Full Roster

Fine Art, Installation Art, Theater

Airigami

Artists Larry Moss and Kelly Cheatle, also working with John Wolfson, have been creating ‘full-blown’ installations that enchant both young and old for over twenty years. Airigami projects like Elastic Park, Balloon Manor, and Fantastic Flying Octopus have been the subject of much local, national, and international media attention. Their unique fine art and award-winning illustration work has been showcased around the world. Their achievements have been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, CNN Headline, PBS, Smithsonian Magazine, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, The Martha Stewart Show, NBC’s ‘Today Show’, and they have appeared at the White House.

Performances

How to Catch a Mouse: Simple Machines at Work
STEM to STEAM: This interactive, theatrical performance utilizes balloons to construct a Rube Goldberg style mousetrap, teaching how simple machines work, and the forces in nature, which affect mechanical devices that are designed to complete tasks. (Grades K-6)

Magic, Danger, Suspense, and Silliness
You can expect ear to ear smiles and laughter from the audience! From wacky antics to impossible stunts, this show has something for everyone! Every member of the audience gets to be involved. Whether helping up on stage, contributing from their seat, or learning how to fool their friends, the whole audience leaves having been part of the fun!

Workshops and Residencies

A Pi Day Project: Making a Blueberry Pi
STEM to STEAM: In this hands-on Workshop, students use balloons and math to build a massive blueberry pie in the classroom. Younger students can work on their counting and arithmetic skills while older students get to use their knowledge of more advanced mathematics to calculate all of the elements of the pie, and get to see in a very tactile way, how well their calculations worked. This Workshop can be extended to accommodate a full Residency program as well as professional development programs. Contact for additional information. (3-12)

Bubble Murals
It’s a creative 2-D installation designed to be built by community members using biodegradable latex balloons! Designed by the experts at Airigami, this hands-on exhibit engages visitors in a communal project with maximum impact and minimal mess.

Mission Inflatable
Are you looking for a unique teambuilding experience that will both delight and challenge your people? Are you looking for more than just an enjoyable afternoon? Are you hoping for energy and learning you can take back to work? If you are looking for any or all of this, you might want to consider Mission Inflatable!

Theater

Almeta Whitis

1997: “Artist of the Year” – National Chapter of Young Audiences (selected from over 2000 artists in 32 nationwide chapters)

1996-2000: Common Ground Education Conferences: Workshop Presenter- Saratoga Springs, Albany, Rochester and Syracuse, NY

1996: Helen E. Quinn Service to Education Award-Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

“My work evolves from a feeling place into a thinking place and endeavors to touch the heart and the spirit in ways that are common to us all . . . a common ground place that transcends the divisions and separations we create in our minds, which influence our everyday actions, our community and society as a whole. Over my years spent as an educator, teaching artist and storyteller, I have found that today’s students are eager to learn and apply lessons found in history and culture, in addition to developing the necessary skills to become critical and creative thinkers, cultural bridge builders and compassionate doers. As mentors, parents, and teachers, we adults have an obligation to prepare the young people, as well as, ourselves to become more insightful, civic-minded, forgiving and caring members of our communities yet to come.” ~ Almeta Whitis, Artist and Teacher

Almeta Whitis is a storyteller, writer, poet and teaching artist, whose life work involves exploring, presenting, and honoring cultural connections between people. She is a published author and a member of Just Poets. Her poems are featured in their anthology: Le Mot Juste 2012, 2014, 2106 and 2017.

Storytelling Concerts and Workshop Residencies
Our Differences? . . . Celebrate Diversity!
“We are born, not with purpose, but with potential.” ~ Octavia Butler author of: Parable of the Talents
Currently, our country has become a more diverse and inclusive nation. Almeta’s presentation explores historic and contemporary beliefs and the societal changes that have been impacted or created by immigration. This presentation focuses upon the importance of creativity, self-awareness, and inner motivation in order to build appreciation and foster open, honest and respectful communication, which is necessary for living peacefully together in a multi-racial and multi-ethnic society. — Grades Pre K-2, 3-5, MS, HS

Stories from the Black Worlds
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston
This fascinating program from the historic African Diaspora experience presents an in-depth look at diverse world cultures, by way of stories, songs, riddles, poems, legends and folk tales. Using wonder, magic, mystery and humor, Almeta Whitis captivates her audience, while engaging them in the interactive aspect of the art of the storytelling. – Grades K-2, 3-5, MS, HS

Harriet Tubman Pays A Visit
“Those who would tell a tale must look toward three ideals: to tell it beautifully, to tell it well and to tell the truth. The first is a gift of God, the second is the vision of genius, but, the third is the reward of honesty.” ~ W.E.B. Du Bois, author, philosopher
In a dynamic, costumed, first-person narrative performance, Almeta Whitis brings Harriet Tubman to life! The preeminent conductor of the Underground Railroad is portrayed for student audiences through a series of historical vignettes drawn from actual life experiences in Tubman’s fight for freedom, and equal rights for Black people under the law. —- Grades 4-5, MS, HS

