Cultural Diversity
Below you will find a description of each performing arts group that gives all the necessary information to coordinate an educational, cultural, and entertaining experience for all grade levels. Some of the groups have customized their programs for each different school level. All musical content will be appropriately presented according to grade levels. All concerts will be appropriately presented according to grade levels. Performances are approximately 30 minutes, with 10-15 minutes for a Q and A session.
The University of Akron African Drum GroupFall 2020 Friday Mornings Only
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: Cultural Traditions; Mathematics: Patterns Using authentic African percussion instruments, the program will trace authentic African rhythms to make percussive sounds unique to the different cultures and areas throughout West Africa. Student participation will be encouraged. Equipment Needed: Microphone Grade Level: K-12 Concerts Available: 14 |
The University of Akron Brazilian GroupSpring 2021 Friday Mornings Only, (Not available March 22-28, 2021
Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: Cultural Traditions; Mathematics: Relationship of beats The University of Akron Percussion Ensemble students perform original music of the Caribbean and Latin American countries on totally original instruments from south of the border. Equipment Needed: Microphone Grade Level: K-12 Concerts Available: 12 |
Steve FreeApril 19, 20, 21, 2021
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 |
Hal Walker, Musical ExplorerSeptember 2020 – May 2021 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Curriculum Connection: History, Social Studies, and Music Education Ohio’s musical treasure, Hal Walker weaves a musical journey from ancient times and far away places to the present moment in Akron, Ohio. Students of all ages will leave this program with pocketfuls of musical potential and minds full of musical instruments that they’d never imagined to exist. Hal Walker makes music that surprises and inspires. Visit his website at www.halwalkermusic.com. Equipment Needed: Electricity, general lighting and microphone. Grade Level: K-12 Concerts Available: 12 |
Miki Saito / Japanese Music11am-4pm During the School year
Curriculum Connection: Music, Social Studies, Cultural Diversity Born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, Miki will share her Japanese heritage through her music. She will introduce and perform a Japanese 13–string instrument called ko-to, a bamboo flute called shinobue, and sing traditional Japanese songs. She can also share various children’s games from Japan with your students so they can actively participate in the program. Miki has been performing and teaching music (voice, piano, and Japanese music) to people of all ages for the last 25 years. She is a faculty member at Cuyahoga Community College. Her programs are both educational and entertaining. To get to know her better, please visit her website www.saitomusic.com/japanese. Equipment Needed: Electricity, general lighting, microphone, and a folding chair. Grade Level: K-12 Concerts Available: 7 ***Prior to the performance date, she would like to speak with a person who can tell her about the space she will be performing in, so that she can come to the school prepared with right equipment to amplify her sound. |
Offering Free In-School Performances in a Variety of Disciplines
Quality, free and informal live concerts are offered to all public, private, parochial, charter and home schools in Summit County and surrounding areas. 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. Children's Concert Society enlists outstanding performers and strive to bring the very best of instrumental, vocal, and dance programs to our student communities. These in school performances enable the children to experience the music in a less structured environment--to ask questions, to learn the history of the instruments, and even to touch the instruments! CCS has a close relationship with the School of Music at the University of Akron for these In-School concerts. Along with several professional musicians, many graduate student ensembles perform. Not only are the children inspired by the graduate students, but the graduate students themselves benefit from the exposure to young audiences. This experience demonstrates to them the importance of enriching the children's musical education and may influence them throughout their careers as teachers and/or performing artists.
Instrumental Help students explore how music is made in a broad range of instruments. |
Cultural Diversity Create a connection between cultures and music for students. |
Vocal Show student how you can be your own musical instrument. |
Dance Students can learn how dance helps you see the music. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost for the performances?
No, thanks to the generosity of foundation and donors support, Children’s Concert Society is able to provide quality, free and informal live concerts are offered to all public, private, parochial, charter and home schools in Summit County and surrounding areas. How long are performances?
All concerts will be appropriately presented according to grade levels. Performances are approximately 30 minutes, with 10-15 minutes for a Q and A session. Can you customize a program?
Some of the groups have customized their programs for each different school level. All musical content will be appropriately presented according to grade levels. How many groups can I bring to my school?
One group per school will be scheduled, but depending on the size of your school, two concerts for that group may be scheduled. Please note, due to setup time, some groups will only perform for a maximum of 200 students and will require two concerts. Do you guarantee the artist I picked?
We will schedule concerts on a first-come, first-served basis. Please number your top five choices in order of preference. |
Bring a Free Music Education Program To Your School
Quality, free and informal live concerts are offered to all public, private, parochial,
charter and home schools in Summit County and surrounding areas.
charter and home schools in Summit County and surrounding areas.