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ABRACABULLY
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Abracabully – The I.C.A.R.E. Program Abracabully is an interactive school assembly that blends magic, storytelling, and powerful lessons to inspire students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The program is built around the I.C.A.R.E. values: Individual, Community, Attitude, Respect, and Empathy. Through amazing illusions and real-life stories, students are entertained while learning how their actions affect others, why kindness matters, and how to make better decisions to build a safer, more supportive school environment. Now in its 11th year, Abracabully has empowered thousands of students to stand up against bullying, show respect, and embrace empathy—making schools stronger, kinder communities.
Erie Canal Cruises
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90 minute cruise on the Erie Canal with a simplified childrens historical narration (based on group age). Cruise includes traveling thru Lock 18, the most historically correct Lock left on the NYS Canal system and still operating perfectly with 110 year old original equipment. The vessel is raised and lowered twenty feet thru the lock, a highlite of the cruise. Interaction with a Q&A period during the cruise if desired by the teacher(s). Our vessel (Lil' Diamond II) can accomodate up to 50 passengers. We are a USCG Certified passenger vessel with full safety equiptment.
1000 Acres Ranch Resort
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We offer a historically rich heritage of hosting guests of all ages, sharing the spirit of the wild Adirondacks for all who venture here. 1000 Acres Ranch was founded in 1942 by Jack and Ester Arehart. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, in the heart of the Adirondack Park, the ranch offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Adirondacks while having a true dude ranch experience. Over the decades, the ranch gained the reputation of being “The Cadillac of Ranches” and “The Pearl of The Adirondacks.” We pride ourselves on upholding that reputation to this day. Delight in the beauty of the Adirondacks and experience trails the way they did in the wild west - on horseback. For almost a century 1000 Acres Ranch has offered guests an Adirondack experience not found anywhere else. Get a taste of the rugged cowboy life – but with a few more of the modern amenities and activities.
Arch Stanton Quartet
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The Arch Stanton Quartet offers two presentations that bring together music and literature. Both are inspired by classic American novels. “Shadow & Act: Music Inspired by Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man” presents a program of original jazz compositions and readings based on Ralph Ellison's “Invisible Man,” a classic American novel published in 1952, offering a first-person fictional account of an unnamed narrator’s attempts to navigate complex racial and social relations in the first quarter of the twentieth century. ASQ’s program includes three original jazz compositions inspired by scenes or motifs from “Invisible Man,” along with a rendition of Fats Waller's “Black and Blue” – a tune which figures prominently as a literary device in the novel. The performance also includes readings from Ellison’s book. "Exploring the Sheltering Sky: The Music and Words of Paul Bowles" is a presentation of music, readings, and reflections inspired by Paul Bowles’ celebrated 1949 novel “The Sheltering Sky.” Through original compositions of their own – as well as readings from the novel and adaptations of Bowles’ own musical compositions – the Arch Stanton Quartet weaves together a performance experience as mysterious and captivating as the novel itself. The programs are suitable for school assemblies or more intimate classroom presentations, and the band can also work with students and ensembles in a tailored workshop setting, if desired, exploring topics such as composition, improvisation, ensemble playing, and how music intersects with other art forms. Longtime fixtures of the Capital Region jazz scene, ASQ performs original jazz that is experimental, yet rooted in bop and post-bop traditions. The band’s debut album, Along For The Ride, was released in November 2012 on WEPA Records. In March 2013, ASQ embarked on an exploration of its own in North Africa. The band’s jazz-diplomacy tour of Egypt included performances and workshops sponsored by the educational organization AMIDEAST, the U.S. Embassy Cairo, and the Center for American Studies at the American University in Cairo. That experience inspired a second album of original compositions, Blues For Soli, and its “Lady Egypt” suite, also released on WEPA Records.
