Performing Arts
Rachael Carnes — Dance
Jose Cruz— Latin Dance and Music
Alseny Yansane & Andrea DiPalma — West African Dance and Music
Greg Gurley — Theatre
Maggie Matoba – Hawaiian Music
Sharon S’elove — Theatre
Kelly Terwilliger — Story-Making
Kelly Thibodeaux — Fiddle
Visual and Craft Arts
Liz Casey – Painting
Andrea DiPalma — Clay
Janas Durkee – Drawing/ Painting
Merideth Ferrell — Watercolor painting/ Silk Banners
Kay Irish — Drawing / Watercolor
Laura Jackson — Sculptural arts / Clay
Alex Lanham — Clay/ Drawing
Karen Moeller — Puppet-making/ Sculpture
Carolyn Quinn— Multimedia/ World Traditions
Gayle Smith — Fabric arts / Design
Performance Assemblies
Alseny Yansane & Andrea DiPalma — West African Dance & Music
Josh Humphrey — North Indian Classical Music
Christopher Leebrick — Storytelling
Maggie Matoba and Iron Mango — Hawaiian Music & Cultural Arts
Kelly Thibodeaux — Fiddle and Song: Music of Louisiana Culture
Paul Prince — World Music - Harp & Guitar
Directory of YouthArts Artists 2008-2009
Performing Arts - Residencies
Go to: Visual Arts - Residencies | Performance Assemblies
Rachael Carnes (Dance/Creative movement) grades K-8
Rachael Carnes has been an invited presenter on inclusion in dance, nationally and internationally, and she regularly trains classroom teachers to use movement as a learning tool for their students. In addition to directing Sparkplug Dance, a nonprofit organization she founded and dedicated to making learning fun for everyone through dance, Rachael serves on the faculty for Lane Community College. In 2007, Rachael was invited to be a trainer for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Rachael works successfully with school specialists, classroom teachers and administrators to design integrative academic lessons in a range of subjects, including math, reading, science and language arts.
Children will use dance as a learning tool, blending concepts and kinesthetic awareness, in the context of school subjects. creative dance and developmental movement enhance academic concepts for school age children, nurture brain development and learning in children of all abilities, and cultivate skills and concepts for lifelong learning. When children learn through their bodies, they can take those ideas anywhere they want to go.
"Rachael Carnes and her staff are dedicated to providing opportunities for children of all abilities to learn...alongside one another in an accessible and welcoming environment." - Sue Mathisen, Lane Education Service District
"We wish we could have you every week" - Susan Ventura, Edgewood Elementary School
"Dance is fun! We have fun dancing!" - Eugene kindergartener
Recent Artist Residencies include Arts & Technology Academy, Edgewood.
Jose Cruz (Latin Dance and Music) grades K-12
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A Latin dance choreographer and musician, Jose Cruz founded Salseros in Eugene in 1999, where he teaches and directs a dance group. He was born in El Salvador an is fluently bilingual. He started his career teaching Casino Rueda (Cuban style salsa) then LA style on1, now on1 with and on2 (NY style).
His teaching is based on strong techniques and foundations, with a sense of humor that makes the learning process enjoyable. His goal is to share his passion for Latin music and dance and to expose young students to Latin culture. All students are involved in the movement as they learn steps and interpret rhythms. They build strong self-esteem, learn their individuality and how to treat others with respect.
Jose says, "They will not only learn how to dance, but will learn how to socialize, communicate with others and become a confident adult. No matter where they are from, even if they don't speak the same language, they make friends all around the world when they dance Salsa."
"Jose is patient with the students, willing to go over things many times if needed, and he progresses with them in a logical way. He knows when to keep their interest by adding in a new more complicated move, and when to slow things down and return to the basics when needed. Jose's years of experience shows in his fluidity with both his dancing and interacting with the students." Karla Alvarado, Teacher, Springfield Public Schools
AlsenyYansane and Andrea DiPalma (West African Dance and Music) grades K-12
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Alseny Yansane, a dynamic teacher and fourteen year performing artist with world renowned Ballets Africains, has dazzled audiences across the globe with his fancy footwork, powerful percussion and heart stopping acrobatics. Alseny is internationally recognized as a cultural ambassador for his broad understanding of the dances, rhythms and traditions from each geographical region of Guinea (West Africa) and has brought new songs and musical arrangements to the Pacific Northwest. Alseny is a wonderful teacher who is energetic, inspiring, and fun, adored by kids of all ages who snap to attention in his presence.
