Archived Programs
2007 - 2008 Season
A Musical Journey: Imani Winds
Grades 5-8
This Grammy-nominated wind quintet is known not only for its expert musicianship and ensemble playing but also for its ability to mix classical, jazz, spirituals, and contemporary music into a lively and fun performance. In addition to learning about the origins of modern wind instruments and the cultural bridges that exist between musical genres, students hear music from around the world presented in an understandable and most enjoyable and delightful way. Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Click here to download the study guide for this program
The Music of the Andes
Grades 4-8
The vibrant, energetic music of the Andes region of South America is performed in its most authentic form by Andes Manta, professional musicians and natives of the Ecuadorian Andes. Students hear and learn about dozens of traditional instruments, including six-foot-long panpipes. Andes Manta musicians discuss the history, music, and traditions of their culture, demonstrate the rich and haunting sounds of the rain forest, and perform traditional folk music. This presentation was part of the Kennedy Center's AmericArtes Festival of Latin American Arts and Culture. Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007
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Telling Stories: Christopher Myers
Grades 4-8
Christopher Myers comes from a long line of creative storytellers and has come to tell his own tales in books such as Black Cat, Fly! and Wings. The celebrated author and illustrator shares his own experiences and influences growing up as well as his passion for art which has earned him several awards, including a Caldecott Honor for his illustrations in Harlem as well as a Coretta Scott King Honor for Illustration. Myers discusses his books as well as his unique style of artwork that combines painting, photography, and collages with moderator Maria Salvadore. Friday, November 2, 2007
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Full Circle Productions: Hip Hop to Da Head
Grades 7-12
Meet Kwikstep, Rokafella, Spex, Baba, and the rest of the crew as they break, lock, pop, and up-rock until you stand up and cheer! The members of Full Circle Productions present a behind-the-scenes look at the culture and aesthetics of hip hop, the elements and dance styles, and the high-energy performance characteristic of this positive and vivacious expression of urban culture. Friday, November 16, 2007
Click here to download the study guide for this program
Click here for the ArtsEdge Cuesheet about hip hop and Full Circle Productions
Latin Jazz with Bobby Sanabria
Grades 7-12
Master drummer, educator, and Grammy®-nominated artist Bobby Sanabria, and ¡Quarteto Aché!, take students on a musical journey that demonstrates how history, politics, and religion influenced the rhythms of Africa to create the rich array of musical styles known as Latin music. Students hear how the five-beat rhythm of the clave can be traced from 15th century Africa to the New World and can still be heard today in rock-and-roll and hip hop. This presentation was part of the Kennedy Center's AmericArtes Festival of Latin American Arts and Culture. Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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Urban Bush Women: Shadow's Child
Grades 4-8
The award-winning performance troupe Urban Bush Women and the National Song and Dance Company of Mozambique join together to present a program that demonstrates the rich and complex music and dance of Southeast Africa, and shows how dance, music, narration, and puppetry can be combined to tell a richly layered story of a young girl's heroism. Through performance excerpts from the commissioned work, Shadow's Child, the company addresses issues of intolerance, embracing difference, and finding strength and sense of self in difficult times. Tuesday, January 15, 2008
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Robotopia Rising
Grades 9-12
Author of Loving the Machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robots, Tim Hornyak takes students on a historical journey detailing the rise of robots in Japan during this discussion and demonstration program. Students take a virtual tour of the robot exhibition, a part of JAPAN! culture + hyperculture at the Kennedy Center, featuring some of Japan's most popular robots. Students also meet two researchers who have made remarkable progress in the field of robotics: Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro and Robo Garage's creator Tomotaka Takahashi. Friday, February 15, 2008
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Jazz: Terell Stafford Quintet
Grades 7-12
A gifted and versatile trumpeter, Terell Stafford and his quintet combine lyricism and a deep love of melody with an adventurous edge. Currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Temple University, Terell Stafford and his quintet demonstrate and discuss the blues as well as Louis Armstrong's musical influence with the classic hit "West End Blues," which set the standard for jazz for many years. In addition, the quintet will talk about improvisation and ensemble playing and, through performance, guide students in what to listen for in jazz. Wednesday, March 5, 2008
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Telling Stories: Gene Yang
Grades 6-12
Go beyond the page with author Gene Yang as he discusses childhood, his Chinese influences, and comic books. The author of American Born Chinese, the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book Award and Printz Award winner, joins moderator Maria Salvadore in the studio as part of the Telling Stories series. Thursday, March 27, 2008
