Penn Dixie Fossil Park & Nature Reserve is a 54-acre park located the site of a former cement quarry in Hamburg, NY. Our visitors can collect and keep Devonian Period fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids, and more! Penn Dixie’s guided tours are led by our trained staff and volunteers who provide age-appropriate presentations on the history of planet Earth. Participants will learn about deep time, extinct life, Western New York’s environment during the Devonian Period and – of course- fossil collecting! Your group will experience earth science in a unique, hands-on, outdoor setting. All geological specimens found during field trips may be kept by participants! Additionally, we offer in-person and virtual classroom outreach programs focused on the natural sciences.

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

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.

Celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial with "The Erie Canal: A Story of Building the Impossible," Sandy Schuman's presentation with more than 275 informative images. Learn about the Great Depression through songs and stories of those times. Marvel at the story of "Lead Belly: Singer, Songwriter, Murderer; King of the 12 String Guitar." Sing along to songs from the Great American Songbook and hear the stories about how they came to be written with "Familiar Songs and their Unfamiliar Stories."

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.

I offer an entertaining and educational group presentation, Mind, Body and Spirit, focused on how I develop the Mind, the Body and the Spirit for success. I perform poetry from my books and show each attribute's role in my life and work. There is no audience size limit. I also offer poetry and photography workshops and a popular new addition, Becoming a Ninja: The Secret to My Success, which focuses on goal setting and achievement. Due to the participatory nature of the workshops, participant size is limited to 30 students. I can also do virtual visits, which can be customized to your needs.

Dani Martindale is an author and proud SCBWI member dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of reading in young children. She specializes in farm-focused picture books for ages 4–8, blending heart-filled country adventures with essential life lessons. When she isn’t writing, Dani can be found exploring the outdoors with her dogs and horses or competing in local rodeos and barrel races.

Marty Beller is the Grammy Award–winning drummer for the iconic alt-rock band They Might Be Giants, and a composer for Film, TV, dance, and educational media. He brings his 60-90 minute interactive, immersive lecture to music students, aspiring artists, and anyone passionate about the arts. Marty immerses attendees in a vibrant whirlwind of experiences and shared stories — from recording studios to live shows, the big break, creative meetings, surfing the sea of inquiry and beyond. Marty utilizes decades of experience to leave students with a clear understanding of what a working music career looks like, as well as the importance of finding your voice, collaborating, showing up hungry, and grabbing every opportunity. And the most important thing is to put every bit of energy you have into everything you do!

An visually exciting presentation for all ages of an ongoing art project that explores a broad range of artistic and scientific disciplines with a strong sense of humanity.

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!

We offer a hands-on approach to learning that meets the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of today's playful, creative child and tomorrow’s globally successful adult through cross-curricular STEAM education.

Diane Edgecomb brings top quality entertaining performances to your school that enhance elementary school curriculum. Folk & Fairy Tales! Myths! Environmental Literacy! Seasonal Nature Tales for young learners! Diane’s dynamic storytelling assemblies get every single student excited about core-curriculum topics, proving once again that story is the shortest route to imaginative learning. Choose from performances designed to enrich and engage: Folktale Superheroes around the World dovetails English core studies in folktales and myths. Students discover that folktales from China, Africa and South America all have their own versions of Superheroes! Tales for the Earth teaches important lessons about bio-diversity and water conservation through Diane’s engaging original tales. Environmental literacy can be not just meaningful but fun. Looking for something for K-2? Choose Diane's Seasonal Nature Tales for young learners: Fall Tales Celebrates how the leaves got their colors and the Star in the Apple, Spring is for Planting Seeds, Nesting Birds and Composting Adventures, Insect Comedy teaches about the value of our six-legged friends through entertaining and informative stories sure to get students excited about the unbelievable lives of insects. Diane galvanizes student’s learning with award-winning stories. Give your teachers a helping hand in meeting English Core Curriculum requirements with Diane’s follow-up master class in storytelling techniques. Students learn about the power of their own imaginations through hands-on exercises sure to have everyone participating. By the end of the workshop, each student is retelling a folktale to a partner an English core-curriculum requirement! “Your stories were wonderful. The teachers and the students agreed that your presentation is one of the best we’ve ever had. Thank you so much for bringing to life our study of myths and legends.” - Missy Thomson, teacher and school librarian, Woodville School, Wakefield, MA “Ms. Edgecomb had even the most restless audience members completely mesmerized. Her physicality, variety of voices/sounds, involvement of her young charges, and respect of nature ~ appealed to me as well as my students. Thank you! The program was first rate.” - B. O’Connell, teacher, Ralph Talbot School, Weymouth, MA Diane has received numerous awards for her work, including the ORACLE award for storytelling excellence in the Northeast, the national Circle of Excellence award and the Parent’s Choice Silver. Diane has been featured on NPR and is one of New England’s favorites storytellers as recommended by Elementary library school collection.