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Dave Ruch

Dave Ruch is extensively involved in the arts-in-education field, using music to teach core curriculum and inspire young learners. He is based in the Buffalo area, and travels widely throughout the school year. Ruch has played music for almost 30 years, and worked as a teaching artist for almost half that time.

Armed with a slew of intriguing instruments (banjo, jaw harp, guitar, bones, spoons, octave mandolin and more) and a zest for exploring history and culture through music, he works with tens of thousands of students each year in preschool, primary, elementary, intermediate, middle and high school settings.

Dave got his start in the arts-in-education field with the Hill Brothers. That outfit was founded by Jerry Raven and has become well-known in Western New York elementary schools. When Ruch started out with the Hill Brothers, he was a working musician, i.e. a night owl. While he initially found 8:30 am to be a most inappropriate time of day to be performing, he soon fell in love with the work, the response from the children and teachers, and eventually, the hours. Along with his wife, he now raises his own family and appreciates the opportunity to be home most nights while engaging in fulfilling work during the day.

Art Forms:
Music

Programs

Songs from our Communities....for singing and moving! add to wish list

Performing songs and stories from communities near and far, the artist ensures students have fun while learning. Based on New York State Social Studies curriculum, with a specific emphasis on communities and neighborhoods, this concert will have students moving, laughing, clapping and singing.

Correlates with K-2 curriculum. (30-40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
K-2
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

New York State Social Studies Sampler add to wish list

Dave Ruch loves New York State Grade 4 Social Studies curriculum and brings the history and culture of the Empire State to life in this show! With an assortment of songs and stories that include the Iroquois Indians, the Erie Canal, and more, this program is perfect for preparing students for the New York State Grade 5 Social Studies test in the fall.

(40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
4
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

World Communities Concert add to wish list

Add a musical dimension to your studies of various world cultures and communities! Your students will experience an Indian tabla drum, an exotic stringed instrument from Europe, Native American traditional instruments and more as they sing in various languages. An exploration of the values and interests we share with world cultures is brought to life through song. The artist also discusses his own eye-opening trip to Asia in 1992.

Ties into 3rd grade curriculum, adaptable for K-6. (40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
K-6
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Erie Canal Concert add to wish list

Bring the Erie Canal era to life right in your school. The artist has dug up a treasure trove of songs and stories from the workers, captains, passengers and crews who worked on "Clinton' s Ditch." This interactive performance encourages students to "show off" what they' ve learned about the Erie Canal.

Ties into 4th and 7th grade curriculum, adaptable for K-8. (40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
K-8
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Traditional Children' s Game Songs, Stories and Singalongs add to wish list

Authentic children' s songs, singing games and stories from American, European and African traditions offer young wigglers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with their own heritage, and that of other cultures.

This is time-tested fun for the youngest audiences.

(Preschools & Ages 3-7, 30 minutes performance).

Grade Level:
Pre K-2
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Regions of the U.S. in Song add to wish list

A musical journey across America! Interactive songs, stories and a discussion of musical instruments from various regions of our country. Song material highlights cultural aspects and industries for each region.

Ties into 4th/5th grade curriculum, adaptable for K-8. (40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
K-8
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Traditional and Historical Songs of New York State add to wish list

In this concert-and-lecture program, Dave Ruch shares the stories behind the songs of the real New Yorkers who settled and built our state. This program is a celebration of local music, history and the humanities.

Grade Level:
9-12
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Evening Family Concert add to wish list

Dave brings along his banjo, guitar, jaw harp and more for a musical program that entertains all ages. Audience members delight in seeing and learning a bit about these instruments, while enjoying interactive songs. Expect sing-alongs, movement songs, laughter, guessing games, maybe even a few cartoon themes.. some audience members may even be invited to come up on "stage" and become part of the show! Perfect as a reward or "fun day," PTA family nights, ice cream socials, etc.

(40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
Pre K- Adult
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Songwriting Workshop add to wish list

Capitalizing on the excitement generated during the concert, the artist can come right into your classroom with his guitar for a special 30 minute follow-up session. Students' attention is focused on a curricular area as they interact with the performer, brainstorm ideas, and with Dave's help, create their own song. The song is then sung on the spot and digitally recorded! Each classroom will then receive a CD with their original song, sung in their voices. Dynamic learning!

Must be booked along with a Dave Ruch assembly performance.

Grade Level:
3-12
Performance cost (single):
$212.00

Just for Fun add to wish list

nd maybe even a few cartoon theme songs. Perfect as a reward or "fun day," PTA family nights, ice cream socials, etc.

(40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
K-6
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Immigration Songs and Stories add to wish list

An entertaining overview of immigration and the cultural melting pot that is America. Performing songs and sharing stories, the artist discusses the immigrant experience in this country: why they moved here, how they made the trip, what they hoped to find, where they settled, and of course, what type of music they introduced to our culture!

Ties into 5th grade curriculum, adaptable for grades 3-6. (40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
3-6
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00

Native Americans of New York add to wish list

With his guitar and several traditional Iroquois instruments, the artist leads students on a musical journey into Western New York history. Students become active participants in their own learning as they sing along (in English and Iroquois!), answer questions and act out songs. Topics covered include the Iroquois' use of their surroundings to meet their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter, as well as the forced relocation of the Iroquois.

Ties into 4th grade curriculum adaptable for K-8. (40 minute performance).

Grade Level:
K-8
Performance cost (single):
$455.00
Performance cost (back to back):
$680.00