Dance - New!

Clarita Filgueiras Flamenco Puro Dance Company

About the Artist

Flamenco is the ultimate Hispanic musical form and Flamenco Puro excels in quality, artistic excellence, and audience excitement. The company is directed by Clarita Filgueiras, who brings a rich background of dance and theatre through years of experience "on the floor" as lead dancer with the New York/Madrid dance company Carlota Santana - Flamenco Vivo, work with the renowned Gypsy Kings, and numerous other companies from Spain.

A full-length performance entails a varied range of dances and musical pieces within the flamenco genre; the dances are solos, duets, and group numbers interspersed with guitar or singing solos. The focus of lecture/demonstrations and workshops can be on dance and technique such as footwork, hand movements, castanets, the manipulation of shawl or fan, styles, and rhythm as well as the history and culture of Andalusia, Spain. Students will have the opportunity to learn and perform short dances. All choreography and instruction are tailored to the specific audience age group.

Dance

Dance Alive National Ballet

About the Artist

A professional ballet company that resides in Gainesville, Florida, it lives up to its name - movement is at the heart of everything it does! With an extraordinary roster of international stars and a dynamic leader in Artistic Director Kim Tuttle, Dance Alive has developed into one of the most distinguished and creative ballet companies in the nation.

The company has toured extensively in Florida and has appeared in 17 other states and Costa Rica and has been featured on the Florida State Touring Program Roster for nearly three decades.

The company continues to develop innovative arts education programming and is involved in residencies, dance curriculum development, and outreach programs for educational institutions including elementary, middle and high schools, community colleges, and universities. Curriculum material is available for school systems and is keyed to Florida Sunshine State Standards; the material uses FCAT-friendly words and prompts.

Programs range from 1 ½ to 2 hours with educational performances at 45 - 55 minutes. Programs are tailored to suit the presenter including performances, master classes, lectures/informances, open classes, open rehearsals, talk-backs, and short and long term residencies. The company provides its own sound system and dance floor.

Photo credit: Jenny Abreu

Dance

Dance Now! Ensemble

About the Artist

Founded on Miami Beach in 2000, Dance Now! Ensemble is a collaborative artistic organization under the creative vision of Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salterini. Their brilliant athleticism and artistry drives the 10-member international troupe in dances based in modern, jazz, and ballet.

Dance Now! Ensemble's style is influenced by western dance traditions with appeal to younger, multi-ethnic audiences. In addition to the touring availability of two full-length ballets, the Ensemble's education outreach programming includes master classes, residencies, and guest choreography. This programming is accompanied by a study guide that reflects both FCAT and Sunshine State Standards and is based on three elements: the Classroom Experience, the Creative Experience, and the Performance Experience.

Music

Ayako Yonetani

About the Artist

Born and raised in Japan, violinist Ayako Yonetani offers classical music through violin performance. Ayako has appeared extensively both in the U.S. and internationally and strongly believes in the value of live performance.

Her repertoire includes Baroque to contemporary western music and contemporary Japanese music. Lecture and residency offerings give her the opportunity to discuss traditional Japanese music and current music education, conduct master classes with violin students, coach chamber music groups, and perform orchestra sectional work. Now a music professor at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Ayako holds bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees from the Julliard School where she studied with Hyo Kang and the late Dorothy DeLay.

Music - New!

Bill Schustik The Troubadour in the Classroom

About the Artist

Bill travels all over America gathering songs and sowing legends. The tools of his trade include his impressive baritone voice, a keen sense of drama, a colorful array of folk instruments, and his deep abiding love for traditional American lore. Bill approaches American history through his performance of representative folksongs; his subjects cover a range of historical topics from Colonial America and the Revolution through Tall Ships and Whaling and the Lewis and Clark Expedition to The Civil War, Cowboys, the World Wars, and Vietnam. Bill uses music and folklore, costumes, artifacts, maps, and flags in an integrated performing/teaching experience. Musical adventure residencies of varying length can be arranged.

