ARTISTIC RESOURCE FOR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS, (A.R.T.S.) INC. PERFORMING GROUPS 2023 – 2024
BKZ HIP HOP Hip hop is not just a dance or a genre of music, it is a lifestyle. Hip hop is surrounded by 4 elements which consist of; breakin’, D-jing, MC-ing and graffiti/art. Hip hop came to the forefront of the United States in the late 60’s in the Bronx, New York. Since then, breakin’ has been at the front lines of the movement. Breakin’ was recently added to the 2024 Olympic Games. BKZ will be emphasizing the foundation of breakin’ and will also touch on the other 3 aspects of the elements.
THE TUNES N’ TALES TRIO “TUNES n’ TALES” Everyone loves a great story and a wonderful song! Since the beginning of time, music has been a great storyteller, a powerful means of communication and the worldwide common language. This trio will draw students in as they teach them that music is not only beautiful sounds and special effects, but is an explosive addition to a great story. Through the dynamite voices of the harp, viola and flute, their music will be enjoyed as stories are played out in the imagination of the students. This new perspective will create excitement about listening to and participating in music and storytelling. Music, like no other medium, has the ability to awaken emotions, paint pictures, express feelings and communicate old and new events. Comedy, Tragedy, Mystery, Adventure, and the list goes on, it’s all there – Just listen…!
BOMBA MARILÈ Sharing Afro Puerto Rican traditions of Bomba music and dance with the greater Utah community. Since our initiation, we have organized Bomba workshops with visiting instructors, social events including dominos and picnics, and educational activities including showing documentaries discussing issues related to Puerto Rico. Bomba Marilé has had the opportunity to perform at various cultural events throughout Utah including Living Traditions Festival, West Side Dance Cinco de Mayo Festival, Mondays at the Park, and Utah County Fair. We are grateful for the opportunity to highlight our musical traditions from Puerto Rico and to share them with those who support the cultural arts.
SALT DANCE COMPANY Dance is the oldest, most universal language, powerfully connecting body, mind and soul in a communication that goes beyond words. Dance is not just highly technical steps, it is the expression of life through movement. In addition to providing an outlet for healthy emotional expression, the physical exertion of dance releases endorphins necessary for the rise of dopamine, the body’s “happiness” chemical.
SOUNDING BRASS
All five professional musicians will introduce each of the brass instruments and feature each in a solo selection. There is a brief and humorous demonstration of what makes the sound on a brass instrument and how students can make their own instrument. The ensemble members will take turns explaining such musical terms as pitch, melody, tempo, dynamics, tone color, and imitation. Above all, they will teach students that playing a musical instrument is fun.
THE PREVAILING WINDS “The Prevailing Winds” is a woodwind quintet that presents music spanning 300 years of musical history. The music will include selections ranging from Bach and Beethoven to popular music from films, such a Harry Potter. Music from all parts of the world is presented. Students will learn many aspects of music, such as how it can convey emotion, and how it can enhance specific events. This program is educational, as well as entertaining for both the audiences and performers.
VOCAL DIMENSION “OPERAWORKS” A reduced program of two singers who perform to a recorded track going into individual classrooms to present an abridged program with a short original operatic telling of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare.’
THE MUSIC MAKERS “AMERICA SINGS” This program provides a lively and educational musical experience for elementary students. It is a celebration of America’s rich musical heritage. It features traditional American songs along with new original music composed on the spot with the students. Beautiful visual materials will be displayed to illustrate concepts and focus student attention. The program features American Music with a focus on Musical Theatre. It will encourage students to use their talents and to keep America singing.
JAZZ SWING Firstly, our young Utah audiences will learn that “Jazz” is much more than a basketball team! Jazz is music that is uniquely American with roots in the musical traditions of New Orleans, Louisiana. Students learn about the city of New Orleans and how African Americans created blues, spirituals and combined them with dancing and marching music to create a new kind of music, jazz. They will learn about the great Louis Armstrong who was the most important creator of Jazz music. Students learn unique and fun musical concepts such as Improvisation, Swing, Call & Response, and Scat Singing as a jazz band plays and students sing along.
STORYTELLING Steffani Raff has developed short storytelling sessions to engage children in an interactive performance to spontaneously co-create a story. These entertaining storytelling performances will develop literacy, listening and visualization skills. Along with these skills, children will be invited to write and/or retell their own version of the story Steffani performs.
SAMBA FOGO This group brings Brasilian Carnaval to life through dance, drumming and storytelling. Experience the joy, celebration, and history of Brasilian cultural arts with us!
UTAH HISTORY MADE DELICIOUS The assembly begins with “Awesome Utah Geography Cadence”, a drill sergeant-style call-and-response virtual tour of Utah’s geography, since that influenced Utah’s history in major ways. It also focuses on the pioneers’ need to grow their own food, and the challenges that presents in the second-driest state in the United States. Clive Romney uses song and story to teach innovation, improvisation and collaboration that early settlers learned.
MINI MAESTROS – Join Peabody as he welcomes Jay, a Musical Time Traveler, back from the past! Together with the help of each other and a time machine, we’ll excavate masterpieces, instruments, and all kinds of artifacts from another epoch and learn some musical mastery along the way. Maybe they’ll have some surprises from the future, too…? (available for virtual assemblies in Northern Utah and in person assemblies in Southern Utah).
FIDDLE TUNES Fiddling is fun! The Fiddle Tunes Stringband will teach students about the rich tradition of fiddle music in America. You don’t need to be a professional to play this music. Fiddling is for everybody! We’ll introduce the most common instruments that are used in string bands as we demonstrate a variety of styles and sounds. Students will learn the difference between the fiddle and the violin, they’ll learn how music can tell a story or accompany a dance, and they’ll learn some basic concepts about harmony, rhythm, singing and fiddling in a community setting.