YA Assemblies are live, interactive, and educational arts performances that inspire and motivate large audiences. They are 45 minutes in length and have a maximum audience size of 250 students, unless otherwise specified. To schedule an Assembly Program and to learn about possible funding opportunities, please contact Donna Sherman at 410.837.7577 ext. 102.
All YA programs are performed by professional artists that have completed a rigorous interview and audition process. YA also evaluates our artists annually.
Each Program:
* Addresses the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) in the fine arts and other academic areas. These connections can be deepened through the use of our customized Teacher Guides, which are complimentary with each service. (View sample teacher guide.)
* Enhances appreciation of the cultural arts and builds knowledge in the arts.
* Creates opportunities for enhancing the curriculum.
Note: Mileage, if applicable, will be calculated at the time of booking.
music ASSEMBLIES Artist with this symbol (k) are Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) approved. MSAC funding may be available.
Ball in the house
touring artist/limited availability
New!Totally Vocally
This program is jam-packed with music, entertainment, and education. In addition to performing original works as well as classic and contemporary cover songs, BitH will discuss and teach many aspects of music and performance, including what “a cappella” is, the technology behind their sound system, the various voice parts and how they fit together to make harmony and songs, an interactive beatboxing demonstration, the history of a cappella singing from chant through doo wop, and a question and answer section. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $1,000; Back-to-Back Program - $1,600
k Bay Street Brassworks
Brass Can Do Anything Beginning with a blast from a prehistoric cow horn, students are immediately engaged in an action-packed program that musically portrays the history of the brass family. Along the way, students learn about the various music periods and connections to world history, science, and math. Students will learn how valves work, why smaller instruments sound higher and larger instruments sound lower, why trombones have slides, and tubas are so large. The program culminates with selected students making music alongside the ensemble. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $800; Back-to-Back Program - $1,150
All That Jazz: The History of American Jazz Beginning with a New Orleans style Dixieland parade, Bay Street Brassworks, with percussion, take students on a musical journey through Jazz. America’s own musical art form is introduced through a high-energy concert featuring Ragtime, Blues, Dixieland, Rock, and Swing. Students will learn about Baltimore’s own Eubie Blake and Billie Holiday, as well as Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, W.C. Handy, Glenn Miller, and Dave Brubeck. Students are introduced to improvisation, instrumentation, and syncopation, using music that will leave them clapping, toe tapping, and finger snapping! Grade Level: 6-12
Fee: Single Program - $1,050; Back-to-Back Program - $1,475
Curtis Blues
New!The History of Acoustic Delta Blues Show: The Roots of Rock and Hip Hop
This show demonstrates the origins of modern popular rock,country, and hip hop music from the Mississippi Delta in the 1920’s to 1940’s. Tracing rhythms from work songs, Curtis invites students to help demonstrate infectious blues rhythms. Curtis Blues plays a one-string Diddley Bow, a handmade box guitar, and an African gourd banjo, as well as 1928 style metal resonator guitars and wood guitars along with his harmonica, foot drum, and cymbals. By taking his instruments into the audience for a closer look, this presentation makes African American and musical history come alive for students. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $495; Back-to-Back Program - $695
Cubanana
Melodías y danzas de Cuba When Cubanana presents world famous Cuban music and dance, everyone loves to sing, dance, clap rhythms, practice Spanish, and play instruments! Students go on a virtual trip to Cuba, the ‘Island of Music,’ through stories while exploring popular genres and their roots-such as Cuban son (also known as salsa), chachachá, guajira, and conga. Cubanana promotes multicultural understanding and following your dreams. Program is available in Spanish or English. Grade Level: PreK-12
Fee: Single Program - $670; Back-to-Back Program - $865
k DishiBem Traditional Contemporary Dance Group
Origins: From West Africa to Hip Hop
DishiBem consists of four acclaimed professional dancers and musicians, who will take your students on a musical journey from the origins of music in West Africa to modern day Hip Hop. Their vibrant and interactive program connects history to the present day, and impresses upon students the power of music as a positive tool of communication and self-expression through songs, dances, instruments, and music. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $850; Back-to-Back Program - $1,150
k Kevin Gift
The Recital Experience Sometimes listening to a classical concert can be a little confusing; Kevin gives students an introduction to the classical concert. Why do people clap at the end of some pieces and not at the end of others? Where do words like ‘bravo’ and ‘encore’ come from? What are those funny-looking clothes performers wear and why are they called tails? Find out all of this and more through this interactive classical concert.
A tuned piano is required. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $500
Do I Have to Practice? Most kids would rather play soccer or basketball than practice an instrument. So how did a typical boy grow up to be a concert pianist? Kevin shares the different ways he made practicing fun as a child. Playing selections from his jazz and classical repertoire, he demonstrates just how far practicing can take you, encouraging would-be musicians to keep at it, and inspiring all students to persevere and achieve.
A tuned piano is required. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $500
Jazz Piano Masters Explore the world of jazz piano greats, from Thelonius Monk and Art Tatum, to Keith Jarrett. The art of improvisation in jazz is explored along with scat singing. Kevin uses familiar examples as well as some of his original pieces. Students learn how improvisation can make practicing anything more enjoyable and personally satisfying.
