The Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in our schools and throughout our community. By offering free and discounted performances for students, outreach opportunities with artists and masterclasses, we help to leverage our creative assets to make a difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages. Unison: Student & Families Membership Program The Music Hall is committed to welcoming all people into our performance space to enjoy the arts. The Unison Student & Families Program is designed to bring all members of the community together to enjoy the varied musical performances we present throughout the season by providing free seats to qualifying students and families. Learn more about the Unison Program here. School and District Partnerships The Music Hall works with teaching artists throughout the community to bring hundreds of arts enrichment, interactive programming into schools each year. The Music Hall is committed to integrating the arts into academic curricula, and works to design workshops that best serve our partnering educators in the classroom. Arts-Integrated Learning Approach The Music Hall values student engagement in a creative process that connects the arts to their academic studies. We provide a wide variety of arts programming to create inclusive and responsive learning opportunities in schools and at our venue. Artist Masterclasses and Workshops We strive to provide as many opportunities as possible for students of all ages to work with local and world-renowned artists. Students cultivate their skills and build valuable artistic experiences through the varied workshops and classes we offer each year. Connecting the Arts to the Classroom The Arts Matter! Live performances and interactive learning experiences give students the opportunity to be inspired, to create, and reflect. These fundamental experiences enrich students' academic studies; to equip students with the foundations for achievement both inside and outside the classroom by developing their creative capacity, thinking skills, and knowledge essential for lifelong success. Our Educational Performance Series, workshops, and matinee shows connect with classroom Academic Standards to allow educators the opportunity for scaffolding the student learning process. Teaching Artist Workshops: The Music Hall values the support of students and educators in our community by providing performing arts learning opportunities. Our exclusive Teaching Artist programs feature local artists and various arts organizations who, in collaboration with the Music Hall, work to provide artistic enrichment to teach and inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts. By providing varied educational programming to the Capital Region, we strive to inspire meaningful learning, interactive exploration of the arts, and memorable experiences for students of all ages. Educational Performances & Activities at the Hall The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is committed to supporting arts education in our schools and throughout our community. By offering free and discounted performances for students, outreach opportunities with artists and masterclasses, we help to leverage our creative assets to make a difference in the lives of children and adults of all ages. 2024-2025 Student Activities & Performances Thursday, March 27, 2025 11AM Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo Composer: Joe Illick, Librettist: Mark Campbell Program Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Program Time: Doors Open: 10:30a, Performance: 11:00a-12:00p 45 minute program with 5-10 minute Q&A at the end Short Summary: Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in el Mundo is an interactive children’s opera composed by Joe Illick with libretto written by Mark Campbell. The story is about Mariana, a young girl living in Mexico City in the late 1940s. Mariana’s family encourages her to have her portrait painted by the renowned artist, Frida Kahlo. Mariana is initially frightened, but is emboldened and charmed by Kahlo, the animals in her household including a monkey, a parrot and a dog, and a visit by the exuberant artist Diego Rivera. As Mariana sits for her portrait, she learns all about Frida’s life, and begins to understand the meaning of bravery. The opera is appropriate for ages 5-11. $5 Tickets. Student Pricing to Mainstage Performances Interested in bringing your class to a mainstage performance at the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall! Many of our shows throughout the season have exclusive student pricing: Date & Time Performance Tickets Tuesday, February 4 Troy Chromatic Concerts presents Steven Isserlis, Cello Recital *pre-concert activity: Prelude Conversations $15 Student Tickets Sunday, March 9 APM: Considering Matthew Shepard $15 Student Tickets Friday, March 22 Direct from Sweden: The Music of ABBA $15 Student Tickets Thursday, March 27 [STUDENT MATINEE] Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Nina in el mundo $5 Tickets Wednesday, March 26 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy $15 Student Tickets Friday, March 28 Gaelic Storm $20 Student Tickets Ordering Tickets: Call or email Jessica Bowen, Director of Education & Outreach with your request. (518) 479-9623 or jessica@troymusichall.org Payment Payment is accepted by check, major credit card or BOCES purchase order and is due no later than 14 days in advance of each show. Reservations not paid by the 14-day deadline will be canceled. Changes and cancellations No refunds or exchanges will be made after the 14-day deadline. We cannot guarantee seating for additional students if the show is sold out, but will accommodate as best we can to ensure all students have a seat at the show! Please be sure to reserve seating for all teachers and chaperones in addition to students. If your school district is closed or dismisses early due to weather, a credit will be issued to your account for the cost of your tickets. Communication regarding cancellation must be received by our box office prior to the performance. ADA Accommodations Please advise the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall of accessible seating needs when the order is place so we can make arrangements prior to your arrival. Interested in learning more about educational opportunities for your students? Please Contact Jessica Bowen, Director of Education & Outreach at jessica@troymusichall.org or call (518) 629 - 4016. ETUDE Student Volunteer Program REGISTRATION FOR 2024-2025 is NOW OPEN! Click the link below to register. Etude participants develop the skills needed for today’s workforce while engaging in a fun, fast-paced work environment. Participating students will work amongst event staff team at performances throughout our season. Students involved in this year’s Etude Volunteer Program will have opportunities to participate in many more of the departments on site including: Box Office and Ticketing House Management and Merchandise Stage Crew and Backstage Sound and Lighting Front of House and Seating The Etude Program is a great way to explore different career paths in the arts. Join us! All registered students must attend an ORIENTATION before their first volunteer session. This is included in the arrival times for your first show, which you'll find on the sign up form below. Eligible students in Grades 9 - 12 and/or undergraduate students will: Fulfill community service credits; Enhance their resume with valuable experience; Pursue the development of personal and professional skills; Explore varying career paths in the arts.

