123 Andres

123 Andrés

Christina and Andrés are Latin Grammy winners 123 Andrés, sought-after performers who have been hailed by Billboard as "A rockstar for little language learners." Andrés holds a Doctorate in Musical Arts and Christina a Masters in Urban Education, and they bring beats and rhythms from all over Latin America that will entice kids to jump, dance and discover. Both native Spanish speakers, Andrés and Christina weave language seamlessly into their programs so your students learn, whether they are new to Spanish or advanced. Workshops and residencies also available. Dual language, ESL, Foreign Language and diversity/multicultural studies. 123 Andrés; Grades Pre-K-5; Price on request

Suzanne Brown 213.760.3464                                                                                                                                                                                                        


African Drum and Dance Ensemble - Sankofa

The word Sankofa means 'going back to the roots’ in the Twi language from Ghana, West Africa. It symbolizes promoting personal and community awareness of the positive role of the arts in the villages demonstrated through rich cultural values passed on by great ancestors ‘Nananom’. Sankofa drummers and dancers open the program with a brief performance followed by an introduction to drumming and dance in West Africa featuring stories about Kofi (an Asante prince from Ghana) growing up in his parents’ villages, Otumi and Besoro. Kofi talks about the relevance of the drum as a communication tool, for rituals, at festivals and community building. Students are introduced to a variety of drums and learn about their role in ceremonies and ‘Ananse’ stories handed down from his grandmothers. Students will learn about customs, traditions, food and details of how a village works together and how important it is to pass these traditions on to the next generation. Sankofa Ensemble will play four polyrhythms and get the students and teachers involved in at least two of the rhythms to demonstrate teambuilding and working together. A Q & A portion will conclude the presentation. Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble; Grades K-12; $1200/$1500

Sankofa African Drum and Dance Ensemble 845.843.9065


Astrograss

Astrograss is a bluegrass band from Brooklyn, NY that brings a high level of musicianship and entertainment to the stage, engaging students with their interactive show. The assembly program combines performance with music appreciation featuring songs ranging from bluegrass to folk standards to their unique interpretations of Shel Silverstein poems. The musicians also discuss the history of bluegrass and folk music and do an "instrument show-and-tell." A popular segment in the program is The "Astrograss Songwriting Challenge" that encourages creative writing and exposes students to the joy and craft of songwriting. Teachers are invited to have their students submit poetry to Astrograss in advance of the performance, and several poems are selected, made into songs, and performed by Astrograss. The assembly concludes with a "hoe-down" dance contest in which students from each class are encouraged to show their moves. A handful of prizes are awarded to students of all ages based upon creativity and enthusiasm in their dancing. Astrograss; Grades K-6; $1250/$1550

Jordan Shapiro 917.693.4939

 

 


Bash the Trash

Bash the Trash Environmental Arts

For over 30 years Bash the Trash has been building, performing and educating with musical instruments made from recycled and reused materials: Inspiring students to discover the connections between art and science with their amazing invented instruments, incorporating STEM-to-STEAM as well as issues of plastic pollution and climate change. Bash the Trash offers stand-alone shows, follow-up hands-on workshops, as well as a sequential series of performances that goes progressively deeper into the science of sound as well as environmental concepts. "Sustainable Sounds” explores the science behind sound and vibrations; "Found Sound Science" goes deeper into the families of instruments; “Trash to Techno” transforms simple sounds into danceable beats through technology; "Trash Jam" shows kids how to make their own Junk Band; "Global Bash" features instrument-builders from cultures around the world. The shows are always fast and funny, with age-appropriate audience participation throughout and chock-full of amazing science demos and fun music presented by a superb crew of scientist/musicians. Assembly performances, hands-on workshops, residencies and family programs available.Bash the Trash;Grades Pre-K-8;$1550/$1895

John Bertles 914.478.1103  

 

 


Beth & Scott and Friends

Beth and Scott Bierko have been Teaching Artists for 22 years. Their work combines current curriculum with interactive songs, humor and beautiful voices. The Bierkos are proficient at assemblies and workshops in the following areas: character education, anti-bullying, holidays, history, nutrition and wellness, and reading. New in 2017-18 are three programs devoted to mindfulness and movement - a great way to build concentration, lower stress and have fun!  For all ages, Beth & Scott also offer songwriting workshops designed to support the core curriculum, enhance collaboration and help students become more effective thinkers and writers. Beth & Scott and Friends; Grades Pre-K-12; $1200/1850

Beth Bierko 800.364.5381

 

 


Big Ideas!

