John McPherson is the creator of the very popular cartoon panel Close To Home, which appears in over 700 newspapers worldwide, among them the Washington Post, The Miami Herald and the Houston Chronicle. He has published 27 book collections of his work, a line of greeting cards with Recycled Greetings, and is also a nationally known speaker on humor, stress and creativity as well as life as a syndicated cartoonist. His presentations are very funny, engaging, and informative. When speaking to school children his presentations can range from showing kids how to draw cartoons (focusing on the emotions of the characters, perspective, shading, etc) to telling his story of how he became a cartoonist, what life as a cartoonist is like, how books become published, what makes a cartoon funny, how cartoons are animated and turned into TV shows and many other aspects of cartooning. He is comfortable working with children of all ages and is sure to get them laughing and creating their own cartoons.

We deliver programs directly to schools and communities that empower young people to become courageous changemakers by fostering empathy, understanding and action against intolerance. Through the powerful lens of Anne Frank’s diary, we inspire the next generation to learn from the past, challenge prejudice and build a more compassionate and just future. Our interactive theatre performances are a transformative tool, engaging students on a deeply emotional and intellectual level. They bring history to life, spark critical conversations, and inspire young people to act with courage, empathy, and understanding. "Conversations with Anne" is our signature one-act solo show that immerses students in the powerful words of Anne Frank, bringing excerpts from her diary to life in an engaging and emotionally-charged performance. Students connect with Anne on a personal level through this intimate portrayal – hearing her thoughts, fears, and dreams. The performance culminates in a Q&A session, where students can ask questions and engage directly with the character to deepen their understanding of Anne’s experience and the historical events surrounding the Holocaust. It gives a human face to history, inspiring young people to reflect on the impact of intolerance and the importance of standing up for what is right. Through Anne’s words, students are reminded of the power of their own voices in shaping the future. For grades 4th and up. "Letters from Anne and Martin" draws profound parallels between the words of Anne Frank and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The performance combines excerpts from Anne’s diary with key moments from Dr. King’s 'Letter from Birmingham Jail', highlighting their shared themes of hope, resistance, and the fight for justice. Through the dialogue of these two remarkable figures, students are offered a unique lens on the struggles for human rights, both during World War II and the Civil Rights Movement. The show serves as a bridge between history and the present, highlighting how lessons of the past are deeply connected to the challenges we face today. By weaving Anne’s reflections on the horrors of war with Dr. King’s calls for nonviolent action, the show is a powerful teaching tool for understanding both the Holocaust and the Civil Rights Movement. Students are empowered to see the relevance of these movements in today’s world, encouraging them to take a stand against prejudice, bigotry, antisemitism, racism and discrimination, to promote equality, and work towards a more just and inclusive future. For grades 6th and up. Our newest one act solo show, "Plenty of Courage", takes the audience on Anne's journey of discovering herself, her ambitions and her drive to live fully and bravely. Delving into some of her lesser known entries, this performance reveals the more vulnerable side of the young diarist. While in hiding from the Nazis with her family, the Van Pels Family and Fritz Pfeffer during World War II, writing to her dear diary, Kitty, brings Anne enormous comfort. But through it all there is another war silently raging, and it is the one Anne is fighting with herself. It's a transformative experience that invites audiences to step into the shoes of one of the most important voices of the 20th century and grapple with the harder questions of what it means to be human. For 7th/8th grade, high school and up.

Caldecott medalist Paul O. Zelinsky’s school visits are about making connections: between a story’s key ideas and the artist’s tools he uses to express them; between the characters in a story and the reader, and hugely, his own connection to audiences of schoolchildren. Drawing for and with them, bringing them into his studio with slides and animations, he loves to get across how making books is fun, funny, interesting and an endless opportunity to learn. Many authors and illustrators with long careers and many honors and awards no longer visit schools and classrooms, but this is a connection Paul Zelinsky hopes never to give up. Paul O. Zelinsky is the creator of the classic moving-parts book THE WHEELS ON THE BUS and the Caldecott-medal-winning RAPUNZEL and its companion RUMPELSTILTSKIN, among others, and the illustrator of numerous notable books including Z is for Moose (written by Kelly Bingham), Dear Mr. Henshaw (Beverly Cleary) and many more.

