOD AUDIENCE MEMBER
It is important that audience members remain quiet during the performance. Since music is mostly a listening activity, any extra sounds that are not part of the music can get in the way and will distract and disturb the musicians and other audience members.
Before the Concert
Wear something you might wear to a special event – because it is!. Please don’t wear anything that might be distracting (light up shoes, clanging jewelry, etc)
Arrive no later than 7:00 pm to get your tickets.
Before You Take Your Seat
Take care of all rest room needs.
Leave all food, drink, and gum outside, in the lobby.
Leave all cameras and recording devices outside, as well. There are strict copyright guidelines about recording concerts.
Turn off all cell phones, pagers, ipads, watch sounds, alarms, or anything that might make a noise. The only sounds that should be heard are the ones that appear in the musical score (and the audience reaction after the music).
Once You Take Your Seat
A parent or guardian must sit next to each child.
Remain seated and quiet while the musicians are playing. Do not get up during the concert or change seats.
No talking, whispering, sighing, tapping or kicking feet, or rattling of programs or papers.
Be sure to sit without fidgeting so you don’t distract your neighbors or the performers on stage.
Feel free to leave during intermission, if this is a late night for your children; and if they fall asleep during the concert, that’s okay too. This should be an enjoyable experience for them, and you!

Pittsburgh Cello Fest 2018
2018-05-05 | Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Pittsburgh Cello Fest is a day-long community event for cellists, cello enthusiasts, and music lovers of all ages. Now in its 2nd year, activities include masterclasses presented by members of the Pittsburgh Symphony, workshops on classical and alternative styles, featured cello ensemble and chamber music performances, and concludes with a large cello ensemble performance. The schedule of events is below. Please consider making a donation to support this wonderful event.
Hope Academy Suzuki Cello students under the direction of Beth Goldstein-McKee:

Register for Cello Fest and in the comment box, say “bringing my own chair” if you use a small chair in group class.
You will need to bring your cello, bow and rosin; a small chair and rock stop or cello strap.
Arrive no later than 10:45 am on Saturday, May 5. We will meet in Alumni Hall at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts.
The Suzuki Play-In is at 11:15 am to 12 noon, but feel free to arrive earlier and stay later to see the other performances and events (see below).
Children are free. There is a suggested donation of $10 for adults, but feel free to make whatever donation you would like. The organizer would like everyone who wants to attend to be able to do so.
There will be no Suzuki cello groups or cello lessons at Hope Academy that Saturday.

Schedule of Events
9:00 am Masterclass with Anne Martindale Williams
10:30 am Performance by Cello Fury
11:05 am Sharps and Flats youth cello ensemble performance
11:15 am Children’s Suzuki Cello Concert
12:45 pm Steel Town Strings youth cello quartet performance
1:00 pm Masterclass with Adam Liu
2:30 pm FLAME performance
3:00 pm Pittsburgh Symphony Cello Quartet performance
3:30 pm Recital by Mikhail Istomin, cello, and Uliana Kozhevnikova, piano
4:15 pm Cello Choir performance featuring the world premiere of a cello ensemble piece by Nancy Galbraith

WYEP Reimagination CD Release Party
2018-05-12 14:00 - 17:00 | WYEP Studios, 67 Bedford Square, Pittsburgh, PA, 15203, United States
Hope Academy’s band, The Levellers, will be performing at a party to celebrate the release of their original song “Tell Me Why,” on this year’s WYEP Reimagination CD. The party goes from 2 to 5 pm at the WYEP studios, with the Levellers playing at 3:15 pm.
The Levellers original song – “Tell Me Why”
​
Producer:
Jon Bindley
Recorded at The Church Recording Studio by Dana Cannone
Band Members:
Sojo Bradbury, Lead Singer
Bella Bradbury,​Singer
Kira Mukogosi,Singer
Kyra Simmons,​Singer
Marvin Irish, Drums
James Jaap, Bass Guitar
Tomi Olaore, Saxophone
Adam Peters, Guitar
James Picone, Bass Guitar
Desmond Rucker, Drums
The Levellers, from Hope Academy of Music and the Arts, chose their name to reference a group of activists from the 1600s, during the English Civil War, who called for constitutional reform, religious tolerance and equal rights. While their individual musical styles range from Death Metal and Heavy Rock to Prince, The Beatles and Michael Jackson; they came together for this song, “Tell Me Why,” to write a country blues vibe to complement So​jo Bradbury’s lyrics. The song was written to describe a child’s first awareness of living in an unjust world; of having questions about the world that should have been answered long ago; and about deciding to reject the status quo and, like The Levellers, say #neveragain.