Be a Dream Carrier: A Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Themes: Community Building, Understanding and Peace
“We see ourselves everywhere we find ourselves. Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” ~ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Young souls learn to accept responsibility for their actions. Mature souls learn to accept responsibility for their thoughts. Old souls learn to accept responsibility for their happiness”. Although problems exist in global proportions and many are the times when we feel alone, overwhelmed by the number and proportion of broken people and things in this world, causing us to wonder: “What can one person do? What can I do?” By his shining example, Dr. King lovingly and clearly taught us how one person can indeed make our world a better place for all of us. – Grades Pre K-2, 3-5, MS, HS

Great Ideas for Young Children: A Classroom Workshop
Do you love asking questions, ferreting out answers and exploring great ideas? ~ Almeta Whitis
What do you want to know? This introduction to philosophy and storytelling is a delightful opportunity for students to use their natural curiosity and tendency to ask endless questions of everyone, even themselves. Using popular picture books, we will learn how to listen critically, ask questions, participate in reasoned discussion, reflect and converse with precision, coherence and clarity, and engage in reflective thinking activities found in “The Ungame”. For a residency, our final project will involve creating our own, original picture book based upon what we learned from stories about philosophy and life. — Grades K-3
*Note: This presentation is best delivered in 30 minute classroom visits. Almeta can present up to eight (8) per day. She will bring her age-appropriate favorite picture books and/or can read from picture books chosen by teachers.

Aesop’s Fables: The Spirit in the Story
Tell me a fact, and I may learn something. Tell me a truth, and I might believe. Tell me a theory and I’ll see if it works. Tell me a story, and it may live in my heart forever. ~ East Indian Proverb
The time-honored and oft-told tales attributed to Aesop have been shared, handed down over many centuries. The famous Ethiopian philosopher and scholar used folktales populated by familiar animal characters imbued with human faults and foibles. His stories can help today’s student learn to look at the world with fresh eyes, emphasizing important core human values of kindness, understanding and fair play. This can also be a workshop series where students compose, rehearse and present their very own, original theater pieces based upon specific Aesop fables. — Grades Pre K-2, 3-5

*** NEW CLASSROOM PRESENTATION ***
Traveling the Silk Road: Myths & Story Motifs
“Tell me a tale that always was. Read me a story that I can be in. Tell me a story that I can read. Tell me a story that I can believe. Paint me a picture that I can see. Give me a touch that I can feel. Turn me around so that I can see everything I was meant to be.” ~ Michael Kiwanuka – song lyrics from Tell Me a Tale.

The intimacy and effectiveness of story sharing hails to ancient times when the first person stood before a communal fire, engaging their community. Often it was the teller of tales who was the most valuable member of a trading caravan, learning and sharing stories of people they encountered, seeding the journey with intriguing tales. With our Silk Road journey, we will learn myths and stories, history, art, and cultures of the peoples involved by employing universal elements of storytelling, which are compelling, engaging, and life-enhancing. — Grades 2-5, MS, HS

Anthony Padilla Conga Mania, Tumbao Band

Tony Padilla has performed for over thirty years and has established an impressive resume. Since 1983, Tony has been conducting percussion workshops throughout United States including The Eastman School Of Music, The New York State Teachers Music Association, The Percussive Arts Society, and a variety of Colleges, High School and Elementary facilities. Audiences of all ages have thoroughly enjoyed his workshops. While performing with percussion instruments to a variety of musical styles, Tony gives his audience an opportunity to participate by performing with him. Tony supplies a large variety of unusual & traditional percussion instruments from around the world that captivate and initiate audience participation. You will experience excitement through the rhythms and acquire knowledge about the African & Latin American cultures. “Where there is percussion, there is dance”. All age levels experience success and fun with the world of percussion”.

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS

Display several unusual & traditional percussion instruments from around the world.
Discuss different geographical & cultural origins and their relationship to percussion.
Demonstrate different hand techniques to create sounds.
Encourage audience participation by inviting students to perform.
Conduct exercises for an understanding of time & space in rhythm/music.
Teach participants to play the different Afro-Latin rhythms to multi-musical settings including all types of musical genres.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

This percussion ensemble is an extremely exciting group of some of the best percussionists in the Rochester area. The ensemble explores the details of the many afro-latin rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Whether we are playing Salsa, Merengue, Bomba, Plena, Samba, Guaguanco, Mozambique or Comparsa – we establish the traditional interweavings of these rhythms and then add our own variations. The ensemble will discuss the particular rhythm’s origin and instrumentation.

LIVE BAND PERFORMANCES

Tony has collaborated with many musicians allowing him to perform in a great range of musical styles and settings. Duo’s, trio’s, quartets and full band ensemnbles are available for performances. Learn, understand and differentiate the role as a Latin Percussionist in various musical settings through live performances and workshops. Special guest artist will unite with Tony to perform.

Students Attend Live Performances
Observe multi musical settings with various instrumentations

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

To develop an awareness and understanding of Afro Cuban rhythms through literature and demonstration.
To reveal how the history and cultures of particular regions directly relate to music.
To inform students of musical pioneers and their impact on the arts.
To create an understanding of the traditions and cultural diversity which render a truly unique world.
To build self-esteem through the arts.
To encourage responsibility, cooperation and unity within a work group.

Theater, Dance, Visual Art, Music

Daystar Dance

The ‘storytelling theatre’ of DAYSTAR emphasizes a respect for Native American belief systems and world view while offering a broad interpretive reflection on those traditions. DAYSTAR performs and teaches the ‘old style’ traditional dance, historical and modern dance, masking and make-making, singing and character transformation. DAYSTAR is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational dance company that presents an expression of Indigenous peoples living strong in the 21st century. Daystar/Rosalie Jones was born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and acknowledges Pembina (Little Shell) ancestry as passed through her mother’s lineage.