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Time for Three
Grades 6-12
Time for Three is a youthful and engaging trio of musicians who play a widely diverse repertoire that transcends traditional performance genres. These classically trained string players perform an eclectic mix of bluegrass, Hungarian gypsy, jazz, country-western fiddling, classical, and improvisatory music. During the program, Time for Three performs music from Brahms to the Beatles and beyond and demonstrates how engaging music of all genres can be when played with spontaneity, enthusiasm, and technical virtuosity. Wednesday, April 16, 2008
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Black Grace
Grades 7-12
Black Grace, an all-male dance company from New Zealand, takes the stage with an explosive program that mixes rhythm, spirit, and energy. The Boston Globe hails their work as “a strikingly imaginative fusion of traditional Samoan/Maori dance and contemporary styles.” Artistic Director Neil Ieremia weaves his abiding belief in three key Samoan principles—Fa’amaoni (integrity, honesty, and pride), Fa’amalosi/Loto Tele (perseverance and determination), and Fa’aloalo (humility and respect)—into his choreography, which translates into an amazing program that captivates audiences. Company members also discuss the unique cultural aspects of their work and demonstrate the mix of traditional and contemporary dance forms. Tuesday, April 29, 2008
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Hakata Kinjishi Taiko and Hakata Koma
Grades 4-7
Hakata Kinjishi Taiko and Hakata Koma is led by siblings Jyuraku and Syouraku Chikushi and performs a style of drumming which derived from music used for the Lion Dance, a traditional dance used to bring good luck, and traditional Hakata Top-spinning act. These taiko drummers use a wide range of stick percussion instruments to meld their drumbeat with other genres such as jazz and rock while integrating a traditional Hakata Top-spinning act into this unique sound experience. Playing with tops is an old form of child’s play in many countries. In Japan, the birth of this koma (top-spinning) art came about in a unique style with the use of a top in a series of tricks. The origin of this top art, said to have come from the Hakata Koma, has a long history of more than 400 years and was first developed in Japan as a magnificent form of entertainment. This presentation was part of the Kennedy Center’s JAPAN! culture + hyperculture festival. Tuesday, May 6, 2008
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Jazz Reach: She Said/She Says
Grades 4-7
Jazz Reach’s She Said/She Says is a celebration of women’s achievements and music in jazz from the early 20th century to the present day. This high-energy program is filled with music, narration, film, and stunning lighting, scenic, and projection designs. Students will explore the lives of women composers, arrangers, instrumentalists, and vocalists who have dedicated their lives to jazz. Friday, May 16, 2008
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2006 - 2007 Season
Theater: Twelve Angry Men
Grades 7-12
Join members of the cast of Twelve Angry Men as they explore the connections between the play's themes and such relevant issues as the influence of personal history and perspective on decision making, the balance between civic responsibility and personal goals, and the power of a persuasive argument. Emmy winner Richard Thomas (TV's The Waltons) and six-time Emmy nominee George Wendt (TV's Cheers) star in this gripping revival of an American classic the New York Times trumpeted as "the undeniable hit of the Broadway dramatic season!" October 18, 2006
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Shakespeare and The Moor's Pavane:The Jose Limon Dance Company
Grades 6-12
For nearly 60 years, the Jose Limon Dance Company has championed the pioneering movement technique and philosophy of theater developed by Mexican-American choreographer Jose Limon. Through a detailed demonstration and explanation of the basic elements of dance—space, time, gesture, and energy, students learn what to look for and how to interpret the dancers' movements in the graceful and nuanced dramatic performance of The Moor's Pavane, based on an Italian legend—the same story Shakespeare used for his tragedy, Othello. October 27, 2006
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Telling Stories: Nikki Grimes
Grades 5-9
Born and raised in New York City, Nikki Grimes began composing verse at the age of six and has been writing poems and stories ever since. Ms. Grimes has received numerous honors for her books, including the Coretta Scott King Author Award and recognition from the ALA and NAACP. In this program, Ms. Grimes reads from and discusses two of her well-known books, What is Goodbye? and Talkin' About Bessie, with moderator Maria Salvadore. November 3, 2006
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Young Jazz Musicians with The Billy Taylor Trio
Grades 6-12
Join Dr. Billy Taylor, jazz advisor for the Kennedy Center, and his trio (Chip Jackson on bass, Winard Harper on percussion) as they coach and perform with three young jazz musicians. Experience the best jazz has to offer from both seasoned professionals and up-and-coming students in this lively and informative program. December 6, 2006
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Musical Theater: The Remaking of Mame
Grades 7-12
