Virtual Events for Schools
For the 2022–23 school year, we will continue to offer free Virtual Events that can be watched in the classroom. They are timed to celebrate Cultural Heritage months and will be announced throughout the year.
Registration is currently open for our first Virtual Event of 2023:
Melanie DeMore, Grammy-nominated songwriter, composer and vocal activist
February 6-24, 2023
Recommended for grades 2-8 *Registration is only available to schools in our 60-mile service area.*
Celebrate Black History Month! Three-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, composer and vocal activist Melanie DeMore shares African American Spirituals and Civil Rights songs and examines the power of this music to inspire emotions, build community, and feed people’s spirits during challenging times. A dynamic and engaging guide, Melanie DeMore explores work songs, sorrow and jubilee songs, as well as zipper songs, and encourages us to create our own songs of hope and healing.
The video is 30 minutes in length and may be watched at once or in segments over your viewing week. Ms. DeMore also offers a 12-minute bonus video about spirituals and music from the Civil Right Movement.
Past offerings:
Journeys to the Past
Offered November 2022
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month! Through storytelling, song, and dance, take a journey to the past and learn about the rich culture of Native Americans as well. This video takes students on a journey into the lifestyle of the California Indian, in particular the Acjachemen Nation, which flourished in Southern California hundreds of years before the Spanish influx. Jacque Nuñez, master storyteller, and Educator of the Year for the Indian Education State Conference 2009, shares her people's indigenous tools, instruments, games and clothing through stories and songs.
The video is 50 minutes in length and may be watched at once or in segments over your viewing week. Recommended for grades K-5. There is a 30-minute bonus video with more stories, songs and the Native American Chicken Dance.
Somos Amigos: Songs on Common Ground
Offered September & October, 2022
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, friendship is at the heart of this joyful new collaboration between Mexican songstress Sonia De Los Santos and the Americana folk duo The Okee Dokee Brothers. This bilingual program includes both old and new songs that span the musical traditions of North America and illustrate the collective power of singing together and learning from each other. With an adventurous spirit and a common vision of peace and understanding, Somos Amigos encourages young and old to explore, dance, sing and laugh together, hand-in-hand.
The performance is approximately one hour long. It can be watched all at once or in segments. There are also two short bonus videos on Latin American rhythms and Sonia’s instruments.
