Strum Bowing is a method that Tracy Silverman has developed to teach string players how to groove. A Strum Bowing Workshop could be anything from a one-hour Zoom meeting with a school orchestra to a weeklong residency culminating with a concert. Workshops are based loosely on Silverman's book, The Strum Bowing Method. With school or youth orchestras, it’s often effective to have a zoom session a month or two before a live workshop or residency so the group can start working on some of the Groove Studies ahead of time. Tracy also encourages the instructor to take a lesson with him if they can, to familiarize themselves with the techniques. He works with players of all ages and abilities, from elementary school beginners to conservatory pre-professionals to adult learners. He also presents pedagogy sessions and lessons with string teachers. He has lots of improvisation games that are effective for younger players (and great for breaking through inhibitions for older players) and the simplicity of the Strum Bowing method is accessible across age ranges. For school orchestras, Tracy offers a collection of 22 Groove Studies for Strings which are an effective way to apply and reinforce the concepts of Strum Bowing and to practice techniques like Ghosting, Chopping, Subdividing, and developing the 3-D Strum. A favorite format is to work with the orchestra in rehearsals/workshops and then present a shared concert which usually consists of a solo program by Tracy using his live looping and electric 6-string violin, and then a collaboration with the orchestra on several pieces, which could be from the 22 Groove Studies for Strings or any piece that the orchestra is working on. Grooving — awakening our inner sense of rhythm using Strum Bowing, essential to rock, jazz, hip hop, etc. The Chop — non-pitched percussion sounds. Also the Compound Chop and the 3-D Strum Ghost Notes — muted notes within a groove Improvising — cultivating our natural curiosity and playfulness with fun improv games Call and Response — ear training, rhythm training, style training GPS for Strings (Groove Proficiency System) — Silverman's 4 step formula for finding your way to any groove Blues scale and the blues Other Workshop Topics ??Lecture/Demonstration – performance and explanations about technique, equipment, career etc; questions from the audience. General audience. ?Improvisation for Strings – an overview of the blues; call and response; simple scales and approaches for first-time improvisers. String players with instruments.

Exciting multimedia school assembly programs featuring LIVE performance of rock and roll songs by three talented musicians. Educational content is reinforced by large computer projections of photos and videos. In schools since 1984, "READING ROCKS" promotes literacy; "BIG 80s" features STEM themes and "Mistletunes" is a multicultural December program.

Think Wellness NY has been partnering with schools across New York State since 2017, providing impactful, mindfulness-based enrichment programs that promote academic success, student well-being, and a positive school culture. All of our offerings are grounded in mindfulness and are designed to help schools address key challenges such as stress, anxiety, behavioral issues, emotional regulation, and low morale. Our programs support Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), improve focus, and enhance students’ readiness for learning and life. Our enrichment programs for students (Pre-K through 12th grade) include: Wellness Week Our signature offering, Wellness Week, brings a full week of rotating sessions in Mindfulness, Yoga, Guided Meditation, and Journaling directly into the school day. Designed for PE push-ins, health classes, or special scheduling blocks, Wellness Week helps students: Manage anxiety and reduce stress Improve focus and academic readiness Strengthen emotional awareness and self-regulation Build long-term wellness habits Customizable to each school’s schedule, this turnkey program includes all materials and is taught by certified professionals. Youth Music Program This calming, creative program introduces students to the joy and healing power of sound. We bring a wide variety of instruments—drums, shakers, chimes, and more—for students to explore. Through rhythm, sound play, and mindfulness techniques, children build focus, emotional expression, and sensory awareness in an engaging, non-competitive environment. Mindful Art Program Our hands-on art sessions incorporate calming techniques and reflective prompts that support emotional growth. Projects such as “Gratitude Cards” using food dye and shaving cream help students express emotions, connect with inner calm, and develop creative confidence. All materials are provided. Mindful Nature Program Designed to cultivate peaceful attention and sensory engagement, this program can be done indoors or outdoors and gets students interacting with natural materials. Activities like “Nature Impression Cards” and soil-based art encourage students to get their hands dirty while learning to observe, reflect, and slow down. Yoga for Kids Developmentally appropriate yoga classes for students of all ages. These sessions promote self-regulation, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity. All sessions are trauma-sensitive and mindfulness-based, with a strong focus on breath, body awareness, and inner peace. Staff Wellness & Professional Development Mindfulness and Burnout Prevention for Educators Offered as a 1-hour, 3-hour, or full-day training, this workshop equips teachers and school staff with practical, evidence-based tools to: Reduce stress and burnout Improve emotional resilience Model mindfulness in the classroom Strengthen schoolwide wellness culture This professional development program has been delivered to thousands of educators across New York and is a powerful tool for supporting staff morale, mental health, and retention. All sessions are taught by trained professionals and include all necessary supplies. Think Wellness NY is a NYS-approved vendor and eligible for BOCES contracts where applicable. Custom scheduling options are available.

