Multicolored music for kids of all ages!

Hands-on Learning: 45 minute sessions taught in classrooms with students at their desks; 8 curriculum areas from which to choose; students learn about a topic, then are given a challenge to think and create in response, working with their personal packet of recycled items. Teachers can follow through with other activities; handout provided.

The Cook Arts Center send artists, dancers, actors and musicians into schools toteach their specific area of expertise to students in order to supplement the currentcurriculum for teachers and/or to do something fun for events/parties/special activities.

JET Y.E.S. (Youth Education Services) has been presenting entertaining and educational plays in Southeast Michigan schools for the last 17 years. Their three current plays address the timely issue of bullying at age-appropriate levels. For elementary school students.

McCree Theatre is willing to travel with its violence prevention play, Graffiti Chronicles. It is an excellent violence prevention play with music, geared towards urban elementary students, 8 - 12 years of age.

Graffiti Chronicles is a fast moving, highly energetic play that presents a deep learning experience for youth in a highly entertaining manner. The play tweaks the emotions of young audiences in talking about youth who have succumbed to gun violence in the City of Flint in an effort to steer young audience participants away from violence on an emotional level. The play also stresses the need to strive for a very high value system that is anchored in self-love.

In addition, the play demonstrates conflict resolution tactics. Graffiti Chronicles has been performed to more than 4,000 students in the Greater Flint, MI area over the past three years to rave reviews from teachers, students, and parents.

The Gratitude Steel Band makes music that makes people happy. Traditionally known as an instrument of the tropics, Gratitude Steel Band preserves the art and heritage of the steel drum and its commitment to its rich family vocals of all styles. The band engages their audience with stories sung, and plays with dynamics from quiet classical to full turbo hustle and limbo experiences!

They create shows for special celebrations from Arts and Education Grand Openings to the dedication of a museum artifact to University and K-12 Educational Concerts. With unique tempos, styles and artist variations, Gratitude Steel Band adds surprise and excitement to every performance.

The Hillberry Theatre offers Engage With the Stage and is available upon request. Graduate students can come to the school to present a lesson plan that prepares students to see the play they are signed up for or they can also discuss career opportunities in theatre.

The Moxie Strings is the electrifying combination of fiddler Diana Ladio and cellist Alison Lynn. With their feel-good melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms, these young women have put a fresh, enticing spin on Celtic and Americana music. Though rooted in tradition, the pair offers listeners a unique opportunity.

This Michigan-based string band has cultivated a loyal following with its deft mix of rustic Appalachian music, bluegrass and originals. The Raisin Pickers have learned from the past, assimilated their strengths and arrived at a sound all their own. Fans of traditional music who enjoy aces fiddling, banjo work and tight vocal harmonies will appreciate The Raisin Pickers. Offers performances and workshops.

Timothy Twiss presents uplifting performances of early American songs popular in the days preceding the Civil War. Utilizing vocals and a beautiful, period fretless banjo, Twiss plays the timeless music of Stephen Foster, Joel Sweeney Dan Emmett and others. Offers performances and workshops.

Percussionists hit things. Whether it is in Michigan or the Middle East, India or Indiana, percussionists everywhere express themselves through the art of hitting. For more than a decade, Tim Mocny and Mike List have been students, performers and educators of percussion. To Hit captivates a variety of audiences with their performances of their original works, arrangements and commissions. The duo has performed in schools, nursing homes, coffee shops and concert halls. The works of To Hit reflect the influences of the globalized culture in which they live, blending the sounds American art and pop music with the music of North India, the Middle East and Africa creating a palate of sonic colors that spans continents.

Cheddar's History Trunk is also available as an outreach program. This is an alphabet adventure to the past, this 50-minute program exposes kids to a variety of artifacts that explore life of the settlers in the 1830s.

Tricia Kjolhede is an extraordinary entertainer and much, much more. Tunes n Tales by Tricia combines the fun of musical expression with 30 years of classroom experience and knowledge of young people.

Occasionally bring critters to schools.

Award-winning author, member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and dynamic presenter Valerie van Heest shares the fascinating stories of the Great Lakes shipwrecks and her expeditions to discover and document them. With a passion for all things creative, van Heest offers a wide variety of programs designed for adults and children alike that enlighten, inspire, and offer a deeper look at Michigan.

Valerie Barrymore and the Foundation of Funk is a high-energy musical experience.

The history of jazz is as rich and entertaining as the music itself.

Folk musician and educator Wanda Degen is a singer and instrumentalist specializing in intergenerational concerts that feature unique instruments. Degen introduces audiences to the autoharp, hammered dulcimer and mountain dulcimer.

A grant program is available to bring small ensembles to schools or other venues especially for those would benefit more than from attending a general concert in a hall, i.e., special needs children, advanced music students, etc.

Dance in the Schools was developed in 1991 to present the opportunity for elementary-aged students to learn the fine art form of modern dance from a professional dance company. Coming into its nineteenth year, Dance in the Schools has been presented to nearly 5,800 third-graders throughout Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties.