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Judd Sunshine
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Judd Sunshine – Teaching Artist since 1985 Judd Sunshine began his career as a teaching artist with the renowned school assembly group known as The Hill Brothers. Between 1985 and 2022, The Hill Brothers performed thousands of educational concerts for students all over New York State, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New Jersey. Following the retirement of his fellow Hill Brothers and Sister Susie Hill, he continues the tradition of presenting quality, theme driven, educational, and entertaining programs as a solo performer. His 5 themed shows are comprised of songs and messages delivered with gentle humor and loads of audience participation: Anti Bully Literacy Character Ed (Respect and responsibility) Wellness (safe choices!) Americana and Erie Canal Songs Judd also offers an Erie Canal Songwriting residency as well as non themed shows just for the pure fun of it (great for the end of the school year or summer programs/camps!)
Karen Land
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MUSH with Noggin, the Sled Dog! Have you ever wondered… What does it feel like to ride the runners behind a team of dogs, steering a loaded sled through mountainous terrain, crossing the vast Alaskan tundra, hugging the shoreline of the great Bering Sea? What does it take to care for a team of Alaskan huskies? Could my dog be a sled dog, too? Musher, Karen Land, will answer these questions and more when she and Noggin, the Alaskan husky, visit (your school/library name, date, time). Dog mushing, a traditional mode of arctic transportation, is a unique subject perfect for every classroom. From STEM (climate change and environmental studies) to literature (Gary Paulsen and Jack London) to the arts and physical education, the options for exploration are endless. Land is an Outdoors columnist, songwriter, public speaker, and three-time participant in the 1000-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race as well as many other sprint and endurance races in Alaska, Canada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Maine. Since 2000, Land has traveled to nearly every state with her dog sled, mushing gear, Arctic clothing, and beloved dogs, giving over a thousand school and public library presentations. “Tethered to my string of dogs, trusty leaders find the trail, together we are free…” —from “Into the Northern Lights,” lyrics by Karen Land
Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education Center
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Discover the natural beauty of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Up Yonda Farm offers 73 acres with a spectacular view overlooking Lake George. Natural history exhibits featuring a diorama with native wildlife are housed in the museum. Watch for wildlife outdoors as you hike along one of our woodland trails. There are perennial gardens, including a butterfly garden from June through August. Programs for schools and groups are available by reservation. Our science and nature programs can be a great supplement to the classroom education received by your students. The programs we offer compliment New York State core curricula, are NGSS aligned, and give the students an opportunity to learn in a very hands-on environment. Most of our programs are offered rain or shine and can be presented indoors and outdoors. Program topics include Adirondack Birds, Animal Adaptations, Changing Trees, Forest Food Webs, Maple Sugaring, Monarch Butterflies, Night Sky, Orienteering, Owl Pellet Dissection, Pollinators, Pond Life, Snowshoeing, Watersheds and Woodworking. Full program descriptions, pricing info, and program request forms are available on our website at https://upyondafarm.com/programs/
Tracy Silverman
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Strum Bowing is a method that Tracy Silverman has developed to teach string players how to groove. A Strum Bowing Workshop could be anything from a one-hour Zoom meeting with a school orchestra to a weeklong residency culminating with a concert. Workshops are based loosely on Silverman's book, The Strum Bowing Method. With school or youth orchestras, it’s often effective to have a zoom session a month or two before a live workshop or residency so the group can start working on some of the Groove Studies ahead of time. Tracy also encourages the instructor to take a lesson with him if they can, to familiarize themselves with the techniques. He works with players of all ages and abilities, from elementary school beginners to conservatory pre-professionals to adult learners. He also presents pedagogy sessions and lessons with string teachers. He has lots of improvisation games that are effective for younger players (and great for breaking through inhibitions for older players) and the simplicity of the Strum Bowing method is accessible across age ranges. For school orchestras, Tracy offers a collection of 22 Groove Studies for Strings which are an effective way to apply and reinforce the concepts of Strum Bowing and to practice techniques like Ghosting, Chopping, Subdividing, and developing the 3-D Strum. A favorite format is to work with the orchestra in rehearsals/workshops and then present a shared concert which usually consists of a solo program by Tracy using his live looping and electric 6-string violin, and then a collaboration with the orchestra on several pieces, which could be from the 22 Groove Studies for Strings or any piece that the orchestra is working on. Grooving — awakening our inner sense of rhythm using Strum Bowing, essential to rock, jazz, hip hop, etc. The Chop — non-pitched percussion sounds. Also the Compound Chop and the 3-D Strum Ghost Notes — muted notes within a groove Improvising — cultivating our natural curiosity and playfulness with fun improv games Call and Response — ear training, rhythm training, style training GPS for Strings (Groove Proficiency System) — Silverman's 4 step formula for finding your way to any groove Blues scale and the blues Other Workshop Topics ??Lecture/Demonstration – performance and explanations about technique, equipment, career etc; questions from the audience. General audience. ?Improvisation for Strings – an overview of the blues; call and response; simple scales and approaches for first-time improvisers. String players with instruments.