Hull Family Home & Farmstead
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We offer a broad array of experiences to visitors through a variety of methods to encourage understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted story of a pioneer family in WNY. We strive to develop a ‘hands-on’ experience for visitors. From this site, the only fully restored stone dwelling of the early 1800's in Erie county, 200 years of history can be told through the Hull family – the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 & the burning of Buffalo, the opening and impact of the Erie Canal, early pioneer life, the Abolitionist movement, and much more on into the 20th century. Learn about the rich history of the Hull family and their role in shaping the local community! Student field trips to the Hull Family Home & Farmstead are being scheduled from May through October. Currently, we offer interactive lessons which align with the New York State Social Studies Framework for Grades 4 and 7, but we can also work with you to develop a trip tailored to your specific needs and interests.
David Wong
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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
The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig
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Bring a theater-style grand-illusion show to your school in this interactive magic experience! Not your typical "magic show"... A little about the show..."The Extreme Magic of Eric" is one of the largest illusion shows in the country (but based out of New York!)! Combining cutting-edge illusions, escapes, cool music, customized lighting, and humorous audience participation, Eric and his assistant bring an illusion show experience to your school! Eric's performances have been seen on NBC's America's Got Talent, live with Jimmy Fallon, at MSG for the Knicks and Rangers, and in Europe, the Caribbean, Times Square and Las Vegas! We make a student float in the air, make someone disappear while surrounded by students, a Houdini escape, etc. Each show would be appropriately geared to the age of the audience (elementary, middle, or high school). The illusion show is 100% interactive (one of the only in the country!) with every routine involving student participation…volunteers from the audience assisting onstage and by their seats! Our website www.ExtremeMagicOfEric.com has more info and videos too! You can also google search "Eric Wilzig" and reads tons of only 5 star reviews from schools across the country. The #1 Entertainment Choice for your schools: PTA/PTO Family Fun Night School Day Assembly Fundraiser Event Holiday Program End of Year “Field Day”
Magic Shadows by Catapult
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Catapult is a Shadow Illusion performance company. They were propelled into the limelight and into the homes of millions of people around the world as finalists on America’s Got Talent. Heidi Klum and Howard Stern were two of their very first fans and now they’ve added many thousands of fans around the globe, touring the USA, Europe, and Asia with their hit show, Magic Shadows. Their shows are an amalgamation of dance, theater, illusion and storytelling. Their stunning visuals coupled with whimsy, heart and athleticism create a spellbinding show perfect for all ages. Catapult is easy to produce, delightful to work with, and they love to engage with communities and audiences. Catapult is available for corporate and private events to entertain, engage and educate. They've created custom work for a variety of organizations including Girl Scouts, United Way, YMCA, Association of Mental Health Workers and more. Catapult also offers incredible educational and community outreach for 3rd grade and up, including workshops, residencies, and school shows that can be tied in to school curriculums such as Language Arts, Math, Science, and SEL. School shows are 45-60 minutes and can be structured as a lecture/demonstration, full dance performance, or as a show + Q+A. They offer study guides for Elementary through High School age groups. There are no language barriers with the show, so ESL and hearing-impaired students will enjoy the show the same way other kids do! Their educational outreach also offers opportunities for students to become a part of the magic themselves and perform live with Catapult during their public performance, either by learning and performing Catapult’s very own “Angel Heart” piece, or by creating a piece of their own during Catapult’s brand new Fantastic Creatures and How to Make Them residency week.
Brian Yanish
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Hi There! I’m an Author-Illustrator of Graphic Novels, Picture Books and Recycled Art Building Books for grades K-8. You can book a Workshop, Assembly OR create an immersive “Comics" or "Steam Invention Day” for students with guided sessions and worksheets. TOPICS INCLUDE: • Creating CHARACTERS for Comics • Building STEAM Projects from Recyclables • Tips and Techniques for GRAPHIC NOVELS • My Work Process from IDEA to Story to BOOK Students will learn my journey from childhood artist to the published author and illustrator of seven books. Brian Yanish Children’s Author / Illustrator / Maker *2023 NYSCATE Student STEAM Fest KEYNOTE Speaker ————————————————— “You will not find a more talented and collaborative presenter for your next author visit or Maker Space today.“ -Tammy Pulver, SLMS, Lima Primary School, Lima, NY
Jonathan Kruk
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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.
