Assemblies, Residencies, and Classroom Workshops
Choose from one of the programs below. Programs may be scheduled through Young Audiences* (YA) or the Artist (Artist) as noted.
Delightfully innovative performances integrate
social and cultural awareness with the language of music. Students play
an active part with singing and sign language. All programs connect with
state content standards and EALRs in Oregon and Washington. [Alignment
with other states' standards upon request.]
As there are wide differences in ability and song preferences between
younger and older students, there are two performances per school visit,
with one 40-minute program for lower grades and one for upper.
Selections:
- La Musica Es Magica/Music Is Magic (bilingual) (YA/Artist)
This spirited, bi-lingual sing-along program celebrates the magic of music with songs in Spanish, English, and sign language; commentary is in Spanish and English. Actual songs vary according to the make-up of the audience (mostly Spanish speaking; mostly English, or a combination). Greta plays guitar, and brings her wonderful collection percussion instruments for selected members of the audience to play. For grades K-3.
- America's Story Through Folk Songs (YA/Artist) Explore the rich heritage of the United States and the history behind folk songs such as "Follow The Drinking Gourd," "Old Joe Clark," "16 Tons" and "This Land Is Your Land." Greta plays mountain dulcimer and guitar, teaches a song in Sign Language, and invites selected audience members to play spoons and washboard. For grades K-2 and 3-5.
*Note: Corresponding program for Young Audiences: "Songs of Our American Story."
“We have never seen 4th and 5th grade boys enjoy music the way they enjoyed yours.”
— Paula Baker, Principal; & Teachers, Mari-Linn School, Lyons, OR
“Any program that uses Greta would benefit greatly from her expertise, her musical talent, and her skills with children.”
Sue Krumbein, Hillview Middle School; Menlo Park, CA
- Music and Dance in a Multicultural World (YA/Artist)
From West Africa to Denmark, Mexico to Austria, Hawaii and the Southwest Cahuilla tribe to Japan, students discover similarities and differences among people around the world through songs, dance, and discussion. They examine percussion instruments from various countries, share and learn simple vocabulary in several languages, and create instruments which will be used to create an accompaniment to a chosen song.
This residency is appropriate for elementary-aged students, grades K-5. Songs used in each individual class vary to accommodate the age and abilities of the students. In this residency, each class meets with the artist for 5-10 days, one 50-minute period each day.
*Note: Corresponding program for Young Audiences: "Celebrate Cultures Through Music & Dance."
Let's Write a Song: Songwriting and the Six Writing Traits (Artist)
It's a win-win: Songwriting uses the same writing processes as prose. Facts are more easily retained when we sing them. Combine the two, and we can integrate writing with any topic of study, creating a finished product that is exciting and memorable.
First we discuss basic elements of songs: styles, how key and tempo affect the feel of song, and common formats and patterns of songs. Then, using a topic chosen by the students or covering a current unit of study, students work cooperatively as a class. Together, we brainstorm, develop and organize ideas, consider word choice, create a melody, use correct writing conventions (noting how conventions are similar and different in writing for a song verses prose); edit for sentence fluency, and develop a voice (reflected in word choice and musical style).
Our end product is a song recorded by the class.
This residency is appropriate for elementary-aged students. Each class meets with the artist for 5 days, one 50-minute period each day.
(Click here for a sample of songs written in previous residencies
- Customized Residencies (YA, Artist)
-
Pioneer Days (Artist)
Originally designed for a group of fourth and fifth grade classes in West Linn, Oregon, this lively, hands-on workshop contains songs, circle dances, and parlor games of the pioneers. Students discover how people often played music after supper and at social gatherings, using “standard” instruments (guitar, banjo, fiddle) and instruments from everyday items (spoons, washboards) and learn the social significance of parlor games (singing games used in communities where dancing to fiddle music was forbidden). Participants are actively involved in singing, dancing, and learning how to play spoons and washboard. Grades K-5
- Tap, Scrape & Shake: A Percussion Workshop (YA, Artist)
Students learn the definition of a percussion instrument (see the title for hints), examine instruments from around the world and hypothesize about the environment and people who created them, and construct their own using materials common in their own lives.
*Note: Corresponding program for Young Audiences: "Celebrate Cultures Through Music & Dance."
“She is able to naturally springboard off my original ideas and then create a way to present knowledge to the class in a way that is fun yet informative.”
— Holly Grabow, Teacher; Cedaroak School, West Linn, OR
“Thank you for having such a positive impact on so many children.”
— Deanna Tompkins, Teacher; Gildo Rey Elementary, Auburn, WA
“I was feeling kind of sleepy that day...Your songs woke me up and got me going.”
— C.W., Student; Hillview School, Menlo Park, CA
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