In-School Residencies with Peter, Paul and George: Our dance workshops are well-suited addendums for elementary school students and high-school language students interested in learning more about their chosen culture. Homespun Occasions’ workshops encompass dances from more than 60 countries and regions around the world including the US, Latin America, Africa, Quebec, Scandinavia, Ireland, France, Turkey, China, Polynesia and Russia. These dance and music workshops can also be integrated with history and geography units. Peter Davis, Paul Rosenberg and George Wilson have been leading elementary and high school daytime workshops and residencies in traditional community dance and music, and playing for family and community dance evenings since 1994. Their repertoire consists primarily of contra, square and international folk dances accompanied by lively reels, jigs, polkas and waltzes. Their music and dances transform even the most adamant, grimacing youngsters declaring “I will never dance” into smiling dance-lovers asking, “When is the next dance?” Although they have worked as a trio since 1994, Peter and George have each been arts educators since the mid-1970s. All three are multi-instrumentalists. Instrumentation includes fiddle, banjo, clarinet, pennywhistle, recorder, piano, guitar and mandolin. Together they have performed and taught in over 700 schools around the Northeastern United States Family Dance Evening: One of our most popular offerings, the Family Dance, is a school-wide community celebration that involves everyone. Students, parents, siblings, teachers and administrators spend an evening dancing in time-honored traditions from around the world. If the evening is presented as the culminating activity after a school residency, students will be able to help teach their parents the dances they learned during the day. Parents are encouraged to get up and participate, and the high-spirited, toe-tapping music by Peter Davis and George Wilson make it impossible to sit on the sidelines! All dances are taught by “dancing master” Paul Rosenberg. Middle & High School Programs: TRADITIONAL DANCE AND MUSIC OF QUEBEC AND FRANCE FOR FRENCH LANGUAGE STUDENTS TRADITIONAL DANCE OF LATIN AMERICA AND SPAIN FOR SPANISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS TRADITIONAL DANCE OF GERMANY, ITALY, RUSSIA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD FOR OTHER LANGUAGE STUDENTS Square dancing originated in France! When settlers from France and western Europe came to the new world, they brought their quadrilles (square dance formation), their fiddles and their dances. The cultural heritage of Francophone America is brought to life in this dynamic participatory workshop. Accompanied by the energetic Quebecois fiddling of George Wilson and the pulsating rhythmic piano and guitar of Peter Davis, Paul Rosenberg leads high school French students through a series of lively dances as he points out the origin of such phrases as “do-si-do” (which was originally “dos à dos” – back-to-back). Dances are in square, circle, and contra formations. This multidisciplinary workshop encompasses language, history, geography, physical education and, of course, music! In Latin America, some dances were brought over by Spanish colonists, and others are ancient dances of native peoples who were influenced by Spanish culture. Many of these dances tend to be very energetic and lots of fun! Fiddle for Orchestra: Students Master fiddler George Wilson has developed a program for working with musicians in school orchestra programs. Students will be introduced to and instructed in the nuances of traditional fiddle styles. George has an extensive background playing tunes from Quebec (as well as Ireland, Scotland, Cape Breton/Nova Scotia, Appalachia, Scandinavia and the Shetland Islands). These traditional tunes include reels, jigs, hornpipes, schottisches, marches, polkas and waltzes. During instruction, George will focus on the rhythms and accents that give this traditional music its distinct feel. Sheet music for melody and harmony/accompaniment will be provided; George will also employ the more traditional method of teaching tunes by ear. Students will learn melody, harmony and accompaniment for each tune. The details of bowing, ornamentation, rhythm, and accents idiomatic to a style or tune will then be added. These workshops, rehearsals and sessions can be integrated with history and geography units as well as being aligned with the New York State Learning Standards in the areas of multicultural and traditional music, improvisation and playing solo or in an ensemble.

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.

