Our virtual school author talk program brings the magic of stories to inspire, educate, and connect with students in the classroom. Whether it's the laughter from a funny tale, the curiosity kindled by a mystery, or the wonder of discovering new worlds, each BookBreak virtual author talk is designed to spark a love of reading and enhance literacy. Our innovative platform connects students with renowned authors virtually, allowing schools to participate who would not normally be able to afford the speaking fees of bestselling authors. With BookBreak, you can offer your students the excitement and inspiration of a live author event, empowering them to thrive as readers and writers. With over 2,000 subscribing schools and counting, our goal is to embed author talks as an integrated component of student learning. By seamlessly integrating these virtual author sessions into your curriculum, you’ll ignite a fire for reading, kindle a passion for writing, and captivate even the most reluctant readers. These interactive experiences are more than just talks—they’re a catalyst for transforming student motivation and cultivating a vibrant school-wide culture of reading. Use our curriculum aligned virtual author talks and included pre- and post- activities and watch as your students’ enthusiasm soars and their love for literature flourishes!

Dedicated to creating art for young people, Daniel has performed over 2000 student performances throughout the country for the past 24 years with storyteller and poet, David Gonzalez and his own projects. An artist who has been called “stunningly original” with “a visionary imagination,” composer and pianist Daniel Kelly explores the meeting place of music with literature, visual art and journalism, captivating audiences across the country. Kelly’s music has been declared “powerfully moving” by Time Out New York. He has performed with GRAMMY-award winning jazz legends Michael Brecker and Joe Lovano, hip-hop star Lauryn Hill, cutting-edge modern classical The Bang on a Can All-Stars and a long list of jazz musicians such as NEA Jazz Masters Dave Liebman & Sheila Jordan, Don Byron, Donny McCaslin, Oliver Lake, Bobby Sanabria and many others. Kelly toured throughout Southeast Asia and India as a part of the Kennedy Center/US State Department-sponsored Jazz Ambassador program, has performed for the president of Costa Rica and at the Shangilia orphanage in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Dedicated to creating art for young people, he has performed over 2000 student performances throughout the country for the past 24 years with storyteller and poet, David Gonzalez and his own projects. He has also composed for chamber orchestra, string quartet, film and multimedia theater works. He has released five CDs of original compositions. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@danielkelly Daniel has three shows along with study guides to offer schools, all of which are listed below: First: Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! which is geared to Grades K-3 Webpage with promo video: https://www.danielkellymusic.com/school-family-shows Full show video - Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! https://vimeo.com/1024064858/15bdab6166?share=copy Google drive with full show video, endorsements, flyers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15L3dSgyTKCse-Zyrzu0TwiQPpS8eVcgI?usp=sharing Description: What happens when a master musician meets a hapless fool – in ONE person? The answer is Half Note, the alter-ego of award-winning pianist/composer Daniel Kelly. In this 40-minute solo performance, Daniel brings the audience on an entertaining romp into his musical world - blending jazz, classical and pop music with physical comedy, musical storytelling and outrageous keyboard sounds. In the first part of the program, Daniel presents a musical-storytelling of the Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten, in which a boy loses a mitten in the woods and a series of animals squeeze into it, each one larger than the last. In Daniel's musical version, each animal has a musical theme that layers on top of one another - building up into a symphonic bang! A classically trained pianist-turned jazz musician, Daniel also presents an enlightening and joyful ride through the history of jazz music - from Scott Joplin to Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to hip-hop. Finally, Daniel uses technology (looping pedals and effects) to build a modern piece of music layer by layer, illustrating the elements of rhythm, harmony and melody. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to create loops and grooves at the microphone. A fan of Charlie Chaplin and Victor Borge, Daniel ties the program together with hilarious physical comedy gags that will delight audiences of all ages. Contact Sandra for study guide and to discuss options for your school. Second: Shakespeare in Jazz: All the World's a Song ~ Grades 3-8 - Can feature duo or trio performers Webpage with video, study guides, etc: https://www.danielkellymusic.com/all-the-worlds-a-song-shakespeare-in-jazz You’ve never experienced Shakespeare like this! A sensation in performing arts centers nationwide, this engaging & joyful jazz concert invites people of all ages to experience the magic of Shakespeare's timeless words set to memorable, original jazz songs by award-winning pianist Daniel Kelly & his stellar band - featuring an extraordinary jazz vocalist. Audiences are invited to sing along and are delighted that they have memorized some of Shakespeare's most famous lines in the process! Great for those discovering his plays for the first time and Shakespeare aficionados alike! Promo video: https://youtu.be/8yxfL0ufYQw?si=j6w3UpU6C6TIeFJA Full show: https://vimeo.com/586450010/a801c9eee5?share=copy Google drive with Shakespeare in Jazz endorsements, flyers, study guides: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hgGZHBBL_9HngU6YxC8Zt-mahAtJJAL0?usp=sharing Third: Interactive Concert for People with Special Needs - Grades 3-8 This is a solo show. Description: Daniel Kelly is an interactive music specialist and person-centered educator with extensive experience working one-on-one and in small group settings. His joyful, sensory-friendly concerts encourage spontaneous creativity and positive musical experiences for individuals with special needs, fostering community and celebrating each person's unique qualities. Contact Sandra for study guide and to discuss options for your school.