Ripping the DIS from disABILITY
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A leading motivational speaker and author, I share stories and insights that have enabled me to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss, framing the program around the importance of love, family, and forgiveness in our lives. Though I was in a wheelchair for four years, and can now walk pretty well, the journey has not been easy. Though physically bullied in school and rather than respond in anger, I chose to forgive and help the bullies! A positive attitude can help us celebrate our unique gifts while kindness and respect can help those gifts be revealed. Each program culminates in a powerful documentary video to demonstrate, by example, that we should always focus on our abilities. As a former special needs kid, I describe how optimism and confidence allows us to share an important life philosophy using three simple words: Yes I Can! Which is precisely the title of my published book, helping teen readers and parents overcome self-doubt when faced with tremendous challenges. DETAILS FOR GRADE SCHOOLS: Shorter 35-minute presentation for grades K-2 (focused on disability awareness, character education, kindness and respect, and the qualities of a superhero) followed by a longer 60-minute presentation for grades 3-5 (focused on anti-bullying, leadership, and resilience). Two assemblies maximum per day, preferably before lunch. To help with drive time and share travel expenses from my New Jersey home, I suggest programs at multiple schools on consecutive days. Please email me to establish initial contact, due to my hearing loss, or leave voicemail on my landline. Also open to an introductory Zoom meeting for a "meet-and-greet" and to answer your questions. ONLINE SPEAKER RESUME: www.JustTheWayYouAre.com/resume
Caffe Lena
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Through the Caffe Lena "On The Road" program, we coordinate 2-3 day residencies with professional touring bands and musicians, sending them around the Saratoga Springs community and wider Capital Region for private, unadvertised, 30-60 minutes performances and/or interactive workshops. The program is supported by grant funding and donations to our non-profit venue, and each community visit is FREE for the host organization. The locations range from school visits (music classes, assemblies, after-school programs) to elderly care centers, shelters, soup kitchens, recovery programs, and other spaces which serve people who may not be able to seek out this professional music in a standard venue for a variety of reasons. *IMPORTANT* These residencies do not occur on a regular basis. Please reach out if you would like to be added to the list of host organizations, and we will contact you when there is an opportunity to coordinate a visit from a band or artist.
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park
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Local students are exposed to the presence and importance of local at-risk species and habitats and ways they can make a positive difference. Teachers can choose from a full menu of in-classroom and field trips that cover topics including adaptations, life cycles, habitats, photosynthesis, water quality, and more. Our favored field trip, “Habitats of the Saratoga Sand Plains,” highlights the Karner blue butterfly’s life cycle; its host plant, the wild blue lupine; the food chains and webs of the Saratoga Sand Plains Ecosystem; animal adaptations, freshwater life, pollution and habitat loss, and much more. These engaging programs meet criteria set forth in the state’s core curriculum for math and science. We now offer high school programming! Can’t find a program to fit to your needs? Contact us to schedule a unique program, tailored for you
Creative Roots Studio
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I am a mixed media metal artist & silversmith. I have been teaching the art of jewelry making & metalworking to all ages for the last 5 years. Students really enjoy making their own jewelry and have a lot of pride wearing a piece home. These classes can involve small torches, saws, abrasives, and drenel tools. They are very safe when used correctly and we go over safety precautions in depth.
Daniel Carlton
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Daniel Carlton is a multiple award-winning actor, storyteller, playwright, poet, lyricist, director, and teaching artist. His performances and workshops, for practically every age level, address a vast variety of topics including poetry, storytelling, history through drama, life skills through dramatic role plays, and so much more. He is also a published author. Recent performances include productions of “Finding North”(with David Gonzalez) and “The Meeting”, in addition to seventeen Off-Broadway productions, multiple solo shows, and performances with the Children of War Theater Project. Directing credits include “Jabari Dreams of Freedom” (New Victory Theater NYC, National tour), “Hero: Boy From Troy" (First Woman Productions.National Tour), “48 Hours in Harlem" (Harlem 9 Theater Co.), “Freedom Riders” (Mad River Theater Works), and “What If” (Negro Ensemble Company). An enthusiastic creator of new works, Daniel wrote and directed the national tour of “Keep Marching” (Mad River Theater Works), “March On” (Apollo Theater), “Pigfoot Mary Says Goodbye To The Harlem Renaissance” (Schomburg Center For Research and Black Culture), “Night Train 57” (Kennedy Center workshop), and “Freedom Flight” (national tour), as well as penning “A Whistle in Mississippi”, (with Micheal Green )“Check Yo Invite Parts 1 and 2”( Live Theater and Radio Play HarlemStage) and “Timeless Journeys (various tours)”. With Nambi E. Kelley, he also co-wrote “Hidden Inside”, “This Ability”, and “So Journey To The Truth”. Daniel’s work as a Storyteller has been presented in places as varied as Summerstage Kids and Family Series( Parks throughout the 5 boroughs), The Museum For The City Of NY, The Brooklyn Museum, The BrooklynChildren’s Museum, hundred of libraries, schools, temporary housing facilities, and even war zones. Solo Storytelling For Family audiences shows Include:The Eagle in Harlem and Other Tales.” Urban “Folktales Remixed” Memories of Self Journey To Weeksville, and many more. Daniel teaches acting to all ages, poetry for both the page and performance , life skills, public speaking, playwriting ,and devised theater for organizations that include : Apollo Theater Education , Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Community Works, Blackberry Productions, MadRiver Theater Works, YAFFA Performing Arts, JazzMobile, CityParks Foundation , First Woman Productions , NYU, University Of Iowa, and many more. Daniel can perform solo or, depending on budget, in duo or trio format. There are other videos on YouTube. Here's video of an interview explaining the Finding North project he performs with David Gonzalez. Daniel can perform this solo. https://youtu.be/uj7KZ4SF4nQ?si=qSk4SjB7cLr9hqFv Daniel has several other shows which we can send you information about upon request.
