Our assembly programs are designed to provide students with a fun and exciting educational experience through story, song and performance, while implementing the National Core Arts Standards. Our offerings are categorized by grades Pre-K through 5th grade and 6th through 12th grade.
From Native American legends, to Modern Jazz Music legends, from Multicultural Dance, to flawless hands on Drums; each of these programs were created and tailored to make a lasting impression in the classroom or stage. Performances are individually designed to meet the client’s need. Please contact us for pricing.
NEW! Grades 2nd – 8th
Cartooning Lessons, How Comics Work, and What They Can Teach Us?
A funny, colorful, and engaging cartoon-filled presentation. Learn the nuts and bolts of making comics and telling stories using pictures. Award winning children’s graphic novelist Mike Dawson (The Fifth Quarter series) demonstrates writing with drawing, the importance of strong character design, how a cartoonist controls the reader’s eye as it moves across the page. Leave inspired to start to see the world as a writer yourself.
Grades Pre-K – 5th
What is Jazz?A Multicultural Musical Journey?
A narrative musical performance for children and adults tracing the history of jazz music from its African roots, South American and Caribbean influences, into New Orleans second line and the Blues, concluding with bebop, modern day jazz and beyond. The performance features an all-star quartet of internationally recognized musicians performing on contrabass, piano, drum set, saxophone and/or voice. An African Stilt Masquerade can be added at an additional cost, which ties in the connection between Jazz music and African dance traditions.
Rainbow Crow
This beautiful legend from the Lenape, the indigenous people from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, is brought to life with authentic songs, Native American flute music and drums. As the tale unfolds, the entire audience becomes the characters of the story through Native American sign language singing and dance. Lenape language, history and storytelling traditions are woven throughout the performance for an educational and entertaining experience.
Drum Tales
An exciting, and intriguing presentation of stories about drums and drumming presented in a delightful storytelling format accompanied by traditional African musical instruments. The stories encompass a range of themes from fanciful mythology to historical references including tales such as of “How the Turtle Got Its Shell” or “The Leopard’s Drum”, “The Lion’s Drum” and the story of “Ibo’s Landing” in the Georgia Sea Islands, USA. The stories are performed through storytelling and music with audience participation. (1 artist) 45 – minute performance.
Wisdom and Delight
A program of traditional African storytelling accompanied by Music on traditional African musical instruments. It is a magical presentation of stories from throughout the African Diaspora, seamlessly weaving the timeless Wisdom of the elders in the form of age-old tales with the Delight of the sound of traditional acoustic musical instrumentation. Along with the stories each program includes: descriptions, explanations, and audience participation in traditional greetings, songs and dance activities, 2 artists and a 45 minute performance.
The Fire Children
This lively musical rendition of an African myth from Ghana celebrates the earth and its multicultural people. As this joyful tale unfolds with Djembe and Thumb Piano accompaniment, the entire audience joins in with the storytellers, through movement games, songs and African Rhythm and Dance. The culture, language and storytelling traditions of the Akan people of Ghana are interwoven throughout the tale for an educational and engaging performance.
Aesop Bops!
A zoo full of animals comes alive in this fast paced production which teaches children about sharing and friendship. With such stories as The Lion and the Mouse, The Fisherman and his Wife and Why the Turtle Has a Checkered Shell, this fun-filled show features ample audience participation as it captivates and motivates. Presented by RainArt Productions.
Grades 6th – 12th
What is Jazz?A Multicultural Musical Journey?
A narrative musical performance for children and adults tracing the history of jazz music from it’s African roots, South American and Caribbean influences, into New Orleans second line and the Blues, concluding with bebop, modern day jazz and beyond. The performance features an all-star quartet of internationally recognized musicians performing on contrabass, piano, drum set, saxophone and/or voice. An African Stilt Masquerade can be added at an additional cost, which ties in the connection between Jazz music and African dance traditions.
Brazilian Fantasy (K-12)
Celebrates the rich Afro-Brazilian culture of Salvador, Bahia through a diverse repertoire of music and dance. Comprised of Brazilians living in the United States and Brazil, Ologunde includes former members of world renowned music and dance troupes. The ensemble, which ranges from 8-15 members, performs a diverse repetoire which includes the rituals associated with candomble, a synthesis of the Yoruba and Catholic religions in which various orixas (gods) are invoked; the breathtaking capoeira martial arts dance; maculele, a warrior dance which utilitzes sticks and machetes and was originally created in the sugar cane fields by slaves; and the exhilarating samba de roda, which can be traced back to the semba of Angola.
African Dance (K-12)
Journey to the continent of Africa with this exciting performance featuring professional dancers and traditional African drummers. The audience will be mesmerized by the dancer’s flawless movement, colorful costumes and the powerful sounds of the handmade drums. This is a performance that is not to be missed!
“JAZZ Orpheus”
A hip-hoppin’, be-boppin’ musical version of the classic Greek myth, Orpheus and Euridice. This story of courage and adventure has a rich meaning that comes alive for today’s youth! “JAZZ Orpheus” lasts 45 minutes and is presented by RainArt Productions.
African Drum Celebration
Journey to the continent of Africa with this exciting performance featuring professional African drummers. The audience will be mesmerized by the flawless and powerful sounds emulating from their traditional handmade drums. The rhythms performed date back to the 12th century Mali Empire of West Africa. This is a performance that is not to be missed!
The Afro Caribbean Musical Journey
This presentation will introduce you to the many hot rhythms and music of the Afro-Caribbean culture. You will learn about the mambo, rumba, and cha cha chá from Cuba , the bomba and plena from Puerto Rico, and the merengue from the Dominican Republic. We will also give you a short history lesson of where the music and instruments we use, come from. Our group has a piano, bass , congas, drums, and the flute. We strongly encourage audience participation so don’t be surprised if we ask you to come up and play some maracas, guiro or clave with us! This presentation will make you squirm in your seats and get you up and dancing! It can be presented in English or Spanish or both!
NEW! Stand Up Speak Out: On Bias, Bullying and Bystanders (K-12)
Get students thinking, talking, and singing about bias, compassion, and the courage to be an ally with this unique program from saxophonist-singer-songwriter Susan Goodman (Sooz). Her lively, eclectic blend of jazz, pop, Latin and Afro-beat influenced original songs–informed by her training in bias awareness–open the ears and minds of even the savviest young listeners. Compelling, easy-to-learn lyrics invite instant participation. Designed to foster respect for differences and a safer, more welcoming learning environment by promoting ally building, bias awareness, and bystander empowerment.
No silent bystanders! Stand Up! Speak Out! and make a difference!
Study guides available to continue the conversation in classrooms.