Music

Artist: Liberty Brass

Schools can add up to three 45 minute workshops (tailored to grade level) before or following the performance (teachers select the participating classrooms) taught by Liberty Brass leader Ross Cohen. The workshops focus on honing some of the fundamental skills of brass playing including: breathing, buzzing on the mouthpiece, singing/ear training, extending range, and more.

For older students, master class workshops where individual students play and receive instruction in front of their peers cover more advanced techniques including: sound development, musical expression, practice techniques, preparing solos/auditions, etc.

Workshop content is flexible and can be created with the teacher and musician.

Artist: Resonance Percussion

Resonance Percussion engages students with their passion and knowledge of music from all over the world. These culturally-specific residencies guide students in hands-on exploration of the significance of music in society and may culminate in a performance by the students. Offerings include:

• Afro-Brazilian Drumming
• World Rhythms Applied to the Drum Set
• Steel Band (Basic – Advanced levels offered)
• History of Steel Drum & Caribbean Music
• Western Percussion Ensemble (Basic – Advanced)
• West African Drumming - (Ghana & Guinea traditional)

Artist: John Meikle

John Meikle's Scottish Traditions residency incorporates storytelling, singing, tin whistle and bagpipe playing and Scottish ceili dancing to give students an active understanding of Scottish culture. Learning about the cultural traditions of other people helps students explore the cultural traditions in their own lives. Learning goals may include rhythm development, traditional ballad singing, and learning songs and tunes by ear. Born and raised in Scotland, John Meikle learned songs, dances and storytelling from his family and community before training at the Balmoral School of Piping.

Artist: Liz Berlin

Join Liz Berlin- performer, recording artist, entrepreneur, educator- as she guides students through a study of songwriting, recording, performance and the music industry from the inside out. After years honing her skills in the music business, Liz shares her unique insights with aspiring musicians. The workshop culminates with a CD of a collaborative song and a student performance. Residency offerings include: Elementary Songwriting (2-5), Middle School Songwriting & Recording (6-8), High School Songwriting & Recording (9-12). After many years with her band, Rusted Root, Liz Berlin has put her experience and success to good use in her other ventures—Mr. Smalls Theatre, Recording Studios, Skateparks and Creative.Life.Support where she’s been teaching and mentoring young musicians and students through the development of Community Songwriting & Recording Classes, Real.Life.Music & Skate Camp and the Mr. Smalls College Internship Program.

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.