Mary's School Programs
"The song writing experience and working with Mary was positively addicting!"
-Kristie Lamphere, 3rd grade teacher, Greenwood Elementary, Des Moines, IA
Mary has three different programs available for grades K-8. Partial funding to bring Mary into your school can be obtained through Metro Arts Alliance. Contact Jana at jana@metroarts.org. Partial funding can be obtained through Connecting Kids and Culture. Each school in the metro area is alloted funds each year through this program which can cover bringing an artist in for a residency. Your principal will have the forms to fill out to access these funds. You can find information on their website at www.connectingkidsandculture.org. One other way you can possibly get funds to bring Mary in is to apply for an Iowa Arts Council mini grant or EZ-123 grant. You can find information on their website at: www.iowaartscouncil.org/funding
Songwriting to Save the Planet: Grades 3-8 Mary will be at the school for one hour per week on four consecutive weeks with the same class. Mary will address the following issues: Global Warming, Habitat Loss, Conservation, Recycling, Water Quality and Environmental Thoughtfulness. Students will be asked to consider the impact of these areas on our world. Mary will teach the mechanics of writing songs. In the first meeting Mary will create a safe writing environment, introduce basic songwriting tools, suggest possible topics, and begin the brainstorming process. The verses and chorus will be written in the next two meetings using a majority rule democratic approach. The song will be recorded on a mobile laptop recording devise during the fourth and final meeting. The result is a fun surprise with meaningful impact for all involved!
General Songwriting Workshop: Grades 3-8 Mary will be at the school for one hour per week on four consecutive weeks with the same class. In the first meeting Mary will create a safe writing enviornment, introduce basic songwriting tools, suggest possible topics, and begin the brainstorming process. The verses and chorus will be written in the next two meetings using a majority rule democratic approach. The song will be recorded on a mobile laptop recording devise during the fourth and final meeting. The result is a fun surprise with meaningful impact for all involved!
School Assemblies: K-8 Please email for info and prices.
Quotes from Teachers:
“Mary worked in my 5th grade classroom during the 2007-2008 school year. Together, Mary and the students in my classroom developed a Crocker Theme song titled “Crocker Yearbook”. I was so impressed with Mary’s musical talents, song writing skills, and the way that she interacted with the students. She displayed tremendous motivation and patience while working with the students. Mary taught the students so many life skills and integrated our Character Counts philosophy while making our song. As a culminating activity, students sang the song to their parents at their year end band and vocal concert!”
Jen Gebhart, 5th Grade Teacher
Ankeny, IA
“Crocker Yearbook” Listen to the song!!
Lyrics
“Words do not say enough about this experience! She took all types of learners, allowed them to express their ideas and experiences and let them soar. The final product was something that let each child feel empowered! Thanks for such a great opportunity!”
Amy Anderson, 3rd Grade Teacher
Ankeny, IA
“I’m Powerful When I Try” Listen to the song!
Mary alone, Mary with Kids.
Lyrics
“Mary was so enthusiastic when she came to our classroom, and that enthusiasm carried over to my students. They took a very serious topic and created beautiful music together!!! I hope to recreate this same experience with all of my future students!”
Tammi McClain, 3rd Grade Teacher
Ankeny, IA
“Different Beliefs” Listen to the song!
Mary alone, Mary with the kids
Lyrics
Additional songs written by Mary with Iowa schoolchildren!
Mrs. Gebhart’s 5th Grade class, 2008
“Kiss This Toad Goodbye” Listen to the song!!
Lyrics
Mrs. McClain’s 3rd Grade Class, 2008
“Living on the Ice Edge” Listen to the Song!
Lyrics
Mrs. Ortiz’s 3rd Grade Class, 2009
“Wind is the Way” Listen to the Song!
Lyrics
Mrs. Lamphere’s 3rd Grade Class, 2009
“New Best Friend” Listen to the Song!
Lyrics
Mrs. Krech’s 3rd Grade Class, 2009
“Summer Slow Down” Listen to the Song!
Lyrics