Cultural Competency

Outspoken Bean
Assembly Performance

In this unique performance, students will discover a new definition of literacy through spoken-word poetry. This engaging performance by Emanuelee Bean, a performance artist, theater technician, and slam poet, addresses learning about social and cultural issues, expanding vocabulary and critical thinking skills, and discovering new strengths. “Out-spoken Bean” has been performing slam poetry for over six years in the Houston & San Antonio areas.

Grades: 1-12
Audience Limit: 300
Connections: Poetry, Literary Arts, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning

Scottish Bagpipes
Assembly Performance

Students discover the connections among sound, science, and music as they explore Scottish heritage through the history of regalia and bagpipes. The artist shares with students the structure and science of the bagpipe and demonstrates a variety of bagpipes, both small and large.

Paul Watson, a former Pipe Major in The Texas Highland Pipes and Drums of Lubbock, brings to life his rich Scottish heritage through the unique sounds of the amazing bagpipes.

Grades: 4-6
Audience Limit: 250
Connections: Music, Science, Cultural Competency

Embracing Diversity Workshop
Assembly Performance

This program demonstrates how diversity enriches our lives by bringing together the resources and talents of many people for the benefit of all. The audience can participate through discussions, hands-on activities, and team projects. Elizabeth demonstrates the similarities and differences between U.S. and African cultures and explains how positive values can be bridged between them.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Theatre, Storytelling, Social/Emotional Learning, Cultural Competency

Holidays Around the World
Assembly Performance

This program highlights Kwanzaa as it relates to other world celebrations, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, and the New Year. This program involves interactions, pictures, music, dance, and poetry.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency, History

A Day in Africa
Assembly Performance

Born and raised in Kenya, Elizabeth Kahura introduces the audience to Africa’s geographical features while highlighting the differences in cultures and lifestyles across regions. Students are reminded of the importance of embracing diversity and of how positive life values can be shared across cultures.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency, History/Geography, Social/Emotional Learning

Folktales of Africa
Assembly Performance

Enjoy folktales and other stories from Africa. Learn about trickster tales such as Anansi the Spider, the clever hare, and the wise tortoise. The audience will participate in the telling of each story. Positive lessons can be gleaned from the wisdom of stories passed down from one generation to the next.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning

The Colors of Africa
Assembly Performance

By exploring the meanings of African colors, Elizabeth explains how they convey different concepts and can serve as a form of communication. Through poems, stories, music, and dance, students learn how colors serve as symbols of power, loyalty, and attitude.

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Theatre, Storytelling, Social/Emotional Learning, Cultural Competency

The Jungle Walk
Assembly Performance

This segment highlights the concepts of adaptation, acceptance, and teamwork through folktales, poems, music, and animal puppet shows. Elizabeth expands on the ideas in her program to encourage a more tolerant attitude toward cultural differences.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Literary Arts, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning

The Sounds of Africa
Assembly Performance

Explore African rhythms through drumming, dance, and song. Experience the African beat by playing a variety of African instruments and learn how music is a form of communication. Creativity and imagination come to life through this journey of sound, reminding us that music is a universal language that brings cultures together.

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Music, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency

King Rhythm
Assembly Performance

Join soprano/storyteller Hope Shiver and percussionist David Keepman on a fantastic ride through African American history via popular musical styles. Selected audience members will join in the fun, donning costumes and pantomime, becoming loveable characters: Bluesy, Jazzy, and others. The program features lots of audience participation and is a year-round hit!

Grades: 1-5
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: History, Music, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency

The Adventures of the Real Pecos Bill
Assembly Performance

This highly interactive and multicultural program presents several tall tales featuring the legendary character Pecos Bill and introduces students to the story of the real-life inspiration behind Pecos Bill, William Shafter, who was a commander of the Buffalo Soldiers in West Texas. Students in the audience can join the fun as they help Pecos ride the giant tornado, capture fried-chicken-eating bank robbers, and learn about American military history in the wild Texas West!