In this intimate studio session, meet cast members Harriet Harris, Alan Muraoka, Parker Esse, and 13-year-old Harrison Chad as they discuss their roles and methods of preparation for the Kennedy Center's recent production of Mame, and offer students insights into the professional world of musical theater. American University Professor of Theatre Caleen Sinnette Jennings moderates this program that provides a unique perspective on reviving a cornerstone of American musical theater. January 11, 2007
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Jazz: Jason Moran and the Bandwagon
Grades 7-12
Hailed as "the most provocative thinker in current jazz", (Rolling Stone Magazine), award-winning pianist and composer Jason Moran is known for challenging "the same old thing" in jazz and confronting contemporary audiences' notions about the classic jazz trio. In this high-energy performance and demonstration program with his group the Bandwagon, Moran explores the genres of jazz, gospel, blues, and hip-hop, and features jazz students in performance with the trio. February 23, 2007
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Telling Stories: Jon Scieszka
Grades 5-9
Author of such whimsical children's books as The Time Warp Trio, Math Curse, Science Verse, and The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales, Jon Scieszka discusses his humorous approach to rethinking academic subjects as well as his "updating" of classic myths and fairy tales for modern young readers. Maria Salvadore moderates this program along with two students as part of the Telling Stories series. March 8, 2007
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A Musical Journey: Imani Winds
Grades 5-8
This Grammy-nominated wind quintet is known not only for its expert musicianship and ensemble playing but also for its ability to mix classical, jazz, spirituals, and contemporary music into a lively and fun performance. In addition to learning about the origins of modern wind instruments and the cultural bridges that exist between musical genres, students hear music from around the world presented in an understandable and most enjoyable and delightful way. March 27, 2007
Click here to download the study guide for this program
China: Shen Wei Dance Arts
Grades 7-12
Hailed by the New York Times as "startlingly imaginative" and widely acclaimed wherever it performs, Shen Wei Dance Arts fuses the art forms of dance, theater, Chinese opera, painting, sculpture, and Western and Eastern cultures. In this program, the ensemble performs segments of Shen Wei's recent work, Connect Transfer, along with excerpts from his new work, Second Visit to the Empress. Through performance, demonstration, and discussion, students see how dance movement, music, and the visual arts combine in unique and unexpected ways. May 16, 2007
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2005 - 2006 Season
Telling Stories: Linda Sue Park
Grades 4-8
Born in Illinois to Korean immigrant parents, Linda Sue Park has always enjoyed writing poems and stories. With just her third novel, she won the coveted Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. In this session, moderator Maria Salvadore talks with Ms. Park about her Newbery-winning book A Single Shard and her newest book Project Mulberry . September 23, 2005
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National Symphony Orchestra: Connections: History and Music
Grades 4-8
What do Mozart, Marie Antoinette, and Benjamin Franklin have in common? That question and many others will be answered in this fast-paced, multimedia program developed by NSO cellist Yvonne Caruthers, which explores the connections between history and music. An ensemble of NSO musicians brings to life the history and music of colonial Jamestown, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the post–Civil War era, and the turbulence of the twentieth century. History as you have never "heard" it before! October 3, 2005
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Festival of China: Shanghai Song and Dance Ensemble
Grades 4-8
Shanghai Song and Dance Ensemble is a multidisciplinary performance troupe that focuses on ethnic dance drama. Drawing from various traditional Chinese genres, artistic director Doudou Huang seeks to reinvent Chinese dance, skillfully weaving East and West, old and new, and interpreting history through a modern filter. In this demonstration and performance, the company helps students achieve a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. October 21, 2005
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Telling Stories: Christopher Paul Curtis
Grades 5-8
African American author Christopher Paul Curtis is widely recognized for his historical fiction books for students. In addition to winning a Newbery Medal, Mr. Curtis is the only children's author ever to win both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the same book— Bud, Not Buddy. With a student audience, Mr. Curtis discusses this award-winning book along with his Newbery Honor winner, The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963. March 21, 2006
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Country Music: Styles & Traditions
Grades 7-12
Country music is among the most popular of American art forms, and its cultural appeal is greater now than ever. Through performance, demonstration and discussion with country music Grammy winner Jerry Douglas and musicians Bryan Sutton, Dudley Connell, Sally Love, and Marshall Wilborn, students learn about the history, the styles, and the traditions of this truly American music. Joe Wilson, country music historian, moderates the program. April 6, 2006