Multiple award-winning singer/songwriter Patricia Shih offers 18 different "Big Ideas!" concerts with themes expressed in song. Choose from: Appreciation and Gratitude, Back to School!, Best of Big Ideas, Bullies - Nonviolent Resolution to Conflict, Character, Disabilities, The Environment, Family Shows, Freedom, Halloween, Holiday (Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa), Kindness, Literacy, Multiculturalism, Safety and Health (substance abuse prevention and/or nutrition and fitness), Self-esteem, and Women in History. All shows use humor, sensitivity, fun, excitement and total audience participation to teach positive social values through a wide range of musical styles. Workshops and residencies also available. Patricia Shih plus 1-2 accompanists; Grades K-6; Prices from $600

Patricia Shih 631.549.2332 

 

 


Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could

Three-time Children’s GRAMMY nominee Brady Rymer performs original rock n’ roll songs in an interactive, high-spirited concert that encourages a culture of kindness and positivity. Rymer’s infectious energy gets everyone on their feet and his tunes express themes of self-confidence, respect, fairness, diversity and inclusion, caring and friendship, leaving students inspired and energized. Brady performs in a range of configurations with bandmates from the Little Band That Could – which “might just be the best-sounding band in children’s music,” according to NPR’s All Things Considered. Brady has written and performed for children and families for more than 20 years, following a career with "From Good Homes", during which he shared the stage with artists like Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews and the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir. He tours nationally, performing at schools, libraries, festivals and venues including the Getty Museum, Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Brady Rymer; Grades K-5;Price on request.
 

Brady Rymer 917.208.8418


Kinobe

Chinobay

Kinobe is Uganda’s leading touring musician, producer and educator. He has dedicated his life to building communities and connecting young people globally through arts, and has brought the African experience to schools around the world through storytelling, song, dance, discussions and traditional instruments. His school performances and outreach programs create interactive and engaging experiences for all ages, to enrich children with different backgrounds with the goal of educating, informing and inspiring them to be global citizens while experiencing new sounds, languages and movement. Kinobe is the Founder and producer of the world renown program Dance of Hope a children’s touring music and dance company from Uganda. Kinobe;Grades; K-12; $1200/$2000

Kinobe 410.449.2751


Harmonium Choral Society

Harmonium introduces students to the fun of fine a cappella singing with a global range of songs from different time periods and countries. Students learn about range, part-singing, and canon, and experience styles of music from Renaissance to contemporary in a dynamic show that includes lots of audience participation. Most importantly, they see demonstrated how CHORAL singing is a means of self-expression that brings satisfaction at any age. Dr. Anne Matlack is also available to workshop with school choruses in advance for a deeper partnership experience. Harmonium Outreach Chorus; Grades K-12; $950/$1200

Dr. Anne Matlack 201.274.4617

 

 


Key Wilde

Key Wilde performs original, humorous, upbeat songs with an emphasis on guitar and whimsical vocals. These songs introduce students to a wide range of musical styles from bluegrass to samba and are presented with animated projected visuals created by illustrator Key Wilde. The illustrations illuminate themes and characters depicted in the songs and are designed to stimulate the imaginations of young students. The most recent album "Animal Tales" was awarded a Parent’s Choice Gold Award – their second recording to receive this high honor. Key Wilde offers an astonishingly witty collection of songs ranging from the factual to tall tales about pigs growing as big as tractor trailers, flying to the moon in a red balloon and a dog who thinks he's a frog. Key Wilde; Grades K-6; $600/$1000

Key Wilde 908.328.6544

 

 


