Instrumental
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.
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Matt Dudack’s Found SoundsAvailable: Monday through Friday, afternoons 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 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 |
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The University of Akron Faculty Jazz ComboAvailable: September 13, October 11, November 1, and December 13
More Dates may become available for 2025 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 |
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The University of Akron Graduate Brass QuintetMonday-Friday mornings only, November 2024 through May 2025
(Not available March 24-28, 2025) 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: 6 |
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Urban Troubadour - Latin America's Influence on Popular MusicFriday 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 |
Urban Troubadour - String Trio & Flute
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Grade Level: K-12 / Friday mornings during the academic year /
Not Available November 15, 2024 through December 20, 2024 Concerts only offered to schools requesting two concerts on the same day. Curriculum Connection: Social Studies: Geography, Cultural Traditions, History; Science of Acoustics; Language Arts A variety of music will be used to illustrate the characteristics of the flute, violin, viola, and cello, with an emphasis on the stringed instruments. This performance includes demonstrations of how sound is created on the instruments and contemporary and extended uses. Concert employs music across a wide historical span, from classical pieces of Mozart to tangos of Piazolla, with a look at how music can tell a story. Students will be introduced to modes of scales, as well as harmonies and textures available to this unique instrumentation. |
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The University of Akron Percussion EnsembleDecember 9-13, 2024; December 16-20,2024; May 5-9, 2025; and May 12-16, 2025
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 |
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The University of Akron Woodwind QuintetMarch and April 2025, Wednesday & Friday mornings only (Not available March 24-28, 2025)
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: 6 |
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Tina Bergmann & Bryan ThomasSept-May, Thursday & Friday / 8:30 am - Noon
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 |
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 strives 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 by a broad range of instruments. |
Cultural Diversity Create a connection between cultures and music for students. |
Vocal Explore using your voice as a musical instrument. |
Dance Students can learn how dance helps you see the music. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is there a cost for the performances?
No, our In School Concerts are FREE! Thanks to the generosity of foundations and donor's support, Children’s Concert Society is able to provide quality, free and informal live concerts 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. |
