Family Music Cultural event!

Hi PTO and school folks, Sorry to interrupt. I know this is a crazy week for parents and schools, even by the standards of craziness in our new normal! I'm writing now because there's a pretty extraordinary event happening this weekend that I'd like you all to know about. I'm not performing but I'll definitely be watching...  Kukuza Fest is a two-day free event created to amplify Black voices in family music. It was pulled together by a group of majority-minority musicians and is sponsored by one of the few Black-owned radio/promotional businesses in the genre. The lineup of talent is incredible and there will be guest appearances by people you probably don't associate with children's music (Beyonce's bass player, Divinity Roxx, will be in the house, and there are rumors that Chaka Khan will be dropping in). There's never been anything quite like this in family and educational music. I hope you'll tune in and also share this event with your schools families. You can even cross-broadcast the festival so it streams directly from your PTO or school page. Email me to learn how. The festival is also a great opportunity for schools to preview performers you may want to book for enrichment programs in the future –– especially if you're working on addressing racial inequities in your booking practices. Not all of the performers involved offer school programs, but many do, and our little collective is also in the process of putting together a directory of Black and Brown performers broken down by ethnicity, language, region, and specialty. If you'd like to obtain the directory once it's ready, or connect with any of the performers involved with the upcoming festival, again please give a shout! Finally, along these lines, I wanted to let you know that legendary folk performer, storyteller and educator Reggie Harris and I are currently putting together a virtual program around race and American history which we'll be offering to schools this year. We'll send a follow-up announcement when we're ready to launch but, in the meantime, feel free to get in touch if you're interested in learning more. Thanks for your time and attention, and welcome back to school. Here's hoping for a healthy and productive year all around... Alastair Moock www.moockmusic.com p.s. This list is sent out only a couple of times a year –– if you'd like to opt out, simply click the unsubscribe link below. Thanks!

About Alastair Alastair Moock is a 2013 GRAMMY Nominee, three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner, and recipient of the ASCAP Children’s Music Award. A songwriter and performer for 25 years, Moock has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe playing for adults, kids, and everyone in between. Like his boyhood hero Woody Guthrie, Moock believes in the power of music to reach all people — young and old, far and wide, for all occasions.   Online Programs   During these unprecedented times, Alastair will be offering both synchronous and asynchronous online assemblies and residencies for all grades (K-12). Here's a short teaser video to give you a basic idea of what the programs will look and sound like (though we're now working with better audio-visual equipment!). Social Justice Assemblies Playing with Tradition Assembly (Grades PreK-3)  American folk music, like all folk music, is rooted in tradition. But the form is constantly evolving, with songwriters reworking older songs to tell new stories. In this lively, upbeat performance full of participatory singing and dancing, Alastair introduces young students to a diverse group of American musicians who have used folk music to teach lessons, chronicle history, champion causes, celebrate victories and simply make people happy. Students will meet Woody Guthrie, Mississippi John Hurt, Pete Seeger, and other heroes of American folk, and learn how Dr. King and others used the American song tradition to help inspire change during the Civil Rights movement. Alastair also sings some of his own playful compositions to show how a contemporary folk singer incorporates the folk tradition into his life and work. Singing Their Way Through Assembly (Grades 3-5) Using a combination of original and historical material, Alastair demonstrates the ways in which American music has been used to inspire courage and fuel broader social movements. Students will learn how Woody Guthrie grew into a champion for workers’ rights, how Dr. King used music in his fight to end segregation, how Bob Dylan used song craft to protest a war, and how Alastair and his daughter turned a personal journey through cancer into an uplifting album for “the world’s bravest kids.” Students will sing, laugh, and learn important lessons about their nation’s past.