Hope Academy Spring 2018 Recital #1
2018-05-13
Hope Academy’s young musicians present an afternoon and evening of recitals! This is a great opportunity for families who are interested in private music instruction for their children to come and see Hope Academy’s program in action and meet the teaching artists.
Recitals will take place in the ELPC Sanctuary, Social Hall, Music Room and Chapel.
Families should bring something to share during a reception following each recital (cookies, brownies, cupcakes). Please make sure food items are nut free, can be hand held and are not potentially messy.
Please review our Recital Etiquette Guidelines at the end of this post
RECITAL SCHEDULE
2:00 pm
VOCAL AND PIANO STUDENTS OF DIANA ROSE BECKER & KATHERINE BELL
Music Room on the 3rd floor (rehearse with accompanist at 1 pm in 338 and 343)
3:00 pm
PIANO STUDENTS OF LAURA CARMICHAEL – PART 1
Sanctuary
Jasper Morris, Sarita Doshi, Peri Vrabel, William Butera, Elizabeth Butera,Teddy Lattan, Aaron Kahn, Grace Wright, Eliza Sider-Rose, Nuala Cloonan, Emmett Cleath, Lauren Armant, Teag Cloonan, Nicholas Taylor, Alexandria Westray
4:00 pm
PIANO STUDENTS OF LAURA CARMICHAEL – PART 2
Sanctuary
Devin Pope, Leo Mengine, Zac Balk, Quinn Seif, Solomon Alba, Oscar Jones Atkinson, Kaylin Jones Atkinson, Luna Mengine, Bella Selway, Jonny Balk, Paul Mocker, Talia Balk
5:00 pm
PIANO AND VIOLIN STUDENTS OF LEE KIKUCHI
Sanctuary
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
Recitals are special occasions designed to give students a chance to share their music and gain valuable performance experience. They provide a benchmark to measure growth from year to year, and an incentive for students to practice and polish pieces they are working on.
There will be many recital sessions scheduled throughout the day in various rooms throughout the church building. Please do not ask to have your child perform at the beginning or the end of their recital session – students and families are expected to be on time and stay for the entire recital that their children are performing in. We are organizing the recital sessions to be about an hour long.
Learning about and practicing recital etiquette is an important part of a student’s musical education, so we ask that families read and discuss these guidelines with their children.
Performer Etiquette

Dress appropriately. Choose conservative over casual in terms of shoe styles, hem length of dresses and straps for tops. Avoid jewelry that makes noise as you move; heels that are difficult to walk in; and sleeves that get in the way of playing.
Be on time. Your teacher will let you know when and where to meet before the recital to warm up. This will be at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the recital. If you are playing with an accompanist, you may be asked to arrive earlier to rehearse together.
Be prepared. Make sure you have your music, instrument and any necessary accessories before leaving home (bow, rosin, capo, tuner, etc.)
Be respectful. Refrain from whispering, talking, or using electronic devices. Show the other performers the same courtesy you want to be shown.
Enter and exit with confidence. You should bow at the end and acknowledge the accompanist (if you have one). Teachers will go over this in lessons.

Audience Etiquette

Arrive on time or a little early. Late arrivals are distracting to the audience, and they can be unnerving for the performer.
Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices. Ring tones and electronic chirps are distracting; and texting, reading emails and playing games while students are performing is disrespectful.
Do not cause distractions. Bring something (a quiet game or book) to keep young children under 8 years old occupied. Children over 8 should be able to sit quietly and watch.
Take disruptive infants or toddlers out of the recital as soon as they become fussy. Please sit close to an aisle so that you can leave without too much commotion. We will come to get you when your child performs.
Do not talk, whisper, rattle papers or eat during the recital.
Stay for the entire performance to show respect for all of the musicians.

Photos and Video

Space will be reserved so that a parent/guardian can move forward to take photos or videos of their child performing. No flash photography, please.

Reception

Each family should bring something to share (nut-free cookies, brownies, cupcakes, fruit, drinks). Make sure it is something that can be hand-held.and is not potentially messy.

Pittsburgh Classical Guitar Society Concert and Hope Academy Pre-Show Recital
2018-05-19 14:30 - 16:30
Hope Academy partner, Pittsburgh Classical Guitar Society, is performing a concert outside in our beautiful courtyard (weather permitting) as part of their spring concert series. If it rains, the concert will be moved inside to the Chapel.
A pre-concert recital, at 2:30 pm, will feature Hope Academy classical guitar students under the direction of Gil Teixera.
This is a free concert but feel free to give a donation, if you would like.

Hope Academy Spring 2018 Recital #2
2018-05-20
Hope Academy’s young musicians present an afternoon and evening of recitals! This is a great opportunity for families who are interested in private music instruction for their children to come and see Hope Academy’s program in action and meet the teaching artists.
Recitals will take place in the ELPC Sanctuary, Social Hall, Music Room and Chapel.
Families should bring something to share during a reception following each recital (cookies, brownies, cupcakes). Please make sure food items are nut free, can be hand held and are not potentially messy.
Please review our Recital Etiquette Guidelines at the end of this post
RECITAL SCHEDULE
1:30 pm – Social Hall
VIOLIN, VIOLA AND SUZUKI VIOLIN STUDENTS OF KATHLEEN ANDREWS
Rehearse with accompanist at 12:45 pm
1:30 pm – Music Room
VOICE STUDENTS OF GIZEL RODRIGUEZ
Rehearse with accompanist on SAT May 19 at 12 noon and before the recital at 12:30
GUITAR, BASS AND UKULELE STUDENTS OF EMMA COX
Warm up at 1:00 pm in 341
DRUM AND PERCUSSION STUDENTS OF JULIAN POWELL
Warm up at 1:00 pm in the drum room – 335
BRASS STUDENTS OF KAREN SLONEKER
Warm up at 1:00 pm in 335
3:30 pm – Sanctuary
CELLO AND SUZUKI CELLO STUDENTS OF BETH GOLDSTEIN-McKEE AND ANA DIAZ
Beth Goldstein-McKee’s students rehearse with accompanist at 2:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
Ana Diaz’s students rehearse with accompanist at 2:45 pm in the Chapel.
4:30 pm – Sanctuary
PIANO STUDENTS OF HELGA SCHEIBERT
SAXOPHONE & CLARINET ENSEMBLE AND STUDENTS OF BEN BARSON
Warm up and rehearse with Flute Choir at 3:30 pm in 60 (ground floor)
FLUTE CHOIR AND FLUTE STUDENTS OF BRITTANY TROTTER
Warm up and rehearse with Sax/Clarinet Ensemble at 3:30 pm in 60 (ground floor)
Rehearse with accompanist at 4:00 pm in the Chapel
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
Recitals are special occasions designed to give students a chance to share their music and gain valuable performance experience. They provide a benchmark to measure growth from year to year, and an incentive for students to practice and polish pieces they are working on.
There will be many recital sessions scheduled throughout the day in various rooms throughout the church building. Please do not ask to have your child perform at the beginning or the end of their recital session – students and families are expected to be on time and stay for the entire recital that their children are performing in. We are organizing the recital sessions to be about an hour long.
Learning about and practicing recital etiquette is an important part of a student’s musical education, so we ask that families read and discuss these guidelines with their children.
Performer Etiquette

Dress appropriately. Choose conservative over casual in terms of shoe styles, hem length of dresses and straps for tops. Avoid jewelry that makes noise as you move; heels that are difficult to walk in; and sleeves that get in the way of playing.
Be on time. Your teacher will let you know when and where to meet before the recital to warm up. This will be at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the recital. If you are playing with an accompanist, you may be asked to arrive earlier to rehearse together.
Be prepared. Make sure you have your music, instrument and any necessary accessories before leaving home (bow, rosin, capo, tuner, etc.)
Be respectful. Refrain from whispering, talking, or using electronic devices. Show the other performers the same courtesy you want to be shown.
Enter and exit with confidence. You should bow at the end and acknowledge the accompanist (if you have one). Teachers will go over this in lessons.

Audience Etiquette

Arrive on time or a little early. Late arrivals are distracting to the audience, and they can be unnerving for the performer.
Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices. Ring tones and electronic chirps are distracting; and texting, reading emails and playing games while students are performing is disrespectful.
Do not cause distractions. Bring something (a quiet game or book) to keep young children under 8 years old occupied. Children over 8 should be able to sit quietly and watch.
Take disruptive infants or toddlers out of the recital as soon as they become fussy. Please sit close to an aisle so that you can leave without too much commotion. We will come to get you when your child performs.
Do not talk, whisper, rattle papers or eat during the recital.
Stay for the entire performance to show respect for all of the musicians.

Photos and Video

Space will be reserved so that a parent/guardian can move forward to take photos or videos of their child performing. No flash photography, please.

Reception

Each family should bring something to share (nut-free cookies, brownies, cupcakes, fruit, drinks). Make sure it is something that can be hand-held.and is not potentially messy.

HAT Co Presents "Ever After"
2018-06-10 15:00 - 16:30, 2018-06-10 19:00 - 20:30 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Hope Academy’s Theater Company, HAT Co, presents “Ever After,” their musical version of the Into the Woods story.
Performances take place in the Good Samaritan Room (formerly the Small Dining Room) at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. It is an intimate setting with limited seating. Please make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the show begins. There will be no late seating, for any reason, and there is no exiting until after the show ends. The run time is 75-90 minutes.
Please note: the space is not suitable for children under 5 years old, or those who cannot sit still for 75-90 mins.
To RSVP, click here

Hip Hop Orchestra Summer Music Camp
2018-07-23 09:00 - 2018-07-28 15:00
Learn to play an instrument, make beats, sing, rap, write music and then put it all together into a performance. This camp is for aspiring young musicians, from 9 to 17 years old, of all ability levels (even if you’ve never played an instrument or performed with a group before).
The camp runs from Monday–Saturday, July 23–28 | 9 am–3 pm, with a final performance on Saturday, July 28 at 2:30 pm.
Instruments: voice, violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet, guitar, bass, marimba, percussion and more. Details and online registration at www.gosound.org. Generous scholarships are available for black youth and/or those from low-income families.
Please register by Saturday, July 14 (we will get back to you with more information).
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM
Hip Hop Orchestra Performing at the August Wilson Center

Hip Hop Orchestra at the Lighthouse Recording Studio

Hip Hop Orchestra visits local schools to let students try instruments

Hip Hop Orchestra Summer Camp Performance 2018
2018-07-28 14:30 - 15:30
Hip Hop Orchestra Summer Camp, at East Liberty Presbyterian Church, is a week-long immersive music experience for young people, ages 9 to 17, who want to write music, make beats, learn how to play an instrument (or play it better), while other students sing, rap and dance.
The students and their teaching artists will present their final performance on Saturday, July 28. Doors open at 2:00 pm for the 2:30 pm performance.
Please enter on the Whitfield side of the building, across the street from the Ace Hotel and the East Liberty Branch of the Carnegie Library. The performance will take place in the Social Hall in the basement of the church building.
Presented by Guardians Of Sound.

Suzuki Strings Program Info Session
2018-08-25 09:00 - 10:00
Children love music and movement; it’s natural – almost instinctual – for them to sing, clap, make rhythms, and move. But how early should they get started in more formal classes and lessons? What instrument should they play? How do you know if they are ready?
To help answer these questions, Hope Academy Suzuki Strings teachers, Kathleen Andrews and Jennifer Jennifer O’Konski (violin) and Beth Goldstein McKee (cello) will give a short presentation about the Suzuki method and answer your questions.
Please RSVP by filling out this online form.