GAMES AND DANCES OF TURTLE ISLAND (K-8, adapted to class periods)
A participatory session to experience the animal, bird and fish stories of Indigenous peoples. The Fish Dance (Menominee), The Mosquito Dance (Cherokee), the Duck Dance (Creek), the Snake/River Dance (Ojibway). Songs and sign language can be included as time permits.
DANCES AND STORIES OF TURTLE ISLAND (high school level, adapted to class periods)
Signature Intertribal dances are demonstrated with explanation of their origination and history in North American Indigenous cultures. The Butterfly Dance (women’s fancy shawl), Legacy of the Dream (Jingle Dress Dance), The Grass Dance (men’s dance), The Hoop Dance. Students participate and learn these dances in longer sessions. Ask for details.
DANCING THE FOUR DIRECTIONS (high school level, adapted to periods or 1 hour)
An illustrated talk (40 minutes) on the Ojibway Medicine Circle that describes the world as a great Circle to which we all belong – a teaching tool to be utilized by anyone to understand how to live ‘the good life’. Performance (15 minutes) of ‘Dancing the Four Directions” is the story of one person’s journey to learn from the Water, the Deer and the Eagle. Talk and Dance can be presented formally on stage with lighting, if available.

Visual Art

Cartoonist Dave “Bippy” Boyer

Since 1989, David Boyer’s motto has been, “Caricature That FLATTER, not Shatter!” The artist has drawn about 61,000 people in the USA. And also from visiting Japan fifteen (15) times. Boyer also teaches cartooning. And has drawn many times in public libraries and after school rec center programs. The artist is available for parties, special events, weddings, anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvah receptions and New Year’s Eve events.
Boyer can extend your positive hospitality and karma to others. He is sought after from clients, companies, organizations, elegant country clubs and Rotary.

DEEP Arts (formerly Rochester Children’s Theatre)

For Grades Pre K – 5

LIKAH!
A Puppy Musical
50 – 60 minutes (flexible)

Real life Border Collie Likah is the inspiration for this very special musical story of unconditional love, pure joy, and dealing with the unexpected hurt of losing someone dear. Puppy-dog storyteller LIKAH just can’t wait to tell you about…LIKAH! Children are immediately drawn in to her charming world of exploration, wonder, and adventure as she discovers life’s lessons and challenges – puddles, snow monsters, and an older sister who doesn’t like her. Seen through the eyes of this sweet, innocent puppy-dog, those discoveries…some fun, some not so fun… transcend barriers and become totally identifiable to everyone. The LIKAH! enchantment will remain with your students for a very, very long time!

Study Guides and Professional Development
Topics address the concerns around emotional needs and how the content areas work together providing a strong emphasis on the whole child.
• Confidence building
• Sense of self
• Accepting and understanding differences
• Peer pressure
• Decision-making
• Importance of strong family connection
• Coping with loss in a child’s world
o Loss of a loved one
o Loss of a friend
o Loss of a pet

Study Guides link New York State Learning Standards with Performance Indicators
• Using creative drama to communicate ideas and feelings
• Imitate experiences through dramatic play, role playing, storytelling, story dramatization
• Identify and use in individual and group experiences roles, processes and action

For Grades 7 -12

Finding Home: Shine the Light
50 minutes (flexible)

A powerful multi – media presentation focusing on social justice issues just as relevant today as yesterday: hate-crimes, persecution, displacement, discrimination & genocide through the historical lens of the Holocaust.

The cornerstone of the Finding Home: Shine the Light presentation is a short documentary film trailer designed for school use. The trailer follows the new musical Moses Man: Finding Home about the true story of a Holocaust survivor and that story’s collision with those of contemporary refugees. Linking them across generations by discrimination, persecution, genocide and displacement, the film trailer is accompanied by a multi-media presentation and discussion facilitated by a teaching artist to be a “gateway” for understanding, tolerance, and compassion for the next generations. The program inspires to strive for a better world by shining a light on how easily “they” could be “us,” and instigates consideration and change. Video link: https://youtu.be/HNYJ2tVjI1s

Theater

Doug Rougeux, BubbleMan

BubbleMania! with Doug Rougeux for K-8, 45-50 minutes indoors only
The Science of why bubbles pop and do not pop. Including Vivid demonstrations of Gravity, Surface tension, and Evaporation with Soap Bubbles Bigger than your head. The Art of Sculpture with bubbles linked together to make an Ice cream cone, a Flying Saucer, Disco Ball and others. For K-3 the assembly includes Shapes and the Story of Bubba Betty and their baby bubble Buffy staring a young bubble.

BubbleCircus! with Doug Rougeux for K-8, 45-50 minutes outdoors or inside
A one person Circus telling the story of a silly kid who read how to Juggle, learned Magic, studied Mime and Theater in College, saw the Nation as a Ringling Bros. Circus Clown and then became the BubbleMan and Bubbled the World from Mumbai to Mexico to Montreal.

Ensemble, Theater

In Jest Entertainers, Speakers and More

Nels Ross’ gravity-defying arts-in-education programs promote character education, wellness, math, science, reading, and fun!

