TEACHING ARTIST SESSION CATEGORIES
Zydeco is just one ingredient in our local cultural cookbook, but where did it come from? In this session, students explore how Zydeco grew out of Creole traditions, learn dance steps, and uncover how music and movement reflect Louisiana’s history, identity, and community spirit.
Just like gumbo mixes lots of flavors, Zydeco mixes lots of traditions! Students will dance while learning how music, food, and celebrations are part of everyday Louisiana life.
Louisiana culture doesn’t stop at state lines – it travels the world! Through Zydeco dance and stories of international festivals, students will see how Creole traditions are shared across borders, building connections with cultures around the globe while keeping Louisiana’s spirit front and center.
Bring the excitement of a Louisiana festival straight into the classroom! Students will experience the sights and sounds of celebrations like Festival International and Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, where dance, music, and tradition fill the streets. They’ll join the fun through Zydeco dance while discovering how festivals keep culture alive.
The Mermaid Music Showcase is an interactive music and movement experience that introduces students to rhythm, singing, creative expression, listening skills, and musical storytelling through an imaginative under-the-sea adventure. Students actively participate by singing, echoing rhythms, moving with the music, and creating sound together using age-appropriate activities that encourage confidence, cooperation, creativity, and self-expression. Each presentation is designed for Pre-K through elementary students and aligns with arts education goals by strengthening musical awareness, focus, imagination, and group participation. No advance preparation is required, but teachers are encouraged to enjoy the experience alongside their students.
The Ocean Calm introduces students to the calming sounds of instruments from around the world, including crystal and Tibetan singing bowls, harp, gong, chimes, and other peaceful percussion. Students begin with a brief demonstration of each instrument, learning how sound and vibration can encourage relaxation, focused listening, and emotional regulation. They are then invited to sit comfortably or lie quietly while experiencing a guided sound bath designed to promote calm, imagination, and mindful awareness. No prior experience or preparation is required, and teachers are welcome to relax and enjoy the experience alongside their students while providing normal classroom supervision. Students need to wear comfortable clothing and have enough space to sit or lie down comfortably.
Students go from sketch to wall in just three sessions! Working as a team, they’ll develop a concept inspired by poetry, writing, or events (chat with the artist about options after booking) then scale it up using math, grids, and safe equipment. This session includes color theory, prep, and paint techniques. And lucky for you, we have options – the murals can be permanent or temporary!
Short-Term Residency option:
Day 1: The students will do a “doodle” warm up and icebreaker activity. The class collaborates on the theme, and an official sketch is made for the mural. Finally, we have a discussion about safety when making art.
Day 2: The finished design is sketched onto the wall, and the surface is prepped. The mural is transferred and painted by the students!
Day 3: The students spend this final day completing the mural, and have a group discussion to close out the session.
In this STEM/STEAM-based mini-residency, students design and paint a permanent/temporary/moveable collaborative mural while learning measurement, proportion, and perspective. Projects can be done on windows, walls, or posters. The session includes tool exploration, art history, and possibly seasonal themes. Perfect for any school event or holiday (chat with the artist about options after booking)!
Short-Term Residency option:
Day 1: The students will do a “doodle” warm up and icebreaker activity. The class collaborates on the theme, and an official sketch is made for the mural.
Day 2: The finished design is gridded and scaled for transfer to the wall or surface using math. The mural is transferred and painted by the students!
Day 3: The students will spend this final day completing the mural, and have a group discussion to close out the session.
The drum has always been used to communicate, and everyone has a story to tell! In this session, students will learn first that the most important thing in communication is really learning how to LISTEN! Once students know the importance of how to play together and be silent when others are playing their part, they will learn the three basic rhythms on the djembe. There will be lots of teamwork, but in this class, participants will also look at how a solo performer can tell a story and make it come to life.
Playing for peace in the world, playing for a sick friend, or playing with the hope that everyone does well on testing…but what do these have to do with drums? Well, they are all intentions, and drum circles come together with intention. Students in this session will set their own intentions while they learn three simple hand movements on the djembe or other percussive instruments sitting together in a circle. They will learn how to play the rhythms they feel while thinking of others. At the same time, they will practice staying musically in time/in count with the rest of the group. Drumming circles build community and keep communities strong. If these are intentions for your classroom, consider this session!