Amapola Arts Bilingual, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Art Education: Where Culture Meets Creativity! Amapola Arts is a bilingual, family-run art studio co-founded by Hector (Nino) Morales and Dr. Gliset C. Morales. Based in Kenmore-Tonawanda, NY, the studio specializes in on- and off-site art classes and culturally and linguistically responsive workshops that engage learners of all ages through canvas painting, pottery, photography, and mixed media. Rooted in Puerto Rican, Afro-Caribbean, and Taíno cultural traditions, Amapola Arts creates space for youth to explore identity, express themselves creatively, and build community. Programs are grounded in the Windows and Mirrors framework, helping students see themselves reflected in their work while gaining insight into cultures beyond their own. Offerings for P–12 Schools, Afterschool Programs & Community Organizations: On or Off-Site Art Classes & Workshops – Canvas Painting – Hand-building Pottery – Photography & Visual Storytelling – Mixed Media Projects Potter’s wheel experiences available for on-site sessions at the studio. Programs can be booked as single-day sessions, multi-week series, and summer or after-school enrichment. Inclusive, Culturally Responsive Curriculum Sample themes include: – Nature, symbolism, and visual storytelling – Celebrating multilingual heritage and family culture – Art as a tool for advocacy and connection – Identity, belonging, and creative expression. All Materials & Bilingual Instruction Provided. Amapola Arts brings all supplies and handles setup—just provide the space. Customizable to Your Needs Programs are adaptable by age group, schedule, theme, and budget. In addition to partnering with schools and organizations, Amapola Arts also offers bilingual classes and community events at its Tonawanda studio. Learn more at www.amapolaarts.com or reach out to glisetmorales@amapolaarts.com to begin planning a workshop!

Teaching Artists ROC places teaching artists in area schools, after-school programs, senior centers, civic/cultural spaces and local events. These performers and artists enrich existing curricula and support programming by introducing participants to new ideas, concepts and cultures. Outlets of expression are provided for people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life. Who We Are We are independent teaching artists and ensembles sharing a common interest in providing meaningful arts learning experiences for students of all ages. As teaching artists, we share the skills and perspectives we have developed through years of dedication to our disciplines. We don’t just teach our art. We teach a variety of subject areas using our art. Each artist on our roster is different. Each has something special to offer.

The REV Theatre Company's Sequential Dramatics Program brings live professional theatre to over 180 school buildings and over 70,000 students in grades K-12. With more than 40 years of expertise, we are a pioneer and a leader in arts education. Our complete series of curriculum-based plays, classroom lessons, and creative workshops spans the school year to provide a continuum of learning across the grade levels.

Hello! I am a teaching artist with a BS in Environmental studies, a Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Certified Trauma Informed Yoga Instructor. After decades of working in government positions, I have focused my past several years on giving back to my community through volunteering with refugees, schools, libraries, and youth clubs. I have found a passion for sharing my broad knowledge and interests with youth and have built strong relationships with teachers in our community to help support the amazing work you all do every day. I would love to support your classroom too! I bring Hands on activities to your classroom that use a child lead approach and include art, nature, and mindfulness to build on classroom curriculum. While learning is happening we are also building team work, confidence, and a love of learning: Some activity options include -needle felting projects learning about fiber sources and how every day items are made, as well as the role the environment plays in fiber and fiber in the environment. (This can be done for students or for staff development). -live insects and animals in the classroom to learn about life cycles, ecosystems, animal care, farms, etc. Animals include button quail ( terrarium birds) , hatching chicken eggs, rabbits, stick insects. Students learn compassion while also receiving the therapeutic benefits animals provide. Animals can also provide students an opportunity to practice their reading skills by reading to them. Fossil digs in the classroom with sand, fossils, and fossil identification activities -art and craft projects with open ended access to supplies for students to complete projects that drive home classroom curriculum, such as building terrariums, making artwork that the represent ecosystems, life cycles, etc. All activities encourage students sharing their knowledge they have learned in class, working cooperatively, immersing their senses, and working at their own pace, skill level, and in their own style. I love to coordinate with teachers to reach their goals and plan activities around their classrooms unique style, needs, and interests with a goal of instilling a love of learning and building a foundation for emotional skills development .

I offer author visits, involving book readings, a description of how I got started writing children’s books, and workshops promoting inclusion, empathy, and kindness.