The West African Dance and Music Residency also includes Andrea DiPalma of the Won Tan Nara Productions.
Andrea DiPalma lived in Guinea many years and immersed herself in the art, culture, and way of life. She trained with many disciplined and visionary artists, performed in a variety of prestigious venues, including festivities for the Guinea President, General Lansana Conte, and collaborated with Alseny to teach young people wanting to become performance artists. Fluent in Susu, Guinea's national language, Andrea has transcended many cultural barriers to gain an appreciation and understanding of Guinean society. She is recognized by educators for her creative curriculum development, classroom management skills and her ability to integrate educational themes in interactive residencies.
"The artists were great. I was so impressed with their awesome talent as drummers and dancers. They had wonderful chemistry with the children and excellent management skills. They made their lessons age and stage appropriate for each group of students that they were working with. Their friendly, outgoing nature was welcoming to all who joined their class sessions." Roxanne Simpson, Teacher, Spring Creek Elementary
"Andrea and Alseny were prompt, professional and easy to work with. The lessons were well designed, engaging and developmentally appropriate for each grade level. Students used drums to learn a variety of West African rhythms and they expanded their knowledge of those rhythms through dance and movement." Tom Maloney, Principal, Edison Elementary SchoolRecent Artist Residencies include Edison, Spring Creek, Moffitt, Arts & Technology Academy. (Photo with map by Gordon H. Nagai is from Residency finale at Arts & Technology Academy, June 2008.)
Recent Performance Assemblies include Coburg, Arts & Technology Academy, Trent, Mapleton, Creslane, Spencer Butte MS, Prairie Mountain.
Gregory Gurley (Theatre and Puppet Performance) Grades K-12 
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Dr. Gregory Gurley has spent over 25 years in professional, academic, and community theatre. Greg's concentration of study is in Theatre for Youth. Greg is a researcher in child drama, history, and specializes in teacher training and in theatre and arts curriculum development. He is an experienced play director and specializes in creative play devising and ensemble-developed productions.
Greg provides students opportunities to learn basic acting skills and to promote collaboration in working with others using abstract sound and movement, theatre games, and transformational improvisation to develop original ensemble-developed plays productions.
"I liked the way we eased into our fist scene work . . . from the more abstract to more real. It helped me internalize the process smoothly."
Recent Artist Residencies include Charlemagne, Crest Drive, Howard, Creslane.
Maggie Matoba (Hawaiian Music and Culture) Grades K-8
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Maggie Matoba, founder and coordinator of Mele Ohana 'O Eugene, a Hawaiian music players group, and Iron Mango Orchestra, a Hawaiian music performing group comprised of stringed instruments and vocalists, is a band member of Sweet Aloha, playing traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music with ukulele, slack key guitar, slack key bass, and as back-up vocalist. She is an Ukulele instructor specializing in Hawaiian-style techniques.
During a Residency, students hear and learn the basics of Hawaiian music and Hawaiian (and non-Hawaiian) musical instruments and how they are used: ukulele, guitar, hand percussion, and hula implements. They experience Hawaiian culture and traditions, including language and pronunciation, hula (ancient and modern), hand instruments, usage of hula implements, and (perhaps) lei-making. Ukulele is for grades 3rd and up and requires 5 sessions minimum. Rhythm and movement is for K-2 
Maggie shares the incredible richness of the Hawaiian culture through a learning sequence encompassing music, dance, history, and arts & crafts for a better understanding of the islands, its people, their heritage, with an emphasis on perpetuating these art forms before they disappear. She also engages contemporary culture including "Stereotypes: the negative imprint of Hollywood, media and marketing."
Recent Artist Residencies include Walterville, McCornack. 
Performance Assembly Grades K-12
Maggie Matoba's Iron Mango ukulele ensemble performs traditional and contemporary songs, and demonstrates hula, emphasizing the beauty, complexity, and diversity of Hawaiian music and dance.
