Students and staff love Kevin's school show assemblies! He combines popular songs, singing, dancing and having fun with powerful messages to engage students in impactful social-emotional learning. Working with administrators, teachers, and counselors, he has developed a variety of programs generating enthusiasm and excitement for learning. He uses state-of-the-art technology which includes interactive live music, video, and lights. Kevin has been living his dream of being a full-time singer, songwriter, guitarist, and entertainer for over 25 years. He is a 4-time winner at the Buffalo Music Awards and was inducted in the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame as a co-founder of his original rock group. He currently performs throughout the USA, Canada, and has performed multiple shows across Ireland. He was recently honored for Independent Health’s 30Faces30Years, celebrating people who make a difference in the Western New York community. Kevin is fully insured and has been a member of the National Association of Mobile Event Professionals since 2008. After seeing his show, the principal of Lorraine Elementary in South Buffalo, NY stated, “This is by far the best assembly I’ve seen in 30 years”. He has over 75 school testimonials. https://kevinmccarthyyouthshows.com/testimonials/

We offer small group or class sized lessons on art history, including American artists Winslow Homer, George Inness, Childe Hassam, and many more. These are 45 minutes and usually include an art making activity. https://www.arkellmuseum.org/school-programs

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.

Veena & Devesh Chandra are an internationally renowned Indian Classical Music duo whose unique mother-son partnership embodies the authentic guru-disciple tradition spanning generations. Their immersive and interdisciplinary programming offers profound understanding of both the music and the culture inherent to it. Their customizable Arts in Education programs range from interactive performances and small group workshops to comprehensive 4-day residencies that seamlessly integrate Indian music and culture across subjects including Art, English, History, Orchestra, Chorus, Band, and Dance. As Artist Associates at Williams College and recipients of multiple New York State Council on the Arts and National Endowment of Arts awards, their programs foster creativity, promote cultural understanding, and offer hands-on experiences with traditional instruments such as tabla and sitar, culminating in school-wide presentations that celebrate diversity and connect communities through the transformative power of music. The Chandras bring both artistic excellence and deep educational expertise to create memorable learning experiences that inspire curiosity, spark cultural appreciation, and engage students of all ages (Pre-K through 12) in this ancient yet vibrant musical tradition.

Richard Celestin Consulting Group LLC offers skill development, social-emotional and law-based programming and services to K-12 school communities, including students, parents and teachers. This includes workshops, assemblies, trainings and consulting. The founder, Richard Celestin, Esq., is an experienced attorney, educator and author with extensive experience working with youth and adults within schools, CBO's and not-for-profits. Topics include college and career readiness, debate and advocacy, healthy relationships, social media use, critical and consequential thinking and much more.

At TWUSA, we're firm believers in the vital role of theater in our youth's development. Our multi-session arts programs cater to all ages and abilities, aligning with educational and arts standards. We provide curriculum, all supplies, and passionate Teaching Artists who create safe spaces for structured youth development, active learning, and SEL skill practice. You'll also gain access to free shows and unwavering support from our education team. We provide a sliding scale for pricing and offer customize residencies for K-12 sites and beyond.

We offer classes, demonstrations, workshops, and artist residencies for all schools and learning environments for all ages in the art of Capoeira, an African-Brazilian martial art and dance, and related Brazilian dances. We also can work with other teaching artists of other disciplines on an as-needed basis.

For over 10 years, The Art of Education has been helping visual art educators grow. Over that time, our institution has learned a tremendous amount about what art teachers want and don’t want. With that expansive and valuable knowledge and expertise, The Art of Education has evolved into a highly innovative curriculum and professional learning resource partner. The Art of Education's solutions are aligned with New York State Learning Standards for the Arts and are CTLE-approved (#23348). The Art of Education currently partners with dozens of districts across New York including: Freeport Public Schools, Valley Stream Central High School District, Niagara Wheatfield, Niagara Falls City, Williamsville Central, Olean City, Brighton Central, Rochester City, Ellenville Central, East Irondequoit, Phelps-Clifton Springs, Marlboro Central, Waterloo Central, Trumansburg Central, Horseheads Central, West Genesee, North Syracuse, Syracuse City, Liverpool Central, Carthage Central, and many more.

