Winter/Spring semester begins Jan 9 REGISTER HERE!
Meridian Tavaci is a singing and performing group for children ages 4-13. Class sizes are kept small with only 10-12 children per class. Teachers will know your child by name and develop a personal connection to each one. We believe this relationship is critical to creating an environment where your child will feel safe to explore their creative side, experience new things, and expand their comfort zone through music and drama.
Classes are held on Tuesdays in Meridian, Idaho, and run from September 5-mid May
What is the mission of Tavaci?
The mission of Tavaci is to provide an educational program designed to teach the performing arts to children in a way that will help them develop invaluable life skills. We believe that the self-esteem, creative abilities, communication skills, and ultimate success of children will be enhanced through the study of music, drama, and performance under the direction of trained and dedicated Tavaci instructors.
What is the music teaching philosophy at Meridian Tavaci? 
Our teaching philosophy is inspired by the internationally recognized pedagogical theories developed by Zoltan Kodaly. Our goal is to teach in such a way that learning music becomes as natural and intuitive to your child as learning their native language was. We believe that music belongs to all children and in order for music to be received well by the child, it should be taught in the way a child learns best- through play! Music concepts are introduced slowly and sequentially through singing games and activities. We also strive to expose children to many forms of artistic expression including improv, theater, and dance.
What will my child learn in Meridian Tavaci classes?
During a typical class, we joyfully explore music together through ear training, rhythm reading, and music all designed to help your child become musically literate. We sing and learn choreography to upbeat, positive music that encourages your child to develop a lifelong love for music. We prepare our students to present music as a gift they can give by teaching stage presence, personal preparation, communication skills, and character development through theater and improv classes. We keep classes moving at the pace of a child- 5-7 minutes per activity with a wide variety of approaches to hit as many senses and learning styles as we can.
What and where does Meridian Tavaci perform?
We perform songs from Broadway shows and Disney films, covers from classic artists like the Beatles and the Andrews Sisters as well as traditional American folk songs and holiday favorites. Each semester, our students host their own variety show at a local Performing Arts Center-an event where each student can experience the thrill of a real stage performance complete with lights, sound, and costumes! Additionally, students may be invited to perform for residents in assisted living facilities, and various community events.
Who teaches Meridian Tavaci?
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Holly Dransfield BA Theatre Education
I’m thrilled to be joining the Tavaci family as Director in the Fall of 2022
Musical Theatre is my passion! I was in my first musical in middle school and instantly fell in love with the lights, makeup, choreography, stories, people, and applause. I have always had an attention deficit- I can never get enough!!
I wanted the lead in the high school musical- not just the chorus, but I was not a naturally talented singer or dancer. But I believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it! So I paid for my own voice lessons and dance classes and struggled to improve. My hard work paid off and I was so blessed to have the opportunity to perform in several amazing musicals. I finally earned those dreamed of leading roles in productions at BYUI where I earned a bachelor's degree in Theatre Education.
After college I became a vocal coach to share my knowledge and love of music to the next generation of stars. I have a large studio that I’ve run for 16 years. I also teach musical theatre summer camps through the Eagle Parks and Rec. I believe CONFIDENCE is the key. Confidence is the fuel in the jet plane, without it you’ll never get off the ground. Talent is nice, but hard work trumps talent. My job is not to teach music, but to teach confidence!
Since becoming a mom to five fabulous kids I’ve loved finding ways to involve them in my work so I’m very excited to expand into more group classes. I also love church, kickboxing, storytelling, Disney, gardening, playing the piano and cello, and traveling with my amazing husband Jason- a Vice Principals at RMHS. We’re looking forward to this next adventure!
Karen Manthey grew up a theater nerd; she spent her spring breaks as a child in Washington painting theater sets and stages. Watching her mom direct the local high school and community plays and getting involved at a young age with singing, dancing and acting classes helped Karen hone her love of all things theatrical. Karen discovered improvisation in high school and her obsession with comedy and making people laugh intensified. Karen has been a professional improvisational comedian since 2004 and has been teaching children improvisation and theater arts since 2001. “I feel that the more a child is exposed to theater arts the more well-rounded, confident, creative, and successful that child will be later in life.” She’s so excited to be a part of the Tavaci team to continue her love of working with children of all ages to see their confidence expand and blossom.
Hi! My name is Hilary Arnoldson! I grew up in the Treasure Valley and graduated from Borah High School in Boise. After graduating I went to Idaho State University in Pocatello Idaho. There I received my Bachelors of Science in Radiographic Technology. My husband, our two kids, and I recently moved back to this side of the state and we are thoroughly enjoying it. I love all things music! I sang and performed my way through high school in over 7 choirs my sophomore through senior year. At ISU I performed in musicals and multiple choirs throughout my time there. Upon moving back here I have participated in productions performed by The Music Theater of Idaho and I am a member of a choir out of Nampa called The Musettes. I love teaching kids and have been teaching music in different capacities on and off for the last ten years. Singing, performing, playing the piano and dancing has been an integral part of my life and I can’t wait to instill a love of music through Tavaci!