Growing up a reluctant reader himself, it took Eric Luper a long time to learn to love reading and writing. Join Eric on a fun (and sometimes funny) journey through his past challenges as well as the current techniques he uses to write books for Scholastic, Cartoon Network, DC, Disney and others. Students will learn about first drafts, revision, brainstorming and other important techniques… and learn if they have what it takes to be a writer.

Lisa David offers a fun, engaging experience teaching oil painting or pottery to high school students. Lisa is an award winning artist from Saratoga County, NY. After a long career as a production potter, Lisa became an art teacher and earned National Board Certification. Lisa taught at Schenectady School District and at Shenendehowa in Clifton Park, NY where she instructed hundreds of students in advanced drawing & painting and craft classes. She took up painting still life, landscape and narrative paintings. Her simple approach to still life painting has advanced her hundreds of high school students into acceptance into the best art schools. Her emphasis on observational drawing, seeing color, using value and composition to engage the viewer are taught during instruction. Lisa’s vintage-inspired still life is sold online and through her gallery representation at Spa Fine Art, Saratoga. She often plein air paints (paint outside from life) and has taught numerous workshops and classes at Saratoga Arts Center. Her numerous high school students have recalled their plein air painting as their “best art experience." Her pottery skills are also exemplary. Lisa once owned Picket Pottery, a production pottery business, selling her functional wares across the country. Once represented with over 18 salespeople, her pottery was sold in hundreds of stores nationwide. Lisa still throws pots, although does so for enjoyment rather rather than for profit. If you are interested in having Lisa demonstrate painting or pottery and talk about the art of business, please reach out! She is a natural with students of all ages.

Big J Entertainment LLC provides professional DJ entertainment and interactive music-based programs for schools, camps, youth organizations, and community events. Programs include interactive school assemblies, music-based student enrichment activities, team-building through music, interactive game-show-style programs, dance and movement activities, after-school programming, school dances and celebrations, field days, end-of-year events, and family/community nights.

Educational Market Best-Selling Author and TEDx speaker Jermiko Thomas delivers engaging literacy and social-emotional learning programs through the Adventures of Walter series. Programs support literacy development, STEM curiosity, SEL skills, bullying prevention, autism inclusion, and positive character development through interactive storytelling and classroom engagement. The Adventures of Walter collection also includes student learning resources such as activity workbooks, coloring books, and an American Sign Language (ASL) Alphabet & Numbers workbook, helping reinforce literacy, creativity, and inclusive learning. Jermiko’s programs are inspired by his personal journey — he did not speak until age six and first communicated through sign language, making his work especially meaningful for students with diverse learning and communication needs. Programs are designed for elementary schools (Pre-K–5) and can be delivered as assemblies, classroom workshops, literacy events, STEM enrichment sessions, and special education programming.