------"Stand Up! Stand Out!"------ Jason’s amazing performance will grab students’ attention with high-energy juggling and comedy while giving them the tools to make a positive difference in any bullying situation. This 60-minute program can easily be adjusted to fit grades K-12. The performance will address topics like: -What is bullying -The roles bystanders play in bullying including; Outsiders, Upstanders, Reinforcers, & Assistants How to become an Upstander and help fellow students -What to do if you are bullied -Jason’s personal struggle with bullying and how he overcame it -What is an Upstander? -An Upstander is someone who sees bullying and intervenes, interrupts or speaks up to create an environment of empathy and acceptance. Based on guidelines from StopBullying.gov and the US Department of Health and Human Services. ------TUNNEL VISION------ “Tunnel Vision” is a complete character education performance that will grab students’ attention with Jason’s amazing performance skills, while showing them the importance of setting goals and making positive choices. Topics include: -Practice, perseverance, and the willingness to make mistakes -Making healthy choices for your mind and body including eating right, exercising, and drug awareness -Getting a good education as a foundation to building their goals and dreams -Kindness to others and anti-bullying From Pre-K to high-school, this show can be tailored to fit any grade level. Jason is also available for: -Career Day Presentations -Health & Fitness based Programs -Character Educational shows -Field Days -Juggling workshops This eye-catching, eye-opening program is an excellent way to reach students from elementary to high school. It has been rated #1 by countless schools, students and PTAs! Jason Tardy has been performing for over 30 years in schools with his motivational shows and has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning, Inside Edition, Disney Cruise Ships, the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, and even The White House in Washington DC three times! ------Juggling Workshops------ Jason has taught juggling to thousands of people across the country and abroad. He will teach step-by-step how to get started on this fun and entertaining hobby that has brought him all over the country including the White House in Washington, DC THREE TIMES! These workshops are usually 45 minutes long but can be adjusted to be a quick lesson or a day long or even multi-day residency. Jason supplies all the materials needed including scarves, juggling balls, and other fun circus props. Recommended for grades 4th - 12th but can be adjusted for younger students as well.

We offer a variety of tours and workshops related to NYS curriculum. Immersive experiences in our recreated Bark house and 1790's Seneca Log house, as well as guided and self-guided tour options. We also feature our permanent exhibits, and seasonal exhibits from a variety of different art forms/perspectives. If you have any questions or would like more information as to how we can customize and experience for your group, please reach out via phone or email.

Confident Concerts by Caley Rose Confident Concerts is an empowering SEL music assembly that blends self-confidence skills, bullying prevention methods, and motivating upbeat songs. For Elementary Schools Are you looking for an engaging, interactive assembly that helps your kids achieve their SEL and bullying prevention objectives? Power poses, instrument playing, and affirmations that promote a growth mentality and boost self-esteem are all part of our energetic musical performance.We provide kids lots of chances to become involved! Make a lasting impression while letting their wiggles out with music, movement, and purposeful learning. Confident Concerts helps create a community of Upstanders with our elementary school assembly and keep them involved throughout the entire process to cultivate a culture of compassion and perseverance at your school. Through music, dance, and thinking techniques, we meet students where they are and assist them in regaining their confidence following bullying and avoiding recurrence. In order to develop resilience, students learn how to normalize unpleasant ideas, reframe self-talk, and acquire mental health tools. We have seen even the most “hard-to-reach” students embrace their peers, initiate a movement, and cultivate a sense of community. For Middle/High Schools Do you need an assembly that will truly connect with middle and high school kids and hold their attention throughout? Through music, dance, and thinking techniques, Confident Concerts meets students where they are and assist them in regaining their confidence following bullying and avoiding recurrence. In order to develop resilience, students learn how to normalize unpleasant ideas, reframe self-talk, and acquire mental health tools. We have seen even the most “hard-to-reach” students embrace their peers, initiate a movement, and cultivate a sense of community. Caley Rose is a Billboard-charting singer and songwriter who has been featured in Forbes, NPR, Authority Magazine, ABC, FOX, Top 40 radio, commercials & more. After being bullied in middle school, Caley dedicated her life to finding her own self-confidence and to empowering students and women to discover their own by using the power of music. She has received awards and grants for her work in music and education and co-designed Music with a Message with leading teen and child psychologists. To date, she has uplifted and empowered over 4,000 students across the US! Optional Add-ons: In-class materials for teachers to teach the WOW Principles to self-confidence pre-assembly Lyric & Chord Sheets to learn the MWM music before the assembly Take home worksheets PowerPoint presentation Breakout groups

Offering a local author visit. The author will read the story aloud and talk about the process of writing and publishing a story. She will answer student questions and sign any books purchased.

