Young Audiences of Western New York

Sonja Inglefield

Sonja InglefieldSonja Inglefield has been the principal harpist with the Baltimore Opera Company in Maryland since 1992 and teaches at Peabody Preparatory, the Baltimore School for the Arts, and Goucher College. She has performed across the United States and Europe, including solo and chamber performances at several World Harp Congresses over the years. Her repertoire includes music from the ancient classics to works created today by contemporary composers.

Harpistry

This program serves as an introduction to one of the world's oldest instruments. Discover what a harp is, how many strings it has, and how it produces sound. Learn what the different colored strings are for and what the pedals do. A few volunteers will attempt to play different sounds and modern effects on the instrument. All will enjoy a variety of music that spans the centuries - not only angelic, but also exciting!

Artist: Sonja Inglefield
Fee: single $530; back-to-back $795
Grades: K-6
Limit: 150 Students
Limited Availability. Call office for details.


The Melissa Kate Project

Melissa KateFull of Song

Music is a universal language, but what does that really mean? Students join in the performance with musicians who have traveled across the world. This program is all about communication through music. American styles of jazz, pop and rhythm and blues are the vehicle through which students learn and practice how to improvise, keep a beat, and express themselves through song. The show is fully audience participation-focused, and provides students with a positive live music experience.

Workshops for smaller groups are available following the program, where individual classes are invited to meet the musicians and deepen their learning and experience of the music created. They are guided through exercises that boost their self-confidence, and gain insight into the workd of music beyond mere performance. This program is great for music curriculum enhancement; workshops can build on specific music and arts curriculum needs.

Artists: Melissa Kate Miller and musicians (subject to change)
Fee: single $605; back-to-back $910
Workshop Fee: $184
Grades: K-12
Limit: 300 students per performance

More programs by this artist: Residencies


Ladies First Jazz Combo

Ladies First Jaxx ComboLadies First Jazz Combo was formed in 1996 and re-formed into a 15 piece big band in 2002. The all female quintet is led by award winning bassist Jennifer May who has toured all over the globe. She is joined by co-founder, Peggy Scalzo - drums Jennie Jones - saxophone and vocals, Laurie Bordonaro - keyboards and vocals, and Julie Windon - trumpet

Exploring Jazz

A highly interactive performance explores not only the history of jazz, but also various parts of this uniquely American art form. Students learn "Jazz etiquette," the nature of sets, scat singing, doing fours and warm up vocal exercises. Students also learn about the history of the jazz instruments, the variety of sounds produced and when and where they were first made and used. A short discussion on music careers is also part of this exciting performance.

Artists: Jennifer May, Peggy Scalzo, Jennie Jones, Julie Windon, Laurie Bordonaro
Fee: single $570;
back-to-back $755
Grades: K-8
Limit: 300 students per performance.

More programs by this artist: Family & Community


Kevin McCarthy

Kevin McCarthyAn award-winning entertainer, songwriter and touring musician, Kevin McCarthy is one of the most sought after solo acts in the Northeast. For over 19 years, Kevin has performed thousands of shows and has thrilled audiences of all ages from Toronto to the Bahamas. Playing acoustic guitar and singing, his show features a state-of-the-art computer & Bose PA system which allows for a full band sound. An ideal role model, Kevin has the ability to relate to and inspire young people by combining the key messages of his programs with his talent and unique personal experiences, not only as a musician, but also as a high school coach and wellness educator. With his youthful appearance and fresh approach, Kevin draws in young people with his huge range of diverse popular music - from current and familiar songs to the classics - and will leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

Character Education: Believe in Yourself

One the most important life lessons in a young person's development is building self-esteem. "Believing In Yourself" is the first step towards happiness and a rewarding life. More than just "feeling good," students will learn the building blocks of life-long self-esteem in a simple, easy to understand approach. Drawing on personal experience, Kevin reveals the many secrets of his successes and inspires students to understand how to believe in themselves. Kevin excites audiences with fun, familiar and upbeat songs and actively engages the students for an enjoyable and memorable learning experience.

Wellness: Key Essentials To Good Health

Kevin combines his love of music and his extensive wellness background for this unique and engaging program. With the steady rise of childhood obesity, it's no secret there is a wellness crisis among young people in the country, including Western New York. Kevin teaches and inspires students by combining practical information on health and wellness with proactive steps that are easy to understand and follow. Students learn to apply and establish these life-long habits to take charge of their own personal good health in an energetic and enjoyable way.

Fee: single $570; back-to-back $755
Grades: K-12
Limit: 300 students per performance

Follow up workshops are available for all programs. Call office for details.

More programs by this artist: Family & Community


Miriam Minkoff

Pict of Miriam Minkoff
Making Music Together

Percussionist Miriam Minkoff, with years of experience working with people of all ages and abilities, brings an eclectic assortment of drums and handheld percussion instruments for your group to experience making music together.  Students learn about the basic elements of music through traditional rhythms, using the age-old method "if you can say it, you can play it."  They improvise new compositions that they create and perform together on the percussion instruments.  This is a great introduction to the fundamental structure of music and to working collaboratively.  Miriam creates an encouraging, playful yet challenging environment where young people feel safe taking healthy risks making music together.

Workshops Fee: $184 (plus union travel)
Grades: K-12
Limit: 25 students per workshop


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