Social Studies

Artist: Tom Breiding

Tom Breiding will help students to write their own historically accurate folk songs within the structure of verse, chorus, and bridge, tailoring historical connections for your school's specific needs. Pointing out several research strategies that he has used for his own work, Tom will asssign students to select an historical event or character about which they would like to write, list important facts from their research, and then assist them in constructing sound lyrics to be performed with traditional or original folk melodies. With his voice and instruments, he will give all students the opportunity to share their work, including those with little or no musical background. He can also engage students in open conversation about a wide range of industry topics that include: various approaches to the songwriting process, studio engineering, production, innovative recording techniques, tracking and editing on ProTools software, press and radio promotion, touring strategies, and performance techniques.

Artist: Spilling Ink Project

The Spilling Ink Project weaves memorable tales from Indian folklore and mythology that unfold through traditional South Indian classical dance forms. An intricate language of hand gestures combined with dramatic facial expressions takes audiences on a colorful journey to India. Melodic music including rhythmic percussion, colorful costuming along with narration in English embellishes the program. Katha: Tales from India is an engaging and interactive way for participants to learn about India and its culture. Vijay Palaparty and Nalini Prakash are renowned artists from the U.S. and India, whose performances and outreach programs tour widely. Like their namesakes, the Spilling Ink Project dances express fresh and creative aspects of Indian hertiage.

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Artist: Shakespeare-in-the-Schools

Book a trip on the USS Beagle with Darwin and the Kid. A young student struggles with his science homework until he receives an unlikely mentor: Charles Darwin himself. They embark on an interactive voyage that combines high-tech audiovisual elements with live acting. At 50 minutes, this fast-paced, multi-media production introduces students to the theories of Darwin and reinforces the knowledge and skills in Biological Sciences for seventh and tenth graders identified in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards for Science and Technology (3.3.7.D and 10.D). Acclaimed actor Rick Kemp makes a special appearance as a holographic projection of the scientist. As part of the program, schools will have exclusive access to a supplemental website that allows students to gain a deeper understanding of Darwin’s discoveries. Darwin and the Kid is written by award-winning playwright Attilio Favorini, directed by Sam Turich, and designed in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center.

Artist: Antonio Rocha

Storyteller Antonio Rocha performs tales from around the world, taking us to Africa, Asia and Latin America with tales of adventure, wit, respect and wisdom. Using verbal narrative and mime, Antonio captures the imagination of the audience as he creates vivid characters on life-changing journeys. This culturally diverse show addresses issues of communication, self esteem and respect. Antonio Rocha has performed at the Kennedy Center, The Smithsonian, The National Storytelling Festival and many other venues in Europe, Africa and the Americas. He has also been a featured artist in Gateway’s Arts in Education Partnership.

"Antonio Rocha's stories challenge the imagination in an exciting new way. His storytelling is energetic, educational and entertaining!"
– Kim Peter Kovac, Kennedy Center

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Artist: Rhythmic Cultures

Rhythmic Cultures sparks the imaginations of children and teachers with participatory music and dance activities that have influenced the American music we know today. The cultural traditions of Appalachia, Africa (Zulu) and Louisiana (Cajun) are explored through a variety of instruments and dances. Students are invited on stage throughout the program to accompany the artists on an array of instruments including limberjack clog dancing puppets! Bob Dunlap is a dancer and musician who has been performing for years and currently teaches swing dance classes in Pittsburgh. Mark Tamsula, a versatile musician, performs throughout the region with Cajun Fever.

"Generated tremendous interest and enthusiasm; a foot stompin' good time!"
– Robert E. Kirkpatrick, Head of School, Fox Chapel Country Day School

View the Teacher Guide.