Recent Performance Assemblies include Spencer Butte MS, Oakridge.
Sharon S'elove (Theatre arts) Grades 1-8
Top of pageSharon S'elove, the Artistic Director and Founder of Free Shakespeare in the Park in Eugene, directs youth, teens and adults in full-scale outdoor productions of William Shakespeare's plays. Sharon teaches creative drama workshops to youth and teens and as a Resident Artist, Sharon created a Theatre Arts Unit incorporating the Performing Arts Content Standards and conducts Creative Drama Workshops for Teachers & Parents. Sharon has a BA from the New School for Social Research in NYC and a Certificate of Shakespeare stagecraft from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Her training includes 20 hours of Professional Development in the Visual & Performing Arts Content Standards.
Students learn the Elements of Theatre, by playing theatre games, learning and practicing stage directions, and play rehearsal. Students read scripts, make masks, props and backdrop murals. Through ensemble work, students learn team-building skills. On the final day of the residency, using the masks, props & backdrops that they created for their play, students perform a staged reading for an invited audience.
"Ms S'elove demonstrated her expertise both in theatre arts and in catering to the needs of young learners. She was enthusiastic about her craft and infused the experience with professionalism while keeping it fun and accessible for all our students. As elementary educators, we also gained valuable experience in performing reader's theatre in our classrooms." -Laura Hood and Marie-Claude Castonguay, First grade Teachers, Charlemagne Elementary School
Recent Artist Residencies include Charlemagne.
Kelly Terwilliger (Story-making/Telling/Writing) Grades K-8
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Professional teller and writer of stories, Kelly Terwilliger engages kids in the process of story-making, a magical combination of memory, invention, image and language. Kelly has been telling stories in classrooms and libraries and various community events for the past five years. She holds a Master's degree in English Literature and is a published poet and children's writer. One story is now a picture book and two have appeared in Spider Magazine. She is presently at work on her next picture book, a nonfiction piece about Galileo, and a collection of math stories for kids.
Through story-making, students will gain the ability to create coherent and flowing narratives, share delight in imaginative constructions of story, and enhance confidence in oral presentation. Kelly offers students the chance to listen to oral storytelling, and to learn what it means to remember and tell a story without words in front of them. They explore the underlying shapes of stories through dramatic, visual, nonverbal and verbal representations: storyboards, story maps, creating staged "scenes" and using gesture and facial expression to convey a story's path. They practice the delights of delivery: looking at your audience, using verbal and bodily expression, and really giving the story you tell to your listeners.
Students come away with at least one story they can tell with confidence, and the tools to make and tell more--be they personal narratives, imaginary tales, or oral reports.
Recent Artist Residencies include Parker.
Kelly Thibodeaux (Fiddle and Song: Music of Louisiana Culture) Grades K-8
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hibodeaux, a professional fiddle player from Louisiana, is the founder and front man for the popular band Etouffee. He has performed throughout the U.S. and Canada for the past 25 years and has written, recorded, and published 4 CD's of original songs. In addition to these recordings, Kelly Thibodeaux's composition "Cassine Swamp" was included on the 20th Oregon Governor's Arts Award CD "Cascadia" and two other Thibodeaux compositions were included in a 2003 PBS broadcast program.
During a Residency, students learn enough basic playing techniques to perform at least one complete tune and the fiddle part to their own original song composition. Students then learn how to present their newly acquired musical skills through performances with guitar and vocal accompaniment.
The art of songwriting / "tunesmithing" is presented and utilized to complete the students musical experience. The program adjustable and flexible to student grade (age) levels and time/schedule constraints, however at least four contact hours is necessary for successful participation in the instrument instruction.
"... a great experience for some of our special needs children who found playing an instrument very rewarding. Our TAG students also found the experience to be something that they would like to pursue in the future. Kelly was very easy to work with. The experience was A plus." -Pam Nelson, Territorial Elementary (Junction City District)
Recent Artist Residencies include Camp Creek, Territorial, Arts & Technology Academy. 
