Education | Performing Arts

Students learn history through live dramatic and/or musical presentations and oral tradition programs. They acquire an understanding of historical Weeksville and the events surrounding African American lives in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some programs are presented as workshops, while others are conducted as large assembly programs. Each presentation is 45-60-minutes and accompanied by study guide materials.

Storytelling & Folktale Traditions

Stories of my Ancestors | Assembly or Workshop, Grades 1 -8
Participants are taken on a storytelling journey from the Deep South up the eastern seaboard to the North. From traditional characters as Brer Rabbit to ancient West African and regional Native American legends of lore, students acquire wonderful life skills and learning through a time-honored tradition.

• Workshop Fee:
  1 class - $300
  2 classes - $475
  3 classes - $550
  4 classes - $625
• Assembly Fee:
  1 @ 40-60 mins - $975
  2 @ 40 mins - $1, 350
  3 @ 40 mins - $1,650
• SS: 1.1, 1.3, 1.2 (elem), 5.3 (elem, intermediate), 5.4
• ELA: E3b
• ARTS: 4

Draft Riots | Workshop, 2 Sessions, Grades 6 - 12
Providing a dramatic look at a very difficult period in U.S. and New York State history, this workshop emphasizes the triumph of the human spirit. Students are engaged in a Q&A session and a creative writing component.

• FEE: $475
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 (elem, intermediate), 5.4
• ELA: E3b, E5a, E1d
• ARTS: 4

Escape to Freedom | Workshop, 2 Sessions, Grades 4 - 8
Students experience one man’s quest to be free and his triumphs along the way as they accompany John on his journey toward freedom in Weeksville.

• FEE: $475
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 5.1 (elem, intermediate), 5.4
• ELA: E3b, E5a
• ARTS: 4

Literary Visions | Assembly Program, Grades 3-12
This assembly presentation explores the writings and poetry of 19th and early 20th century Black writers. With accompanying music and audience participation, noted works of literature come alive for students.

• FEE:
  1 @ 40-60 mins - $975
  2 @ 40 mins - $1,300
  3 @ 40 mins - $1, 575
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• ELA: E4a, E5a, E3b, E3e (HS)
• ARTS: 3, 4

Weeksville Women Journey | Assembly Program, Grades 3 -8
Through dialogue storytelling and live instrumentation, students meet three women of historic Weeksville: Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Steward, Mrs. Susan Johnson and Mrs. Rebecca Pierson.

• FEE:
  1 @ 40-60mins - $975
  2 @ 40mins - $1,300
  3 @ 40mins - $1,575
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• ELA: E4a, E5a
• ARTS: 3, 4

Timeless Journeys | Assembly Program, Grades 6 - 12
This dramatic one-man presentation gives students insight into the lives of five men of historic Weeksville. Issues of the time period (e.g., the draft riots, literacy, politics and community leadership) are highlighted.

• FEE:
  1 @ 40-60mins - $900
  2 @ 40mins - $1, 100
  3 @ 40mins - $1,450
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• ELA: E4a, E5a, E3b, E3e (HS)
• ARTS: 3, 4

 

Historic Music of the 19th and 20th Centuries

Jizz & Fizz: The Pre-history of Jazz | Grades 1 - 8
The roots of jazz are examined and introduced through live instrumentation and vocals in this participatory presentation designed to give students an understanding of one of African Americans greatest musical gifts to the world.

• FEE: $300
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• ELA: E3b
• ARTS: 3, 4

The Color of String | Grades 5 - 12
By connecting the long-standing tradition of string music to Africa, participants are introduced to Africa’s contribution to European string tradition. The music and background of notables such as composer/violinist Chevalier de St. Georges and later 20th century Jazz violinists are featured.

• FEE: $350
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1 (commencement), 2.3 (elem, commencement),
  2.4 (elem, intermediate)
• ELA: E3b, E3e (HS), E1c
• ARTS: 3, 4

Historic 19th Century African American Music | Grades 2 - 12
The music created and shared by African Americans during the 1800s is introduced. Traditional spirituals, work songs and early formative ragtime music are showcased.

• FEE: $300
• SS: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3
• ELA: E3b, E1c
• ARTS: 3, 4