Hope Academy Onsite Registration & Info Sessions 2018-2019
2018-08-25 09:00 - 14:00
Register and pay for fall 2018 classes and private lessons, in person, from 9 am to 2 pm. Please note: many classes will be filled before this date. Call Karly Threets at 412-441-3800 x117 to make sure the class you are interested in still has space before coming in to register and pay in person.
Other events during open registration:

Suzuki Strings Info Session for 4 to 7 year olds with Parent/Guardian @ 9 am. More Information or RSVP
Suzuki Early Childhood Education Baby and Toddler Class Info Session @ 10 am. More Information or RSVP
Dance Wear Clothing and Shoes Donate, Recycle and Swap – 10 am to 12 noon – More information
Balafon West African Dance Trial Class – 11 am to 12 noon. More information or RSVP

Saturday Dance and Theater Program course descriptions can be found online, here.
Music Program course and private lesson descriptions can be found online here.

The deadline for scholarship applications was August 1 and all scholarships for the year will be awarded by September 1; however, there are scholarships available for Suzuki Pre-Twinkle, but interested families must attend the info session.

Dancewear Recycle, Donate & Swap 2018-2019
2018-08-25 10:00 - 11:00
Recycle, Donate and Swap Gently Used Dancewear and Shoes at Hope Academy
We will have gently used dance clothing and shoes available in a range of sizes. If you are registering for Hope Academy’s Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre dance classes, tap or West African dance, you are invited to come, with your child, to try on ballet and tap shoes and find appropriate leotards and tights.
We will be accepting cash donations (pay what you can) that will be used to purchase additional shoes and clothing. Additionally, if you have any dance wear that your child has outgrown, please drop it off at the Highland entrance of East Liberty Presbyterian Church (in a bag labeled “Hope Academy”) so that another student can put it to good use.
Then stay for a free West African dance class at 11:00 am to try it out for the fall term!

Suzuki Baby & Toddler Class Info Session
2018-08-25 10:00 - 11:00
Hope Academy’s Suzuki program gives students the opportunity to build a solid foundation for their music training through the Suzuki principles of an early beginning, listening, loving encouragement, parental support, constant repetition, and learning with other children.
The first step in the Suzuki program is our new Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) Music Class for Babies and Toddlers – ages 0 to 3 years old. This yearlong course uses a repertoire of nursery rhymes, circle songs and activities that stimulates movement, singing and percussion playing. Parents/guardians learn how to become keen observers of their children, which contributes to building strong emotional bonds. The child builds confidence and a strong foundation for all learning experiences; while the parent learns how to create a nurturing and supportive environment to encourage joyful learning through music.
Meet the teaching artist, Jennifer O’Konski, to learn more about this unique approach and class. RSVP here.

Balafon West African Dance - Free Trial Class!
2018-08-25 11:00 - 12:00
Kadiatou Conte-Forte (Mama K), the Artistic Director of and founder of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble, will teach this free trail class for young people aged 10-15.
Dance is integral to the culture of West Africa. Over time, the traditional dances evolved, incorporating new moves, rhythms and ideas, and influencing many popular American dance forms, such as hip-hop, salsa and jazz dance. While you’re moving in this class, you’ll also learn the meanings of the dances – and discover connections to West African culture.
You don’t need to have previous dance training but you do need to take off your shoes and socks, feel the rhythm and celebrate using your body to have a joyous experience. All levels of students are welcome to participate. Please wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move in.
RSVP for the Balafon West African Dance Trial Class here
The regular class will take place on Saturdays from 2:30 to 4:00 pm starting September 22.