Music

Caribbean Sound Steel Pan & World Music Ensemble

About the Artist

Steel drumming is an integral and sentimental part of the Trinidadian and Caribbean Islands' heritage. The use of drums to express joy, sorrow, and ideas has its roots in ancient Africa; between 1496 and the late 1800s, drumming was brought to the Caribbean by African slaves. When drums made of skin were outlawed, the Africans used other materials such as bamboo, paint cans, and metal objects. They discovered that the cans could be "tuned" by heating them over burning tires. As they created these instruments, they experimented with the number of notes they could play and arrange on each implement which they called "pans"; this music was called Calypso.

At the end of World War II, thousands of discarded 55-gallon oil drums were left on Trinidad. An ingeniuous island native, Ellie Mannette, experimented with these and developed the sound now identified as steel drum. Caribbean Sound musicians present musical performances that blend Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Samba, Mambo, Classical, and Jazz using instruments crafted by Ellie Mannette and the University Tuning Project at West Virginia University. The ensemble presents concerts, workshops, and clinics that demonstrate and teach the history and development of the steel pan. On the road since 1986, the ensemble has performed in college and university settings, outdoor summer concerts, arts festivals, and symphony programs.

Music - New!

Davis and Dow Jazz Duo

About the Artist

It's all about jazz and that's what this duo is dedicated to. Take a trip back in time and experience an unforgettable tribute to the great lady legends of the golden age of jazz. Kelly Dow, guitarist, accompanies vocalist Julie Davis in performances of well-loved standards by such artists as Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Dinah Washington, and Nina Simone. They present these songs in a multi-media format that incorporates interview sound bytes, slides, and original poetry. Popular at colleges and universities, the duo also offers an educational program for elementary school students called "Cooking with Jazz" that includes instruction in musical styles, terms, and history. A study guide is provided.

Music

Donna Wissinger

About the Artist

Flutist Donna Wissinger performs informance style recital programs that dazzle, educate, stimulate imagination, and entertain audiences of all ages. She has performed worldwide for over 25 years and encourages communities to avail themselves of her ability "to make every audience feel a part of the performance."

Donna has a wide variety of performance and educational offerings. She presents K-12 school residencies; pre-K Headstart programs; professional development for artists, educators, and community leaders; keynote speeches; alternate site programs for disabled and at-risk students, hospitals, and retirement centers; and mainstage concerts for cultural institutions, colleges, and arts councils. The educational activities are available from pre-K - 3 all the way up to higher education and incorporate both FCAT and Sunshine State Standards.

Music

Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

About the Artist

This orchestra continues to affirm its place as one of the leading performing organizations in Florida and the Southeast. Widely recognized for its high artistic quality, it ranks among the nation's top 40 in terms of budget size, number of performances, and population served. Founded in 1949, the orchestra has delighted thousands of people and played with such guest artists as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Arthur Fiedler, Victor Borge, Luciano Pavarotti, and Marilyn Horne. A fulltime professional orchestra with a wide variety of offerings for tour, their programming is mission-directed "to present classical and other orchestral performances of artistic excellence for the enjoyment, education, and enrichment of an ever-increasing diverse audience." Programs from small ensembles to the full orchestra are available within a list of series. Teacher's guides are available.

Music

Kevin Sharpe

About the Artist

African-American pianist Kevin Sharpe has given formal recitals at the New Jersey Center for the Performing Arts, Kennedy Center, Pan-American Union, and Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. "As a black American," he states, "I am proud to include music written for the piano by black American composers. Many students are not aware of the contribution by those composers to our culture."

Kevin has won wide acclaim for his informances; his knowledge of the music literature and his warmth in sharing this knowledge has earned him a devoted following and has increased the demands for residencies. His diverse repertoire also includes Bach, Chopin, Mozart, Schumann, Schubert, Liszt, Scriabin, and Gershwin. A graduate of Oberlin College and Indiana University, Kevin is currently on the music faculty at the University of Florida and received a Fulbright Scholarship in 2006. Kevin also competes as a bodybuilder and students are fascinated by his personal challenges of physical competition and music performance. Educational activities include residencies, master classes, teaching guides, and sample school programs.

