Dedicated to creating art for young people, Daniel has performed over 2000 student performances throughout the country for the past 24 years with storyteller and poet, David Gonzalez and his own projects. An artist who has been called “stunningly original” with “a visionary imagination,” composer and pianist Daniel Kelly explores the meeting place of music with literature, visual art and journalism, captivating audiences across the country. Kelly’s music has been declared “powerfully moving” by Time Out New York. He has performed with GRAMMY-award winning jazz legends Michael Brecker and Joe Lovano, hip-hop star Lauryn Hill, cutting-edge modern classical The Bang on a Can All-Stars and a long list of jazz musicians such as NEA Jazz Masters Dave Liebman & Sheila Jordan, Don Byron, Donny McCaslin, Oliver Lake, Bobby Sanabria and many others. Kelly toured throughout Southeast Asia and India as a part of the Kennedy Center/US State Department-sponsored Jazz Ambassador program, has performed for the president of Costa Rica and at the Shangilia orphanage in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Dedicated to creating art for young people, he has performed over 2000 student performances throughout the country for the past 24 years with storyteller and poet, David Gonzalez and his own projects. He has also composed for chamber orchestra, string quartet, film and multimedia theater works. He has released five CDs of original compositions. YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@danielkelly Daniel has three shows along with study guides to offer schools, all of which are listed below: First: Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! which is geared to Grades K-3 Webpage with promo video: https://www.danielkellymusic.com/school-family-shows Full show video - Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! https://vimeo.com/1024064858/15bdab6166?share=copy Google drive with full show video, endorsements, flyers: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15L3dSgyTKCse-Zyrzu0TwiQPpS8eVcgI?usp=sharing Description: What happens when a master musician meets a hapless fool – in ONE person? The answer is Half Note, the alter-ego of award-winning pianist/composer Daniel Kelly. In this 40-minute solo performance, Daniel brings the audience on an entertaining romp into his musical world - blending jazz, classical and pop music with physical comedy, musical storytelling and outrageous keyboard sounds. In the first part of the program, Daniel presents a musical-storytelling of the Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten, in which a boy loses a mitten in the woods and a series of animals squeeze into it, each one larger than the last. In Daniel's musical version, each animal has a musical theme that layers on top of one another - building up into a symphonic bang! A classically trained pianist-turned jazz musician, Daniel also presents an enlightening and joyful ride through the history of jazz music - from Scott Joplin to Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to hip-hop. Finally, Daniel uses technology (looping pedals and effects) to build a modern piece of music layer by layer, illustrating the elements of rhythm, harmony and melody. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to create loops and grooves at the microphone. A fan of Charlie Chaplin and Victor Borge, Daniel ties the program together with hilarious physical comedy gags that will delight audiences of all ages. Contact Sandra for study guide and to discuss options for your school. Second: Shakespeare in Jazz: All the World's a Song ~ Grades 3-8 - Can feature duo or trio performers Webpage with video, study guides, etc: https://www.danielkellymusic.com/all-the-worlds-a-song-shakespeare-in-jazz You’ve never experienced Shakespeare like this! A sensation in performing arts centers nationwide, this engaging & joyful jazz concert invites people of all ages to experience the magic of Shakespeare's timeless words set to memorable, original jazz songs by award-winning pianist Daniel Kelly & his stellar band - featuring an extraordinary jazz vocalist. Audiences are invited to sing along and are delighted that they have memorized some of Shakespeare's most famous lines in the process! Great for those discovering his plays for the first time and Shakespeare aficionados alike! Promo video: https://youtu.be/8yxfL0ufYQw?si=j6w3UpU6C6TIeFJA Full show: https://vimeo.com/586450010/a801c9eee5?share=copy Google drive with Shakespeare in Jazz endorsements, flyers, study guides: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hgGZHBBL_9HngU6YxC8Zt-mahAtJJAL0?usp=sharing Third: Interactive Concert for People with Special Needs - Grades 3-8 This is a solo show. Description: Daniel Kelly is an interactive music specialist and person-centered educator with extensive experience working one-on-one and in small group settings. His joyful, sensory-friendly concerts encourage spontaneous creativity and positive musical experiences for individuals with special needs, fostering community and celebrating each person's unique qualities. Contact Sandra for study guide and to discuss options for your school.

The Farmers' Museum and Historic Village has lots to offer for School groups. We have a variety of tours and workshops, most of which can be tailored to a specific age group. We offer guided and self-guided tour options, as well as workshops in the Fall and Early Spring. We are also the permanent home of the Empire State Carousel, a carousel all about New York State, one of the only museums you can ride! Please feel free to reach out via phone or email with any questions.