The following two school programs have been designed to follow the current NYS learning standards for performing arts. Each themed assembly also follows their respective NYS learning standard(s). "Anything is Possible!" : a magical character development assembly Focus: good mental health practices, positive self image, emotional regulation Everyone has their own unique talent! It takes a special journey to each person to find what's special about them. Jeff will share his magic and the journey that he took to find his passion. Children will learn techniques that they can use to start their journey and find their own passion. We also take a look at the feelings that come with self discovery and healthy ways to manage them. "The BIG balloon STEAM show!" : a circus variety style STEAM assembly Focus: Critical Thinking, Scientific Method & Vocabulary, Deductive Reasoning Come and explore the science behind balloons! This show combines circus style stunts with educational content that follows the NYS science learning standards. We'll explore how balloons are made along with their scientific properties. We'll also test the scientific method in a LIVE balloon experiment! For the grand finale, students will learn about elastic potential energy as Jeff climbs inside of a giant 10 foot balloon!

I offer four topics for my School Assembly Programs. Below are details about my Reading, Dental Hygiene, Ocean Sciences and Social Awareness Programs. 1. Sugar Bug Showdown: Elementary schools that engage my services for the ‘Sugar Bug Showdown‘ performance consistently request my return every third year to do it again. They want to be sure each child in kindergarten through 3rd grade gets the benefit of this unforgettable lesson in good dental hygiene. Your students will learn the right way to brush their teeth (even adults get it wrong!), why dental hygiene is so important, and much more. Dental Hygienists can give the facts, but nobody will motivate or help them remember those facts like Pipsqueak! To ramp up the fun, we demonstrate flossing using kids dressed as teeth. Another segment features caped cavity-defenders in an epic battle against sugar bugs. Here are some additional highlights: How much toothpaste to use How often to brush and proper techniques How cavities & plaque form How “sugar bugs” hurt your teeth Why a healthy diet matters 2. Reading is an Adventure: This program is perfect for PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) or Read Across America incentives. Specific children’s books are referenced & highlighted. My job with this show is to get your students excited about reading. I periodically change the lineup, but the main messages are: Curiosity fuels invention Reading is an adventure Readers are leaders 3. Kindness Quest: This program fits Respect Week and Character Education incentives like a glove! The following key themes are woven throughout: Friendship Kindness Respect Appreciating differences Sharing 4. Waves of Fun: Oceans of Possibilities is a STEM school assembly that sparks an interest in learning about ocean sciences. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be motivated to learn about the amazing things that can be found in the ocean. The program is curated to add more advancing educational content at upper grade levels with marine biology, geology, and ecology professions showcased for the 5th grade. We’ll even use your own school library books in the magic performance! Laugh your way through the “silliest, goofiest, wackiest treasure hunt in the world!” Meet a very intelligent seal who does tricks. Of course, Vern (the bird) will make an appearance. This program is unique and so much fun! It is designed for students K-5th grade.

An 8-week, high-engagement enrichment intensive that empowers students to find their voice through the art of filmmaking. Social-Emotional Growth: The cooperation nature of the process requires students to practice empathy, active listening, and conflict resolution during the high-stakes production phase. Confidence Through Creation: By moving a project from a blank page to a public screening, students develop the belief that they can tackle complex, long-term goals. Career & Technical Foundations: Students gain early exposure to digital media careers, developing a portfolio-ready short film and a foundational understanding of the digital arts.

The BPO is proud to present educational programming that is developed with the assistance of music teachers and curriculum writers. The BPO Music for Youth Concert series offers educational concerts during the school day to introduce students to the best orchestral repertoire, with a focus on music learning concepts being taught in the classroom, and active participation through interactive program elements for students in Grades 1-8. Full-length (2 hour) BPO concerts on Friday mornings give students in Grades 7-12 a chance to hear complete pieces of repertoire in a casual atmosphere. To view all Music for Youth concert opportunities, please visit education.bpo.org. BPO Teaching Artists bring unique arts engagement into your classroom through the dynamism of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's professional musicians. Presentations feature interactive music learning opportunities and authentic connections between music and other areas of learning, with an emphasis on artistic excellence and can meet varied classroom learning objectives. Your BPO understands the importance of arts engagement in developing creative thinkers and innovators who value learning over a lifetime. The BPO offers Classroom Programs that explore arts learning through movement activities, active listening and authentic connections between music and other areas of study. These musician-developed programs bring a unique perspective and a wealth of beautiful music to concepts you are teaching in your classroom. Programs can be adapted for your needs and specific age groups, Are you looking for a guest artist to work in-depth with your instrumental music students on repertoire, music fundamentals, instrument-specific techniques, performance techniques or even to speak on career readiness? Our musicians can work with your band, orchestra or instrumental section on individual and ensemble music proficiency. Choose an artist from your preferred instrument family and bring an expert into your music room to inspire the best from your students through the BPO's Workshop, Clinic, and Residency offerings. Explore all Teaching Artist programs at bpo.org/teaching-artists.