Music

Kirk Whipple & Marilyn Morales Duo Pianists/Composers

About the Artist

Whipple & Morales are dedicated educators who perform music for two pianos/four hands and solo piano. They compose and arrange works for the piano and can offer several formats from formal concerts and recitals to informal club-style performances. In addition to their own compositions, the duo interprets works from the traditional and modern piano repertoires including Mozart, Handel, Poulenc, Bach, Gounod, Prokofiev, Brahms, and Frank Loesser, James Horner, and Vincent Youman. Whipple & Morales are very committed to education and offer a wide variety of such opportunities as master classes, ensemble classes, lectures, private lessons, and teacher workshops; they also offer online support for these activities.

Music

Lorna Bracewell

About the Artist

Lorna is a modern folk artist who sings and plays acoustic guitar. She is known for her tightly crafted original compositions, her witty and insightful storytelling, and her warm and relaxed stage presence. Lorna's passion for the world and love for learning give her songs, stories, and presentations great depth and resonance. Lorna offers three concerts and a wide menu of educational classes and residencies including History of Folk Music Workshop, Live Performance Workshop, Lyric Writing Residency, and Cultural Issues Workshop.

Music

Sheila Kirsten Hughes Band

About the Artist

This dynamic young band is actually a love story - the husband-and-wife team is singer/songwriter Sheila on guitar, piano, cello, and fiddle with sound engineer Chris on double bass, electric bass, percussion, sequences, and keyboards. These two literally collided at a skating rink in downtown St. Petersburg and have been together ever since. Sheila's angelic, emotionally-charged, soulful voice sings the stories of people who struggle against the odds and triumph over adversity; the stories are haunting and surreal.

Their musical style ranges from arena rock, ambient rock, blues, and soul to jazz and celtic. A thriving local artist of the Tampa Bay area, Sheila has performed in numerous venues; her shows are presented in a multimedia format where organic instruments meet technology to produce a sonically mesmerizing blend of "jazz-tinged rock." The Band's mission statement best expresses their values: "Everyone wants to be the sun that lights up your life, but I'd rather be your moon, so I can shine on you during your darkest hour when your sun isn't around."

Sheila and Chris offer a variety of educational activities including presentations and multi-day residencies. For grades K-3, Rumble's Farm is available; for middle, high school, and adults there are Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives and Perspectives from the Other Side of the Soundboard; Forever We Shall Be is a 1-week residency master class for advanced high school chamber choirs, college choirs, master chorales, and advanced community choirs. Study guides are available.

Music

St. Johns River City Band

About the Artist

The "Official Band of the City of Jacksonville," this popular group of highly skilled musicians is a "Big Band, a Brass Band, a Swing Band, a Jazz Band, a Dixieland Band, a Quartet, a Trio, a Duo, or a Solo" and performs concerts for thousands of children and adults each year. The band has performed all over Florida, as well as Carnegie Hall, and has appeared on stage with Arturo Sandoval, Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy DeFranco, the Manhattan Transfer, Diane Schuur, and Ernie Watts. Part of the band's mission is to share their knowledge and talent through educational opportunities for all ages.

Photo credit Bob Desmond 2007

Music

Stephen Robinson

About the Artist

Guitarist Stephen Robinson performs an eclectic and educational solo guitar program created to develop and cultivate audiences of all ages. With his unique ability to communicate, Robinson's performances are vibrant and diverse. His incredible virtuosity is evident in every piece from Japanese music to Mexican folkloric works, Cuban lullaby, flamenco, and rock/jazz.

A New York native, Stephen began his guitar studies at Florida State University and also worked with Andres Segovia. After graduate work at the Yale School of Music, Stephen returned to Florida and was awarded the first Doctor of Music Degree in Guitar Performance. A top prize winner in numerous international competitions and guest artist/soloist with countless symphony and orchestra organizations, Stephen is currently Professor of Music at Stetson University. Educational activities include lecture demonstrations and master classes for college and university students as well as informal mini-performances for community organizations, elementary, middle, and high school students, and retirement and assisted-living environments. He also offers additional educational informances including My Life as a Musician and Career Development for the Emerging Musician.

Music

Tammerlin Lee Hunter & Arvid Smith

About the Artist

Since 1992, Tammerlin - Lee Hunter and Arvid Smith - have been placing their own stamp on folk/roots music. They present exceptional guitar work on original songs and traditional tunes pulled from the roots of American music: folk, pop, country, old time, British Isles, and blues with some world music flavorings.

