Young Audiences of Western New York

New ProgramNils Caspersson

Picture of Nils CasperssonDiatonisk and the Dulcimer

The fretted dulcimer is one of the easiest stringed musical instruments to play. Once tuned correctly there are no "wrong" notes. With a quick bit of instruction almost anyone can play simple melodies. Basic strumming, using a noter stick, and playing the same dulcimer with another student at the same time, are a few learning techniques that always attract attention. It is the perfect musical instrument.  Diatonisk and the Dulcimer playing programs range from the very basic, ages 6- adult, to advanced for those with guitar, banjo, and other musical instrument experience. With a bit of practice players can quickly master simple American, Irish or Swedish fiddle tunes as well as some holiday and hymnal melodies.  A more comprehensive program presentation is available that includes one or a series of performances providing a complete explanation of diatonic tuning and a view of the cross culture  of material folk arts and folk music.

Artist: Nils Caspersson
Workshops Fee: $184
Grades: 5-12
Limit: 25 students per workshop


Buffalo Buzzards

Buffalo Buzzards The Complete Spectrum of Jazz

These musicians, inducted in 2002 to The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame perform music from pre-1900 through the present.  The evolution of music is also discussed by this highly popular group of talented musicians. Students gain an understanding of the meaning of jazz, its development, and its place within the framework of the arts.
The presentation features a demonstration of the various instruments played by the group members and includes an opportunity for student participation.  A popular lullaby is played in jazz style, providing students with insight into jazz performance.  Also featured are selections illustrating how jazz has influenced blues and rock music and highlighting the African-American component of this truly American art form.  This unique program can be tailored to any age group.

Artists: Paul Preston, Sr., Lewis Custode, Paul  Zapalowski, Warren Stirtzinger
Fee:  single $385; back-to-back $675 (plus union travel)
Workshops Fee: $184  (plus union travel)
Grades: K-12
Limit: 300 students per performance, 30 students per workshop

More programs by this artist: Family & Community


Glenn Colton

Pict of Glenn Colton

Singer/songwriter Glenn Colton has performed over 4000 educational concerts in schools.  His high energy concerts celebrate respect, responsibility and many other character building traits that will help kids achieve a happy and abundant life.  Using a variety of teaching styles, the focus is on the audience and their active participation throughout the entire concert.   A complete pre-show promotional package will be provided, including sheet music and a CD featuring an original song from the show of your choice.  Since he joined the YA-WNY roster of artists in 1999, Glenn Colton has consistently received excellent reviews from the schools in our area. 

The Character Education Show

This concert celebrates the three R’s ( RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and REALLY GOOD MANNERS).  The objective of the show is to encourage healthy choices in your school and to help kids discover how the choices we make today affect our tomorrow.  Glenn can modify the program to highlight specific character traits.

Readers Are Winners

Celebrate your school’s reading program with this upbeat concert.   The message is clear: Reading is empowering and can help us reach for the stars to make our life a wonderful journey.  Get ready for an imagination celebration!

Don’t Bully Me: Strategies & Solutions

Bullying is NOT OK!  It is any word, look, sign or act that hurts another person’s body, feelings or things.  Your students will be empowered with 4 “easy-to-remember” tools to help them recognize and respond to bullying situations.  Why do some people become bullies? What can a person do if he or she is being bullied? As a school, how can we put a stop to bullying? These sensitive questions are at the heart of the show.

America the Beautiful

Celebrate freedom and the rich heritage of the U.S.A. with this toe tapping sing-along show.  It features great songs from our country’s past, combined with a few of Glenn’s personal favorites. Students are reminded in song of the untold wealth our country offers to those who are willing to work hard and always do their best! Additionally, this show is a celebration of the very process that defines our freedom, our right to vote!

Pict of New! SymbolThe Cyber Safety Show 

Digital technology has ushered in the era of convenient and life changing global communications.  With the "world at their fingertips," our young people need to be educated about both the power and the dangers that are just a click away.  This show features 5 new songs filled with strategies that will enable your students to be responsible and safe cyberspace citizens.  A copy of Glenn's new songs is included, where M-O-U-S-E spells out the valuable lessons presented.

Music Through the Decades

Take your students on a whirlwind musical journey with a celebration of our country's ever changing musical appetite. Beginning with the rock and roll era of the 1950s, travel with Glenn at the "speed of sound" as he highlights each decade's popular music with songs, musical props, humor, and surprises! The voyage continues into the future with a celebration of the wonderful possibilities it holds for all of us! The show concludes with two powerful messages: Always do your best and always treat your neighbor with respect.

Love Your Mother Earth

The underlying theme of the show is that individual and small group actions do make a difference! Glenn's high energy performance encourages listeners to take charge and save the planet. This program is an appropriate supplement to your school's Earth Day conservation curriculum. As the importance of conservation grows, we look to the future through the eyes of our students. This show plants the seed of inquiry in your students through participative songs, examples and special effects.

The Glenn Colton Holiday Show

Capture the excitement of the season with this heartwarming and uplifting concert. This festive show combines holiday favorites with just the right touch of Glenn's musical message.

The Family Concert

This is an indescribably magical performance that combines unbridled fun with just the right amount of Glenn's personal message. It's a great way to bring families together (any time of day, any time of year) for a spectacular musical experience. Think of this show as "All the best moments of Glenn's concerts rolled into one!"

Artist: Glenn Colton
Fee: single $580; back-to-back $780
Grades: K-6
Limit: 300 students per performance

More programs by this artist: Family & Community


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