In School Concerts

Free In School Concerts

The In School performances enable children to experience music in a less structured environment, to ask questions, to learn the history of the instruments, and even to touch the instruments!

 

These quality, free and informal live concerts are offered to all public, private, parochial, charter, and home school groups in Summit County and surrounding areas.  Children’s Concert Society enlists outstanding performers and strives to bring the very best of instrumental, vocal, and dance programs to our student communities.

The purpose is to introduce and foster music appreciation, encourage young musicians, and create a connection between cultures and races where music becomes vividly experienced as a universal language.

Performances

Below you will find a description of each performing arts group and the necessary information to coordinate an educational, cultural, and entertaining experience for your students. All musical content will be appropriately presented according to grade level. Performances are approximately 30 minutes, with 10-15 minutes for a Q & A session at the end of the performance.

Available: Monday (all day) and Tuesday through Friday (afternoons only) during academic year
These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: Geography; Cultural Traditions: Island History; Science: Acoustics of Island Instruments

Matt Dudack, artistic director of the University of Akron Steel Drum Band, and his group, Found Sounds will take students on an exciting musical journey to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of the steelpan. Students will listen to, as well as participate in tamboo-bamboo, traditional Caribbean tunes, classical music, and modern socas.

Equipment needed: One folding chair and microphone.
Grade Level: K-12
Concerts Available: 8

Available: September through May during the academic year.
These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: History of American Jazz and its relationship to the Southern United States

From among the region’s finest jazz musicians and educators, The University of Akron Jazz Faculty Group presents an informative, light-hearted interactive program covering the basics of jazz, including history, styles, improvisation and audience participation.

Equipment needed: Well-tuned piano, electrical extension cords and a microphone.
Grade Level: K-12
Concerts Available: 4

Monday-Friday mornings only, September 2026 through May 2027
(Not available March 22-26, 2027)
Curriculum Connection: Science: Production of sound

Explore brass music from baroque to contemporary jazz. The University of Akron’s Graduate Brass Quintet showcases the music, history, and capabilities of tubas, trombones, horns and trumpets in this engaging and entertaining program.

Equipment needed: Five armless chairs, five music stands and a microphone.
Grade Level: K-8
Concerts Available: 4

Mornings during the academic year
These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: Geography; Cultural Traditions; History; Historic Instruments

David Londono, Cello
Kurt Reed, Guitar
Mark Gonder, Percussion

Latin American music, including genres like bossa nova, merengue, rumba, salsa, samba, and tango, influenced music of the United States throughout the 20th century. New York City jazz clubs of the 40’s all the way to contemporary pop music exhibit Latin influences. This concert will feature musical examples from every decade from the 40’s to present, and establish connections with modern pop, rock, jazz, hip hop, and reggae. Includes performance and interactive demonstration, with student volunteers invited to play small percussion instruments as well as sing, clap, and dance along to examples.

Equipment needed: One folding chair and a microphone.
Grade Level: K-6
Concerts Available: 8

December 7-11 and 14-18, 2026 and May 3-7, 2027 and May 10-14, 2027
Because this program requires a great deal of set–up time, it can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: Geography, Cultural Traditions, History; Language Arts and Mathematics

The “striking” sounds of the large family of percussion instruments are demonstrated in an impressive manner for young audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Larry Snider, the ensemble traces the influence of percussion sounds from the caveman origins through China, Rome, Turkey, Latin America, and contemporary America. Students are introduced to a wide variety of appealing percussion music, including an ensemble hand-clapping arrangement. There is a great deal of audience participation and an opportunity for questions. Because this program requires a great deal of set-up time it can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Equipment needed: Four chairs and a microphone.
Grade Level: K-6
Concerts Available: 6

 

March 2027, Monday & Wednesday mornings only (Not available March 22-26, 2027)
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies, Science and Language Arts

Introduction to chamber music and the instruments of the Woodwind Quintet through exceptional playing and animated storytelling. Performances include references to and application of foreign languages, geographical and cultural diversity and mathematical skills as reflected in rhythm, meter, tempo, instrumental ranges and dynamics.

Equipment needed: Five chairs, five music stands and a microphone.
Grade Level: K-8
Concerts Available: 4

September 2026 -May 2027 / Thursday & Friday / 8:30 am – Noon /

 Not available October 2nd & November 12-13, 2026 and January 14-15 & May 28, 2027

*These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Curriculum Connection: History, social studies, Cultural tradition, Science of Sound, Compare & Contrast (instrument families, sound production, building materials, etc.) Geography, Movement Sequencing.