Hunter carries most of the song writing and vocal duties, as well as rhythm guitar and a little percussion; her lyrics are thoughtful and intelligent with memorable melodies. Smith masterfully handles the instrumental work as he plays finger-style and slide on acoustic and electric six and twelve-string.

Tammerlin's style reflects the diverse background of each member and their great interest in all kinds of music with "story" always as the centerpiece. Tammerlin has performed at Piccolo Spoleto, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institute, and numerous folk festivals throughout the country. In addition to touring, their latest CD recording is "No Small Thing." As a duo or collaborating with talented friends, their sound is rich, full, fascinating, fun, and just a step off of the well-beaten path. Tammerlin also offers workshops and performances at schools from pre-K to college.

Music

The Core Ensemble

About the Artist

Cello, piano, and percussion make up this trio of highly skilled musicians who have traveled nationally to every region of this country and internationally to venues in Australia, Russia, Ukraine, the Caribbean, and England. The award-winning ensemble has produced nine theatre works and has toured for ten years. With the addition of an actor, the Core Ensemble has conceived and now performs three unique works of Chamber Music Theatre that are distinctly original, educational, and entertaining. Master classes, lectures, and residencies are all available.

Music - New!

The Lee Boys

About the Artist

The Lee Boys are one of America's finest African-American sacred steel ensembles. Sacred steel music is rooted in Gospel but infused with rhythm and blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip-hop, and country, and heavily influenced by the Hawaiian steel guitar. Unknown in the world outside the House of God church until the 1990s, this music and these musicians have been thoroughly documented by Florida folklorist and ethnomusicologist Robert Stone.

The Lee Boys is a family group that consists of three brothers and three nephews who are all descendants of Lorenzo Harrison and Rev. Robert E. Lee; both of these men were important figures in the development of this obscure and unique Florida music form. The Lee Boys perform the music they grew up with in their church services - it is a joyous spiritual sound; dancing, shouting out, and having fun are essential parts of this tradition. Modern secular music is also performed. The group has appeared in a variety of venues including intimate club settings, performing arts centers, and outdoor festivals. The Lee Boys also present educational activities that include a lecture/demonstration of sacred steel music; master classes for guitar and pedal steel guitar students; and specific activities for elementary school students.

Theatre

Atlantic Coast Theatre (A.C.T.) for Youth

About the Artist

This is not your "typical children's theatre," but rather a company whose shows encourage students and their families to think about themselves and the world around them. Their scripts are creatively adapted from literature, history, and legend and presented in an accessible way to young children, particularly elementary school students. A wide selection of student Hands-On Theatre Workshops and Residency Programs is available that teach such subjects as Auditioning, Playwriting, Stage Movement, Stage Combat, and Conflict Resolution. Teacher Workshops are also offered. Study guides and activities have been developed that reflect Florida Sunshine State Standards.

Theatre

Bits 'N Pieces Puppet Theatre

About the Artist

Bits 'N Pieces is a nationally recognized touring children's theatre known for their nine-foot tall puppets! The company has extensive road experience, both in this country and abroad. Eleven original Giant Puppet Musicals have been created since 1978. Classic and familiar fairytales are the subject of these productions, with original music by Bits 'N Pieces founder Jerry Bickel, and costumes and puppet design by the co-founder, Holli Rubin. In addition to the musical productions, the company offers arts-in-education puppet making and performance workshops for children, teachers, and youth leaders. A museum exhibition of giant puppets, costumes, and stage settings is also available. Educational programs are based on Sunshine State Standards and the FCAT; workshops and residencies are tailored to the presenter. Study guides are available.

Theatre

Eckerd Theater Company

About the Artist

The professional theatre company of Ruth Eckerd Hall, ETC is a young dynamic troupe of 5 actors who creates work that affirms the value of the individual and the beauty of the human spirit. Their goal is to ignite creativity in young people and to inspire audiences of all ages to a greater understanding of the human condition. The Company strives to make a personal and individual impact on every person it encounters, instilling respect for the theatrical profession and an appreciation of the unique communication between actor and audience.