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Full Circle Productions: Hip Hop to Da Head
Grades 7-12
Meet Kwikstep, Rokafella, Spex, Baba, and the rest of the crew as they break, lock, pop, and up-rock until you stand up and cheer! The members of Full Circle Productions present a behind-the-scenes look at the culture and aesthetics of hip hop, the elements and dance styles, and the high-energy performance characteristic of this positive and vivacious expression of urban culture. April 25, 2006
Click here to download the study guide for this program
Musical Theater: Stephen Schwartz
Grades 7-12
At this session meet composer/lyricist and Academy Award® and Grammy® winner Stephen Schwartz as he talks with Michael Kerker, director of Musical Theater at ASCAP, about his most recent Broadway musical, Wicked, "the most complete—and completely satisfying—new musical in a long time" (USA Today). Stephen Schwartz also discusses his other musicals, including Godspell, Pippin, Working, and The Magic Show and students hear a few of his well-known songs performed live. May 2, 2006
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2004 - 2005 Season
Telling Stories: Richard Peck
Grades 4-8
Award-winning author Richard Peck has written a wide-range of books for young people that contain thought-provoking, heartwarming, and humorous stories. In this program, he talks about his Newbery award–winning books, A Long Way from Chicago and its sequel A Year Down Yonder, historical novels set at the time of the Great Depression whose characters—grandparents and grandchildren—have universal appeal. A former English teacher-turned-writer, Mr. Peck is one of America’s most highly respected writers for middle school students and young adults. November 5, 2004
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Musical Theater: Thoroughly Modern Millie
Grades 9-12
Tony Award®–winning songwriters Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan join Broadway singers and moderator Michael Kerker, director of Musical Theater at ASCAP, for a discussion of careers in musical theater. This acclaimed group talks about their own careers, offers students insights into the professional world of musical theater, and performs selections from the Tony®–winning musical, Thoroughly Modern Millie. December 9, 2004
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Martha Graham Dance Company
Grades 7-12
Known as “one of the great companies of the world" (The New York Times), Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest contemporary dance company in America and one of its most celebrated. As part of the Kennedy Center–wide festival* A New America: The 1940s and the Arts, company members discuss the legacy of Martha Graham, demonstrate the technique that continues to influence dancers today, and perform excerpts from some of the company’s most celebrated works, including the 1944 classic Appalachian Spring—Graham’s ode to pioneer families of America. February 16, 2005
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Jazz: The Legacy of "Dizzy" Gillespie
Grades 7-12
Considered to be America’s leading spokesman for jazz, Dr. Billy Taylor—with his trio and trumpeter Jon Faddis—presents a program of performance and demonstration"used on trumpet legend “Dizzy" Gillespie. Guest artist Jon Faddis, known for his tremendous range and technique on this amazing instrument, also talks about performing with his mentor. This program provides a first-hand introduction to one of the giants of jazz and is an opportunity for students to develop listening skills and to better understand the art form that Dr. Taylor calls “America’s classical music." March 1, 2005
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Hot Air: The Story of Brass Instruments
The Chestnut Brass Company
Grades 4-7
This unique and celebrated brass quintet presents highlights of the development of brass instruments from the earliest trumpets to the present day. Utilizing a collection of historical instruments from the 16th to the 19th centuries, students are treated to a rare glimpse into the past as they hear Renaissance music and music from the Civil War performed on instruments that were played at that time. The program culminates with a virtuosic display on modern brass instruments demonstrating how the instruments have changed over the centuries. March 16, 2005
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Ballet Hispanico
Grades 4-8
Ballet Hispanico has been recognized around the world as the foremost dance interpreter of Hispanic culture in the United States. The company presents a spirited blend of dance and narrative that provides a theatrical and entertaining insight into the cultures of Latin American countries through such dances as Mexico’s folklorico, Brazil’s samba, and Honduras’ punta. April 8, 2005
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2003 - 2004 Season
Project Bandaloop
Grades 4-12
The members of Project Bandaloop honor nature, community, and the human spirit through dance. Inspired by the possibilities of rock climbing and rappelling, the company uses aerial, vertical, and horizontal movement to create a blend of dance, sport, ritual, and environmental awareness. Through demonstration, performance excerpts, and discussion, company members explore the relationship between movement and gravity and stimulate student awareness of their natural and built environments. November 25, 2003
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The Music of the Andes
Grades 4-8