CASOP: A Requiem for Rice Choral Performance
2018-09-21 19:00 - 20:30 | East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
A poignant choral movement of the full CASOP: A Requiem for Rice composition, by Dr. Trevor Weston, conducted by Thomas Douglas and performed by Colour of Music Festival Chorale. The full piece will debut in its entirety on February 13, 2019 at Carnegie Music Hall.
UNDERSTANDING CASOP: THE REQUIEM FOR RICE by Edda L. Fields-Black, Ph. D., Executive Producer & Librettist
from the Requiem for Rice website
The Requiem for Rice was originally conceived of as a modern take on a classic requiem—in the spirit of Verdi, Mozart, Faure, and Britten—that mourns the souls of the enslaved who died on Lowcountry rice plantations, their bodies unburied, their suffering unmourned, and their sacrifices unmarked for future generations. As Trevor began to compose, I completed the first draft of the libretto, and we began collaboration on arranging the lyrics, we began to feel as if something was missing. The requiem genre from the European classical music tradition provided a vehicle for the piece to lament and mourn the sacrifices and sufferings of Africans enslaved on Lowcountry rice plantations; but, it left no room to protest the injustices of enslavement, exploitation, and terror, a commercial agricultural system built on the backs of people stolen from West Africa’s Upper Guinea Coast, African genius, African bodies, African labor, African tears. We thought, there had to be a RECKONING before the REQUIEM. Casop: A Requiem for Rice was born.
CASOP is pronounced kəsəp; both the “a” and “o” in casop are pronounced like the initial “a” in “cassava” or the “u” in “custard.”
Casop is a funerary tradition among the Diola-Fogny, quintessential rice farmers along the Casamance River of present-day Senegal. In the event of untimely, accidental, and suspicious deaths, Diola-Fogny ritual specialists performed casop, a “ritual interrogation of the corpse” via spirit possession. During the funeral, the deceased was asked to tell his or her story about the circumstances of death. Once the truth was revealed, the dead would be buried and harmony and peace restored to the community.
In Casop: A Requiem for Rice, tens of thousands enslaved laborers on the Lowcountry’s rice plantations and 12 million Africans who endured the Middle Passage, many of whom died untimely, accidental, and suspicious deaths, will speak. Once the dead have told their story, the lamentation will turn to celebration of the critical role enslaved Africans’ ingenuity, technology, and industry played in the economy of the US South, laying to rest once and for all, the shackles of shame, blame, guilt, and denial that pervade this painful period in our nation’s history. Casop: A Requiem for Rice reclaims African and African-American history and fosters reconciliation.
A true marriage between West African and European classical traditions, Casop: A Requiem for Rice is an African-American inspired take on a classic requiem. By telling the stories of Africans enslaved on Lowcountry rice plantations, Casop becomes a new genre, the vehicle through which oppressed and voiceless peoples from around the world can tell their stories, mourn their dead, and celebrate their contributions to the world.
The Box office opens July 15th for the September 21, 2018 “Casop: A Requiem for Rice” Choral Performance and September 22 Colour of Music Festival’s “Casop: A Requiem for Rice” Black Classical Renaissance Benefit Performance. For tickets, visit requiemforrice.com.
Casop: A Requiem for Rice Creative Team
Edda L. Fields-Black, Ph. D., Executive Producer & Librettist
Trevor Weston, Ph. D., Composer
Julie Dash, Filmmaker
David Claessen, Cinematographer
CONNECT AND FIND OUT MORE
Facebook.com/requiemforrice
Twitter.com/requiemforrice
#requiemforrice

Hope Academy Dress Up Day 2018
2018-10-27
NO tricks and NO treats, but lots of fun for those who want to come dressed in their favorite costume. Keep it G-rated for all of the little ones (nothing scary, bloody, violent, suggestive or adult-themed). Make sure they can move easily and safely and are not wearing costumes that make it difficult to dance, play your instrument or climb steps in.

Art of Justice with Alisha Wormsley
2018-10-27 09:00 - 12:30, 2018-11-17 09:00 - 12:30 | ELPC – Social Hall, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15206, United States
Artmaking + Literature + Social Justice for young people and their grownups
ARTIST Alisha Wormsley
BOOK Parable of the Sower from the Earthseed series by Octavia Butler
THEME Afrofuturism, social justice, self-empowerment
ARTMAKING Collage, printmaking & more!
About the Project
Using collage, printmaking, text, photography and video, Alisha Wormsley will work with young people and their grownups to create art that conceptually resonates with ideas of Afrofuturism, social justice, self-empowerment and care. Please wear comfortable clothes that might get a little paint on them.
About the Artist: Alisha Wormsley
Alisha B. Wormsley is an interdisciplinary artist and cultural producer. Her work is about collective memory and the synchronicity of time, specifically through the stories of women of color. Wormsley’s body of work includes There are Black People in the Future, Homewood Artist Residency, and The People are the Light. She is currently working on a number of public art projects and exhibitions, including August Wilson Park, ArtUp South Africa at the Mattress Factory, and Pittsburgh’s Market Square.
About The Art of Justice!
Learn how artists are using art for social change and how their literary inspirations have guided their creative practice: make work alongside them to express yourself and share your vision for a just and equitable world. #artofjustice #remakelearning
Three artists, Alisha Wormsley, Max Gonzales and Darrell Kinsel will work with us on artmaking projects connected to literature, based on social justice themes. These will be suitable for all ages. Families are invited to come early, before classes, or to stay after classes to talk, read and make things together.
This series is curated by Bekezela Mguni, of the Black Unicorn Library and Archives Project, and funded by The Great Remake Learning. Workshops and artmaking activities take place in the Social Hall (basement level) of East Liberty Presbyterian Church on 10/27/18, 11/17/18, 12/1/18, 1/12/19, 1/19/19, 2/2/19 and 2/9/19.
ALISHA WORMSLEY’S LITERARY INSPIRATIONS
FOR GROWNUPS
· The Sanctified Church – Zora Neale Hurston
· Widow Basquiat: A Love Story – Jennifer Clement
· Jesus: The Son of Man – Khalil Gibran
· Lilith’s Brood – Octavia Butler
· Book of Symbols: Reflection on Archetypal Images – Taschen
· God of Small Things – Arundhati Roy
· Who Fears Death – Nnedi Okorafor
· All About Love – bell hooks
FOR TEENS (and grownups)
· Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
· Earthseed – Octavia Butler
· Till We Have Faces – C.S. Lewis
FOR CHILDREN (and teens and grownups)
· Skin Again – bell hooks
· Be Boy Buzz – bell hooks
· Homemade Love – bell hooks
· Happy to be Nappy – bell hooks
· Grump, Groan, Growl – bell hooks
· Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster
· Coraline – Neil Gaiman

Hope Academy SAT Dance and Theater Classes Cancelled
2018-11-03
All Saturday dance and theater classes will be cancelled today.
Music Program (private lessons, group classes and ensembles) will not be cancelled.
If you have any questions, please email hopeacademyarts@gmail.com or call Karly Threets (412)441-3800 x117.

