Author Ben Mikaelsen He does Zoom/Skype/Google Meet sessions 30-45 mins for $250.00. He does an introduction of himself and then talks about the book the students are reading and then opens it up for Q & A.

Growing Minds - A Living Classroom Experience with Cornell Cooperative Extension *This program is open to K-12. This program aims to bridge the gap between classroom-based science lessons and real-life experiences on a working farm and acres of conserved natural habitat. Our living classroom has proven instrumental in enhancing environmental and agricultural education for youth, providing a unique and irreplaceable hands-on learning experience. Through this partnership, Cornell Cooperative will facilitate a series of public school field trips to Pitney Meadows, offering students hands-on activities and farm tours. Students can expect to witness and interact with agricultural practices as the seasons change. Cornell Cooperative Extension is available to develop pre-field trip materials to prepare students for their visit, providing context and building excitement. Their team will also create post-field trip enrichment materials for in-classroom reflection, connecting on-farm experiences to academic lessons. Pitney Meadows Field Trip Fees $500 for a 3-hour Field Trip (up to 30 students) and $12.00 for each additional student. For booking information for a Growing Minds Field Trip, please email us at contact@pitneymeadows.org

City Dance NY offers many dance programs and residencies. We are a multicultural ballet company presenting Arts in Education for over 18 years in the NYC region. World Dance Assembly. We travel the world in a 45 minute program presenting dances from all continents. Our dance residency is a multi week offering in which students learn about dance as a communication tool and present their work in an assembly program. We present adaptations of story ballets such as Peter and the Wolf and Snow White.

For PreK-6th Grade: Tri-Cities Opera Opera invites you to the farm, where most of the animals like things to be ‘normal and pretty’–not noisy or different! When the new ducklings hatch, there is one ‘ugly duckling’ who doesn’t fit in with the others and spends her days reading by herself. But when a big, bad wolf comes on the scene, it will take someone like the ugly duckling–who has learned about big, bad wolves in her stories–to outwit him and teach the whole farm about the value of being true to yourself. Named as a nod to Binghamton’s famous carousels, Opera-Go-Round has been delivering the excitement of a fully-staged children’s opera to schools throughout New York State and northern Pennsylvania for nearly 50 years. Students engage with our singers and pianist to explore this unique art form with stories connected to curriculum standards and take away valuable social-emotional learning lessons. The program includes a 35-minute performance and 15-minute question and answer session with the Opera-Go-Round team. Dates are available from late September 2024 through May 2025. Contact ogr@tricitiesopera.org for more information or to schedule your performance! Cost: $1,400 within 50 miles of TCO Opera Center, $1,500 over 50 miles from TCO Opera Center. For Middle & High School Groups: TCO is excited to offer free tickets for your group to attend any of our mainstage productions. The Magic Flute (Sept 6 & 8, 2024) is an abridged version of a Mozart favorite. All Is Calm (Nov 15, 16, & 17, 2024) tells the story of the WWI Christmas truce. A Grand Night for Singing (Mar 8, 2025) includes favorites from Rogers and Hammerstein. Rigoletto (Apr 27, 2025) will be a grand version of a Verdi masterpiece. Contact operations@tricitiesopera.org to reserve your bloc of seats!

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of inspiring students all over the world to create and write stories. My presentations are approximately 45 to 60 minutes of high energy, immersing students in my story creation process. Using time-lapse video, music, and digital technology, I discuss writing, biology, research, illustration, and editing while addressing how and where I get my ideas. I keep a journal full of ideas and drawings. My stories start from those ideas, and I show the process from idea seed to finished story. I narrate a new or previously published story to the students, engaging them with video and music. I follow with a live computer drawing demonstration, usually projected onto a screen or big TV behind me. In most instances, it’s a simple drawing created from scratch that contains many concepts learned in curricula: insect biology, the difference between a bug and a beetle, primary and opposite colors, symmetry, and horizontal/ vertical placement. It also has just the right touch of humor :-) I airdrop a digital copy to the teachers to take back to their classrooms afterward. I like to take questions from the students at the end of the presentation. I appreciate the efforts of all the librarians, PTOs, and school administrators who have made my visits possible. My presentations have been described as engaging, educational, and a lot of fun.