Nels provides several popular performances that blend physical theater, variety arts, humor, music, and a theme. Teachers, students, and others consistently give these programs rave reviews. Study guides provide curriculum connections for the arts, language, physical education, social studies, math, and science. Also, programs can include workshops and be adapted to highlight specific goals or concepts.

Nels Ross is a highly sought after performer and presenter who has won the hearts of American and international audiences through his shows, keynotes, and more. He went to his first performing arts workshops at eight years old. During the next decade, he studied physical comedy, juggling, acting, and other arts, applying his talents everywhere from street festivals to theatrical productions.

Since those early days, Nels has studied theater at the University at Buffalo, completed degrees in mathematics and education, toured with a non-profit circus, trained with instructors from Ringling Brothers and Cirque du Soleil, written for Juggle magazine, taught many performing arts courses and workshops, and provided shows and presentations for countless schools, companies, organizations, and events.

PROGRAMS

Jay Stetzer Storyteller

A celebrated storyteller throughout the US since 1978, Jay has given outstanding performances at festivals, schools, colleges, and conferences, and has appeared frequently on radio, television, and with orchestras around the US. He has been a performing member of Young Audiences since 1983 and was selected as a finalist for their “Artist of the Year” award in 1988.

In 2008 he received the “Artist of the Year” Award from the Arts and Cultural Council of Rochester, NY.

As a performer, Jay provides a unique interplay of the spoken word, music, mime, sign language, and audience participation to create a vibrant experience that captivates every student’s imagination and attention. Throughout the performance he interposes elements of story, cultural information, and values inherent in the tales. It’s a one-of-a-kind approach to the fundamental material of story.

Jay has spent the better part of the past half-century in the classroom as the performing arts teacher at The Harley School. He specializes in integrating the arts into the classroom curriculum.

Jay has recorded five award-winning CDs of stories, including Fables in Four Minutes, World Full of Stories, Five O’Clock at the Zoo, the Fantabulous Cumulo-Nimbuli Pump, and Parking in Manhattan. All are available through Amazon, iTunes, and his website: www.jaystetzer.com

Theater

Just Clowning Around! with Cindy & Jim Pelc

Cindy and Jim Pelc of Just Clowning Around! are experienced, quality entertainers creating a unique blend of comedy and magic. Our performances are educational, entertaining and fun; a winning combination that delights thousands of people every year! We have honed our skills during a 30 year, full-time career of entertaining and continue our education at seminars and conferences.

We perform primarily as magicians and endeavor to keep the clown-comedy performance traditions accessible to our audiences. We create customized, comedy magic shows for your classroom, school programs and after school venues. We provide fast, fabulous face painting and balloon sculptures, specializing in creating merriment and memories for children and adults.

Music

Kevin McCarthy

Kevin is an experienced, award-winning, and inspirational singer-songwriter.
He’s been living his dream of performing professionally for over 30 years and this is his full-time career for 20 years. He’s played thousands of shows for a large variety of events through the USA, Canada, and most recently in Ireland.

School Assembly Programs
Kevin has fun and exciting school assembly programs enjoyed by both students and staff of all ages. He plays guitar, sings, and plays familiar – upbeat songs. He also uses state-of-the-art technology to enhance his programs. He gets students and staff singing, dancing and having fun, all while all while learning an impactful and powerful message. He has a variety of interactive character education programs which help create enthusiasm for the entire school and generate excitement for learning.

School Feedback
“This is by far the best assembly I’ve seen in 30 years” – Principal at Lorraine Elementary in Western New York
“Our students and staff were absolutely astounded by your show you provided for us. The way you mixed in current music that the kids know and love with your message was excellent” – Principal at Sinclairville in Western New York
“This is the second time you presented one of your amazing programs for our school we once again thrilled… It isn’t an easy task to get more than 500 children to truly understand the powerful message that you so easily articulated!” – Principal at Corry Elementary in Western Pennsylvania

