School Show

Comments and Reactions from Teachers

"We were absolutely delighted with the performance. The children received lots of history in a short time period with fun, interactive music and interesting instruments. We hope to invite you back next year for the rising fourth graders!" Karin Oliver, PTA Cultural Arts Chairman, Easley Elementary, Durham, NC

"Outstanding story-told at the level of students' understanding. In addition, you added character education. Great job of engaging and managing with signals. This fits North Carolina history so well. It is a great integration of social studies, character ed, music and folklore." Barbara Gustafson, 4th grade lead teacher, Turner Creek Elementary, Apex, NC

"I think it was a fantastic program! If only my professor in college had taught N.C. History the way you did! I really enjoyed the way it all came together at the end, with each person's story connecting like it did. Most movies aren't as good as that! Plus, the children were enthused. The different music and dancing served to keep their interest peaked. Not to mention the chances they had to participate. Well done!" Sarah McDaniel, 3rd grade teacher, St. Ann Catholic School, Fayetteville, NC

"You did a great job of explaining concepts and history of the legend. Excellent scenary-loved your seat and how you explained hand slaps. I think the students really enjoyed seeing the culture and music. Great job on using rattles with students. Explained and practiced the quiet signal very well. Excellent participation by having kids repeat the words. I know all 4th grade students should see this show as it ties the curriculum into a live performance. If they love to sing, dance, clap and have fun they are sure to love this. Students will go home with the beat in their head." Wanda Hanley, 4th grade teacher, Turner Creek Elementary, Apex, NC

"Mr. Levitt's demonstrations were great. He had the student's full attention at all times. It was wonderful the way he incorporated singing, dancing, history and story telling." D. Humphries, 5th grade teacher, Eastover-Central Elementary, Fayetteville, NC

"Don't change anything, it was great!" Jorge, 5th grader, Baileywick Elementary School, Raleigh, NC

"I can really see how this is a great program that touches on a lot of the geography and movement of people in and around NC. It also gives great information as to the culture of the South as it was influenced by Europe! It crosses into the music curriculum too, which is wonderful, reinforcing tempo, the beat and the emotion music can evoke. I love how the whole story culminates with the 4 kids blending their steps! Great lessons in character and life. It shows how so many cultures blend together to form one. This program hits on the movement of people to the Americas through such a cool story! I love how it integrates music, maps, geography all at the students' level. 10! The kids really seemed to enjoy the music and stories and participation. It has really kept their interest and engaged them in the learning. Great job! Mr. Levitt seems to really have a good handle on keeping the interest of students. This wonderful program brings in a lot of wonderful stories to help students learn about cultures that influenced NC and America. It uses wonderful story-telling and music!" Amanda MacLachlan, 5th grade teacher, Turner Creek Elementary, Apex, NC

"All that was said was very useful to introduce NC history from the 4th grade curriculum. My students are now excited and very eager to learn our Social Studies objectives. Everything was presented in a very interesting manner. Your story was very logical and included very important facts and details. They enjoyed it and learned things from the past that they will use in the future. This program was filled with 4th grade objectives. Also, it was taught using a variety of strategies and all 3 modalities for learning. My students loved your program and were sad to see it end. The students loved participating by singing the songs and answering questions. They were completely engaged. Your management was surperb! I would recommend this to any school. As a teacher, I appreciated the way in which you told the story of clogging. I learned a lot through you. Thanks." Lisa Fleming, 4th grade teacher, Turner Creek Elementary, Apex, NC

"The program strongly correlated with 4th grade social studies curriculum. It creates a good background for 3rd graders and review for 5th graders. American culture has been influenced by so many different cultures. This was a nice way to show kids how 3 distinctly different cultures came together to create something new and unique." "The program was a great way to introduce students to odd/atypical musical instruments. I was even surprised at what can be used to make music." "The students overwhelmingly liked the program. They liked the stories about the 3 people, but most of all they loved all the different instruments and the sounds they made." "I loved how the program tied together the 3 different cultures/people and tied them together as the roots for American culture in NC. The folk songs and dance heightened the experience." Joni Millsap, 3rd grade teaching assistant, Adams Year-Round Elementary, Cary, NC

"Great Show. The kids were very involved and engaged. Thanks so much!" Amanda Dyer, 5th grade teacher, Pitts School Road Elementary, Concord, NC

"The students really enjoyed the program. It was very entertaining and informative. Everyone learned something new, even the teachers! The students were amazed at the dancing, fiddle playing and the many different instruments used to create music. The program was very worthwhile and the students couldn't wait to check out Mr. Levitt's book from the library! Fun for Everyone!

