ARTIST ROSTER 2009-2010
Pioneer Center Youth Programs Artist Roster 2009-2010 Page 1 Who we are... Pioneer Center Youth Programs is the educational outreach division of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, northern Nevada s premier performing arts facility. We bring our programs into schools throughout Washoe County and northern Nevada, creating the kind of excitement only live, professional performances can produce. About our programs Pioneer Center Youth Programs is proud to present our 2009-2010 season. These performances, especially adapted for school multi-purpose rooms, are designed to enlighten as well as entertain grades K-6. Programs are set up into two assemblies: a 30-minute assembly for grades K-3 and a 40-minute assembly for grades 4-6. At the end of the performance, we ask that teachers and students complete an evaluation form. This form is used as a tool for future programming and for grant funding consideration. Affordable prices Our artist roster is very affordable. The cost of each two-assembly program for schools in the immediate Reno-Sparks area is $200. Programs at schools in the outlying communities are $250. The actual artist fees are much higher. The cost of the artist is subsidized by donations and grants from the following entities: Nevada Arts Council, City of Reno Arts & Culture Commission, JAM Theatricals, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, Target Foundation, and the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. Ordering is easy Select Select your programs from the 2009-2010 Artist Roster. Consult the Artist Availability Sheet and your school master calendar before scheduling your program. Submit Submit your order by e-mail, phone, or fax. Mail: dennyse@pioneercenter.com Phone: (775) 686-6142 Fax: (775) 686-6624 E-Mail: Phone: Fax: This project has been funded, in part, by a grant from the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission. Supported by Stimulus Funding through the Nevada Arts Council s SNAP Grant Program This project has been funded, in part, by a grant from the Nevada Arts Council, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal Agency, and the Recovery Act.
Pioneer Center Youth Programs Artist Roster 2009-2010 Page 2 Cuerdas de Fuego Touring Artists New Artists! AC Images Photography Latin America comes alive for students with exciting music from Cuerdas de Fuego ( Strings of Fire ). Paraguayan harp master Ramon Romero and Cuban percussionist Carlos Caro perform the lively and descriptive music of their homelands, giving students a musical tour of South America, Mexico, and Cuba. Each melody describes nature, geography, or village traditions. With the upbeat music, students can hear the crashing waterfalls, the bell bird of the forest, or the milk train as it comes around the mountain. Students are introduced to the many different sounds of the harp and of percussive instruments like rain sticks, maracas, and bongo drums. Students will be transported to Latin Ameica on the fast-paced rhythms and fascinating melodies of these two master musicians. Cuerdas de Fuego enjoys connecting with young audiences, inviting children to clap and sing along with many of their songs. The program includes narration in English and Spanish. Book early! Available March 29 - April 2, 2010. Erika Paul Carlson Trio New Artists! The history of American jazz comes alive through songs representing 100 years of jazz music! The trio starts with ragtime music, then journeys through instrumental and vocal styles of jazz, written and performed by some of our country's most prominent and prolific jazz artists, in the music styles of dixieland, the blues, swing, bebop, hardbop, latin, fusion and beyond. Every song comes with fun stories, interactive sing-a-longs, clap, tap and stomp activities, songwriting and lots of call and response to inspire the "jazz" spontaneity in every listener, be it student or faculty! Songs from Erika Paul Carlson's award-winning children's interactive jazz cd, "Scat's My Bag" are also included to entertain and educate listeners of all ages through original music and creative storybook characters who follow the call of jazz and music education as a lifetime skill. Erika plays the piano and sings in this talented trio. Gary Douglas, a child prodigy in voice and versatile bassist in all music styles, is a fulltime professional music performer and Andy Heglund, the drummer of this group, teaches music fulltime at UNR and performs locally.