More testimonials here
Book Kevin quickly and easily online in a few minutes

Theater

LatinaStoryteller

Performances
NEW! Local Latina Civil Rights Advocate Maria Lopez
In the Summer of 1967 at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, 21 year old Maria Lopez new to Rochester from Puerto Rico decided to register to vote but was denied. Ms. Ramos portrays Maria telling her story and struggle to exercise her American Right to vote. The performance ends with a talk back and discussion on current U.S. Puerto Rican identity, status and the current conditions on the island of Puerto Rico. Educational, Informative and connected to issues within the local Latinx community.
The Juan Bobo Folktales 
This highly interactive, energized performance brings to life several of the misadventures of a much-loved classic Puerto Rican fictional character, Juan Bobo, immersing students into Hispanic culture through call-and- response chants, movement and imaginative play. (K-6) Residency is available upon request.
Indigenous Folktales: The Art of Storytelling
Through several indigenous Folktales, total immersion in this cross-cultural performance gives students a deeper understanding of diverse cultures, with hands-on participation in the steps of storytelling, chants and creative movement. (3-8) Workshop on Storytelling is available upon request.
The Story of Coqui Frog 
STEM to STEAM: Ms. Ramos presents a fun and highly energized educational, inter-disciplinary and bilingual program for young audiences. The story of the Coqui as retold by Ms. Ramos teaches many lessons while educating young audiences on the only U.S. tropical rain forest. (K-4)
Artists Career Panel Presentation – Theatre Artist 
High School Work Based Learning Coordinators will welcome Annette Ramos as a Theatre Artist for a panel presentation, developed to allow students to consider the role of their art interest/passion in their future plans. This Panel will help students learn how they may be able to continue in their interest areas. Mrs. Ramos can provide a solo presentation or join a team of artists from other arts disciplines including Visual Art, Music/Vocal, Storytelling, and Dance.
Workshops
The Art of Storytelling 
Students experience total immersion in a cross-cultural experience, inspiring and motivating them to engage in the tradition of storytelling. (3-8) Single Class Size.
An Introduction to Biomes
STEM to STEAM: Explore one of six biomes, natural world environments classified by their predominant vegetation and the animals that adapt to them, using storyboards, fact sheets, and by sharing what was discovered with the rest of class. (K-4) Single Class Size.
Theatre Consultation 
This workshop allows Ms. Ramos to provide teachers and staff members with direction on the best ways to integrate theatre experiences into daily classroom learning. This consultation session does not replace a traditional Professional Development experience, but allows for quick, close discussion between a small group of educators and a highly experienced theatre teaching artist. Consultations may be scheduled for up to 10 people and are provided for Teaching Staff.
Residencies
Early Childhood Residencies 
Former WolfTrap,STEM certified: Customized early childhood literacy residencies. Works collaboratively with classroom teachers during a residency, weaving arts into the classroom curriculum to improve academic growth in the following areas: emergent literacy, self-awareness and self-confidence, group awareness and socialization skills, problem-solving skills, ability to concentrate and remember, gross and fine motor control, awareness of individual creativity, motivation and enthusiasm for learning, and conceptual and verbal skills. Exemplary literature is used throughout each residency. Residency sessions are six weeks in length, with the teaching artist visiting a classroom two times a week for 45-60 minute sessions, for a total of twelve sessions. (PreK-2)
Arts for Learning Hispanic/Latinx Dual-language Theater Residencies
Ms. Ramos teaches an informative and interactive theatre program exploring Hispanic/Latinx themed influences, inspiring and motivating students to engage in theatre games, acting, improv, storytelling, reading scripts, scene study, playwriting and teaching theater vocabulary. Students will write their own storylines, create their own characters, make costumes and props, learn blocking & stage design leading to performance. Ms. Ramos offers an art experience that leads students to develop an understanding of Hispanic/Latinx Cultural dimensions participating and developing skills in Theatre Arts.

Visual Arts

Martha Schermerhorn

Visual Arts: Artists’ Books
My favorite teaching experience is watching students’ positive reactions as their hands-on experience with the Artists’ Book form opens the door to a wide range of creative possibilities. Through my classes and workshops, I guide artists of many ages and skill levels through the concepts and techniques that make the Artists’ Book such a rich vehicle for self-expression. I am always prepared to tailor the actual content of a program and its activities to the interests and abilities of a specific group.
ARTISTS’ BOOK PROGRAMS
Timeline Accordion Book
Elementary Level
A simple, folded book with four faces for student-drawn artwork and text; bound with a decorative closure ribbon through eight slits.
This book can be made to be a historical timeline (i.e., dates of the revolutionary war), a personal time line or a family history. Eight events can fit comfortably in this format. The amount of space is small so any explanatory text is necessarily kept simple and brief.
Name Scroll Book
Elementary Level
This simple, linear book features student-drawn art inspired by ancient Egyptian and African scrolls, the oldest form of bookmaking. A long, narrow strip of paper rolls into a cylinder and is secured by a length of yarn.
Students use a hieroglyphic alphabet to represent their names pictorially. The Names Scroll project can be used as a starting point to discuss the meaning of names. Students can ask their parents why they chose their particular name.
Paper Bag Collecting Book
Elementary Level
Students use lunch-size paper bags to create pages and envelopes for enclosures, such as a leaf collection, color swatches, or collectable cards.
Students stack bags, alternating ends, punch holes, bind with ribbon or yarn, and then fold the books in half. Open-edged pages for collecting alternate with closed-end pages for descriptions (text and/or drawings) of the collected items.
Cereal Box Cover Book
Elementary level – Middle School
This popular project utilizes a bookbinding machine that students love to use. Students pick out “covers” from various recycled cardboard types, cereal box covers, etc. and then pick text pages and a comb for the binding. When they are ready, they advance to the binding machine to punch holes for the comb and perform the actual bind step that magically puts the combs in place.
This is a workshop that covers many levels of ability. Elementary thru adult and handicapped populations have great success with this project. The book is a custom piece for each student reflecting his or her unique personalities.
Japanese Stab Bound Book
Middle and High School Level
This easy-to-master, yet sophisticate book style is inspired by a traditional Japanese format used for personal journaling and poetry writing, Students hand-sew the binding for the ten-sheet book and create their own content consisting of haikus, poems, and/or imagery.
Depending on the time available, the content and sophistication level of this workshop can be adjusted to be a three to five session event at a grade-appropriate skills level; e.g. an illustrated haiku book in support of English Language Arts or a themed Visual Arts project using watercolor paper as pages.
Screw Post Album
Middle and High School Level
Students handcraft their individual version of a traditional scrapbook or photo album-style book that can be used to store and present memorabilia.
This book consists of covers, paper pages, and two or three album posts, which are inserted in holes drilled in the assembled book. This type of book can accommodate a variety of content, both sourced and original, text and graphics to explore a chosen theme.
Depending on the time available, the content and sophistication level of this workshop can be adjusted to be a three to five session event at a grade-appropriate skills level.
The Altered Book
High School Level
Students create a unique book using an existing hardcover book as a starting point. By reworking pages and covers and painting, stamping, cutting, collage, over-writing, folding, gluing, etc., a one-of-a-kind book emerges from the creator’s imagination.
Depending on the time available, the content and sophistication level of this workshop can be adjusted to be a three to five session event at a grade-appropriate skills level.
Multiple Edition Book
High School Level/Advanced
In this workshop students produce a pamphlet-stitched book in an edition of three to five books using a photocopier to reproduce the pages. This book is an ideal vehicle for students interested in creating comics, manage and chapbooks.
Students learn the process by first making a dummy book or mock up and designing a story. Once they have completed the layout, they copy the pages, fold, cut, and bind the books using the pamphlet stitch.
Because of the complexity and sophistication level of this project, it is best conducted as a five-session workshop.
INSTRUCTOR PROFILE
Award-winning Rochester Book Artist Martha Schermerhorn works in multiple media, including collage, painting, photography and 3-D art. Her unique Ikon-A-Paks, made from recycled materials, have won Best of Show at the Artists’ Row at the Rochester Public Market multiple times. More information available at www.mostlyartistsbooks.com.
Teaching Experience:
• Fairport High School, Artist in Residence, ongoing since 2008
• Mercy High School, Art Festival Guest Instructor
• Churchville-Chili High School, Guest Instructor
• Arnett, Brighton, Central, and Charlotte Library Branches, Artists’ Book Workshops
• Printing and Book Arts Center at the Genesee Center for the Arts & Education
• Community Darkroom at the Genesee Center for the Arts & Education
• A Different Path Gallery in Brockport
• The Art Store in Henrietta
• City of Rochester, Carter Street Recreation Center, After School Arts Program Instructor

