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.
TEACHING ARTIST SESSION CATEGORIES
Single Session
Zydeco Music History Told by Chubby Carrier (PK-12)
You can hear it at festivals, at barbecues, and on the radio. Maybe your family knows how to dance to it, and it is firmly woven into the soundscape of Louisiana. But where did it come from? This interactive history lesson will answer that and also address how important it is to keep our tradition and culture alive.
The Zydeco Fais Do Do! (5-12)
Can you do the Zydeco? In this session, everyone can! Students will get the chance to learn core Zydeco instruments: the accordion, washboard, drums, and the triangle. They will also be learning songs that are sung in both French and English. Then it’s time to grab a partner to “LaLa” (which means “to dance” in Zydeco-speak) and bring culture alive in the classroom.
Expression Through Songwriting (K-12)
Where, you may ask, do songs come from? In the session “Expression Through Songwriting,” students will learn about the creative process that goes behind writing a song. They will hear examples based on the personal experiences of a songwriter, and will be guided to find their own inspiration. Then, students will work together to create a song. This flexible session can be adapted for certain holidays, so chat with the artist about options after booking!
Music and Storytelling (PK-2)
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)
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!
Patriotism: Class Flags (K-2)
Move over, Betsy Ross! Students will show their classes’ patriotic pride and become visual artists in this session where classes will create a class flag using the basic elements of line, pattern and repetition. This session can be customized to relate to various themes and events, so let your vision fly!
Adjective, Adjective, Noun! (3-8)
Each student will receive two adjectives and a noun, randomly pulled from a hat. We will discuss the difference between adjectives and nouns, then the students will then be encouraged to create an illustration or write a story inspired by the creative combination of words, building their imagination and sense of humor.
Patriotism: Historical Events (9-12)
Your history, your heritage, your time to explore artistic composition! Students will be their own creative founding fathers and mothers when they design a piece of art that incorporates American historical events or symbols. And yes, this session can be customized and linked to various lessons and events.
The Colorful Art of Romero Britto (K-12)
It is NOT just about museums! We all know that art gets licensed and used in advertising campaigns. Romero Britto –whose art incorporates elements of Cubism, pop art, and graffiti– has produced some very popular examples of that non-museum art. He is well known for using bright colors, bold lines, and patterns that jump off the page. In this session, the students will not just create art in this distinctive style, but they will also discuss the way a piece of art can be transformed into other products such as t-shirts, mugs, bags, etc. Art meets advertising in this classroom!