Grades: 1-5
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: History, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency

Git on Board! The Life of Harriet Tubman
Assembly Performance

Take a musical ride on the Underground Railroad to meet the heroic Harriet Tubman and learn of her early experiences as a slave. Highly acclaimed musician and storyteller Hope Shiver engages students in discovering how Tubman led fellow freedom-seeking slaves to hiding places along their path to safety in the North.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: History, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency

Sojourner!
Assembly Performance

Hope Shiver illustrates, through story and song, the life of the famous abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Her sensitive portrayal, often using Sojourner’s own songs and speeches to bring the story to life, inspires students to learn how laws are made and to explore the plight of enslaved people in the North, while clapping and chanting to the familiar spirituals of the time.

Grades: 5-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: History, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency

Takin’ it to the Streets
Assembly Performance

Catch the excitement as Soul Street Dance demonstrates how street dance has developed and evolved across cultures and how we can resolve conflict through dance. From Brazil’s “Capoeira” to New York’s “Breakdance,” students learn about the varied styles of street dance and discuss the distinctive features and origins of each dance. Be prepared to learn about what can happen when modern street dance meets the classical music of 17th-century composer Antonio Vivaldi!

Grades: 1-12
Audience Limit: 450
Connections: Dance/Movement, History, Cultural Competency

It’s a Small World
Assembly Performance

Stories from a variety of cultures are featured in this engaging presentation. Each culture’s story is introduced with music from that culture. The stories and the cultures that they represent include: “One Wish”, Ireland; “Sweet and Sour Berries”, China; ”The Story of Anneko”, Senegal; “How Rabbit Lost His Tail”, Haiti; “Dog Tails”, Iroquois; “Martina the Beautiful Cockroach”, Cuba; “How the Kangaroo Got Its Pouch”, Australia; and “The Peddler”, America.

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Storytelling, Theatre, Cultural Competency

Native American Stories K-2
Assembly Performance

Stories told in this performance may include the following: “Grandma Spider Brings the Fire,” where Possum and Buz-zard tangle with fire until Grandma Spider teaches an important lesson; “First Robin,” in which a Lakota girl faces her troubles and gains self-assurance; “White Wolf,” the story of two Sioux children finding a mysterious protector; and “Coyote and the Rock,” a humorous Montana Salish tale which teaches respect for all. Storyteller and author Tim Tingle has written ten books based on the oral traditions of his native Choctaw Nation and his native Texas. His lively performances include Native American flute and drum music.

Grades: K-2
Audience Limit: 150
Connections: Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning, History

Native American Stories
Assembly Performance

Stories told in this performance may include the following: “Crossing Bok Chitto,” a story of friendship and freedom as a young Choctaw girl aids an escaping slave family; “The Bowl,” a Navajo story of a hand of evil unleashed when a bowl is stolen from an ancient cave; and “Danny Blackgoat,” the story of a Navajo boy struggling to survive during the Navajo Long Walk and his meeting with an unlikely ally.

Grades: 3-5
Audience Limit: 150
Connections: Storytelling, Theatre, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning, History

Indian Ghost Stories
Assembly Performance

Stories for this performance are selected based on teachers’ requests to complement the specific curriculum. A good sampling of Indian ghost stories is always appreciated by the middle school audience. Recent books by Tim include Danny Blackgoat, Navajo Prisoner, and How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story.

Grades: 6-8
Audience Limit: 150
Connections: Storytelling, Theatre, Literary Arts, Cultural Competency

First Day, Nueva Escuela
Assembly Performance

Nueva Escuela is the story of a girl who overcomes her fear of starting class at a new school (and of reading) by writing herself into the stories. Tía Elena wants to make sure Xiomara is ready for her first day at a new school, but no matter what story she suggests they read, Xiomara always finds a reason not to like it. And now there’s just one day left before school starts! The play is easily understood by speakers of English and Spanish, and its interactive storytelling helps audiences develop compassion and empathy for others’ stories. This play features two performers and one stage manager. Tech needs are minimal, and our tech rider is available upon request.