The Junkman — the original, Grammy-nominated recycled materials percussionist — and his collection of skateboards, road signs, brake drums, and other unusual items will captivate young minds with a STEAM-driven interactive experience that will entertain while teaching about music, science, the environment, inclusiveness, and kindness. From an hour-long interactive eco-concert with a culminating JunkJam wherein kids play along with The Junkman, to a full day of instrument-making or music-making workshops, or a week to two-week long sound sculpture or music-making residency, he’ll work with you every step of the way to develop and craft a program that best suits your students AND your budget. All The Junkman's programs featured his Help Our Planet (HOP) education initiative, which has garnered awards of excellence from the United Nations, the Federation of Mexico, and the State of Vermont.

The NYC based dance crew provides a 30 minute non-stop, interactive showcase of their high energy dance choreography that engages and entertains the students. There is a 15 minute lecture period afterwards which discusses spotting and stopping bullying, respecting yourself and others, taking responsibility for your actions and leading a positive life. Anything is possible with hard work, an education and focusing on what you can bring to this world that no one else can.

Music enrichment geared to your curriculum. This can include a songwriting component and a wide variety of topics.

New York Times bestselling author of middle grade and young adult author of over 40 books, Jen Calonita offers both large and small group author assemblies and writing workshops that focus sparking creativity in children. Using popular fairy tales, Jen offers both a "Twisting Tales" workshop for younger and older grades as well as an editing workshop for older students. Her assemblies focus on how she went from a reluctant reader to a writer and how students can turn their own ideas into story magic.

High-energy 45-minute assembly programs about bullying-prevention, character education, reading, and science. Who knew LEARNING could be this much FUN?!

Davis’ programs are designed to educate and to celebrate diversity and community, to get audiences of all ages singing along, and to inspire participants to remember and share their own stories with each other and their families. They also promote literacy and cultural awareness. Davis is known for his humor, his ability to engage, his repertoire of familiar and interestingly new songs and stories, and his professionalism. Programs include a variety of ethnic percussion instruments, including guiro, shekere, bells, spoons and a dancing wooden limbergjack dog named Bingo. For almost 45 years now Davis has shared thousands of performances at schools, libraries, senior centers and community settings throughout the northeast. His recording, Family Stories, won a prestigious Parents Choice Magazine Gold Award, was named one of the years best audio recordings of by the American Library Association’s Booklist Magazine and is available for download for free on his website. Specific programs include Under One Sky, Earth Rhythms, This Land is Your Land, Imagine That, Celebrating the Season, Sea Songs & Stories and a variety of interactive workshops. "Davis is thoughtful, creative, human and a fantastic storyteller" - Pete & Toshi Seeger.