With their exciting programs of American old-time and Celtic music coupled with decades of teaching and performing experience, Tina and Bryan invite young audiences to listen, discern, move, and sing, offering a feast for the eyes, ears, and mind. Tina and Bryan engage students not only with music, but also with intriguing questions and humor. Participation is always part of the experience in which students are treated to and share in a variety of music on hammered dulcimer, bass, foot percussion, and guitar. Students will move in place and sing along to songs that will be shared with family and friends as a culture of music-making for the joy of it is explored and celebrated.

Equipment needed: None.  They will bring their own sound system.
Grade Level: K-8
Concerts Available: 8

Available: September through May of the academic year
*Concerts only offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Curriculum Connection: Language; Social Studies; Geography; Cultural Traditions; History; Historic Instruments

(An exploration of the mystery of sound through a young boy from India named Yaatra) The presentation will be a musical voyage of the book

Grade Level: K-6 /
*Concerts only offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Selected students will be on stage to create sound effects for specific aspects of the book as Joe will read. The book will be projected onto a screen for all to see! As Joe reads from the book he will be playing the ancient drums of India called tabla. (Pronounced Tuh-blah)
Basic aspects of the beautifully unique rhythmic system of India’s classical music will be taught through audience participation and tabla demonstrations. The book was created as an interactive coloring book. Joe did this intentionally to show the connection between visual art and music. Some of the pages will be copied for teachers to make duplicates for their students to color after the performance!

Equipment needed: A presenter in which Joe’s laptop (Mac Book Air) can be connected to and screen for all to see the projection. If the school cannot provide this Joe can make arrangements; Outlets for power will be needed close to stage; Extension cords and a power strip would be great, but not necessary.A no smaller than 8’x 4’ stage and high enough for the audience to see Joe playing, because the instrument is played sitting cross legged on the floor. If this cannot be provided, he can make arrangements; Copies of coloring pages for students given after the performance. Between 5-7 (teacher selected students in total) to accompany Joe on stage that will create sound effects during the performance. Joe will need to briefly meet with these students prior to the performance after initial set up and sound check. Joe will need about 15-20min to instruct the students how and when to make the sound effects
Grade Level: K-6 
Concerts Available: 4

Available: February 22-23 or February 25-26, 2027 / Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday
*Concerts only offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Curriculum Connection: Language; Social Studies: Geography; Cultural Traditions; History; Historic Instruments

The Zerbo Brothers are a new world music ensemble who blend musical traditions from across the globe; referencing West and North African, South and Central Asian and North American forms, patterns and melodies. Many of these genres or styles pull from pathways that follow the flow of migration from West Africa to North America. The result is a musical melting pot of original compositions as well as interpretations of traditional songs that reflect the resilience and abounding spirit of the modern African diaspora.

· Emmanuel Zerbo plays the kora – a 21 string harp and the bara dun dun drums (from West Africa), the pan drum (from Switzerland), and various percussion instruments.

· Joseph Zerbo plays guitar and djeli ngoni – the ancient West African ancestor to the modern American banjo and various percussion instruments.

· Darren T. Hamm plays resonator, guitar, banjo, cigar box, mandolin and various international string instruments.

The musicians are prepared to play, talk and provide opportunities for students to experience these instruments close-up, ideally making impressionable connections to students’ experiences and help shape their understanding of music and music history.

Equipment needed: Three chairs, a microphone for speaking, nearby electrical outlets for small amplifiers if needed.

Grade Level: K-6 
Concerts Available: 4

September 2026- May 2027 (Monday- Friday)
NOT AVAILABLE: October 29 thru November 4, 2026, and March 12-20, 2027

These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies (History & Geography Strands).

Ohio’s vibrant history is tied directly to the Ohio & Erie Canal. One of its major hubs—Akron—was full of the culture, characters, music and life of the canal. Hey Mavis explores this rich heritage, interweaving music, storytelling, art, and history in an engaging performance that features songs and artwork from their book/CD ”Silver Ribbon Dream–Songs & Stories of the Ohio & Erie Canal”, which won a Knight Arts Challenge Akron award in 2016. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy exploring this silver ribbon of history that wove its way through the heart of Ohio. Visit their website at heymavis.com.