“Possibly the best program I’ve  seen in 35 years of teaching” - Bill Rogers, History Teacher, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School

Music and Social Change Assembly (Grades 5-12) In this, the most detailed of Alastair’s programs on social justice, students are introduced to the music that shaped and connected three of America’s most important movements for social change: the Labor Rights Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Anti-War Movement of the ’60s and ’70s. Through Moock’s narrative storytelling and musical talents, and an engaging visual presentation, students journey from the Great Depression through the unrest of the Civil Rights and Vietnam eras, learning about the impact of music and arts on society during these critical time periods, and making connections between American history and the world we live in today. Students will walk away with a greater understanding of our country and its culture.   Language Arts Assemblies, Residencies & Workshops Language of Song Assembly (Grades 3-5) Alastair brings his guitar and his passion for American folk music to teach students language arts skills in this spirited, interactive program. Using well known folk songs, contemporary tunes, and gems from his own catalog, Alastair helps students identify key concepts such as subject, mood, setting, and point of view, and to recognize how writers use rhythm and sonic patterns like rhyme and alliteration to pull in readers (or, in this case, listeners). After singing and discussion, kids put what they’ve learned to work, helping to craft a new verse for one of Alastair’s original songs. Moock’s presentation gives students a fresh perspective on the power and fun of language and leaves them feeling inspired and empowered to express themselves through writing. Build a School Song Residency (Grades 3-5)* Every school needs its own song, or so Alastair Moock believes. Writing an original song from scratch is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn important language arts skills while also engaging in a powerful community-building exercise. The residency begins with a “Language of Song” assembly, followed by a number of classes in which Alastair works with students to brainstorm ideas, and then write and perform a song that reflects unique qualities of the school and student body. At the end of the residency, students will have a finished and recorded song, a new appreciation for writing, and an experience they will never forget.

“An experience our students will take with them for the rest of their lives." – Brian Gellerstein, Music Teacher, Tobin Elementary School