The vibrant, energetic music of the Andes region of South America is performed in its most authentic form by Andes Manta, professional musicians and natives of the Ecuadorian Andes. Students hear and learn about dozens of traditional instruments, including six-foot-long panpipes. Andes Manta musicians discuss the history, music, and traditions of their culture, demonstrate the rich and haunting sounds of the rain forest, and perform traditional folk music. This presentation was part of the Kennedy Center’s AmericArtes Festival of Latin American Arts and Culture. January 16, 2004
Click here to download the study guide for this program
Latin Jazz with Bobby Sanabria
Grades 7-12
Master drummer, educator, and Grammy®-nominated artist Bobby Sanabria, and ¡Quarteto Aché!, take students on a musical journey that demonstrates how history, politics, and religion influenced the rhythms of Africa to create the rich array of musical styles known as Latin music. Students hear how the five-beat rhythm of the clave can be traced from 15th century Africa to the New World and can still be heard today in rock-and-roll and hip hop. This presentation was part of the Kennedy Center’s AmericArtes Festival of Latin American Arts and Culture. February 13, 2004
Click here to download the study guide for this program
Telling Stories: Patricia McKissack
Grades 4-8
Patricia C. McKissack, Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King award-winning author, storyteller, and writer of Color Me Dark, a title from Scholastic’s popular Dear America series, talks about this inspiring story with moderator Maria Salvadore. Ms. McKissack reads from the book; highlights its important themes of family love, racism, and inner strength; and compares the different ways stories are shared through books, on stage, and through oral storytelling. March 26, 2004
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Jazz and the New Generation II
Grades 7-12
Who are the new generation of jazz musicians about to become tomorrow’s well-known performers? Hand-selected by jazz piano legend Dr. Billy Taylor, six up-and-coming high school and college jazz musicians present a program of performance, demonstration, and discussion. These young performers share their thoughts on the future of jazz and add their interpretations to the music of Dr. Billy Taylor. April 21, 2004
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2002 - 2003 Season
Telling Stories: Laurence Yep
Grades 5 – 8
Stories are often windows to understanding other cultures and traditions, as well as helping us to understand ourselves. Award-winning author Laurence Yep talks about his personal experiences growing up as a Chinese-American and explores how the history of a country and different cultures intertwine with one's own history. Mr. Yep also talks with young student writers, offering suggestions and advice on writing stories based on one's personal experiences. November 1, 2002
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Urban Bush Women: Shadow’s Child
Grades 4 – 8
The award-winning performance troupe Urban Bush Women and the National Song and Dance Company of Mozambique join together to present a program that demonstrates the rich and complex music and dance of Southeast Africa, and shows how dance, music, narration, and puppetry can be combined to tell a richly layered story of a young girl’s heroism. Through performance excerpts from the commissioned work, Shadow’s Child, the company addresses issues of intolerance, embracing difference, and finding strength and sense of self in difficult times. February 25, 2003
Click here to download the study guide for this program
Los Danzaq de Ayacucho
Grades 4-8
Los Danzaq de Ayacucho, a professional folk ensemble of dancers and musicians from the Central-Southern Andes of Peru, present a breathtaking performance of scissor dancing, an ancient art form that bears a striking resemblance to break dancing. The Scissors Dance is a one-on-one competition between dancers that is a test of strength, agility, imagination, and artistry. This program features four of Peru's finest dancers and musicians in a demonstration and performance of the music, rhythms, and increasingly difficult acrobatic moves, all presented with traditional folk instruments and costumes. Part of the Kennedy Center's AmericArtes festival of Latin American Arts and Culture. March 11, 2003
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Art as Witness to History with James Wyeth
Grades 6-12
Can works of art help us better understand the history of our country? Join well-known American artist James Wyeth inside a museum for a look at selected historical events and significant Americans of the 2Oth century as seen through paintings by N.C., Andrew, and James Wyeth. This tour of works by the most famous family of artists in America demonstrates how the artist as witness and recorder of history can give new meaning to our understanding of our nation' s history. May 15, 2003
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2001 - 2002 Season
Telling Stories: Joseph Bruchac
Grades 5-8
Award-winning Native American author and storyteller Joseph Bruchac talks about his personal experiences growing up in the foothills of the Adirondacks and discusses his works and the cultural heritage on which his stories are based. A prolific writer, Joseph Bruchac’s stories involve actual historical events and offer insight into the Native American culture, beliefs,and traditions. November 1, 2001
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It’s All Music! Billy Taylor, jazz piano and Estela Olevsky, classical piano
Grades 7-12