Performance Assembly
A 30- minute musical and story-telling presentation of Louisiana culture with Kelly Thibodeaux on the fiddle and accompanied by a guitarist. Kelly plays original and traditional fiddle tunes and sings original songs to illustrate the various cultural highlights of life down in southern Louisiana .... songs about alligators, swamps, fishing, and eating crawfish ("mudbugs" ). Also included in the show is a brief demonstration of the violin and the many magical sounds that it can produce, such as the imitation of the sound of hurricane winds. (Kelly was in New Orleans when Katrina hit in 2005.)
Recent Performance Assemblies include Creslane.
VISUAL ARTS
Liz Casey (Painting) K-8
Top of pageLiz Casey holds a Master's degree in Art Education, teaching credentials in Washington and California, and has received an Oregon initial teaching license. Since 1992 she has shown her painting and fabric works in British Columbia, Washington, and California and has recently relocated to Oregon. She says, "My interest in teaching youth is to awaken and involve students in the creative process and to provide an increased awareness and appreciation of the arts."
Liz offers three options for painting projects, each resulting in a finished artwork for wall display: Still Life with tempera and watercolors, Tile Design using acrylic paints, Painting on Paper finished by adhering to wood. In all, her emphasis is on design, composition and color skills as it is realized in Abstraction, Landscape and Still Life styles. She fosters creativity and art making using simple materials and relying on basic comprehension of design or aesthetic principles. She can help teachers integrate core subject matter into relevant art projects and offers a workshop for teachers in drawing and painting on paper, tile or fabric.
Andrea DiPalma (Clay / Ceramics) Grades K-8
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After completing her degree in fine arts, Andrea was the Resident potter at the UO Craft Center for five years and, since 1995, has shown her clay work locally and regionally.
She presents ceramic workshops that teach the basic skills of sculpting clay and decorating using a variety of surface techniques. Students gain manual dexterity and an understanding of design techniques and color theory, and develop their own ideas and styles by completing fun and exciting projects. Each child who participates will be able to complete ceramic projects. They will learn the process of how to work with clay, safety with tools, and about firing and finishing process of ceramic art. Many opportunities for interdisciplinary education include earth science and geology, chemistry, literature, language arts, history, and mathematics.
"Andrea combines her expertise in ceramics with her love of teaching. She guides her students through the mediums and basic techniques while inspiring imagination and building skills." - Jenny Ramsey, Program Coordinator, Explorer's Club
Recent Artist Residencies (Clay) include Adams, Holt (2 nd grade), Twin Oaks, Willagillespie.
Janas Durkee (Drawing, Painting, Murals) Grades K-8
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Janas Durkee, a professional artist working primarily in pastel or acrylic paints, captures life in an endearing and colorful way. Janas works as a commissioned painter with an emphasis on pet and people portraits. She holds an MFA in painting from Ball State University and has experience as an art teacher at Indiana School of the Blind. Her work has given her media exposure in regional magazines and national publications. Named a "Creative Renewal Fellow" and grant recipient by the Arts Council of Indianapolis for\travel to Uganda, Africa, her resulting solo show and public presentations in Indianapolis won excellent reviews.
She engages students in the processes and material of two-dimensional artmaking. From basic line drawing and shading, to a wall-size mural, students use varied materials and mixed-media to gain experience in drawing and painting. She presents a sequence tailored to the participants' needs with an emphasis on youth with special needs. Students bring in a photo of a person or animal to learn how to see and reproduce values and depth, resulting in a completed personal portrait.
Janas was so successful working at all of the grade levels. She was wonderful with the kindergarten students as well as the 5th graders. We would have Jan back again. She was terrific." Alicia Kruska, Student Achievement Coordinator, Gilham Elementary
Recent Artist Residencies include Gilham, Holt (K), Yugin Gakuen, Arts & Technology Academy
Merideth Ferrell (Watercolors or Silk Banner painting) grades K-5
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Merideth Ferrell, a watercolor-pastel artist and a silk painter, is co-author with Ellen Gabehart of a simple guide "Young at Art: Easy Art Lessons for Educators," with 24 illustrated drawing, painting, and collage lessons for teachers, home-school instructors and parents to do with their students grades K-5. Merideth is co-owner of Ferrell Apparel, hand-painted silk wearables, and has exhibited and sold her work in the region for many years.
Merideth shares her artistic skills with the students in drawing and watercolor painting, and also offers a silk banner painting residency. Students learn the fundamentals of drawing using a spatial technique, giving them confidence in knowing how things are put together for an understanding of how to draw. The values of light and dark translate from pencil to color in watercolor painting and color mixing, understanding primary, secondary and tertiary colors. Merideth encourages imagination and creativity using what the kids love best: animals and pets, dragons and dinosaurs. Kids' individual expressions are enhanced through increased skills as she keeps the fun in art.
"Her unique approach and stimulating art lessons capture her students' attention and curiosity, encouraging them to experiment with different materials. Most of all, her enthusiasm and positive, joyful attitude permeates her teaching environment." Ellen Gabehart, artist/instructor
"It was a joy to watch our students experimenting and painting with watercolors. They were very proud of their art." -Denisa Taylor, Principal, César E. Chavez Elementary and Family School
Recent Artist Residencies include Fairfield, Meadow View, Chavez, Creslane.
Kay Irish (Drawing / Painting) Grades K-12
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Kay Irish, a high school art teacher for many years, is a professional artist working clay and surface design. She has taught art to young people is variety of program and also instructs teachers how to teach art.
Kay has developed a variety of units that focus on different habitats and their subject matter. These work well with interdisciplinary curriculum. Students learn about the animals and their habitat while learning how to draw with pencil, colored pencil, and watercolor pencil. Kay is able to adapt the lessons to the skill levels of the students. Students learn art skills while having fun.
Subjects available: Bugs; Marine Life; Mammals; Polar; Birds; Wetlands; Reptiles; and Amphibians.
Also available are units on the Oregon Trail and Cartooning. Kay also teaches art units based on Native American and Australian Aboriginal artwork. Students learn about the different cultures along with their art. Kay can provide art workshops for teachers in drawing, painting, the use of clay as well as how to fire a kiln.
"Our school is in the center of the West Eugene Wetland Project. The students' tiles will depict the wetlands that surround our school. Most of our classes have been to the wetlands and/or had them come to us. Kay was very flexible and communicated any needs or concerns in a positive manner. She was great to work with." -Jon Lee, Assistant Principal, Prairie Mountain K8 (Bethel District)
Recent Artist Residencies include Meadow View, Prairie Mountain.
Laura Jackson (Sculptural arts: Clay or Wire or Relief printmaking) grades K-8
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Laura Jackson is a certified art instructor and professional fused glass artist and ceramic artist with a B.F.A. in Art Education. Laura's artwork consists of functional pieces and jewelry. Laura is also a substitute teacher for 4J and Bethel districts and teaches camps and workshops for Brush Fire. She is energetic teacher in ceramics, glass fusing, printmaking, drawing and painting.
Laura specializes in hands-on demonstrations, positive classroom management, and a finished artwork by each student. As students experience art production in a supportive atmosphere, they learn the production methods, materials, art history, and about the practice of a professional artist. Projects include wire figurative sculptures, collagraphs (hand printed relief prints), and claywork. Glass tiles are possible with a commitment to higher materials and firing costs. 
"We used many of the student pieces in our First Annual Art Show. They were beautiful and a nice addition. It was also nice that Laura donated art pieces to the art show. Laura did a wonderful job teaching. Her instructional skills were very good!" Karen Hardin, Principal, Awbrey Park Elementary
"Laura was prepared and excellent with the students." Jane McCleery, Teacher, Harris Elementary
Recent Artist Residencies include Creslane, Awbrey Park, Buena Vista/Meadowlark, Harris, McCornack.
Alex Lanham (Ceramics / Drawing) Grades K-8
Top of page (We regret to note that Alex is already booked for the 2008-2009 school year with extended part-week Residencies.)
Alex Lanham has an infectious enthusiasm for clay creation. He started working with clay at Lane Community College, was a teacher's assistant for two years, attended the University of Oregon, earning an MFA. He has taught art in many school and community settings and many tile murals around Lane County testify to his work with young people.
Alex promotes positive energy and self-confidence among his students. He says, "I encourage students to explore and create from the smallest pinch pot to the tallest sculpture. What is important is the discovery of the wonder of creating." He also teaches drawing in conjunction with the creation of clay wildlife tiles, as well as portrait drawing.