Brüka s Theatre for Children New Program! Brüka Theatre proudly presents its second year in a series of new adaptations of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. This production presents four of the original stories filled with imagination, colorful characters, and adventures that have been updated for today s contemporary audiences. This year s production will also feature a playwright contest for young writers, with the winner being featured in next season s third installment of The Grimm s Project. Brüka Theatre has been presenting live theatre in our community for 17 years. This touring production features the Brüka ensemble who bring the story to life with a small set of props and costumes. It is a live theatre performance incorporating physical theatrics, improvisation, and audience interaction. Brüka s Theatre for Children has found a large following of all ages. Hilarious and insightful, featuring top-notch performers and writers who consistently involve young people in learning and participating in theatre and related arts. Great availability April - June 2010 Pioneer Center Youth Programs Artist Roster 2009-2010 Page 3 David Blonski Local Artist New Artist! The didgeridoo is the traditional musical instrument of the Aboriginal people of northern Australia. This captivating program will teach students the history and cultural significance of this ancient instrument. Students will learn about the evolution of the didgeridoo, from primitive cultures to contemporary uses. David will also play excerpts from the soundtrack work he did for the blockbuster film Godzilla. Students and teachers will receive a simple lesson in the art of didgeridoo playing and will have the opportunity to test their skills as they engage in a rousing didgeridoo face-off. David Blonski is a professional artist, musician, and recording artist who has been presenting educational, entertaining assembly programs for over 10 years, including extensive work in the area of arts education for the California Department of Education. His interactive, engaging didgeridoo program has been captivating young audiences all throughout the western states.
Pioneer Center Youth Programs Artist Roster 2009-2010 Page 4 Larry Wilson Local Artist New Program! World famous (and local!) magician Larry Wilson is back for another year of mind-blowing instruction in the art of illusion. Thanks to the overwhelming response to his previous presentation, Larry continues his campaign to reveal the fundamental principles behind the world s most amazing magic. His unique school performances are hilariously funny and alarmingly educational as he shows time and time again that the most unbelievable magic always has an explanation rooted in science. Larry will perform a wide array of magic tricks using student volunteers in direct, hands-on learning applications. As astounding as these tricks may be, the secrets behind them are often more incredible. Under Larry s master tutelage, the most bewildering magic will be broken down into easy-to-follow steps that students re-create at home with common household items like pencils, rubber bands, paper clips, and string. At its core, Larry s presentation demonstrates that magic really is just the bratty younger brother of science. The accompanying curriculum guide provides a wealth of materials connecting magic and illusion with history, art, mathematics, and literature. Sol Jibe Sol Jibe has a growing reputation of musical innovation in the intermountain west that reflects the talent of five diverse and gifted musicians. They have traveled throughout the world studying music, including journeys to Spain, Cuba, and much of Central America. The members of Sol Jibe believe that music is essential in a complete education members of the group actually met at UNR in the Music Department! Sol Jibe is honored to be a part of raising the standards for music education here in their hometown and everywhere they travel. This group can offer audiences of all ages a well-rounded and energetic exploration of the world s music and its fusion with American music and culture. Imagine combining classical violin with Cuban percussion, and blues piano with African rhythms and Jazz saxophone! Sol Jibe expertly combines all this and so much more. Book early! Variable availability call for details.
Anouaze Beat New Program! New Group Lineup! Local dance group Anouaze Beat brings their unique and authentic combination of African art, music, and dance to the children of northern Nevada. The group s members, now residents of Reno and Carson City, originally hail from Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Japan, Mexico, and the USA. Their exciting and educational performance is influenced by the four guiding principles of life in Africa: philosophy, politics, religion, and moral values. These principles are brought to life through drumming, dancing, singing, and artwork. Africa is the second largest continent in the world, and this program features cultural artifacts from Ghana, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Benin. Students will be amazed by the beauty of traditional masks, carved wooden animals, and batik fabrics whose pattern is designed to tell stories. They will also be invited to participate in singing, dancing, and drumming on traditional African instruments such as the djembe, congo, atouglan, and dundun. This is sure to be an unforgettable experience! Pioneer Center Youth Programs Artist Roster 2009-2010 Page 5 Tsurunokai Tsurunokai brings the ancient art of Japanese Taiko drumming to the children of northern Nevada. Traditionally, Taiko drums have been used in warfare, martial arts, religious ceremonies, and festivals throughout Japan for over 1400 years. It is said that the beating of the Taiko drum echoes the beating of the heart and the rolling of thunder. The powerful sounds of Taiko drums will transport your students on a cultural adventure through Japanese history and customs. Tsurunokai performs traditional Japanese folk music as well as original compositions. Students will be invited to participate in drumming and dancing during the performance. Tsurunokai, or Reno Taiko, was founded by Rieko Shimbo, a Japanese native who studied traditional music and dance in Tokyo before moving to the United States. Rieko has assembled a group of talented and dedicated Taiko drummers whose credits include performances at many local and regional festivals and art exhibitions. She has been teaching and performing in our community for over 10 years. Available afternoons only, September 2009 - June 2010