**Mr. Twisty Arts-in-Education Assembly Programs** For over three decades, Chad Currin has brought Mr. Twisty, his hilariously charming character, into schools, captivating young audiences with assemblies that blend laughter, magic, and meaningful lessons. As the son of a school librarian, storytelling runs deep in Mr. Twisty’s heart, and he has even penned seven children’s books. Currently, Mr. Twisty also stars in *Mr. Twisty's Storytime Adventures*, a popular YouTube show that’s a big hit with early readers! Every episode celebrates children’s stories by independent authors, packs in delightful (and groan-worthy!) dad jokes, and showcases balloon artistry. Mr. Twisty’s arts-in-education programs keep kids engaged and enrich the curriculum, making learning memorable and exciting. Each assembly offers valuable educational experiences with an infusion of creativity and joy, fostering a love of reading, a sense of empowerment, and an appreciation for our planet’s tiny helpers. --- **Assembly Programs and Classroom Visits:** ### 1. **Books & Beyond: The Magical Power of Stories** **For Grades K-5** Dive into the adventure of reading with Mr. Twisty as he shares his story of growing up in a library and the love of stories he learned from his librarian mom! This lively program encourages students to explore the magical world inside books, emphasizing the importance of reading in daily life and supporting themes aligned with the Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) program. With humor, magic, and interactive elements, Mr. Twisty makes reading cool and fun, motivating students to open a book and discover the worlds waiting inside. - **Themes Covered:** Storytelling, reading motivation, imagination, book discovery - **Takeaways:** Kids learn that books are gateways to endless adventures and knowledge, igniting excitement for independent reading. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can visit individual classrooms to work with smaller groups, sharing tips on creating their own “story magic.” --- ### 2. **The MAGIC of YOU! - Building Self-Esteem through Magic** **For Grades 3 and Up** In *The MAGIC of YOU!* assembly, Mr. Twisty uses magic as a metaphor for personal empowerment, helping students believe in their ability to make amazing things happen. This program is designed to boost self-confidence and encourage students to take pride in their unique qualities. Mr. Twisty shares inspirational stories and showcases illusions that remind students that they, too, have “hidden powers” within. After the assembly, students who attend the optional classroom sessions will learn a simple magic trick to take home, letting them experience the thrill of mastering something new and surprising their friends and family. - **Themes Covered:** Self-esteem, self-discovery, resilience, confidence-building - **Takeaways:** Students leave feeling empowered to face challenges and create “magic” in their own lives. - **Optional Classroom Visits:** Mr. Twisty can teach students a beginner-friendly magic trick to keep the theme of empowerment going. --- ### 3. **Wiggle, Dig & Compost! - Magical Worms & the World of Soil Health** **For Grades K-5** *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* is a hands-on program where Mr. Twisty introduces his pet worms and teaches students all about the incredible role worms play in recycling and composting. This isn’t a typical assembly; it’s a special classroom experience where each class gets an up-close encounter with Mr. Twisty’s wriggling worm friends and a reading of his story *Little Lily and Eddie the Earthworm!* Kids will learn about worms, composting, soil health, and sustainability in a way that’s unforgettable—and they get to meet and greet Mr. Twisty’s worms for a fun, tactile experience. This program is ideal for teaching young students about the environment, helping them develop respect for our planet and its tiniest eco-heroes. - **Themes Covered:** Environmental science, composting, recycling, worm care - **Takeaways:** Students learn that even the smallest creatures play a big role in keeping our earth healthy and clean. - **Classroom Visit Experience:** A close-up meet-and-greet with real, live worms—a unique and memorable way to connect with nature’s recyclers. --- **What Teachers & Librarians Love About Mr. Twisty’s Programs:** - **Curriculum-Connected Learning:** Each program ties into key educational themes, providing a fun way to reinforce classroom topics. - **Interactive Elements:** Assemblies are highly engaging, often with student volunteers, humor, and age-appropriate magic tricks to make learning fun. - **Encouragement for Young Readers:** Mr. Twisty’s passion for storytelling inspires students to read more and discover the magic in books. - **Empowerment Focus:** Programs like *The MAGIC of YOU!* are designed to build self-esteem and encourage personal growth. - **Environmental Education:** Mr. Twisty’s hands-on approach in *Wiggle, Dig & Compost!* offers a unique environmental science lesson. Each program is adaptable to meet the needs of your school and audience, and Mr. Twisty is happy to work with educators to create a memorable and impactful experience for students. Let Mr. Twisty’s magic bring laughter, learning, and lasting lessons to your school!

Created to serve school districts, college, libraries, and theaters across Upstate New York, CNY Jazz Management is dedicated to the educational mission of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, the region’s primary provider of jazz programming in concert, cabaret, scholastic and festival settings in schools and in public. Our core cultural history shows are available separately or in a group: All That Jazz, a whirlwind history of jazz; Blues Shout, a history of male blues and jazz singers of the 20th Century; Music & Musket, exploring the role of the musician in the Civil War; and Jazz On Demand, unlocking the secrets of songwriting and listening creatively! All programs are narrated and include a vocabulary/teacher’s guide. We also offer full-day or multi-day residencies by all of our large ensembles, with or without national guest soloist/teaching artists, co-designed with you to fit your program needs – clinics, jams, and grand concerts. you may preview all of our shows and watch an overview of our entire arts-in-education service at the video link on our web site. Contact us for more information about presenting any of our offerings in your school!