Chocolate syrup, baby diapers, and spaghetti probably aren’t the first things you think of when you think about science. But if you’re a student of Supermarket Science, you’ll immediately laugh, recalling the fun science lessons and crazy antics those simple store-bought items can create. You’ll also recall that hard-boiled eggs, applesauce, and a flying clipboard are all a part of the fun of Supermarket Science, a STEM assembly show that will make elementary and middle school students excited about the wonders of science. Nearly a dozen students participate on stage in this interactive and hysterical science school show, all while learning that chemical reactions, air pressure, inertia, and potential and kinetic energy make up a big part of our everyday lives. Supermarket Science is everywhere, even in a place as uninteresting, unexciting and routine as the supermarket!

We offer Theater and Arts Mini Camps where youth learn and develop skills such as acting, singing, dancing, script writing, and other various theatrical skills

Finger Fables, Story Theater & New York Lore -Children learn to actively listen, problem solve, explore New York, and get inspired to write. Engaged by lively theatrical storytelling, they'll play a part in fables and fairy tales from around the world. When fingers become characters and they step into stories, children actively listen and retell tales. They'll better remember plot sequencing, key details, and different characters. Topics include kindness, animals, and other cultures. Ask for Medieval Manors and Manners for older students.

After retiring from teaching at the elementary level for 25 years, I decided I still wanted to teach. So, my love for nature and children led me in the direction of writing fictional animal based stories based on facts. I offer school wide readings, as well as class presentations. Depending on the program requested, I also offer activities (crafts and games) as well as some science based videos to aid in the presentation. Book signings are always provided for books purchased before or during the special book talk day. Books are: The Flamingo With Two Left Feet Amari’s BIG Surprise…It’s NOT Monkey Bread! We Can...and We Do!

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.

At Relevant Speakers Newtwork, we partner with only the nation's best youth communicators. All our presenters have been hand selected and fully vetted to ensure you have a successful and impactful event. No matter your topic, timeline or budget, we can help you find a speaker who is a perfect fit to meet and exceed your goals.

Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris is an interactive Hip Hop Dance and Music School Assembly including Social Emotional Learning (SEL) & Healthy Living Prepare your students to have the dance experience of a lifetime! Youth Motivational Speaker Chris “Zondaflex” Tyler energizes students with an unforgettable mix of hip hop dance, music, comedy and motivation, inspiring them to stay active, be positive, and be kind for a successful future. This dynamic, high-energy performance captivates audiences while delivering powerful life lessons they’ll remember long after the assembly ends! Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris isn’t just about movement—it’s about empowerment. This interactive program combines hip hop dance with social emotional learning (SEL), character education, and the benefits of healthy living, reinforcing messages on achievement, motivation, personal power, bullying prevention, perseverance, and more. Chris makes staying active fun, emphasizing how movement boosts mental focus, self-confidence, and overall well-being. Why Movement Matters With obesity rising globally, now more than ever, students need to understand the importance of staying active in a way that feels exciting and natural. Move & Motivate with Mr. Chris makes movement accessible for everyone, showing how dancing, fitness, and mindset work together to create a healthier, happier life. Chris’ passion is to inspire all students—not just through words, but through an interactive experience that gets them moving, thinking, and believing in themselves. His crazy, energetic, and engaging performance challenges youth to embrace their individuality, take responsibility for their choices, and strive for success—all while having an absolute blast! Customizable, Interactive, and Unforgettable Move and Motivate with Mr. Chris provides a fully customizable presentation based on your school’s needs. Topics include (but are not limited to): Social Emotional Learning (SEL) | Healthy Living Through Movement | Bullying & Cyber Bullying | Overcoming Adversity | The Power of Perseverance | Character Building & Leadership | Anti-Bullying & Cyber-Bullying Awareness | Teamwork & Respect | Black History | Living a Positive Lifestyle and more! Also perfect for Dance Nights, School Parties, and DJ Events—Chris brings the energy to every event! Don’t miss out! Chris “Zondaflex” Tyler is the real deal—and your students won’t stop talking about this experience! Black History Content for Chris: In his Black History Dance Assembly, Chris specifically mentions the roots of hip-hop music and dance about black history and how pioneers in the industry started a movement that is still taught today. Don “Campbellock” will be featured and students will learn how he started a style called locking while they learn some of the locking dance moves. Chris also features Sam Solomon and how he created the style of dance called popping, which is the practice of contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerking motion. Finally, students will hear about Kool DJ Herc who started the popular form of dance called breakdancing.