Cultural Enrichment Assemblies

Einstein Alive!

November 10, 2009

“Einstein Alive” is a school assembly program that blends science, history and entertainment.  Among other accolades, it has been called “a marvelous science presentation,” explaining “complicated theories in an age-appropriate and extremely entertaining way.”

Elementary students as young as kindergarten will clearly understand:

• what the term relative means

• how relativity relates to motion

• how things move and what friction is

• the importance of curiosity and determination

• the great contributions of Einstein to science

Snowday, An A Capella Musical Holiday
December 23, 2009

What sounds like a band but does not have instruments? Snowday! This dynamic quartet creates unique music using just their voices to delight audiences of all ages!  Snowday’s talented singers present  upbeat songs and moving rhythms that trace the history of a cappella singing and demonstrate how to create its harmonic parts — including a vocal drumming lesson with the audience.  Their broad musical experience in barbershop, opera and contemporary singing is paired with a mastery of teaching to uplift and engage everyone.  This mix of energetic men and women includes an original member of the Almost Recess ensemble, and is excited to share their lifelong love of music.  And hey — doesn’t everyone love a snowday?

http://www.classactsarts.org/index.php/artists/roster?artist=49&tab=study_guides

Arabic Music, Dance and Culture – Karim Nagi-Mohammed
April 26, 2010

In this comprehensive showcase, Karim defines the term Arab and Arab-American. By equating it to African-Americans, Latino-Americans, etc., Karim illustrates what it means to be bi-cultural. Karim then gives a dynamic and entertaining demonstration of the various instruments including an array of drums and the Buzuq (longneck lute). He elicits audience participation throughout by having the children pronounce the instrument names, a deliberate first-lesson in the Arabic language. Next, he teaches a three-sound clapping system which allows anyone in the crowd to perform the Arabic rhythms without an instrument. Karim concludes with a brief demonstration of Dabka Line Dancing and, when feasible, invites participants to learn as the rest of the audience provides rhythmic accompaniment via their newly learned clapping method. The presentation is animated, humorous and participatory.

http://www.classactsarts.org/index.php/artists/roster?artist=12&tab=study_guides

Third Grade Poet in Residence Program – Marvin Klassen Landis
April 6-12, 2010

Back by popular demand, Marvin will lead a week of daily workshops with 3rd grade students to explore a variety of poetry forms. Marvin is a writer, educator and performer who has lead workshops at Stoneleigh Elementary for the past 7 years. He teaches writing and literature courses at Community College of Vermont and Franklin Pierce College, in addition to traveling extensively working with children. See the Gold and Blue and Creative, Too publication for examples of third graders’ poetry.

AsiaFant Asia – Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec

May 5, 2010

In Asia FantAsia, ancient Asian folk tales and myths are woven with contemporary Asian American style music and theatrical interpretation.  Robert’s use of timing, elements of surprise, and audience participation create a joyful rapport that draws youngsters and teachers alike into an exploration of Asian culture.  These stories, from a variety of Asian countries, may be centuries old, but have lived on because of their positive messages, wit, and wisdom.

www.classactsarts.org/index.php/artists/roster?artist=7&tab=study_guides

Indian Journeys – A Fourth Grade On-Site Field Trip

May 7, 2010

Anthropologist Bob Vedder’s team will travel to Stoneleigh Elementary to lead an in-house field trip for fourth graders.  The day’s activities will immerse students in the ways of life of Native Americans, past and present.  By providing first-hand experiences that reflect the depth of tribal traditions and histories.  Students move beyone stereotypes to a more accurate and sensitive understanding of Native Americans as human beings and as important contributors to the world we know today.  Students will learn by doing, through activities that include putting up a tipi, storytelling, Native games, arts and crafts, song and dance, and learning history from a Native American’s perspective.