Suzuki Institute Fall Workshop 2018
2018-11-17 00:00 - 2018-11-18 00:00 | First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewod Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213
Hope Academy Suzuki students are invited to attend, at a special rate, the
Greater Pittsburgh Suzuki Institute’s 2018 Fall Workshop
1st Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh
605 Morewood Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
SAT Nov 17 from 9 am to 4 pm
SUN Nov 18 from 2 pm to 5 pm
This workshop is for Suzuki students of violin, cello and piano – Twinkle level through post-Suzuki. The workshop includes a masterclass, group classes and enrichment classes.
If you are a Hope Academy family and would like to register your child for the workshop, please fill out this online Suzuki Fall Workshop registration form.
Hope Academy will pay the $50 special rate for any scholarship student who would like to attend.
Please note that the institute is only appropriate for students who are using the Suzuki method and can play the repertoire in their current and previous books well. If you have questions about whether the institute is a good fit for your child, please e-mail greaterpittsburghsuzukiinstitute@aol.com
Complete details, along with bios of the guest clinicians can be found online at: www.pittsburghsuzukiinstitute.org

Chamber Music Pittsburgh - Imani Winds
2018-11-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Carnegie Music Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
Hope Academy families are invited to a chamber music concert featuring IMANI WINDS. Tickets have been generously donated to us by our partner, Chamber Music Pittsburgh. This performance is recommended for students whose attention span and behavior is equivalent to an 8 year old.
Please read about the performance, so that you know what to expect; and the etiquette guidelines, so that you understand the expectations; then RSVP here by Tuesday, November 13.
To RSVP, click HERE
Imani Winds
Brandon Patrick George, flute (Joined Imani Winds in September, replacing Valerie Coleman)
Toyin Spellman-Diaz, oboe
Mark Dover, clarinet
Jeff Scott, french horn/composer
Monica Ellis, bassoon
PROGRAM
Startin’ Sumthin’ – Jeff Scott
Quintet for Winds – John Harbison
La Nouvelle Orleans – Lalo Schifrin
Sechs Bagatellen – Gyorgi Ligeti
The Light is the Same – Reena Esmail
Tzigane – Valerie Coleman
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Since 1997 Imani Winds, the Grammy-nominated wind quintet, has taken a unique path carving out a distinct presence in the classical music world with its dynamic playing, culturally poignant programming, adventurous collaborations, and inspirational outreach programs. With two member composers and a deep commitment to commissioning new work, the group is enriching the traditional wind quintet repertoire while meaningfully bridging American, European, African and Latin American traditions. From Mendelssohn to Astor Piazzolla to Wayne Shorter and Stravinsky, Imani Winds seeks to engage new music and new voices into the modern classical idiom.

HOW TO BE A GOOD AUDIENCE MEMBER
It is important that audience members remain quiet during the performance. Since music is mostly a listening activity, any extra sounds that are not part of the music can get in the way and will distract and disturb the musicians and other audience members.
Before the Concert
Wear something you might wear to a special event – because it is!. Please don’t wear anything that might be distracting (light up shoes, clanging jewelry, etc)
Arrive no later than 7:00 pm to get your tickets.
Before You Take Your Seat
Take care of all rest room needs.
Leave all food, drink, and gum outside, in the lobby.
Leave all cameras and recording devices outside, as well. There are strict copyright guidelines about recording concerts.
Turn off all cell phones, pagers, ipads, watch sounds, alarms, or anything that might make a noise. The only sounds that should be heard are the ones that appear in the musical score (and the audience reaction after the music).
Once You Take Your Seat
A parent or guardian must sit next to each child.
Remain seated and quiet while the musicians are playing. Do not get up during the concert or change seats.
No talking, whispering, sighing, tapping or kicking feet, or rattling of programs or papers.
Be sure to sit without fidgeting so you don’t distract your neighbors or the performers on stage.
Feel free to leave during intermission, if this is a late night for your children; and if they fall asleep during the concert, that’s okay too. This should be an enjoyable experience for them, and you!

Hope Academy at Remake Learning Assembly
2018-12-07 16:00 - 19:00 | CCAC Northside Campus, 808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, United States
On December 7th, Network members from across southwestern Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia will gather at the CCAC Northside Campus for the annual Remake Learning Network Assembly. Hope Academy will share their Art of Justice project
Hear from Great Remake grant recipients about how they’re making learning engaging, relevant, and equitable. Plus, youth performances, and free food and drinks
To RSVP, click here.
About Hope Academy’s The Art of Justice!
Learn how artists are using art for social change and how their literary inspirations have guided their creative practice: make work alongside them to express yourself and share your vision for a just and equitable world. #artofjustice #remakelearning
Three artists, Alisha Wormsley, Max Gonzales and D.S. Kinsel will work with us on artmaking projects connected to literature, based on social justice themes. These will be suitable for all ages. Families are invited to come early, before classes, or to stay after classes to talk, read and make things together. This series is curated by Bekezela Mguni, of the Black Unicorn Library and Archives Project, and funded by The Great Remake Learning. Workshops and artmaking activities take place in the Social Hall (basement level) of East Liberty Presbyterian Church on 10/27/18, 11/17/18, 12/1/18, 1/12/19, 1/19/19, 2/2/19 and 2/9/19.

Hope Academy Fall Term Open Classes #1
2018-12-08
We will have two days of open classes to end the fall term. Students should come on both days.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre DANCE CLASSES
Our new dance studio has allowed us to have two dance classes running concurrently on Saturdays at the same time (one class in the gym and one in the dance studio). This means we have twice as many dancers and family members here with us during each time frame, and too many to fit into the gym for open classes.
Our solution for the fall term is to schedule open classes over the last two Saturdays of the term. When a student’s class is scheduled to be open for observation, it will be in the gym (so that we have room for everyone who wants to come and watch). The other class will be held in the dance studio.
Ballet 2 students are invited to perform with Kerra Alexander for a Buzzword event on Wednesday, Dec 12 at The Shop in Homewood (621 N. Dallas Ave – Pittsburgh 15208) from 5 to 7 pm. Click here for more details and to RSVP.
TAP and AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES
Tap 1 & 2 (combined class) will be on the stage in the Social Hall for their open class (12/15). Tap 3 (12/8)and West African Dance and Drumming (12/15) will remain in the gym.
ACT & SING Classes
Act & Sing 1 will share “Abiyoyo” & songs – a work in progress in the Good Samaritan Room (12/15)
Act & Sing 2 will be open for observation in the Good Samaritan Room (12/8)
Act & Sing 3 will not be open for observation. They will have performances in February for the Shakespeare competition. Monologues and scenes will be awarded on 12/15.
OPEN CLASS SCHEDULE
SAT December 8 – Open Classes Group 1
9:00 – 9:45 am Creative Movement B with Kerra Alexander
10:00 – 11:00 am Ballet 1B with Kerra Alexander
12:30 – 1:30 pm Tap 3 with Lauren McKee
12:30 – 2:30 pm Act & Sing 2 with Jenna Hayes & Parag Gohel
1:30 – 2:30 pm Ballet 2 with Kerra Alexander
SAT December 15 – Open Classes Group 2
9:00 – 9:45 am Creative Movement A with Marcella Day
10:00 – 11:00 am Ballet 1A with Marcella Day
11:15 – 12:00 pm Tap 1 & 2 with Kerra Alexander & Lauren McKee
12:30 – 2:00 pm Act & Sing 1 with Meredith Hoppe & Annette Frontz
12:30 – 1:30 pm Pre-Ballet with Kerra Alexander
2:30 – 4:00 pm West African Dance with Mama K

Hope Academy Fall Term Open Classes #2
2018-12-15
This is the second day of open classes for the fall term. Students who are not in open classes will have their regular class. This is the final Saturday of the fall term.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre DANCE CLASSES
Our new dance studio has allowed us to have two dance classes running concurrently on Saturdays at the same time (one class in the gym and one in the dance studio). This means we have twice as many dancers and family members here with us during each time frame, and too many to fit into the gym for open classes.
Our solution for the fall term is to schedule open classes over the last two Saturdays of the term. When a student’s class is scheduled to be open for observation, it will be in the gym (so that we have room for everyone who wants to come and watch). The other class will be held in the dance studio.
TAP and AFRICAN DANCE CLASSES
Tap 1 & 2 (combined class) will be on the stage in the Social Hall for their open class (12/15). West African Dance and Drumming (12/15) will remain in the gym.
ACT & SING Classes
Act & Sing 1 will share “Abiyoyo” & songs – a work in progress in the Good Samaritan Room (12/15)
OPEN CLASS SCHEDULE
SAT December 15 – Open Classes Group 2
9:00 – 9:45 am Creative Movement A with Marcella Day
10:00 – 11:00 am Ballet 1A with Marcella Day
11:15 – 12:00 pm Tap 1 & 2 with Kerra Alexander & Lauren McKee
12:30 – 2:00 pm Act & Sing 1 with Meredith Hoppe & Annette Frontz
12:30 – 1:30 pm Pre-Ballet with Kerra Alexander
2:30 – 4:00 pm West African Dance with Mama KtTheatre,

Hope Academy Holiday Recitals
2018-12-16 13:30 - 19:30
The following studios will have recitals on SUN December 16

1:30 pm Kathleen Andrews and Jennifer O’Konski (Suzuki Violin)

3:30 pm Lee Kikuchi (Piano)

3:30 pm Beth Goldstein (Suzuki Cello)

5:30 pm Helga Scheibert and Doris Weir (Piano)

5:30 pm Brittany Trotter and Ana Diaz (Flute, Flute Choir and Cello)
Recitals are special occasions designed to give students a chance to share their music and gain valuable performance experience. They provide a benchmark to measure growth from year to year, and an incentive for students to practice and polish pieces they are working on.
There will be many recital sessions scheduled throughout the day in various rooms throughout the church building. Please do not ask to have your child perform at the beginning or the end of their recital session – students and families are expected to be on time and stay for the entire recital that their children are performing in. We are organizing the recital sessions to be about an hour long.
COOKIE RECEPTION
Each family is asked to bring cookies for a reception that will follow the recital. There will be two reception rooms in the front hallway, leading to the Sanctuary. Rooms will be labeled so that cookies can be placed in the room that corresponds to the student’s studio. Please bring cookies only. It is best if they are on a disposable tray.
RECITAL ETIQUETTE
Learning about and practicing recital etiquette is an important part of a student’s musical education, so we ask that families read and discuss these guidelines with their children.
Performer Etiquette

Dress appropriately. Choose conservative over casual in terms of shoe styles, hem length of dresses and straps for tops.
Avoid jewelry that makes noise as you move; heels that are difficult to walk in; and sleeves that get in the way of playing.
Be on time. Your teacher will let you know when and where to meet before the recital to warm up. This will be at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the recital. If you are playing with an accompanist, you may be asked to arrive earlier to rehearse together.
Be prepared. Make sure you have your music, instrument and any necessary accessories before leaving home (bow, rosin, capo, tuner, etc.)
Be respectful. Refrain from whispering, talking, or using electronic devices. Show the other performers the same courtesy you want to be shown.
Enter and exit with confidence. You should bow at the end and acknowledge the accompanist (if you have one). Teachers will go over this in lessons.