“Stand Up for Your Greatness!” In this inspirational program, Ed Gerety shares with his audience specific strategies, principles, and techniques to be resilient, embrace change, achieve goals, and step up as a leader. The social and emotional needs of students today are more important than ever. Ed delivers a powerful message that connects with the hearts and minds of his audience. He reminds students of the importance of taking care of themselves, taking care of one another, standing up for their greatness, and for the greatness of others. Areas of Focus in this assembly program include: • The power of respect and responsibility • The impact and consequences of our choices and decisions • The issues of bullying and peer pressure • Appreciation for our abilities and the people in our life • The courage to believe in oneself • The power we have to reach out and make a difference Ed speaks in the education industry specifically at middle schools, high schools, colleges, universities, and conferences. His primary audiences include students, teachers, administrators, coaches, parents, and student-athletes. For 30 years Ed has spoken on character education topics that build and support a positive and inclusive school climate. His expertise is in teaching the skills that teens and young adults need to develop to become leaders in school and in life. Ed’s longevity as a paid-professional speaker is rooted in the excellence he brings to the platform, the relationships he forms with his clients, and the results produced in positive outcomes measured by schools. Clients say that there is authenticity and vulnerability in his presentations that distinguishes him from other speakers.

It's Chinese New Year, Curious George - IN PERSON Author Visit (Book Reading & Chinese Culture Presentation): This IN-PERSON program provides children the opportunity to learn about multiculturalism and diversity through an engaging and interactive author visit. Maria Wen Adcock, author of IT'S CHINESE NEW YEAR, CURIOUS GEORGE, will teach students about Chinese culture through the traditions mentioned in the book that features everyone's favorite monkey, Curious George! She provides in-depth, kid-friendly information about the symbolism behind each tradition, cultivating an uplifting, high-energy, and celebratory event that kids will remember. The author will provide free digital printables (coloring sheets and worksheets related to the book) that teachers can use with their students in their class after the presentation. The author's A/V requirements are a laptop connected to a Smartboard or screen and a microphone. Stay curious!

David Wong has been called a “Rock Star” in the violin world. With over 6.7 million YouTube views and 33k subscribers, he’s attracted the attention of people around the world with mentions in Time Magazine, Huffington Post, MSN, Good Morning America and features on YouTube’s Home Page. He has performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Hotel Café and collaborated with artists such as The War and Treaty, Cory Wong, and Air Traffic Controller. David is an avid string clinician specializing in live looping, non-traditional techniques, and content creation. He has presented at the Ohio State University String Teachers Workshop, Suzuki Music Columbus, and over 50 public school systems throughout the United States. As a live looping specialist with his violin, David has taught and performed in many schools across the US to great acclaim. He weaves original arrangements as a "one-man-band," playing the music that students know and love from streaming, movies, and other pop cultural phenomenons. David's performances and presentations often include: -introductions to improvising -live looping explanations and demonstrations -extended techniques such as chopping (from beginner to advanced), acoustic distortion, and other non-traditional and non-classical sounds -group layering to build "acoustic backing tracks/loops" -incorporating technology into music David graduated from Amherst College in 2008 with a double major in Music and Asian Studies. He currently resides northwest of Albany, NY

Created to serve school districts, college, libraries, and theaters across Upstate New York, CNY Jazz Management is dedicated to the educational mission of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, the region’s primary provider of jazz programming in concert, cabaret, scholastic and festival settings in schools and in public. Our core cultural history shows are available separately or in a group: All That Jazz, a whirlwind history of jazz; Blues Shout, a history of male blues and jazz singers of the 20th Century; Music & Musket, exploring the role of the musician in the Civil War; and Jazz On Demand, unlocking the secrets of songwriting and listening creatively! All programs are narrated and include a vocabulary/teacher’s guide. We also offer full-day or multi-day residencies by all of our large ensembles, with or without national guest soloist/teaching artists, co-designed with you to fit your program needs – clinics, jams, and grand concerts. you may preview all of our shows and watch an overview of our entire arts-in-education service at the video link on our web site. Contact us for more information about presenting any of our offerings in your school!

I am a multi-brass-woodwind-instrumentalist, with a lifetime of road experience traveling the world teaching/playing. I love to share any and all of my knowledge with any one who wants to learn and have fun.