Music

Nancy Bryan

The Songwriter’s Playground

Nancy Bryan is a Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter with a gold record to her credit. She has written songs for Walt Disney Records, including having written for such beloved characters as “The Little Mermaid” and “Winnie the Pooh”. With her socially relevant lyrics and unique voice, she has also recorded CD’s of her own material which have been distributed worldwide by Sire/Warner Brothers. Her material is constantly heard on the Disney and Lifetime channels. She and husband John, a studio musician and recording engineer, have been conducting songwriting/recording workshops in schools throughout the Finger Lakes Region. They have written and recorded over two hundred songs with the students, which have become beloved and timeless.

Give your students the experience of writing and recording pop songs in this “hands on” project! They will feel like rock stars when they sing their songs with a full track of drums, guitars, bass and piano. Subjects as varied as Social Studies, Math, Geography, Science, and Character Education will become exciting when put to music! Students will come to love the beauty of the English language by exploring their natural poetic abilities. They will have full taste of the recording process as they watch their songs evolve towards a professionally recorded CD. It is an experience they will never forget! Grades 3-12

Dance, Theater

PUSH Physical Theatre

Intense athleticism, gravity-defying acrobatics, and soulful artistry are the trademarks of award-winning PUSH Physical Theatre. Founded in Rochester, NY in 2000 by husband-and-wife team Darren and Heather Stevenson out of a desire to “push” the boundaries of conventional theatre, PUSH has since earned an international reputation as one of the leading U.S. physical theatre companies.

Recently featured in collaborations with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ying Quartet, and Pulitzer Prize-nominated composer Ricardo Zohn-Muldoon’s two multi-media operas, PUSH has produced a wide range of its own full-length and short works. These masters of physical storytelling have received the Community of Color/Anton Germano Dance Award, the Performing Artist of the Year Award from the Arts & Cultural Council for Greater Rochester, and the University of Rochester’s Lillian Fairchild Award.

In addition to a busy touring schedule, PUSH has a long history of creating arts education programming for grades K-12 and college students. Performances feature selections of their work followed by an audience talk-back, with discussion topics including human relationships, social interaction, stereotypes, etc. Workshops introduce students to the movement arts and support curriculum areas such as physical science, character development, and literacy.

PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE:
PUSH’s team of talented ‘human sculptures’ presents Next Generation Learning Skills using acrobatic strength, stunning physicality, and emotional depth. Core subjects such as physical science, literacy, and the arts are explored within the context of health, creativity, innovation, communication, and collaboration. Relationships between classroom learning and career and life skills are examined in the areas of social awareness, responsibility, adaptability, and flexibility. Performers carefully guide audiences throughout the program. Individual pieces are given context that is grade-level appropriate to help students interpret the work on a level that is relevant to them. Program can include Q&A. (Grades K-12) (Science/Language Arts/Health/Nutrition/Physical Activity//Cultural Awareness/Next Generation Learning Skills)

PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPS:
PUSH provides physical theatre workshops that support and expand curriculum. The following are examples of workshops that were created in collaboration with teachers and designed around their specific curriculum needs. If you have great idea for a workshop, please let us know!