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site offers a wide range of on-site and outreach programming related to the fascinating history of the Erie Canal, the Mohawk Valley, and the Haudenosaunee people. Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the 19th century's greatest commercial and engineering projects. The Visitor Center Museum exhibit traces the history of the Erie Canal and its impact on the growth of New York State and the nation. Within the site's boundaries are many structures dating from the three eras of the canal's development. At the eastern end of the site is the Putman Lock Stand at Yankee Hill that houses an exhibit on Erie Canal stores. The site's largest structure is the remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the water of the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek. Schoharie Crossing is also the location of 18th century Fort Hunter and the Lower Castle Mohawk village. See artifacts from that portion of our history on display at the Visitor Center. Facilities: Stop into the Visitor Center to orient yourself to the site, check out the exhibit space and gift shop. Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site offers educational outreach programs as well as an on-site school field trips and special events. Services & Amenities: Within Park Bicycle Riding, Boat Launch, Cross Country Skiing, Educational Programs, Historical Areas & Structures, Horseback Riding, Info Center, Museum, Park Office, Parking, Picnic Area, Picnic Tables, Playground, Restroom, Walking

We offer a variety of programs that blend expressive arts, mindfulness, and social emotional learning. Our goal is to engage youth of all ages in safe, interactive art activities focused on self-expression and empowerment while promoting mental well-being. All programs can be customized to better meet teacher and student needs, as well as curriculum goals. We incorporate a variety of art processes, techniques, and materials in our lessons. Those include drawing, painting, ceramics and pottery, sculpture, collage, printmaking, creative writing and journaling, STEAM projects, and more! Creative Mindfulness (grades K-5): We have developed a unique Creative Mindfulness curriculum for students in grades K-5. These 45-minute lessons can be taught in isolation or organized into a weekly program that is tailored to meet the needs of your students and strengthen your class community. Each hands-on lesson incorporates breathwork, mindfulness strategies, movement, and an expressive art activity. Many lessons also have a literacy component and are paired with high-quality children’s literature. Participation in our Creative Mindfulness program equips students with the tools to help them be more resilient, improve self-regulation and communication skills, build positive self-esteem and self-confidence, and increase overall happiness. Collaborative Art Projects (grades PK-12): Another program we offer is to come in and work on a collaborative project. This can be within a classroom, a grade level, a school, or a whole district. Collaborative projects help to build self-confidence, establish social cohesion, improve communication skills, and strengthen classroom/school communities. This is a great way to add meaningful art to your school hallways and turn plain walls into interesting, colorful, art-filled spaces that students are proud of. Collaborative art can be posted on walls, hung from ceilings, put in display cases, or painted right onto the walls (inside or outside). YES… we do murals, too! Professional Development (all grades): We also offer Professional Development for teachers and staff at all grade levels. Topics include Social Emotional Learning Through Art, Mindful Arts for the Trauma Informed Classroom, Art & Mindfulness for Teacher Self-Care, and Process Art Experiences for Team Building. In our workshops, we share the research that supports what we do and provide easy to implement practices that will enhance your school community, as well as teacher and student well-being. We teach practical ways to use art and mindfulness for coregulation, to increase feelings of safety and connection, reduce stress, and improve focus. All PD workshops can be customized to meet your school’s needs and available time.

I am Yolanda T. Marshall, an award-winning Caribbean-heritage author of diverse, inclusive, festive children's literature. I have 20 books to read from! I am an energetic storyteller who performs interactive book readings for large groups. My books and storytime include music, singing and dancing! The main themes of my books are about everyone (regardless of cultural identity) coming together to celebrate our similarities and differences. It is a space for childhood joy, laughter and learning something new about each other. My readings are for 45 - 60 mins of multiple books. We take little dance soca breaks to keep moving. I present my book on a projector so everyone can see the vibrant and beautiful illustrations by the illustrators. My virtual readings - books are presented on the screen in classrooms - we get to have a fun party, aka storytime, at our desks!

I'm a kids' graphic novel author who over the last two years has presented at over 350 elementary and middle schools across America. My interactive, fast-paced presentations focus on the power of collaboration and the strengths of neurodiversity. As a dyslexic, one of my favorite things to present on is the strengths of neurodiversity. My books like Lumberjackula, Martian Ghost Centaur, and Indoor Kid have received starred reviews from most major trade journals, named to several state lists, and made the ALA best graphic novels list. I also used to work in higher ed at Boise State University where I taught classes on publishing and creative writing. I'd love to come speak with your students about creativity and persevering through learning differences!

Imaginary Circumstances brings theatre education to K–12 students across the Capital Region. Taught by working actors and educators, we offer classes and workshops in acting, improv, and writing for groups of all sizes—plus in-school puppet and improv shows. Our Professional Development workshops help teams boost creativity, collaboration, listening, and communication through theatre.