"I was impressed with how Alex made an extra effort to identify challenging students and take them under his wing." Wayne Laut, Superintendent Blachly School District
Recent Artist Residencies include River Road, Thurston. (Note: Alex is booked for the 2008-2009 school year with extended part-week Residencies.)
Karen Moeller (Puppetry / Sculpture) Grades K-12
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Karen Moeller is a multi-skilled artist who creates whimsical puppets, masks and sculpture with paper-cloth mache and recycled materials. She has a BA in sculpture and a MA in Developmental Disabilities, with 30 years teaching experience ranging from art instruction to substitute teaching, to working with special education students. Karen has chosen the art of puppetry for its opportunities to create through many mediums: sculpture, painting, fabric design, theatre, and literary arts. She is also experienced in teaching bookmaking and mural-painting.
Along with learning the technical processes of working various art mediums used to complete a specified project, students will learn creative problem solving skills that can be applied lifelong, both academically and personally. She promotes the use of recycled materials and the value of art and nature in all facets of life. Students will take from this art experience a strengthened sense of self-awareness and connection to the world around them.
"This is the second year in a row we have asked Karen to be our A in R. She does a wonderful job of leading the kids through a challenging process in a way that they are all engaged and having fun (making papier mache hand puppets)." Rich Howorth, Teacher (5th) Bertha Holt
"The students were all so proud of their puppets and looked forward to their art time with Karen!" Shelly Ann Carlton, Teacher (3rd), Corridor Elementary
Recent Artist Residencies include Meadow View, Eastside, Hillside, Corridor, Edgewood, Holt (5th).
Carolyn Quinn (Expressive Multimedia / World Traditions) Grades K-8
Top of pageCarolyn Quinn is a dancer, artist and musician, with a focus on world arts and cultures. She has studied, sponsored, and performed with African dancers and musicians and holds a B.A. in Fine Art and Dance and an A.A. degree in Music. Carolyn's teaching experience is with children, teens, and adults. She has taught in communities and schools in Oregon for 20 years, including Explorers Club's after-school and summer programs in Veneta.
Student will learn mixed-media art-making based on world traditions and that may be integrated into performance. Creating community by learning, working together and having fun are integrated aspects of this experience.
"Carolyn has done a lot of work with people of all ages, children, teens, and adults. She is a very creative teacher, and she is very good at keeping the children disciplined, cooperative, and engaged in enjoying themselves. They enjoy the artistic activities they do, from dancing to singing to painting, making textiles (costumes) and playing instruments. Carolyn has a lot to bring to a classroom." - Student participant
Recent Artist Residencies include Holt (1 st ).Gayle Smith (Fabric arts / Surface design) Grades K-12
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Gayle Smith, a costume designer, hat maker, quilt maker, and fiber artist, specializes in using the color and texture of sumptuous textiles, adorned with beads tassels, ribbons and all things that glitter to create wearable art and household decorations.
Students will learn how to break down complicated artist goals into manageable steps that create feelings of accomplishment throughout the process. While students utilize their creative imaginations they learn basic sewing and design skills, fabric dyeing, quilting, pattern making and collage techniques. Gayle is talented at developing collaborative projects for children that bring together various materials, skills and age groups to learn about decorative techniques from other cultures.
"Gayle did a wonderful job working with my 6th graders to design, create and finish four quilted wall hangings. It was amazing to see her lead the students through each step it took to make the artwork their own." - Kim Pickell, Teacher, Siuslaw Middle School
"The kids really enjoyed the activity. Everyone was successful and proud of his or her product. It was wonderful to hear the kids go around and ask, 'Tell me about your story'." -Barbara Thornton, Teacher (4th), Bertha Holt Elementary
Recent Artist Residencies include Coburg, Holt (4th ), and Veneta (Fall 2008).
Performance Assemblies
Residency Artists (described above) offering Assemblies:
ˇAlseny Yansane & Andrea DiPalma -- West African Dance and Music
ˇMaggie Matoba -- Hawaiian Music and Cultural Arts
ˇKelly Thibodeaux -- Fiddle and Song: Music of Louisiana Culture
In addition, described below: Christopher Leebrick (Storytelling), Josh Humphrey (North Indian Classical Music with Tabla and Oud), and Paul Prince (Harp and Guitar).