Effective self-assessment is crucial for learning in the performing arts, and a high-quality recording of a stage production provides an invaluable reference once the performance is complete. Merelis Productions specializes in filling this need. For over 25 years, our videographers have partnered with independent, charter, and public schools, as well as professional performing arts and regional theater organizations throughout the NYC tri-state area. We offer 2-camera videography and video editing for a variety of on-stage events, including musicals, plays, concerts, dances, graduations, and other presentations. For each performance, we provide two expert videographers with cameras on tripods and strategically placed microphones. When available, we can also integrate a direct feed from your house sound reinforcement system to ensure the best possible audio mix for the final video. We deliver a 1080p digital video file that participants can use for self-assessment, and as demo footage for future auditions, artistic portfolios, and college applications. With 25 years of experience recording events in school settings and over 275 productions annually, we are dedicated to providing recordings that reflect the effort invested in your productions. We would be delighted to collaborate with you to enhance your performers' self-assessment opportunities.

STEM education has never been more important, and Liberty Science Center understands educators' needs to teach science and technology in alignment with the newest national standards. The Science Center is a premier field trip destination and provider of STEM experiences for students, educators, and families. Our STEM education programs can enhance your science instruction with engaging activities online, at LSC, or at your school (within a 60-mile radius). We also offer highly interactive professional development programs for individual educators or groups. Start planning your fun and engaging day of science learning with Liberty Science Center. For more information about our offerings call 201.253.1214 or email mmcdonald@lsc.org.

Historic Pursuits utilizes high interest, hands-on programming to create an intrinsic love for history. The emphasis is on character development through historic examples. We train high school, college and community docents to lead these programs as a means to further leadership and community connections. WHY HISTORIC PURSUITS? Interactive and Experiential. We learn best by doing, and remember best through experiences. We put history into people’s hands, to get people trying “new things from the past.” We don’t have audiences; we have participants. Engaging. Yes, you will learn a great deal of “gee whiz” history, but more importantly, you will leave with a desire to learn more. Our goal is to promote an intrinsic curiosity for history. Depending on the program, you can expect to spark flint and steel, practice pioneer survival skills, crunch on some hard tack, spit some beeswax, use decoders from Washington’s spy ring, craft a love note with ink and quill, experience life on the Erie Canal…there are no, “Please do not touch” signs at our programs. Educational. Our staff are retired school teachers. They know about state standards, SEL, SLOs, Learning Targets, etc. They know that social studies plays second fiddle to Math and ELA because school report cards don’t emphasize history. They know that teachers often are forced to “squeeze in” history when they can and that very little professional learning opportunities are available. We teach teachers because we are teachers. We get it. Accessible. Some history venues just don’t fit everyone’s budget and calendar. We will come to you with a truckload of goodies. Or you can come to us for experiences you can’t find anywhere else for anywhere near the affordability. We will work with you to ensure all your objectives are met or if you prefer, we will do the work for you. We will design programs specific to your community and your local history. We strive to bring history to the community because it’s their history. Passionate. We love what we do, and this means that our passion drives our profession. We are insanely curious, always learning new skills, seeking out new history toys and forging new relationships. This passion drives our profession.

I offer drawing and painting instruction using Watercolor and Acrylics. I work with diverse populations in the community.

Mars pottery offers raku workshops all day workshops where students create and fire their work in the Japanese art of raku. We also offer sculpture classes and children’s classes. @ginamarspottery

Journeys Into American Indian Territory brings an immersive, curriculum-based exploration of Native American cultures directly to schools through a dynamic, hands-on program rooted in cultural anthropology. Designed for grades K–5, this unforgettable experience features a fully assembled on-site museum and four interactive workshops in a single day, covering the traditional lifeways of either the Plains or Eastern Woodlands peoples (Native Americans of NYS). Through authentic artifacts, storytelling, music, dance, and participatory activities, students gain a deeper understanding of Native American history, values, and cultural continuity—all aligned with state learning standards.