Song for a Cause Residency (Grades 5-12)* Throughout history, music has been a powerful tool for supporting social, political and charitable causes, and protesting injustice. As important as it is for students to learn about the history of this type of music, it’s even more powerful for them to engage in creating it themselves. In this unique residency, which begins with a “Music and Social Change” assembly, Alastair guides students through the process of choosing a cause, thinking through solutions, and finding authentic ways to express their voices in the building of a brand new issue-based song. Possible topics may include bullying, LGBTQ rights, racial or gender equality, or any other issue of substance that students and teachers may choose to focus on. Songwriting 101 Workshop (Grades 3-12) Alastair teaches students effective writing techniques and literacy skills through fun, small-group songwriting games that challenge students to build on the lyrics of classic American songs and original works. *Because they require multiple visits, residencies are generally only available within 50 miles of Boston.   Concerts & Fundraisers Sometimes schools are looking for something a little less academic and a little more rockin.’ Alastair Moock and Friends perform concerts for kids and families all over the country — they’re available to play your school concert or fundraiser, too!     Testimonials "Alastair presented possibly the best multimedia program (spoken word, pictures, singing, and truly fine guitar playing) that I have ever seen in an assembly in my 35 years of teaching. He had the students singing and clapping with him at the end. A superb performance, and great teaching, too!" – Bill Rogers, History Teacher, BB&N Middle School (Cambridge, MA)  "Alastair’s time with our students was extremely productive. He comes well-planned and his inclusion of literacy components brings this experience to a whole new level." – Mena Ciarlone, Principal, Cunniff Elementary School (Watertown, MA) "Alastair performed at our Early Education Center and he was AMAZING! I am so glad we brought him in." – Elizabeth Lyman, PTO, Dedham Early Education Center (Dedham, MA)  "An unbelievable job from start to finish! Our kids learned so much and they now have their very own song to take away from the experience. Thank you thank you thank you!!!" – Randi Goodwin, PTO, Glover Elementary School (Marblehead, MA)  "The kids are still talking about Alastair’s amazing presentation on Tuesday. I know this was one of those experiences our students will take with them for the rest of their lives." – Brian Gellerstein, Music Teacher, Tobin Elementary School (Cambridge, MA) "Here’s the thing about Alastair: He is really genuine, and it comes across. He cares about this music and kids, and he conveys his passion for it in an accessible and enjoyable way." – Shelley Sommers, Library Director, Inly School (Scituate, MA)    School/Town Performances (Northeast) Andover Public Schools (Andover, MA) Arlington Public Schools (Arlington, MA)* Bay Farm Montessori (Duxbury, MA)** Belmont Public Schools (Belmont, MA)* Bedford Public Schools (Bedford, NH) Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School (Franklin, MA)*** Birches School (Lincoln, MA)** Boston Public Schools (Boston, MA)* Braintree Public Schools (Braintree, MA)* Brookline Public Schools (Brookline, MA)* Buckingham Browne & Nichols School (Cambridge, MA)** Cambridge Public Schools (Cambridge, MA)* Canton Public Schools (Canton, MA) Charles River School (Dover, MA)** Charlton Public Schools (Charlton, MA) Chelmsford Public Schools (Chelmsford, MA) The Chestnut Hill School (Chestnut Hill,  MA)** Dedham Public Schools (Dedham, MA) Dover Public Schools (Dover, MA) Exeter Public Schools (Exeter, NH) Fayerweather Street School (Cambridge, MA)** The Fenn School (Concord, MA)** The Fessenden School (Newton, MA)** Framingham Public Schools (Framingham, MA)* Freetown Public Schools (Freetown, MA) George School (Newtown, PA)** Georgetown Public Schools (Georgetown, MA) Hanover Public Schools (Hanover, MA) Hartford Public Schools (Hartford, CT)* Inly School (Scituate, MA)** KIPP Academy Lynn (Boston, MA)*** Lesley Ellis School (Arlington, MA)** Lowell Public Schools (Lowell, MA) Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Schools (Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA) Marblehead Community Charter School (Marblehead, MA) Marblehead Public Schools (Marblehead, MA)* Matignon High School (Cambridge, MA)** Medford Public Schools (Medford, MA)* Melrose Public Schools (Melrose, MA)* Nashoba Brooks School (Concord, MA)** Nahant Public Schools (Nahant, MA) Natick Public Schools (Natick, MA)* Needham Public Schools (Needham, MA) Newtown Public Schools (Newtown, CT)* New York City Public Schools (New York, NY)* The Pike School (Andover, MA)** The Pinecrest School (Annandale, VA)** Raynham Public Schools (Raynham, MA) Reading Public Schools (Reading, MA)* Shady Hill School (Cambridge, MA)** Somerville Public Schools (Somerville, MA)* St. Bernadette School (Northborough, MA)** St. John School (Canton, MA)** St. Mary’s School (Winchester, MA)** Stamford Public Schools (Stamford, CT) Stoneham Public Schools (Stoneham, MA)* Stoughton Public Schools (Stoughton, MA) Sudbury Public Schools (Sudbury, MA) Swampscott Public Schools (Swampscott, MA) Tenacre Country Day School (Wellesley, MA)** Tewksbury Public Schools (Tewksbury, MA) Vienna Public Schools (Vienna, VA) Wakefield Public Schools (Wakefield, MA)* Walpole Public Schools (Walpole, MA) Watertown Public Schools (Watertown, MA)* Webster Middle Schools (Webster, MA) Wellesley Public Schools (Wellesley, MA)* Weston Public Schools (Weston, MA)* Winchester Public Schools (Winchester, MA)* Woburn Public Schools (Woburn, MA)*   * Indicates multiple schools played in district  ** Indicates private school *** Indicates charter school Booking For booking inquiries and further info, please contact Stephanie Rothschild at stephanie@crrproductions.com or at 212-421-0592. To view online or download a hard copy, visit www.moockmusic.com/schools.

“Alastair’s songs encourage our kids to pursue goodness, kindness, awareness and courage... Adults might listen up!” – Nora Guthrie, President, Woody Guthrie Publications