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: 350
Connections: Literary Arts, Storytelling, Theatre, Social/Emotional Learning, Cultural Competency

Conquering the STAAR
Assembly Performance

The STAAR test can be scary and intimidating. Lessons learned in this program will equip students with skills they will carry with them for a lifetime. Every performance features interactive games, fun moves, humor, and Kung Fu demonstrations with easy-to-learn techniques. Brandon Jones has practiced Kung Fu for over 30 years and has been teaching martial arts professionally in Tyler since 1996.

Grades: K-8
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Dance/Movement, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning

The Pulse of Freedom: Drumming Through Black History
Assembly Performance

Experience the power and rhythm of Black History Month with The Pulse of Freedom, an electrifying performance celebrating the drum’s role in African and African American culture. This dynamic presentation combines captivating storytelling, call-and-response rhythms, and live drumming to bring history to life. Through the beat of the drum, audiences will feel the pulse of communication, resilience, and unity that has echoed across generations. This performance invites participants to join the rhythm with interactive verbal and tactile activities, fostering a sense of teamwork and community.

Grades: K-3
Audience Limit: 300
Connections: Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning, Music

American Indians Before and After European Explorers
Classroom Residency

Through research and discussion, students will examine the lives of American Indians in Texas before and after the arrival of European explorers. They will draw on research and their imaginations to create an improvised scene about the interactions between American Indians and explorers. They will also begin writing the rough draft of an expository essay.

Grades: 4
Residency Length: 3 days
Participation Limit: 30 students per session
Connections: History, Cultural Competency, Literary Arts, Theatre

Texas Regions Travel Agency
Classroom Residency

For two to three days, your students are on the marketing team for the fictitious Texas Regions Travel Agency. Their “job” is to promote one of the four geographic regions in Texas. Students improvise a commercial that highlights the region’s attributes and explains why tourists should visit. They will also begin writing a rough draft of the body of an expository essay to persuade people to choose a Texas region for their next vacation.

Grades: 4
Residency Length: 2- 3 days
Participation Limit: 30 students per session
Connections: History, Cultural Competency, Literary Arts, Theatre

Fiestas de Mexico
Assembly Performance

The folk dances of Mexico presented during this energetic, colorful, imaginative, and thought-provoking celebration help preserve Mexico’s history by telling stories through dance and music.

In presenting the most representative dances from Mexico, including dances from the hot and humid climate in the southeast, the northern polka style dances, the traditional pre-Columbian Aztec/Mayan dances, the authentic song “La Bamba”, and a colorful Fiesta in Jalisco, students will learn about Mexican holidays and enjoy beautiful costumes and music!

Both students and teachers will clap along to the music, get up and dance, learn basic steps, wear and use props, and be motivated to learn about their own ethnic traditions while feeling the spirit of Mexican celebrations.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 450
Connections: Dance/Movement, Cultural Competency

It’s Not Your Grandparents’ Folk Dancing
Assembly Performance

Folk dancing is a great way for students to connect, interact, and appreciate themselves and those around them.  Music that the students can connect with helps them to find folk dancing with a group or partners less scary and more likely to put a smile on their faces.  You may even hear, “That was fun!”  In this workshop, you will experience several folk dance styles and surprising musical genres.

Grades: 2-6
Audience Limit: Any!
Connections: Music, Social/Emotional Learning, and Cultural Competency

Eek!  I’m teaching elementary music!  Now what????
Workshop

Oh my gosh!!  I’m transitioning to elementary, and I don’t have much experience or resources.  What do I do?!?!  Here is your solution! Be prepared to witness the smooth sequencing from Pre-K to 5th grade and beyond.  Participants will get hands-on experience and walk away with multiple lesson plans and a huge list of resources that meet all the TEKS requirements. 

Grades: PreK – 5
Audience Limit: Any!
Connections: Music and Cultural Competency