Are you able to hear the differences between classical music and jazz? Are there any similarities between the two styles? Do classical musicians play jazz? This presentation by renowned jazz pianist and educator Dr. Billy Taylor and internationally known classical pianist Estela Olevsky will sharpen your ears as both artists demonstrate the similarities and differences between classical music and jazz. December 6, 2001
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National Symphony Orchestra: Connections: Science and Music
Grades 4-8
You have probably heard about connections between science and music, but can you actually hear them? When do musicians use science? Why do scientists study music? In this stimulating multimedia performance, NSO cellist Yvonne Caruthers, with a mixed ensemble of NSO musicians, explores scientific and musical concepts in acoustics, medicine, computer science, and psychology. December 10, 2001
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Grupo Corpo Brazilian Dance Theater
Grades 7-12
As part of the Kennedy Center’s AmericArtes, a festival of Latin American arts and culture, Grupo Corpo, one of Brazil’s best dance companies, shows through demonstration and performance how the dance forms and music of Brazil are combined with the classical dance tradition. Fusing Brazilian spirit with African rhythm and the grace of classical ballet, the company explains and demonstrates these cultural influences and performs excerpts from the company’s repertoire. April 24, 2002
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2000 - 2001 Season
Taylor 2 Dance Company
Grades 7-12
Taylor 2, a select company of dancers with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, provides an introduction to modern dance with performance excerpts from the works of Paul Taylor, one of the most important choreographers of the 20th century. These skilled and engaging dancers demonstrate basic exercises used to warm up the body, show how gesture and movement become dance, and present excerpts from the Taylor repertoire in a variety of styles and tempos. November 17, 2000
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Telling Stories: Walter Dean Myers
Grades 4-6
Stories are often windows to understanding other cultures, rites, beliefs, and traditions. Award-winning author Walter Dean Myers discusses and reads excerpts from his books, talks about his personal experiences growing up, and offers insight into his work and the cultural heritage on which his stories are based. December 1, 2000
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Jazz and The Violin The Billy Taylor Trio with John Blake, Jr., Violin
Grades 7-12
Is the violin part of the jazz heritage? How do violinists play in the jazz idiom? Legendary jazz musician Dr. Billy Taylor with his Trio and violinist John Blake, Jr. will answer these questions and explain how the violin has been a part of jazz history. Through performance and demonstration, this program looks at historically significant jazz violinists, their contributions to the art form, and the role of the violin in jazz today. February 7, 2001
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Tambuco Percussion Ensemble of Mexico
Grades 7-12
As part of the Kennedy Center's AmericArtes, a festival of Latin American arts and culture, this outstanding quartet of musicians performs traditional and contemporary music inspired by the popular and folk music idioms of Mexico. Using percussion instruments from bongos to vibraphones, this talented ensemble demonstrates the unique sounds of their instruments, discusses the culture and traditions of Mexico as expressed through music, and performs in traditional costumes. February 20, 2001
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Contemporary Playwrights: August Wilson
Grades 7-12
Recorded in 2001, the late August Wilson discusses his playwriting career up through the production of King Hedley II. In this enlightening session with high school students, Mr. Wilson talks about his early life, discusses the process of playwriting, and elucidates the characters, themes, and issues in several of his plays. Caleen Sinnette Jennings, Professor of Theatre at American University, moderates this discussion with one of America's greatest playwrights. February 23, 2001
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Arts from Ireland: Music
Grades 7-12
In this unique celebration of the arts of Ireland, five of Northern Ireland’s most notable musicians perform songs, jigs, airs, and reels and show how the Irish musical tradition has influenced music around the world. Ronan Browne, Tommy Hayes, Kevin Glackin, and Conal O'Grada, demonstrate how the traditional instruments of Ireland -- the pipes, the bodhran, the fiddle, and the flute -- are played. As an instrumental ensemble and with vocalist and guitarist Mary Greene, these well-known musicians perform traditional Irish music and discuss their rich musical heritage. Folklorist, musician, educator, and National Heritage Award recipient Mick Moloney moderates. March 16, 2001
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Jazz on 52nd Street - The Billy Taylor Trio
Grades 7-12
One of the richest eras in the history of jazz was 52nd Street in 1940s New York City. Dr. Billy Taylor takes us back to the jazz clubs of Manhattan and talks about his experiences with the best jazz musicians of that time. Through performance and demonstration, Dr. Taylor and his Trio showcase the many styles of jazz performed during those years and show how these styles have evolved over time. Students hear about this significant age of jazz first-hand from one of America’s greatest jazz musicians and educators. April 4, 2001
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts