Music

Music and Storytelling (PK-2)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Music, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

Time to sing and make stories! In Audrey Broussard’s Music and Storytelling session, students will learn and sing along to songs that open their creativity. Students will learn about rhythm by using percussion shakers, and they will be accompanied on guitar while they sing and move. Audrey will use the kids song “Magic Soup” as a vehicle for students to move the story along with their imaginations. Students will continue weaving music and stories through activities that feature music by Laurie Berkner and songs from Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing Along.

Turning Creative Writing into Songwriting (7-12)

by Mandy McGee | Audrey Broussard, High School, Holidays, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Middle School, Music, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

Genres will blend, creativity and inspiration will be unlocked, and artistic visions will evolve and merge during Creative Writing Into Songwriting. Through guided creative writing exercises, the students will write poems, flash fiction, or prompts that will be used to fuel their songwriting experience. Much music will ensue. This session can be adapted for certain holidays, so please chat with the artist about options after booking!

Science Investigations and Creative Movement (2-12)

by Mandy McGee | Creative Movement/Dance, Elementary School, High School, Lafayette Parish, Middle School, Mini-Presentation, Music, Paula Calderon, Science, Single Session, Theatre

If your classroom scientists need a new way to approach a project or review content, consider adding the magic of music and movement. Scientific investigations take on new form in this imaginative and interactive session. Storytelling, rhythm games, and dance meet the scientific method in an experience that makes the lesson stick. Available in English & Spanish.

The Zydeco Rhythms: Moving through Louisiana’s Culture (K-12)

by Mandy McGee | Adaptable for Special Education, Chris Lemelle & ShaRhonda Joseph, Creative Movement/Dance, Elementary School, High School, Louisiana, Middle School, Mini-Presentation, Music

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.

Louisiana Living: From Gumbo to the Dance Floor (K-12)

by Mandy McGee | Adaptable for Special Education, Chris Lemelle & ShaRhonda Joseph, Creative Movement/Dance, Elementary School, High School, Louisiana, Middle School, Mini-Presentation, Music, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

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.

Telling Your Story on the Djembe (PK-5)

by Mandy McGee | Adaptable for Special Education, Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Music, Single Session, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

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.

The Drum Circle (PK-5)

by Mandy McGee | Adaptable for Special Education, Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Lafayette Parish, Lee Ann Broussard, Music, Single Session, Social Emotional Learning, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

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!

Crawfish & the Zydeco Tales: Interactive Kids Music Experience (PK-5)

by Mandy McGee | Elementary School, Iberia Parish, Jamie Dominic, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, Middle School, Mini-Presentation, Music, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

Join Crawfish and friends for a toe-tappin’, hand-clappin’ Zydeco adventure straight from the heart of Louisiana! In this interactive session, kids sing, dance, and laugh their way through fun YouTube hits like “Zydeco 123,” “Crawfish Shuffle,” “Don’t Eat My Fruit Loops,” and more. Each song brings a mix of rhythm, storytelling, and movement, while teaching children about Louisiana culture, Creole roots, and the joy of Zydeco music.

Music Production 101: Recording & Producing a Song (3-12)

by Mandy McGee | Iberia Parish, Jamie Dominic, Lafayette Parish, Louisiana, Mini-Presentation, Music, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

Ready to make your own music? Music Production 101: Recording & Producing a Song is a fun, hands-on course where kids learn how to create songs from start to finish! Students will explore recording voices and instruments, making beats, adding cool sounds, and putting it all together to make a real song. At the end of the session, students will create a full composition using everyday school items—like pencils, desks, and chairs—and will turn your classroom into a musical playground!

DJing & The Art of Turntablism (5-12)

by Mandy McGee | Art History, Elementary School, High School, Iberia Parish, Jude Romero (Kabuki Dancers), Lafayette Parish, Middle School, Mini-Presentation, Music, Single Session, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, Vermilion Parish

Ready for a needle drop? This session takes a deep dive into the beginnings of DJing and its contribution to culture. Musicality and music theory are discussed from a DJ’s point of view. Various Turntablism techniques that include mixing, scratching, beat juggling, and body tricks will be demonstrated live for the audience! This unique program can be scaled up or down to fit the space provided, so please communicate with the artist about tailoring your presentation to your needs.

ADDITIONAL ARTS IN EDUCATION RESOURCES