Founded in 1997, Treehouse Shakers’ creates award winning, original dance-plays that encourage multi-generational audiences to experience greater connections to their community. Melding theater, dance, music and visual elements with a script, our current school repertoire includes 7 tour-ready performances that explore narrative styles through universal themes addressing every age level within youth programming. Solidifying our role in the American theater scene, we created and toured the first dance-play for babies, Hatched, in 2012. We remain one of the few companies making thoughtful professional performances for the very early years. Our current roster includes: Hatched for ages 0-6, Flutter for 6-18 months, Sail Away for 18-24 months, Olive & Pearl for ages 2-5, The Littlest Cove for ages 3-6, The Boy Who Grew Flowers, ages 5-10, and Under the Tangle for 8-13. We also offer Pillow Fort, a web-series & Dance Break, an educational series to be streamed into the classroom. Treehouse Shakers also offers a variety of exceptional public workshops, in-school residencies, and staff developments tailored to specific arts programming and age ranges. We specialize in Storytelling, Dance, Writing, Creative Drama and More. Our arts in education programs encourage young people to think, learn, and truly be engaged through the discipline, innovation, and creativity of the arts. We can offer a half-hour workshop to an entire year of learning!

Ramon Gil is the award-winning artist and writer of THE WHIZ KIDS FROM DARPA. A children's graphic novel about teen scientists who go on funny STEM based adventures. Ramon also teaches comics making to children and adults and can lecture about the difference between Comic Books and Graphic Novels which was his MFA thesis. Ramon also organizes workshops, panel discussions and comic cons having done so for The Fashion Institute of Technology and the Gillen Brewer School.

We believe in the power of hands-on, nature-based experiences to enhance student learning, and we’re eager to partner with you in creating unforgettable outdoor adventures for your students. Whether it’s fostering teamwork, developing leadership skills, or simply encouraging students to engage with the environment in a meaningful way, our courses are designed to inspire and challenge. WildPlay's Mission is to Evolve the Human by helping people be brave enough to change their world as a student, a teacher, a parent ... a human being figuring out this thing called life. The success of our mission is entirely founded on trust; WildPlay is a refuge for adventure seekers, brave beginners, and everyone in between those communities. We do what we say we're going to do - humans go up our course one person and come out changed on the other side - we're here to build confidence that children and teens can take back to their own lives and adapt into leadership qualities.

Second Generation Theatre offers a variety of paid and free theatre arts and dance education to students aged 5 through adulthood! Whether you have a child who loves to sing and dance, a student who is looking to stretch their creativity and make new friends while building new skills, or you are an adult who wants to jump back into dance, Second Generation Theatre Academy is for you!

Your school will be amazed at the magic. They will laugh at the hysterical comedy. But most importantly, they will get excited about being Fit! The bFit Show is a 45-minute elementary fitness and nutrition program designed to get your kids interested in getting Fit. The show uses magic, comedy, juggling, music, and tons of audience participation to deliver a powerful and motivational message that kids in America need to hear! The bFit Show uses magic, comedy, juggling, and audience participation to get your elementary school excited about eating healthy, fitness, nutrition, and exercise! Students, teachers, parents, and administrators will love and talk about The bFit Show for days, weeks, and months to come. And this program may help your school fight child obesity, diabetes, and heart disease! The bFit Show with Brian Richards is an elementary health and fitness assembly that will get your students up and moving!

Inspiring author visits, storytelling "concerts" and writing workshops for all grade levels. Awesome Educational Fun! Mark Binder is the author of more than two-dozen books and audiobook, including "The Bed Time Story Book," "Cinderella Spinderella," "It Ate My Sister" and many more. He is an Audie Audiobook Award Nominee, and a Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner. A graduate of Columbia University, he holds an MA in Theater and English. As a storyteller, he has more than 25 years experience in schools around the world. He has taught writing to students in colleges, high schools, middle and elementary schools.

High Rollers Roller Skating in Amsterdam, NY offers S.T.E.M. Educational Field Trips and Incentive Skating Trips for schools. Our program features seven hands-on, interactive lessons that align with New York State learning standards, covering science, technology, engineering, and math through the science of roller skating. Each trip includes one hour of guided S.T.E.M. instruction followed by two hours of skating and fitness fun. Schools can also book 2½-hour recreational field trips for attendance, behavior incentives or just for FUN! These Sessions feature games, music, an arcade, and snack bar access in a safe, supervised environment.

The author/illustrator of over 30 children’s books, Eric Velasquez is also the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for outstanding literature of children. His pre-K - 12 programs are admired by students and teachers alike-- Eric is as good a storyteller in person as he is on the page. During his 45-60 minute presentations, Eric generally relates his personal dual-heritage experience growing up in Spanish Harlem, accompanied by the autobiographical illustrations and music featured in his books. He also explains his writing and artistic process from brainstorming through revision, culminating in a live portrait session (projected on screen so every student can see), which is accompanied by a Q&A.