A tuned piano is required. Grade Level: 6-12
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $500
Jali-D
Rhythms and Rhymes for Wise Young Minds
Never before have children looked at math and reading in such a hip way. This rhythmic and lyrically engaging performance demonstrates the power of music as an educational tool, and inspires both students and teachers to view learning in an exciting new way. In this program, Jali-D raps about math, reading, science, video games, the brain, and more. He also instills important academic lessons and a strong emphasis on the value of achievement. Students will even get an opportunity to display their math and reading prowess in clever ‘call and response’ exercises. Grade Level:K-5
Fee: Single Program - $350; Back-to-Back Program - $525
k Milkshake
Music with Milkshake Milkshake’s program is an interactive and inspiring performance that encourages children to “be a part of the band” and join in the music-making. Children participate through body movement and voice. Creative expression is encouraged with every song as young children interpret different styles of music and respond to singing games, which include beat, tempo, and rhythm. Grade Level:PreK-2
Fee: Single Program - $690; Back-to-Back Program - $890
k NRITYA
New!Rhythms of India Arriving in stunning costumes, Lakshmi and Chitra introduce students to India and the different nuances of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, classical dance forms from Southern India. They gracefully integrate technical dance with storytelling in order to convey the rich imagery embedded in the art forms. Blending facial expressions and body movements, Lakshmi and Chitra bring interpretive traditional dances, as well as folk tales, to life.
Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $570; Back-to-Back Program - $725
k Odyssey Opera Theatre
Once Upon an Opera!
This delightful, highly interactive program shows students how exciting it can be to “tell” a story through the unique art form of opera. Students will discover how opera is actually a powerful combination of many art forms: music, drama, and visual arts. After experiencing an example of each basic element of opera, the entire audience will use their voices, emotions, bodies, and imaginations to create a mini-opera version of the beloved story “Hansel and Gretel”. Story structure, as well as the creation of dialogue, will be emphasized throughout the process of developing the mini–opera. Grade Level: PreK-5
Fee: Single Program - $470; Back-to-Back Program - $790
k alden phelps
NEW!JabberTalky: Playing with Words Alden sings up an earful of zany songs and zippy guitar-ifications, while students gleefully sing along to ‘Ted the Rhino’ and laugh out loud at ‘Be Careful with My Mega-Droid Robot.’ Songs and fast-paced word games explore writing concepts including simile and metaphor and point of view, and inspire the joy of playing with language. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $450
NEW!Silly Songs with the Barnyard Bard Animal songs such as ‘Everybody’s Wakin’ Up,’ colorful visuals, and animated stories give students a fun appreciation of life on a farm. Alden leads students in ‘The Breakfast Game’ and the ‘Where Did it Come From?’ Game, which help students see the central role that farms play in the food we eat and the clothes we wear. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $450
Word Play Alden’s far-fetched, funny songs and impressive guitar playing will delight audiences. Students are encouraged to sing along with original songs such as “My Mommy’s a Pirate” and “Chocolate Pie.” Word games are also woven into this musical performance as a way to bolster language skills, and students will be asked to finish simple rhyming couplets and improvise song lyrics. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $450
Ssuuna
Mujje: Come Together In this interactive program Ssuuna opens a window on African culture through dance, music, and storytelling. He weaves together stories with dance and music from his native Uganda played on authentic African instruments. Learn how the Amagunju dance evolved as a way to soothe an infant king (the traditional equivalent of today’s iPOD) and how traditional values like respect and gratitude are passed on through song and story. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $500; Back-to-Back Program - $625
Japanese Drumming and Dance Taikoza introduces students to the rich festival traditions of Japan. Accompanied by thunderous taiko drums and Japanese flutes, students take a journey through different regions of Japan as they explore traditional folk song and dance. Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $900; Back-to-Back Program - $1,200
k Sue Trainor
NEW!Writing Songs to Learn
An engaging, interactive concert where students will learn about the musical tools a songwriter uses, and how and why a songwriter uses them to write songs. Sue will lead students to see the powerful connection that a songwriter’s musical tools – beat/rhythm, melody, and lyrics have to everyday verbal expression. She will also explore the creation of original music for the purpose of communicating personal narrative, informative, or persuasive points. Student volunteers will be invited to create lyrics to existing melodies by making a list, using repetition, figurative language and rhyme, and by asking questions. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $430; Back-to-Back Program - $560
k Tamara Wellons Washington
NEW!Find Your Voice, Sing Your Song
This assembly focuses on having the self-confidence, creativity, and imagination to do what you love to do. Tamara teaches students that songs are the combination of melody, lyrics, and music. She has an interactive segment of the show where she engages the students in vocalization warm-ups and singing techniques. With the help of a percussionist and guitarist, Tamara narrates through song and rhythmic phrases, engaging students in improvisational scatting. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $550; Back-to-Back Program - $785
Young Audiences Arts for Learning Maryland | 2601 North Howard Street, Suite 320, Baltimore, MD 21218 | p: 410.837.7577 | f: 410.837.7579 | info@yamd.org