• Simple Machines
This workshop facilitates a deeper internal understanding of the Physical Sciences as students both analyze and synthesize topics such as simple machines, transfer of weight, magnetism, and energy through physical movement and discussion.
Science exercises focusing on the concept of teamwork, balance, and trust are used to encourage the development of friendship skills and to guide students to thought-provoking ‘ah-ha!’ moments. (Grades K-6) (Science/Next Generation Learning Skills)

• Weather
Classical music guides eager imaginations during participatory exercises relating to the changing of seasons and the effects they have on our everyday lives (i.e. growing spring flowers, grumbling summer thunderstorms, falling autumn leaves, drifting winter snowflakes). Students become aware of their personal responsibility for maintaining their health throughout the year as they act out dressing up for an afternoon at the beach or an anticipated snow day. It is a scientific fact that no two snowflakes are alike; each is beautiful in its own unique way. Likewise, each one of us is unique and has something special to share with those around us. (Grades PreK-2) (Science/Physical Activity)

• Healthy Heroes
3-2-1-0 Be a Healthy Hero! This workshop has continuous physical activities that support the Be A Healthy Hero campaign for our community’s kids. Students run for the healthiest snack choices in our relay race, get tips on learning to love exercise through physical theatre, and end the class with a bit of something just as important: rest. (This workshop includes a coloring book for each child to take home.) (Grades K-4) (Health/Nutrition/Physical Activity)

• Metamorphosis
From egg to adult, the four stages of the life cycle of a butterfly are physically created by students in individual and group exercises. Students become the process of metamorphosis through movement, and physically demonstrate their growing understanding of each stage while they make connections to their own physical and social lives. (Grades 2-4) (Science/Next Generation Learning Skills)

• Art & the Brain
Students are asked to evaluate the hypothesis of noted neurologist V.S. Ramachandran in his research into the “science of art.” Dr. Ramachandran’s “10 laws of art” are, as yet, unproven, which allows children the excitement of investigating, questioning, and responding to cutting-edge science in process. They combine visual and movement art as they answer key questions such as: “Can we observe the laws in well-known paintings?”; “Do the laws transfer to movement?”; and “Can art be created by purposely breaking the laws?” Far from being a purely academic discussion, students create physical theatre experiments to test the limits of the laws of science used by artists. (Grades 4-12) (Science/Next Generation Learning Skills/Cultural Awareness)

• Human Pop-Up Books
Students have the opportunity to view an art form that uses no words and leaves then with the challenge of transposing movement language into written or spoken language. By creating their own “Human Pop-Up Book,” they will be faced with the challenge of analyzing a literary work and identifying key vocabulary vital to the storyline. Then, they translate and synthesize those words into a series of movements that reflect the story as it was in its original written/illustrated form. Students work in teams and collaboratively put their thoughts and ideas together. (Grades K-12) (Language Arts/Next Generation Learning Skills)

• Bullying
Through the themes of strength and power, cooperation vs. competition, leadership and responsibility, partnership and trust, and self-discipline vs. external control, students will analyze positive and negative character traits. They’ll engage in theatre and movement skills to learn how to overcome fear of failure and channel aggression into success rather than bullying. Students will also identify the benefits of self-control and the differences between leading and intimidating to build confidence and make positive choices regarding their actions towards themselves and others. This residency includes a planning meeting with the classroom teacher, conducted with the school psychologist or social-worker. (Grades 3-12) (Character Development/Social & Emotional Well-Being) Note: students are divided by gender.

Musical Arts

Susan Rozler

Mama Earth Shows about Nature, Recycling, Susie Rozler Erie Canal Songs and History, Instruments and Songs around the world, Holiday Sing a long Elf Show.
Professional Singer/Songwriter, Entertainer, Voiceover Artist, and Music Teacher for 30 years. SHOWS ARE FUN, INTERACTIVE and EDUCATIONAL!

Music

Ted Canning Steel Drums

Musical Arts

Topher Holt

The Game Changers -A celebration of Black history. (K-5)
Topher will take the audience on a journey from the slave plantations through the civil rights movement. They will venture on the underground railroad as they sing Follow the Drinking Gourd. The show will culminate with the song “Change begins With me” as the audience remembers men and women in our country of great courage. The audience will help write a verse of their own as they add their own heroes who changed our world. Fredrick Douglas will be highlighted this year.

Giraffes Can’t Dance (PreK-3)
Meets Early Childhood, Music, Theatre & Character Education needs: Enjoy interactive storytelling, dance and drumming while experiencing the story that teaches self-esteem, self-confidence and a celebration of individuality.

Custom Created Programing
Crafted to meet Early Childhood, Music, ELA, Math, Theatre & Character Education needs: One of Topher’s unique skills is the ability to custom create or co-create a program specific to the needs or your your school or individual classroom. Not only is this a fantastic way to meet your unique situation, it is also a very rewarding and positive experience for educators as well as students.

Music

Vincent Nunes

Vincent Nunes performs original, multiple award-winning music for children to enhance curriculum topics, stimulate creative thought, encourage shared community values and inspire the development of fundamental physical skills. He has been writing and performing original music for children for more than 30 years, and is a participating member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Smart Songs for Active Children: 

In this concert children will hear Vincent Nunes’ original songs which emphasize curriculum, community and creativity. Every song is accompanied by simplified American Sign Language, gestures and other motions which help children retain the content of the song. The tunes are catchy and children are engaged by Vincent’s enthusiastic performance.