Karen Mathieson, 4th grade teacher, Wesley Chapel Elem, Monroe, NC

"Mr. Levitt's performance kept the students engaged and provided an entertaining and educational experience for them. His story-telling and musical talents were enjoyed by all." Brenda Kasell, Assisant Principal, Wesley Chapel Elementary School, Monroe, NC

"Mr. Levitt made history come alive! Mr. Levitt gave us all wonderfully motivating and interesting history lessons through his use of music, movement, song and story-telling. He is a fine artist, and one I would recommend for all elementary and middle school students. Mr. Levitt took us on an exciting trip from Europe and Africa to America to help our students understand how our country develped and the cultural influences brought to us from Europe and Africa." Arlene Saper, Spanish Teacher, Mary Scroggs Elementary School, Chapel Hill, NC

"Steve has obviously done his homework and used his vivid imagination to craft a wonderful story full of music, dance and history." Alice Zincone, Art Teacher, Governor Morehead School, Raleigh, NC

"Steve, You did a great job of weaving a tale for students. You incorporated where clogging originated and why. The instruments, dance and audience interaction was very engaging. I highly recommend your program to other schools and truly appreciate the seriousness and professionalism you present for your craft." Becky Norkus, Physical Education Specialist, Baileywick Elementary School, Raleigh, NC

"This was an entertaining and engaging presentation that taught students about the history of our official state dance and the history of immigration in North Carolina as well. Students were introduced to intriguing instruments and everyone in the audience got to participate. I wholeheartedly recommed it to other schools." Jill Stansburg, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School, Morrisville, NC

"Storytelling has been of utmost importance for mankind since the beginning of time: to keep score of history, for socializing and entertainment, but most importantly for understanding oneself as a human! Unfortunately, storytelling is an artform in decline. I was thrilled by Mr. Levitt's professional performance and so was my son (age 9). It was a complex story, well kept together and therefore easy to follow along - with exquisite intermissions of music, song, rhythm and dance. The intermission pieces were also a genuine part of the story being told. Mr. Levitt has a wonderful, infectious energy with compassion and integrity. Thank you!" Anneli Leander, Parent, Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School, Morrisville, NC

"Steve Levitt presented an interestng and interactive program for our students. His storytelling abilities are phenomenal. I would love tohave Mr. Levitt back to our school to share more of his music and storytelling abilities." Melanie Varvi, 4th Grade Teacher, Ashley Elementary School, Fayetteville, NC

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This program is a fun, fast paced historical fiction portrayal of the multi-ethnic and cultural roots of North Carolina, the Southeastern U.S., and the Southern Appalachian dance "clogging" which has been chosen by the NC General Assembly to be the official folk dance of North Carolina. This interactive adventure story and music/dance performance utilizes many unusual folk instruments, songs, rhythms and dance elements. It exposes the students to Native American, West African, European, American and North Carolina geography, history and culture.

The program's creator and solo performer, Steve Levitt, is currently offering this educational performance to elementary school assemblies. There are two separate shows, one for K-2 and the other for grades 3-5. Each program targets somewhat different learning goals. The grade 3-5 program is a high energy, fast paced performance that includes more historical information and details along with audience participation. The K-2 program has a slower pace, is somewhat simplified and focuses more on the music, dance and audience participation. Maximum number performances per day is 2. Maximum audience size is 400. Performance length is 60 minutes including a 10 minute question & answer session with students.

