As a singer-songwriter of children’s music I have performed at schools, festivals, fairs, libraries, summer camps, after school programs and daycares. My main focus for the past several years has been my presentations based on the Character Education and Virtue trait Respect. I have been presenting programs in elementary schools in all of the school boards in Ontario and the English school boards in Quebec. To date I have presented to over 60,000 students, 150 students at a time.
My show “Do Respect” for Grades K - 3, is a positive first step in which primary students are taught to make responsible, respectful choices. “Do Respect” is a multi-faceted, 45 minute program that mixes original music, dance, a little drama and a whole lot of fun. It helps teach children to use respect in the classroom, at home and in the community.
"One Voice" my show for Grades 4, 5 and 6 fits well with the Quebec and Ontario School Boards "Safe Schools" initiative. In the performance I speak to the students about using their voices respectfully yet powerfully. It delivers a message to students to "stand up and speak out" to make a change in themselves, their environment their community and against bullying with their "One Voice". Both presentations cover self-respect, respect of others, good manners and proper etiquette, respect for animals and having respect for our shared environment. To finish the "One Voice” performance, the students and I discuss what bullying is and how to make a change.
I firmly believe that this is the generation that we have been waiting for to make a positive change with regards to bullying.
These presentations complement existing character education and safe schools initiatives and reinforce what they are being taught in the classroom. Musical productions are an excellent way to spark ideas, reinforce messages, and initiate conversations.
Both of the 45 minute presentations are interactive with much student involvement and input. At the end of the performance, the schools are given a studio version of the original songs included in the performance and the words and music to revisit the messages they have learned. I’ve been told many times that my songs are sung in the hallways of the schools, helping children remember what they’ve learned and as a reminder to put it into practice.
I have also written and developed a new primary aged school show all about sugar. “The Sugar Show” is a 45 minute performance presented in a carnival atmosphere. Students have an opportunity to spin the wheel of sugar, or play the sugar toss to win prizes. Students see that sugar is just too sweet when they learn what it can do to our bodies, especially our teeth. The show contains lots of fun and facts, great visuals, carnival games and new original songs.
I also have a 30 minute sing-a-long performance entitled Sing Every Day where children can join me on stage and sing in their own microphone.