Christopher Leebrick (Storytelling) Assembly Grades K-12
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Award-winning storyteller, Christopher Leebrick, has enthralled audiences since the age of thirteen. He first appeared with Lane County's "Troupe of Tellers" (from Roosevelt Middle School) in 1975, and since then he has shared stories with thousands across the United States and as far away as Australia. Both of his CD's, "Good Stories From All Over" and "Critters, Kids, and Cowboys", have received national Storytelling World awards.
Christopher returns to Lane County with a cornucopia of stories including world folk-tales, original stories, narrative poetry, whoppers and jump-tales. Utilizing a rich flexible voice, a dynamic stage presence, and powerful acting, Christopher brings the ancient art of storytelling alive for each and every audience member. He also sets the mood for many of his tales with the skillful use of instruments such as the harmonica and the eastern cedar flute.
Students are inspired by Chris' assemblies to become more expressive readers and to truly strive for excellence in creative writing and the art of theatre. "Fabulous show . . . Chris held the audience spellbound . . . Great interaction between Chris and the audience . . . the kids were truly engrossed." - Eugene Public Library
Theatre Arts, Literary Arts (Storytelling). Grade Level: All. Availability: Audiences less than 250 preferred; back-to-back assemblies recommended for larger schools (e.g. grades K-2 and then grades 3-5), add $150 for two back-to-back Assemblies.
Recent Performance Assemblies include Coburg, Mapleton, Oakridge.
Josh Humphrey (North Indian Classical Music with Tabla and Oud) Assembly grades K-12
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Josh Humphrey's independent study in oral traditions of non-Western music, includes traditional Indian oral technique (Kolkata, India), where rhythmic compositions are sung before being played; extensive study on the Arabic Maqamat and the Turkish Music systems (Armenia and Iraq); and North Indian Classical tabla, raga and tala. With a Master's degree in Intermedia Music Technology, he has composed and presented a range of compositions of electro-acoustic works.
Through an interactive 40-minute performance and learning experience, Mr. Humphrey presents the rhythms and sounds in North Indian Classical Music, reflecting the culture of the Indian Subcontinent, both Hindu and Muslim. Exciting hand drum rhythms, produced using a series of extremely intricate and detailed hand strokes, create an amazing variety of sounds from just two drums. Along with introducing the ancient stringed Oud, students interact and learn basic patterns by clapping simple time cycles together with the music. Not only does this beautiful and ancient tradition involve math and poetry, but the experience nurtures a learners sense of pattern, logic, and creativity. This Assembly Performance provides an entertaining and exciting environment that enhances understanding and appreciation for the intricate rhythms of Indian music.
Recent Performance Assemblies include Mapleton, Spencer Butte MS, McKenzie, Meadow View.
Paul Prince, Harp and Guitar (K-12)
Paul Prince performs on a unique harp and on Hawaiian Slack Key guitar. Music examples are Early Music (related to Gregorian Chant), Africa (Kora and Ngoni harps from Senegal, the Valia from Madagascar, and Mbira guitar from Zimbabwe), and French Impressionist technique based on Claude Debussy's piano music. His self-designed harp's top strings produce crystalline tones and unique musical effects using various techniques: harmonics, glissandos, harmonies, strumming, note bending, timbre, and percussive effects.
He completed a degree in Music Composition from Evergreen College and has enjoyed teaching guitar to children for many years. His music has been heard on Public Radio International's Afropop WorldWide. His well-received CD "Ocean Bells" presents a variety of world music.
Paul communicates how the beauty inherent in these cultures' music enriches our lives. He emphasizes how his harp's design and construction resulted from planning, study, historical research, and how this helps a harpist or guitarist build an interesting performance style. One of the highlights of Paul's performance is a collaborative piece (at the conclusion) with communal music making African style, as students learn to create a simple poly-rhythmic accompaniment.
"Paul included various children in a musical performance that was enjoyed by all. He was very effective at drawing the children into his program and reaching them with his performance. We were extremely pleased not only with Paul's talent but with the positive way that he relates to his audience. Paul has a lot to offer audiences." Connie Dodge and Jack Schlea, Triangle Lake School
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