More than a show! A transformational experience! " AmagiNation with Ama Unicorn” is a high energy, interactive musical storytelling performance experience integrating tools for social emotional learning & mindfulness .Through live original music, storytelling, dance, movement, guided mindful moments, puppets and audience participation, children and care-givers are invited on an immersive, shared, unifying journey where they are invited to actively participate and practice powerful social-emotional and self-regulation tools in real time - connecting to the self, one another and the Earth. This event blends theater, storytelling, music, mindfulness, movement, humor and creative play to support children’s emotional expression, imagination, and self connection. Through song, story, movement and meditation children are invited to explore feelings, build confidence, resilience, and transform challenging emotions and thoughts into creative expression in a safe, playful environment . The program is designed as an educational, arts-based experience focused on emotional literacy and creativity — not therapy. Children are guided first into their bodies and senses, then into imagination, story and dance and mindful participation followed by creative expression and sharing, and finally into gentle integration and closure. Ama also offers professional development courses and one on one courses in the following to educators, facilitators, students and individuals of all ages: Mindfulness, emotional regulation, emotional intelligence, confidence/ self esteem building, resilience, creative problem solving, stress reduction, meditation, comedy, storytelling, acting and songwriting and performance technique

Growth Mindset Through Real Failure. New York Times bestselling author Mark Cheverton visits schools with an interactive presentation that shows students how persistence, reflection, and learning from setbacks lead to improvement. Using humor, audience participation, and real examples from his own journey, Mark shares the many years of rejection and false starts he had to endure before ever finding any success as an author. A Story Students Connect With. Students laugh, participate, and follow along as Mark tells the true story behind becoming an internationally published author. He is the author of 32 novels, including his bestselling series of Minecraft books, many of which are already in your school’s library and have been read by your students. The visit concludes by encouraging students to write their own stories and share them on a kids-safe fan fiction website, motivating continued writing beyond the presentation. Mark can do multiple presentations throughout the day, keeping the groups small to encourage interaction. In addition, he’ll have lunch with select students and autograph books at the end of the day. You can learn more about his presentation at https://markcheverton.com/author-visits/ Schools interested in scheduling a visit are encouraged to contact Mark Cheverton for availability and details.

The Parmesan Pig Book Series is a dynamic and engaging children's picture book series designed to inspire imagination, creativity, and a love for reading in young learners. Each book in the series features Parmesan Pig alongside her charmingly named food-animal friends, whose playful and inventive names add an extra layer of fun to their adventures. These stories not only entertain but also introduce important life lessons, such as friendship, problem-solving, and the value of perseverance. The author visits goes beyond storytelling by offering interactive and follow-up activities. Children/Students engage in character exploration activities, where they experience the creative journey of developing character illustrations—from initial sketches to the final artwork. Each session concludes with the exciting task of inventing new character names that could seamlessly join the series. These activities are designed to enhance literacy, boost creative expression, and build confidence in young readers. The Parmesan Pig Book Series is ideal for elementary school students and can be tailored to fit various educational settings, including classrooms, libraries, and after-school programs. By bringing these stories to life through interactive sessions, I aim to foster a deeper connection with reading and learning, making the educational experience both enjoyable and impactful. Key Features: 1) Interactive Storytelling: Bringing the adventures of Parmesan Pig and friends to life through engaging readings and discussions. 2) Creative Interaction: Activities that encourage children to explore their creativity and express themselves. 2) Educational Enrichment: Each session is designed to align with educational standards, promoting literacy, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning. 4) Flexible Format: The program can be adapted to fit the needs of different age groups and educational settings, ensuring a customized experience for each school. Join Parmesan Pig and her friends on a journey of creativity and learning that will leave a lasting impact on young minds!