Audience Etiquette

Arrive on time or a little early. Late arrivals are distracting to the audience, and they can be unnerving for the performer.
Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices. Ring tones and electronic chirps are distracting; and texting, reading emails and playing games while students are performing is disrespectful.
Do not cause distractions. Bring something (a quiet game or book) to keep young children under 8 years old occupied. Children over 8 should be able to sit quietly and watch.
Take disruptive infants or toddlers out of the recital as soon as they become fussy. Please sit close to an aisle so that you can leave without too much commotion. We will come to get you when your child performs.
Do not talk, whisper, rattle papers or eat during the recital.
Stay for the entire performance to show respect for all of the musicians.

Photos and Video

No flash photography, please
A group photo, with the teacher, will be taken at the end of each recital session.

Ben Barson's Sax & Clarinet Ensemble at Hambones
2018-12-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Hambones, 4207 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15201, United States
Hope Academy saxophone and clarinet ensemble students, under the direction of Ben Barson, will perform a set at Hambone’s in East Liberty. It’s free, but you should order food and drinks while your there.

First Day of Hope Academy's Winter Term 2018-2019
2019-01-05
Saturday, January 5 is the first day of theater, music and dance classes and private lessons at Hope Academy.
Most classes are full and we will not be accepting walk in registrations on Saturday. We do have openings in Flute Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, Tap 3 and West African Dance and Drumming. Call Karly Threets at 412-441-3800 x117 if you are interested in any of these classes.
OTHER FILLED CLASSES: If you are interested in being put onto the wait list for any of our other classes, you can email HopeAcademyArts@gmail.com.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Some of our teaching artists are opening up additional days for private instrument and voice lessons, so If you are a new student, interested in private music lessons, fill out this private lesson inquiry form and we will get back to you if there is an opening that works for you.

Art of Justice with Max Gonzalex
2019-01-12 09:00 - 12:30
Artmaking + Literature + Social Justice for young people and their grownups
ARTIST Max Gonzales
BOOKS House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros; and Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Noel
THEME Art Belongs Everywhere | Letters, Words, Names
ARTMAKING Graffiti
About the Project
Experience what it’s like to be a street artist and use the world as your canvas. Using paint markers on a graffiti wall, Max will work with young people and their grownups to create art that lets them experience what it’s like to work together to make something bigger than they could have made on their own. There will also be an be an artist talk for adults at 10:15 am and book readings for young people at 9:30 and 11:45 am
About the Artist: Max Gonzales
Max Emiliano Gonzales, also known by his artist name GEMS, is an activist, art educator, muralist, printmaker, and curator. Originally from the Southwest side of Chicago and raised in Latino communities, he brings a unique perspective to Pittsburgh as a queer identifying Chicano artist. Max has lectured and facilitated workshops at The University of Pittsburgh, Winchester Thurston, Youth Places, Assemble, and The Environmental Charter School, and is a member of Boom Concepts, Flower House Gallery, Wicked Pittsburgh and Pullproof Studios. Max believes in a teaching approach that removes barriers of elitism and inaccessibility, that values and empowers underrepresented voices, movements, and art forms in order illuminate how community voice has great significance.
About The Art of Justice!
Learn how artists are using art for social change and how their literary inspirations have guided their creative practice: make work alongside them to express yourself and share your vision for a just and equitable world. #artofjustice #remakelearning
Three artists, Alisha Wormsley, Max Gonzales and Darrell Kinsel will work with us on artmaking projects connected to literature, based on social justice themes. These will be suitable for all ages. Families are invited to come early, before classes, or to stay after classes to talk, read and make things together.
This series is curated by Bekezela Mguni, of the Black Unicorn Library and Archives Project, and funded by The Great Remake Learning. Workshops and artmaking activities take place in the Social Hall (basement level) of East Liberty Presbyterian Church on 10/27/18, 11/17/18, 12/1/18, 1/12/19, 1/19/19, 2/2/19 and 2/9/19.
MAX GONZALES’ LITERARY INSPIRATIONS
FOR GROWNUPS
· Gender Trouble – Judith Butler
· Hip Hop Family Tree (graphic novel series) – Ed Piskor*
· Flip the Script – Christian P. Acker
· Cholo Style – Reynaldo Berrios
FOR TEENS (and grownups)
· The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros*
· La Casa en Mango Street (spanish ed.) – Sandra Cisneros*
· Shadow Shaper – Daniel José Older
FOR CHILDREN (and teens and grownups)
·Alma and How She Got her Name – Juana Martinez-Noel*
*These books have been added to our collection. The Art of Justice is generously funded by Remake Learning’s The Great Remake