Steve Levitt is a member of the Artists in Schools Program sponsored by the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. His biography and details of the school program that he offers can be found in the Artists in Schools Directory 2007-2008 at www.TheArtsCouncil.com

Steve is a member of the 2008-2010 Artists in the Schools (AIS) program sponsored by the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County. www.unitedarts.org

Steve is also a CAPS (Creative Arts in Public and Private Schools) PERFORMING ARTIST, 2007-2009, sponsored by the Durham Arts Council, Durham, NC www.durhamarts.org

This performing arts program is also available to museums, libraries, festivals, corporations and other organizations interested in educating the public about North Carolina history and culture and/or the multi-cultural origins of Southern Appalachian dance.

This program is also the basis of a new book "Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale" (see New Book).

Program Description

Journey to the Mountain-A Roots Tale This adventure story focuses on the lives and circumstances of four young individuals including a Cherokee girl, an African American slave girl, a Scots-Irish farm boy and a North Carolina mountain boy with English ancestry. Their life journeys ultimately bring them together on a mountain in western North Carolina where their interaction results in the creation of "The Basic" clogging step.

This story is brought to life with a wide variety of multi-ethnic music, songs, traditional instruments, rhythms and dance. Elements of North Carolina, U.S. and world geography (using representational maps), history and culture are incorporated into this spellbinding educational adventure.

This highly creative program utilizes volunteer and total audience participation, including clapping, singing, repetition, percussive instruments, stepping, hand rhythms and movement designed to engage and focus the students on the educational objectives. Stimulating questions and rhythms are used to increase self-awareness of feelings and the emotions music can create.

A 10 minute interactive session is included to ask and answer questions and provide follow-up. This is always very helpful both to the students and their teachers.

The students are exposed to Native American, West African, northern European (Irish, English), American and North Carolina historical events, culture, music, song, and elements of rhythm/dance. The program also incorporates character educational lessons in self-acceptance, the importance of sharing and friendships, and of honoring one’s roots.

An extensive Study Guide for teachers, Song Sheet, and information for the school newsletter are sent to the school in advance to enhance student participation during the program.

Instruments used: bird bone flute, Native American style drum, rattles, harmonica, rhythm bones, fiddle, trump (jaw harp), body slapping (hambone), wooden spoons, jawbone, West African drums, and percussive dance shoes.

Music/Rhythm Concepts: the ‘beat,’ syncopation (‘off the beat’) and tempo (speed of music).

Music or Song (Origin/Instrument): Danny Boy (Irish/harmonica), Lazy Sailor (sea shanty/ rhythm bones), Arkansas Traveler (old time with original words/fiddle), Soldier’s Joy (English/jaw harp), Shenandoah (original words/fiddle), Old Joe Clark (old time/fiddle), Old Dan Tucker (old time/hambone), Carolina Gals (old time/wooden spoons), Kaira Silo (West African/West African drums), Angelina Baker (old time/jawbone), Cotton Eye Joe (old time/fiddle), unnamed (improvisation/bird bone flute).

Note: some of the songs have original verses to facilitate the story

Dance: selected elements of Native American, Irish and African dance rhythm; demonstration of clogging and flatfooting.

Program Topics

North Carolina Geography European and African Geography

North Carolina History African Slave Trade

Pre-Colonial North Carolina American Slavery, 'Middle Passage'

Native Americans Multi-Ethnic Roots of Southern

The Cherokees and 'Trail of Tears' Appalachian Dance

The Scot-Irish & Irish Potato Blight N.C.Mountain Dance Styles

Emigration from Europe to America Folk Instruments,Music and Rhythm

Migration south to N.C. Character Education-lessons in self-

The Great Philadelphia Wagon Road acceptance, friendship and sharing

Technical Requirements: Steve will provide a portable PA system when needed, and portable dance surface. A minimum 15' x 15' stage or elevated performance space is required and with an accessible grounded electrical outlet. A 2 hour set-up time and 1 hour between performances is required. Maximum audience is 400 with students seated on the floor, starting 10 feet back from stage front, with a center aisle and chairs for teachers along the side aisles.

Program Fee: Please call for details