David Hagerman, The Science Wizard
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David Hagerman has been performing his math science assemblies for over 20 years. Though we are based in Branson, MO, David performs all over the country. Extreme Science 2.0 is a forty-five minute program that can be performed for grades K-12. Math-A-Magic and Sound of Science are also 45 minutes long and the same price as Extreme Science 2.0. Since Extreme Science is our most popular, I will put the description of it here. The show is catered to the age of the student audience. Most schools request multiple back-to-back shows, splitting the students into like-grades. The older students get a more advanced show with the science explained in more detail. For younger audiences, the visual nature of the show keeps their attention without talking over their heads. This show is a large production including two performers, music and amazingly visual demonstrations: 700,000 Volt Van de Graaff generator (VDG): (one of the largest you can find), it creates 10-15 inch lightening bolts and more than enough static to raise hair Vortex Cannons: creates flying rings of fog Floating beach balls: thanks to the Bernoulli effect, we have flight Video of the live in person performances: VDG (2.5 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhST0NcqmEc Vortex Cannons (7 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwXDdWSe_uE For regular IN PERSON performances, the prices are as follows: For one daytime performance per school site, it is $1475. For two back-to-back daytime performances at the same school site, it is $1975 total. For one morning and one afternoon (AM/PM) split performances at the same school site, it is $2275.00 For one evening performance per school site, it is $1575. As a package deal; two afternoon performances and an evening family show at the same school site is $2700 ($800 savings). If you have 2 or more schools that book, you EACH get 10% off. If 3 or more schools book, you EACH get 15% off. David was invited to be on America's Got Talent for the 2021 season. His edited America's Got Talent performance: https://youtu.be/86FYGTmE1CU Additional info: Extreme Science: https://www.schoolscienceassemblies.com/extreme-science-school-assembly Short promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnPrOCJnNcM Archived testimonials date back to 1997: https://www.schoolscienceassemblies.com/references The Boston Globe published this article on David Hagerman in their business section. https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2018/08/31/like-say-that-everything-percent-fake/os7VhPzfujVQrgmXpy99JK/story.html?event=event12 Performing over six hundred shows a year gives David a solid reputation that spans over 20 years of performing science assemblies nationally. We guarantee our show is one of the best you can find. If you disagree, no payment is due.
Sheryl Faye Presents Historical Women
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Since 2003, Sheryl Faye has masterfully brought to life important historical women to both adults and children around the world. In her one-woman shows, she immerses the audience in a multimedia learning experience that captivates viewers and sparks their interest to explore more. These shows are available in two different versions, one for adult audiences and one for children which are perfect for school Enrichment Programs and any other historical-themed events, bringing history alive for adults and children alike.
DLW Storyteller
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Telling multicultural folktales is an amazing way to introduce students to different cultures, learn story structure, boost vocabulary, and enhance pre-reading skills. Storytelling fosters imagination, creativity and is a great jumping off point for writing exercises, and discussions about elements of story from character motivations to rising action. Professional storyteller and author Donna Washington presents age-appropriate story sets to all of your students from Kindergarten to high school. There are perfect stories for all age groups from Anansi the Spider to Zeus! Donna uses dynamic language, energetic expressions and vocal pyrotechnics to bring these stories to life. So, strap yourself in for a wild, fun, entertaining, educational, interactive ride! Use this link to view a video excerpt from this program: https://vimeo.com/442549489/80e27ea56c Artist Background Donna Washington is a professional author, storyteller, and multicultural folklorist who has been sharing stories for more than 36 years. Her amazing vocal pyrotechnics and dynamic physicality make her stories come alive and enthrall and delight audiences from four to one hundred and four. She offers a range of multicultural folktales, personal narratives and stories of her own creation. She is a multiple-award winning artist with eleven CDs and author of five children’s books. Her newest, PRAK FILLS THE HOUSE is available September 1st, 2023. She has been featured at numerous festivals, schools & libraries, theaters, and other venues around the world including Canada, Peru, Argentina, and Hong Kong. Her school shows are grade specific and targeted to students’ age, cognitive, and emotional development.