Create A Space NOW is an interactive social justice platform, creating art to combat bias, racism, and systemic oppression. We believe that art is a powerful tool, and we're committed to creating space for art to inspire change, educate, and activate. At Create A Space NOW, we deliver dynamic, art-centered educational programming that goes beyond performance, and we spark dialogue, critical thinking, and courageous imagination. Our curriculum includes dance, theater, film, and poetry and media productions, workshops, presentations, syllabi, and engagements rooted in social justice, equity, and healing practices, giving students the tools to process complex realities and build skills for positive change. Create A Space NOW is committed to equipping schools, teachers, and young people with creative tools that challenge oppression and nurture liberation. Through the transformative power of art, we believe every student can learn to build a more just, joyful, and connected world.

At the Utica Zoo, we are able to offer a variety of educational experiences both at the zoo itself and at Beaversprite, our conservation education center. Firstly, we offer field trips at both sites. Field trips to the zoo can be self-guided or fully educator led and can include a zoo introduction or curated conservation class tailored to the groups learning objectives. Beaversprite trips are all educator led and include exploration of the visitor center and guided hikes of the pristine 1300-acre wetland property. We additionally offer zoo outreach programs in a variety of styles, in which we aim to bring the zoo to you. For our outreach "Zoomobile" programs, we typically bring between three to five live ambassador animals and give a presentation on their biology, ecology, and conservation status and challenges. We also offer more heavily conservation focused programs, stressing issues like climate change, habitat loss, or invasive species. For these programs we bring fewer live animals but will bring a customizable PowerPoint presentation on the topic of choice and/or a guided activity that encourages active engagement by the students.

The Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in our schools and throughout our community. By offering free and discounted performances for students, outreach opportunities with artists and masterclasses, we help to leverage our creative assets to make a difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages. Unison: Student & Families Membership Program The Music Hall is committed to welcoming all people into our performance space to enjoy the arts. The Unison Student & Families Program is designed to bring all members of the community together to enjoy the varied musical performances we present throughout the season by providing free seats to qualifying students and families. Learn more about the Unison Program here. School and District Partnerships The Music Hall works with teaching artists throughout the community to bring hundreds of arts enrichment, interactive programming into schools each year. The Music Hall is committed to integrating the arts into academic curricula, and works to design workshops that best serve our partnering educators in the classroom. Arts-Integrated Learning Approach The Music Hall values student engagement in a creative process that connects the arts to their academic studies. We provide a wide variety of arts programming to create inclusive and responsive learning opportunities in schools and at our venue. Artist Masterclasses and Workshops We strive to provide as many opportunities as possible for students of all ages to work with local and world-renowned artists. Students cultivate their skills and build valuable artistic experiences through the varied workshops and classes we offer each year. Connecting the Arts to the Classroom The Arts Matter! Live performances and interactive learning experiences give students the opportunity to be inspired, to create, and reflect. These fundamental experiences enrich students' academic studies; to equip students with the foundations for achievement both inside and outside the classroom by developing their creative capacity, thinking skills, and knowledge essential for lifelong success. Our Educational Performance Series, workshops, and matinee shows connect with classroom Academic Standards to allow educators the opportunity for scaffolding the student learning process. Teaching Artist Workshops: The Music Hall values the support of students and educators in our community by providing performing arts learning opportunities. Our exclusive Teaching Artist programs feature local artists and various arts organizations who, in collaboration with the Music Hall, work to provide artistic enrichment to teach and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts. By providing varied educational programming to the Capital Region, we strive to inspire meaningful learning, interactive exploration of the arts, and memorable experiences for students of all ages. Educational Performances & Activities at the Hall The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in our schools and throughout our community. By offering free and discounted performances for students, outreach opportunities with artists and masterclasses, we help to leverage our creative assets to make a difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages. 2024-2025 Student Activities & Performances Thursday, March 27, 2025 11AM Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo Composer: Joe Illick, Librettist: Mark Campbell Program Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Program Time: Doors Open: 10:30a, Performance: 11:00a-12:00p 45 minute program with 5-10 minute Q&A at the end Short Summary: Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo is an interactive children’s opera composed by Joe Illick with libretto written by Mark Campbell. The story is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s. Mariana’s family encourages her to have her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariana is initially frightened, but is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household including a monkey, a parrot and a dog, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida’s life, and begins to understand the meaning of bravery. The opera is appropriate for ages 5-11. $5 Tickets. Student Pricing to Mainstage Performances Interested in bringing your class to a mainstage performance at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall! Many of our shows throughout the season have exclusive student pricing: Date & Time Performance Tickets Tuesday, February 4 Troy Chromatic Concerts presents Steven Isserlis, Cello Recital *pre-concert activity: Prelude Conversations $15 Student Tickets Sunday, March 9 APM: Considering Matthew Shepard $15 Student Tickets Friday, March 22 Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA $15 Student Tickets Thursday, March 27 [STUDENT MATINEE] Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Nina in el mundo $5 Tickets Wednesday, March 26 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy $15 Student Tickets Friday, March 28 Gaelic Storm $20 Student Tickets Ordering Tickets: Call or email Jessica Bowen, Director of Education & Outreach with your request. (518) 479-9623 or jessica@troymusichall.org Payment Payment is accepted by check, major credit card or BOCES purchase order and is due no later than 14 days in advance of each show. Reservations not paid by the 14-day deadline will be canceled. Changes and cancellations No refunds or exchanges will be made after the 14-day deadline. We cannot guarantee seating for additional students if the show is sold out, but will accommodate as best we can to ensure all students have a seat at the show! Please be sure to reserve seating for all teachers and chaperones in addition to students. If your school district is closed or dismisses early due to weather, a credit will be issued to your account for the cost of your tickets. Communication regarding cancellation must be received by our box office prior to the performance. ADA Accommodations Please advise the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall of accessible seating needs when the order is place so we can make arrangements prior to your arrival. Interested in learning more about educational opportunities for your students? Please Contact Jessica Bowen, Director of Education & Outreach at jessica@troymusichall.org or call (518) 629 - 4016. ETUDE Student Volunteer Program REGISTRATION FOR 2024-2025 is NOW OPEN! Click the link below to register. Etude participants develop the skills needed for today’s workforce while engaging in a fun, fast-paced work environment. Participating students will work amongst event staff team at performances throughout our season. Students involved in this year’s Etude Volunteer Program will have opportunities to participate in many more of the departments on site including: Box Office and Ticketing House Management and Merchandise Stage Crew and Backstage Sound and Lighting Front of House and Seating The Etude Program is a great way to explore different career paths in the arts. Join us! All registered students must attend an ORIENTATION before their first volunteer session. This is included in the arrival times for your first show, which you'll find on the sign up form below. Eligible students in Grades 9 - 12 and/or undergraduate students will: Fulfill community service credits; Enhance their resume with valuable experience; Pursue the development of personal and professional skills; Explore varying career paths in the arts.

The Compassionate Leaders Circle (CLC) proudly offers Student Leadership Labs for K-12 students, fostering creativity, self-discovery, and meaningful connections at every stage of their educational journey. Book Lab for Elementary Schools empowers young learners to write and illustrate their own stories, which are professionally published on Amazon. This exciting experience allows students to showcase their work to friends, family, and local libraries, building confidence and pride in their achievements. Dream Lab for Middle Schools guides students to uncover their core values and collaborate in learning pods. These sessions strengthen their connection with themselves and their peers while setting actionable goals for a purposeful and rewarding transition into high school. Purpose Lab for High School and University students helps participants realign with their personal values and aspirations. Using proven methodologies, this program equips students with actionable steps to pursue a fulfilling life and realize their full potential. CLC has aligned its programs with NYSED’s initiatives, including the “Portrait of a Graduate,” to support students in achieving a successful path to graduation. Each lab is thoughtfully designed to inspire and empower students, creating lasting impacts both within and beyond the classroom.