Equipment needed: Electricity, general lighting and microphone.
Grade Level: Fits best with grades 3, 4, 5, however would be fine for K-12. 
Concerts Available: 8

April 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2027 (Monday – Tuesday – Wednesday)
These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies; Language Arts
Award-winning singer/songwriter/recording artist Steve Free draws upon his Native American and Appalachian roots to explore the rich heritage of southern Ohio and the Appalachian and Native American cultures that have shaped it. Using music and storytelling, he is a master of combining thought-provoking lyrics with fun-filled audience participation. In addition, he delves into the interconnectedness of man, nature, and spirit, encouraging young people to explore their roots. This program relates to History, Geography, Communication as well as Environmental Awareness. Steve is the 2008 Governor’s Individual Artist Award winner for the Arts in Ohio. Visit his website at www.stevefree.com.

Equipment Needed: Chairs, extension cords and a microphone.
Grade Level: K-12
Concerts Available: 8

Available: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday Mornings

​The Stories and Songs of Italy: A Journey Through Italian Folk Music

Blending first class musicianship with years of teaching experience, Alla Boara showcases the incredible diversity of Italy’s folk music and history to students of all ages. The students will be given the chance to have a hands-on experience, learn some Italian, and sing along with Alla Boara. They will talk about what this music makes them feel, how the Italians used these songs during their everyday life and get the chance to listen to the band’s arrangements and compositions. Throughout the workshop the students will be listening to field recordings (that were done by famous American ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax), learning about traditional instruments, and see how these different forms of musical expression created this amazing diversity within Italy’s folk music. This program seeks to not only shine a light on the beauty of Italian folk music, but also demonstrates how students can look into their own musical heritage for creative inspiration! More info can be found at AllaBoara.com – Teachers guides and interactive curriculum is available if you would like to prep the students beforehand. Alla Boara has experience doing these workshops for K-12 and has reached over 5,000 students to date!
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Grade Level: K-12
Equipment needed: Electricity and General Lighting
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies (History & Geography), Language
CONCERT AVAILABLE: 4

Thursday & Friday, January  21 & 22, 2027 at 9:00 and 10:00 AM
These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Curriculum Connection: Language Arts
OPERA—IT’S ELEMENTARY! The University of Akron Opera Lyric Theatre will present an age-appropriate short children’s Opera Scenes Program, complete with costumes, staging and props at area elementary schools. The students will be exposed to opera, interact with artists and crew, learn more about musical terms and musical forms.

Equipment Needed: Tuned piano; well lit area to perform; place to change clothes for male and females and a microphone.
Grade Level: 1-6
Concerts Available: 4

Fridays only / September & October 2026 and April & May 2027
These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.

Curriculum Connection: Anti-bullying, self-confidence, self-awareness, social/emotional component
Join Red Campion (4 singers and a pianist) as they explore the idea of inclusion. Performing songs from musical theatre and popular genres, the program asks the question, “What does inclusion mean?” Through songs like, You Have to Be Carefully Taught, World’s Apart, and The Rainbow Connection, among other favorites, Red Campion focuses on inclusion, being yourself, and how important acceptance is in today’s world. A timely message for today’s young people – it will inspire discussions long after the show is over. The singers are professionals from northeast Ohio; Lara Troyer, soprano; Denise Milner Howell, mezzo soprano; Timothy Culver, tenor; Brian Keith Johnson baritone; Judith Ryder, piano.

Equipment needed: Well-tuned piano or keyboard, podium and a microphone.  Grade Level: K-6
Concerts Available: 8

These concerts can only be offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day.
Available Monday mornings of September 28-October 9, 2026 / November 2-6, 2026 / December 7-9, 2026 / February 23- March 7, 2027 / Other dates may be available upon request.

The amazingly simple WiggleWords program utilizes the four basic shapes-straight, angular, curved and twisted-to physicalize each letter of the alphabet and uses movement games and dance choreography to enhance a wide range of literacy skills, including spelling, phonics rules, identification of vowels and consonants, reading, writing and rhyming/storytelling. This exciting program especially supports kinetic learners and reinforces the need for a healthy diet and physical exercise to support healthy living. 

Equipment Needed: A clean and open area to allow movement i.e large classroom, activity room or gym. Access to a wipe board with dry erase markers. Video equipment and monitor to share WiggleWords DVD with students. Microphone.
Grade Level: PK-K
Concerts Available: 8

In School Program Requests