NEWSLETTERS

SUMMER 2010 (Download)

Coming to schools in November 2010, the music of Ac•Rock will feature a cappella rock 'n roll with selections from the '50's to the '90's. In the spring of 2011, The Henhouse Prowlers will bring the early sounds of bluegrass music to schools.
 

SPRING 2009 (Download)

John Work Chorale presented choral music of "The Negro Spiritual." As former choir members at Fisk University, they told the story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and emphasized the importance of the "Negro Spiritual" as the root of modern American music (blues, jazz, gospel, popular, and some classical music).

Students voted by applause at the end of the performance after each of five instruments was featured in detail and musical selections by Quintet Attacca. The format for this Quintet Idol performance was based on the popular television series American Idol.
 

SUMMER 2007 (Download)

Blues vocalist Gerald McClendon and his quartet, Rick Nelson, Joseph Pratt, and Steve Breamer, presented Blues Experience, the history of the blues, and students created their own "School Blues" songs.

In the spring, Rhythmunity Ensemble presented a world music tour, sharing percussion instruments and songs from West Africa, the Middle East, Haiti, India, Australia, Cuba, and other countries.

SPRING 2006 (Download)

Black Earth Ensemble—Through the lively and inspiring performance of the Black Earth Ensemble, students gained a new appreciation for jazz and the creative process of making music.

Creole Stomp—A stomping good time was had by all when Dennis Stroughmatt and Creole Stomp, a nationally touring band, took the stage in our schools this spring.

SPRING 2005 (Download)

Reginald R. Robinson, the inspiring self-taught pianist from the 2003 EISMA Concerts for Kids series, has been awarded a MacArthur Genius Grant for his work in the preservation and presentation of ragtime music.

Evanston Escola de Samba—The fun and excitement of Brazil's carnival came to the schools this spring when Evanston Escola de Samba performed for the students.

Music of Ireland—Toe-tapping and clapping abounded when Bohola took students on a musical trip to Ireland this past fall.

EISMA Awarded—EISMA is the recipient of this year's Mayor's Award for the Arts.