Cadek Conservatory of Music is beginning the fall 2020 season with a new initiative. A new satellite program brings in-person and virtual private music instruction to the McCallie School on Missionary Ridge. This partnership builds on the established Cadek satellite program at The Bright School.
These partnerships extend the Cadek mission and legacy in the Chattanooga community and expand opportunities for music education, said officials. In 2018, Cadek began offering classes and instruction to students at The Bright School as part of its ongoing initiative to celebrate, support, and create musical residencies for artists in Chattanooga and the surrounding region.
Cadek and McCallie leaders said they are excited to extend this programming to students, faculty, staff, and families attending and living on the McCallie campus. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private instruction will be limited to current members of all ages of the McCallie community. Classes are open to everyone, young children through senior adults, at Cadek’s main campus at GPS and The Bright School location as well.
“Cadek had a relationship with McCallie before the conservatory moved from UTC to GPS, and we’re excited for the return of this caliber of music instruction and education to McCallie,” said Mark Krawczyk, Cadek coordinator and GPS Theater director. “McCallie continues to be an area leader for middle and upper school arts programs, and this partnership has the potential to build community and expand artistic opportunities for Cadek and its supporting partners.”
GPS, McCallie, The Bright School, and Cadek share a common legacy of transformative education in Chattanooga from the start of the 20th century, said officials. From its original location on McCallie Avenue in downtown Chattanooga to its home at GPS, Cadek continues the traditions cultivated by its innovative founder, Joseph Ottokar Cadek, to enhance the city’s culture of music, music education, and performing arts.
“Our past partnership with Cadek was an important part of McCallie's expansive music program,” said Michael Ake, McCallie's Music Department head. “I am excited to welcome the Conservatory back to the Ridge as they partner with our music faculty to enhance the musical experience for our students.”
New Cadek Instructors at McCallie:
Cadek Conservatory’s expansion of programming welcomes two instructors who will offer classes at McCallie. Cassandra Riddle, a professional opera singer, will teach piano and voice lessons, and John Bratton, a composer and arranger, will teach brass lessons.
Ms. Riddle has spent the last 25 years as a teacher, performer, business owner, and professional opera singer. Her work has earned her various awards and accolades including an Emmy for her performance as Mimi in La Bohème in the broadcast “Live from Lincoln Center.” Although her background is in classical performance, Ms. Riddle works with students, ages five through adults, in all genres and styles. She strives to inspire students to reach beyond their current perceived abilities and tap into the greatness of who they are while establishing a strong foundation of technique.
John Bratton is a composer, arranger, and private teacher. Before starting his composing business, Creative Intonation Music, Mr. Bratton served as associate director of Bands at Campbell High School in Cobb County, Ga. Through his experiences as a teacher, he was inspired to begin composing and arranging for bands to provide quality music for every skill level. He draws on his performing and teaching experience for compositions, arrangements, and instruction. Mr. Bratton has extensive performance experience, including collaborating with multiple ensembles while at Jacksonville State University, where he studied trombone under Drs. James Roberts and David Lambert, and with 2013 world champion Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps.
Registration for Fall B term classes, which run Oct. 19 through Dec. 18, is open now and closes Oct. 19. Spring term registration will open in early November.