Dr. Lori Brown Mirabal - From Soul Singing to Opera Soup

International African American opera singer and experienced music teacher Dr. Lori Brown Mirabal, integrates her autobiographical book and performs highlights from her critically acclaimed off-Broadway show in this new program for school stages. This delightful and engaging show, written by and starring Mirabal, combines personal reminiscences, music, and humor to trace the artists’ career from her hometown of Nashville to opera stages across the world. She toasts entertainment luminaries, including Oprah, Cab Calloway, and Luciano Pavarotti, that had a hand in her rise, and salutes the Black opera singers who paved the way. Song Selections include an eclectic range of composers from Duke Ellington and George Gershwin to Puccini and George Bizet. This presentation culminates into a brief guided breath, movement, and meditation exercise that will help students and faculty envision their hopes and dreams. Dr. Lori Brown Mirabal; Grades 6-12; Price on Request

.

Lori Brown Mirabal 973.519.0124


Mexico Beyond Mariachi

Starting with the rich imagery and fascinating world of the Aztecs, students will travel back in time 600 years to see how instruments were made only from elements in nature, and hear what they have in common with  these ancient people. The audience is then transported to the time of Cortez and the arrival of the Spanish, understanding how and why the two cultures mixed to form a new Mestizo identity. From there we travel to the states of Tabasco, Michoacan and Jalisco, witnessing the music and dances of these vastly different regions as they are performed today. We end our journey in Veracruz, the largest port in Mexico, and home to the vibrant Son Jarocho culture. Also available in October-November is a special show in honor of Hispanic heritage Month, celebrating the "Day of the dead" / "Dia de los Muertos". Mexico Beyond Mariachi; Grades K-8; 5 performers (all live music and dance); $1250/$1500

Peter Bogdanos 646.265.5590                                                                                                                                                                                

Videos:                                                              

Mexico Beyond Mariachi Sizzle Reel

Mexico Beyond Mariachi

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             


Music Technology with Brent Daniels

This hugely successful assembly will capture the attention of everyone that attends! You will be amazed at the way in which Brent relates to students and the ease with which he can bring out the musician in everyone. Student volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the program by being part of on-the-spot sound creation and composition that will have the whole place hopping! With a strong emphasis on the importance of education in ALL subjects, Brent Daniels demonstrates to students how music is produced in the entertainment industry today through computers and technology. This program includes a live sound recording with several audience participants. Using these recordings, students hear how their sounds can be manipulated, then transformed into a live song right on the spot! Brent’s music has been featured in many video games, movie, television and video soundtracks, and commercials. Academic Entertainment; Grades K-12; $995/$1495 (AM/PM $1790)

Academic Entertainment 800.883.9883

Video - Brent Daniels 

 

 


Number Drummer

Number Drummer Live is a one-of-a-kind interactive production where the entire audience "drums" up math to create a spectacular rhythmic performance. Experience drumming through addition, multiplication, money, fractions, probability, ratios, algebra and more. Experience math through beat, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, tempo, form and more.

• Every student plays an instrument
• Up to 400 students perform simultaneously
• 100% student engagement
• 50 minutes of non-stop math & music
• In-depth math & music curriculum connections
• Created & performed by a math teacher, curriculum trainer and musician with over 20 years of experience

Number Drummer Live is inspiring, energizing and 100% hands-on engagement. It is the ultimate live interactive educational experience. Troy Kryzalka; Grades K-6; $1195/$1595 

Troy Kryzalka 910.975.3297                                                                                       

Video: Number Drummer Live                                                                                                                            .                                                                                      


Rhythm Hear Say

Rhythm Hear Say offers exuberant and joyous global studies investigations, undertaken by exploring and experiencing a vast array of percussion instruments from Africa and the Americas. We tap into the universality of the "language" of music, and the long recognized bonding and festive qualities of percussion music experienced throughout human history. These offerings are designed to inform and enlighten us about the richness of the cultural landscape, and our place within it. Encouraging us to participate and contribute to the great treasure chest of human culture. Offerings always involve tons of hands-on participation and are available to all ages for performance, residency or workshops. Sequential learning is provided with an awareness of age/grade levels and common core standards, and can be adapted to fit curricular needs. Ron McBee; Grades K-12; $800/$975 (one performer); $900/$1200 (two performers)   

Ron McBee 347.432.0312