Post-performance talkbacks, workshops, and residencies are all available and meet Florida Sunshine State Standards. Teacher guides and student activity guides are provided.

Theatre

Fantasy Theatre Factory

About the Artist

Fantasy Theatre Factory is a touring children's theatre company - it's all they do and their tours have reached over 1,000,000 people since 1985. In fact, they have traveled the world to expand international awareness and appreciation of Florida's performing artists. Shows are tailored to a wide variety of presenter and community needs; show lengths are flexible depending on local requirements. The company works with writers, directors, choreographers, musicians, and a core group of actors that revolve in and out of each show. Themes include children's literature, the environment, and ecology. A wide variety of workshops and residencies is available. Eight programs are offered for touring. Teacher guidelines are available; Florida Sunshine State Standards are addressed.

Photo credit Maria Lyle

Theatre

Florida Studio Theatre

About the Artist

One of the finest resident theatres in the state, Florida Studio Theatre has an amazing outreach program all about playwriting. It is an arts-in-education initiative that provides thousands of children with the skills and motivation to write plays. Using high-energy, interactive performances, the program promotes literacy and language and communication skills. Since 1991, this program has reached over 1,000,000 school children! At the end of every Playmaker's Tour, students are encouraged to complete and submit their plays to the theatre's annual Young Playwrights Festival. A wide variety of classroom and teacher training workshops is available.

Photo credit David Whitman

Theatre - New!

Jennylin Duany Movement Theatre Artist

About the Artist

Size really does matter according to Jennylin Duany, a relentless producer of renegade theatre who has awakened the community of South Florida to her courageous and visceral brand of performance; her work is all about the body, body image, and facing the stigma of being a plus-size woman. Her touring production is theatre with strong movement components and multimedia elements. The Miami Herald has written, "Duany's stage presence is pure prowess; she is powerful and genuine." With performing partner Elizabeth Doud, Jennylin can also schedule workshops and master classes for arts professionals, college students, high school, and middle school students. Workshops are designed with the presenter. They offer Voice for Performers, Object and Vocal Exploration for Performers, and Voice Your Hunger (an intensive look at body awareness). Workshops can be conducted in English or Spanish.

Theatre

Kuniko Yamamoto Japanese Storytelling with Mask, Mime, Music and Origami

About the Artist

Kuniko presents a dramatic Japanese storytelling performance of myths and fables. The combination of Japanese music, handcrafted masks, highly-stylized movement, origami paper folding, and a touch of magic makes this appealing to all grade levels. Reflecting the Sunshine State Standards, Kuniko's program complements the Multi-Culture Study, Visual Arts, Language Arts, Theatre, and Social Studies components. A teacher's guide is provided; it includes pre-and post-visit activities, FCAT practice sheet, lesson plans, and extended information on Japanese arts. Hands-on workshops for students are also offered.

In the Wings

Brazz Dance Theatre

About the Artist

This dance company presents a fusion of traditional and contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance with contemporary dance styles. Master classes and residencies are available in Afro-Fusion or Afro-Brazilian dance technique.

In the Wings

Chris Kahl

About the Artist

Chris is a solo musician who performs his original songs in a program that highlights Florida's history; he plays acoustic guitar and harmonica. Chris offers workshops in songwriting and extended residencies primarily geared to elementary school students, particularly 4th grade.

In the Wings

Kate Carpenter

About the Artist

Folksinger, songwriter, and storyteller "Mrs. Kate" presents dynamic shows for kids that are highly interactive and educational.

In the Wings

Tom Stewart

About the Artist

Tom is a jazz guitarist who composes all of the music he performs. He appears in a trio with guitar, bass, and drums. In addition to his shows, Tom offers lectures on music theory, jazz improvisation, the music business, and music legal issues (he is a former trial attorney). He can also play with local jazz musicians.

In the Wings

Butch Harrison

About the Artist

Butch is a Florida Cracker Storyteller whose stories of the "real" Florida are filled with adventure, excitement, humor, and love; his tales of the early settlers, his life as an Everglades guide, and his friendship with the Seminoles all provide an appealing and educational performance. His bag of snakeskins, horns, and implements makes him especially popular with young audiences. Lectures and workshops on storytelling are available.