EF Educational Tours
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EF Educational Tours is the Global Leader in International Education. Our focus is helping educators bring the classroom to life for their middle and high school students through travel opportunities. We provide a wide range of educator-led, international educational travel programs that support curricular priorities and social emotional learning as well as align with the New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate – specifically reinforcing Global Citizenship, Cultural Competency as well as the essential skill development. With over 300 itineraries across 50 different countries, EF has something that aligns with your priorities for your district. Arts education is woven throughout most all of our tour themes including: Language & Culture, Service Learning, STEM, CTE, Social Studies, Leadership and more. Every tour provides students with in-depth exploration, authentic connections and hands-on experience. For questions and to get a program started in your district – please contact Michele Ahouse: michele.ahouse@ef.com or 617-429-7554. To learn more about the types of programs we offer, please check out our collections page here: https://www.eftours.com/educational-tours/collections To learn more about our educational philosophy and alignment, please go here: https://www.eftours.com/our-story/educational-approach This performance supports the following NYS Learning Standards: Next Generation Learning Standards: English Language Arts: Comprehension and Collaboration (speaking and listening) Presentation of knowledge of ideas (speaking and listening) Next Generation Learning Standards: Mathematical Practices: Making sense of problems and persevere in solving them Learning Standards for Physical Education: Resource management Science and Engineering Practices: • Asking questions (for science) and defining problems (for engineering) • Planning and carrying out investigations • Analyzing and Interpreting data • Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information Learning Standards for the Arts: Creating (imagine, plan, make, envision, develop) Performing (rehearse, evaluate, refine, prepare, share) Responding (reflect, interpret, evaluate, critique) Connecting (relate artistic ideas with societal, cultural & historical context) Learning Standards for Technology Education: Tools, resources, and technological processes History and evolution of technology Impacts of technology Management of technology Program Categories: Animals / Environmental Education / Farms / Nature / Art / English / Language Arts / History / Math / Multicultural / Museums / Exhibits / Poetry / Science / Teamwork / Leadership Skills / Tourism / Wellness / Life Skills / Bully Prevention / Character Education Cost: Costs are dependent on destination, length of tour and time of year.
Tom Sugar - Toe Sugar Tunes
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Tom Sugar is a recently retired music educator from Long Island, New York with thirty-five years of public school teaching and administrative experience. He has continued his career as a BOCES Arts in Education performer. Over the years, he has often written music for specific occasions and special events, and has also published pieces for the Elementary Chorus, all while adhering to a mission of melody and message. His career in composition evolved from the shared curriculum, with classroom demonstrations of the songwriting process for his students and the subsequent school-wide, choral group, and festival performances of the completed works. To go along with his proven Brotherhood/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Earth Day/Ecology workshop/performance events, he has a brand-new offering supporting the "Leader in Me" leadership program. This primary level character education program supporting the Leader in Me curriculum entitled, "The 7 Happy Healthy Habits Workshop/Performance Program," will be available for the first time during the 2026-27 academic school year. The program features short storytelling and seven integrated sing-a-long original songs to highlight and reinforce the seven values and principles embodied in the Leader in Me leadership and life skills program. This day-long musical workshop/performance event is crafted to actively involve the early primary grades (PreK-3rd) and to help supplement the Sean Covey bestselling book for elementary students, "The 7 Habits of Happy Kids." If your students have been introduced to this wonderful resource, or the associated curriculum video shorts, this communal assembly event can be just the thing to further motivate and inspire your school community, though the songs will stand alone to create a meaningful celebration of the curriculum. The Workshop Day will typically consist of morning sessions with grade level/large groups where students will be introduced to, and taught the catchy, easy to learn call and response song material, followed by an afternoon Performance/Participation Assembly program. Topical artwork from your school will be included in the presentation if provided via email in .jpeg format labeled with student first names at least two weeks prior to the event. As a Leader in Me school community, you can use this extended learning component any time throughout the school year or to kick-off or anchor your empowerment program as part of an introduction or year-end culminating celebration