Move, Move, Move:

Vincent Nunes’ original songs introduce age-appropriate fundamental movement skills to early learners. These songs, many from his new release, the multiple award-winning CD of the same name, are fun and keep children hopping, bouncing, running in place, and a variety of other movements essential for children as they develop. Along with physical skills, Vincent’s music introduces foundational curriculum concepts for language and counting, such as prepositions, patterning and order.

Building a Better Community Song by Song: 

The music in this concert introduces shared community values, including mutual respect, the importance of volunteering, environmental awareness and responsibility, and civility. These original songs remind children that the world they live in has other people, other creatures and the outside world itself. The songs invite children to practice both academic and non-academic skills, such as grit and determination, perseverance, and participating in groups. Vincent sings about racial diversity, gender equality, and cooperation, using fun activities and catchy melodies to capture the imaginations of children.

Visual arts

Chris Pallace

Numbers League – Villains lurk in the streets of Infinity City and the only hope is the Numbers League. Assemble your team of Superheroes, use the sum of their incredible powers and ingenious devices to capture as many villains as you can.

Numbers League – Adventures in Addiplication, designed and illustrated by Chris Pallace, is a stand alone superhero themed card game where your basic math skills can save the day. The more you play the sharper these skills become until no villain is safe from your numerical onslaught. Don’t miss a chance to play with one of the game’s creators, it’ll change the way your classroom looks at math.

Suggested Ages: 7-12
Class Length: 1 hour

Visual Arts

Michelle Cardulla

Meatless Mondays

Teaching artist, Michelle Cardulla, will encourage students and parents to adopt healthy habits by learning how to cook simple meatless meals once a week. Families who cook together eat healthier and live better!

And children love to cook! Michelle will teach the kids how to make some simple, breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas that they can take home and share with their families. The goal is to have families cook and eat together at least once a week and, hopefully, they will fall in love with the recipes and the time they spend together.

(Recipes can either be no-cook or cook-able—ingredients will be prepped before class.)

After cooking and enjoying the meals together, the children will create food-inspired artworks, which will then be made into a delightful, colorful, collaborative cookbook that they can cherish and share for years to come.

Classes however do not have to take place on Mondays!

Michelle Cardulla has been using meditation techniques in her art class rooms for 5 years. All children seem to be natural meditators and thrive in the time they are allowed to simply follow their breathing.

Guided meditations using the sounds of a gong and beginning and ending meditation with a bell fascinate young people. They can participate learning how to use both instruments.

No need for mats, the kids can sit in their chairs or on their desks. Sometimes children will lie down with a small flat stone placed on their bellies to make them aware of their breathe rising and falling.

Each class will last 45 minutes with time for discussion and feed back from the children.

8 classes suggested

Reading Ignites Creativity

“Art is the only place where kids are called upon to create from within themselves

in a spectacular way,” says Blair, 72. “With some children, it might be the only success

they have in school. … They splash around and have a great time creating.”

When children are read wonderful, imaginative stories like,  “The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses,” their imaginations are lit!

When asked to create their own wild horses, kids are eager and excited! By using a technique by assembling simple shapes like

rectangles, circle and squares, each child can be successful and proud of their work.

Michelle Cardulla has been teaching visual arts to children for over 15 years. Each class starts with a story followed by children creating a visual work based on the story. Media include collage, painting, and drawing.

Vocal music

Ball In The House

Ball in the House: Totally Vocally
Totally Vocally is a 45-60 minute Arts in Education program by 5-man vocal band Ball in the House geared towards keeping students entertained and engaged while they learn about music and the arts. Covering such topics as songwriting as a positive form of expression, beatboxing, stage technology, and the history of a cappella, the program strives to promote all angles of the vocal performing arts in particular as we share our own age-appropriate expertise with the next generation of artists and musicians. Your students will love it, and your teachers will love it, too! Ball in the House also offers workshops, where they work with choruses and music classes to provide both their own unique insight and also an outside source of input to help reinforce an instructor’s own teaching.

Theater

Ted Baumhauer

Reading is Magic! Show

Well actually it isn’t magic it is a skill very much like juggling. Because reading is a skill you can get better at it. This fun filled show is full of parallels between juggling and reading like: Practice is important, challenging yourself can be fun, and teachers can help you surprise yourself! Other messages include reading can let you learn about anything your interested in knowing about or doing and it’s fun to surprise yourself and others! This show is perfect for grades 2 – 8.

I Can’t Yet! Show

I Can’t YET! is about turning failure into success. This show is a slapstick look at learning. Mistakes are not permanent! This is an audience participation show that teaches goal setting, learning step by step, and challenging yourself to do amazing things. Ted uses the skills of manipulation and balancing to bring these concepts to life. I Can’t Yet has been performed at the Strong Children’s Museum, Trinity Montessori in East Rochester, NY and Creative Themes Summer Camp. The show is appropriate for ages 3 to 103.

“Ted had the audience, ranging in age from 2 to 92, in the palm of his hand.” Judi Weil, Children’s Coordinator, Audubon Court Books, Ltd. Wisconsin.

Red Tie Science Lab

A silly look at science including inertia, aerodynamics, center of mass, centripetal vs. centrifugal force and more. Ted uses tops, frisbees, boomerangs, an airzooka, juggling and more in this fun and engaging show!

Let’s Customize a Show for You & Your Audience