STEAMwhiz - The STEM Learning Lab: Creating Confident, Young Problem Solvers Welcome to STEAMwhiz - The STEM Learning Lab, where we inspire the next generation of innovators through hands-on learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Founded in the Capital District of New York, we bring the excitement of the lab directly to your classroom with our in-person labs and workshops. Our mission is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in students of all ages. What We Offer: Interactive Workshops: Our comprehensive programs include standards-aligned STEM workshops and hands-on classroom labs for local schools. Our workshops are designed to engage students in hands-on activities and experiments, making STEM concepts come to life. From fundamental concepts of magnetism and energies to more advanced robotic and engineering challenges, we provide immersive experiences that spark a love for learning. Other programs include: After-School Enrichment, Summer, and Break Camps at your location or ours! Hands-on STEM Core Labs: Grade Levels: 1st- 5th Length: 1 hour Size: 1 classroom unit per lab (max. 25 students) Prices: Starting at $250 per lab. Multi-Consecutive lab discounts are available at the time of booking. Highlighted Hands-on STEM Core Labs: Light It Up! Light is Weird. This hands-on lab investigates what light is and how we can control it through blocking, bouncing, and bending. Check out colorful shadows and rainbows in this FUNdamental light exploration lab. Suggested Grade Levels: 1st-3rd. Relevant NYS Standard(s): 1-PS4-2, 1-PS4-3, 4-PS4-2 MagLab: Magnetic Exploration Are all metals magnetic? Are all metals magnets? Using the Scientific Method to guide your learning, investigate the properties of magnets, and determine which materials are magnetic. Explore magnetic properties using magnets to attract and repel each other. Experiment with magnetic levitation and electromagnetism. Suggested Grade Levels: 3rd, 4th. Relevant NYS Standard(s): 3-PS2-3, 3-PS2-4 Energy Lab: Potential vs. Kinetic This energy lab investigates the relationship between Potential and Kinetic Energy, the Law of Conservation of Energy, and how energy is transferred between objects in a system by designing, testing, and modifying a "spool racer" powered by elastic energy. Students will design a "racer" that converts elastic potential energy into mechanical kinetic energy. Brainstorm, prototype, modify, test, and redesign variations to the basic "spool racer" design to meet different design criteria. "Show What You Know" in the ultimate problem-solving challenge, as your "spool racer" is put to the test and proves how a simple toy can be engineered to its best ability! I.D.E.A.S High-Tech MakerLabs – Inventing, Designing, & Engineering for All Students Grade Levels: 2nd- 8th Length: 1-1.5 hours Size: 1 classroom unit per lab (max. 25 students) Prices: Starting at $300 per lab. Multi-Consecutive lab discounts are available at the time of booking. Themes Include: Robotics, Drones, 3D Printing, Coding, Physical Computing Whether you choose our STEM Core Labs or High-Tech Maker Labs, all programs feature: Standards-Aligned Curriculum: the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards and/or the Engineering Design, and Computer Science + Digital Fluency Standards. Expert Educators: Making complex concepts accessible and fun Convenient and Accessible: We bring all necessary materials and equipment to your location. For more information about our offerings, call 518-512-9595 or email: info@steamwhiz.com

Mission Be, Inc. is a New York–based not-for-profit that has scaled nationally since 2013, bringing mindfulness-based social-emotional learning (SEL) programs to schools, organizations, and communities. To date, Mission Be has reached over 350,000 individuals across 322 schools and organizations in 28 states and 11 nations. Our curriculum is rooted in neuroscience and aligned with the Next Generation Standards, NYS SEL Standards, the NYS Mental Health Standard, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and the NYS Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Framework (CR-S). Through workshops, classroom programs, retreats, and assemblies for students, teachers, parents, and faculty, Mission Be provides practical tools with the intention to: Reduce Stress – improve self-regulation and coping skills Increase Focus – strengthen attention and concentration Build Emotional Intelligence – reduce impulsiveness, improve empathy Develop Resilience – enhance capacity to face challenges Promote Well-being – foster healthier school climates and engagement Program Highlights Mission Be offers a variety of engaging, evidence-based programs for students, faculty, and parents, including: Mindfulness in the Classroom (Pre-K–12): 1–16 week curricula with weekly lessons (40 minutes each) taught by Mission Be staff or trained educators. Faculty Meetings & Workshops: Interactive sessions with breathing practices, SEL games, movement, and practical classroom strategies. Professional Development for Educators & Administrators: One-hour to multi-day trainings on neuroscience, stress regulation, and classroom integration. Mindful Mentoring Program for Educators: Six-hour training to strengthen teacher well-being and equip staff with mindfulness tools to support students. Student Leadership Retreats: Full- or half-day trainings empowering students to become “Mindful Mentors” and peer leaders. Parent Workshops: 75-minute sessions that provide families with mindfulness tools to support children’s well-being at home. Headquartered in Islip, NY, Mission Be serves districts across Long Island and beyond, with the ability to travel to regions throughout New York State and nationally. Learn more: www.missionbe.org/events Contact: Carin Winter, CEO — 631-513-6151 | ceo@missionbe.org

The Children's Museum at Saratoga is dedicated to creating an interactive community that inspires curiosity, sparks imagination, and nurtures discovery. We are committed to serving as a resource for Capital Region school districts and to ensuring that programs and services are accessible to all children. The Museum offers outreach and field trip programs for students from preschool to 6th grade. Each program is designed to meet the needs of each classroom with plenty of opportunities for unique hands-on experiences. Programs correlate to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. They are wonderful additions to classroom curriculum as either an introduction to a lesson or to enhance current classroom units. The Museum's priority is to make educational programs accessible to all students. We ask that you please share any special needs your students may have ahead of time so that we can accommodate their needs. For more information about the Museum's program catalog and prices, please check out https://cmssny.org/education/.