Bash the Trash (BTT) is a performing/educational ensemble that shows students how to build musical instruments from reused and repurposed materials, while making connections to science, culture and the environment. For over 35 years BTT has been offering in-person performances, workshops and professional development in the NYC/Hudson Valley/Long Island region; and amazing hands-on virtual programs for communities in New York State beyond our travel range. We reach about 60,000 students a year with in-person programs like “Sustainable Sounds”, “Trashaganza”, and our climate change show “Too Much Heat”. We have 30+ virtual programs to choose from our page on the Center for Interactive Learning site here, including programs about Latin American percussion, Native American storytelling and poetry, musical instrument spotlights (like steelpan drums, xylophones and bucket drums), as well as other great programs for April - Earth Day Month! In-person Programming: Hudson Valley Long Island New York City We're flexible, contact us to discuss! Virtual Programming: All other regions

We offer engaging author visits to schools and organizations, either virtually or in person with our author(s) and book character(s). Each 45-minute assembly is designed for students in Pre-K through 4th grade and includes a read-aloud from a book of your choice, interactive storytelling with music, games, and lively discussion. Students will also have access to discounted pricing on books. These read-aloud sessions aren’t just entertaining—they’re educational. They help motivate children to read, strengthen their comprehension, expand vocabulary, and introduce language patterns not typically heard in everyday conversation. Students are encouraged to make meaningful connections between the stories and their own lives, making reading both fun and relevant.

Please take a moment to consider my StoryFaces and Talking Art assembly programs for schools, a unique presentation of storytelling and visual arts with a variety of content for grades K - 12, family audiences and events. Christopher Agostino’s StoryFaces is a fusion of language and visual arts, an exciting storytelling show in which volunteers are face painted to illustrate the stories as I tell them, captivating the audience with traditional folktales and my uniquely animated original stories like The Amazing Face Story and The Amazing Face Story Activity, a follow-up activity in which students create an original story starring themselves — including Talking Art programs focusing on art history for upper grades — and programs for adults and family audiences. Assembly Programs are available for grade levels K - 12, with variable content for different grade levels. For middle and upper grade levels the performances also include cultural information on the use and significance of masks and makeup. Performances run 45 - 60 minutes, and work best for an audience of 250 students or less. In most shows I paint 8 to 12 volunteers during the performance, while mesmerizing the entire audience with stories ranging from traditional tales like Aesop’s Fables to legendary adventures like Punia and the King of the Sharks, The Tail of the Dragon and the samurai hero tale Raiko vs. the Goblin Spider, plus my original stories such as The Tiger that Went to the House of the Sun, When A Man First Met a Crocodile and in my Talking Arts programs, stories about art -- origins, inspirations and appropriations -- such as my mask design demonstration: Two Lizards on Four Faces, and Picasso the Thief and the birth of Modern Art.

Theatre of Youth (TOY) is WNY’s only professional theatre dedicated to serving children and their families. We offer field trip opportunities to watch professional family friendly plays and musicals. We also offer in school theatre workshops. Our Mission: Theatre of Youth Company, Inc. (TOY) stimulates the imagination, nurtures the creative spirit and enhances the education of young people by engaging them in relevant, child-centered, and professionally-produced live theatre programs. TOY believes meaningful childhood experiences in the theatre develop confidence in creative thinking skills, cultivate empathy and establish a life-long connection to the arts. TOY is a place where all families, children, cast and crew feel included, represented and inspired. We strive to reflect the community that gave rise to our theatre, both on and off the stage, and to improve access to the magic of children’s theatre and arts education for all. TOY is a safe haven where children can explore and be creative in comfort, with diversity in our productions and ensuring that our community has a voice in everything we do.