3074
Whitney Ave.
Bldg. 2, 2nd Floor
Hamden, CT 06518
phone: 203-230-8101
fax: 203-230-8131
STEVE SCHUCH
Musician, Composer, Author
Join award-winning author, composer and recording artist Steve Schuch on a voyage of discovery. Haunting violin and whale calls... music and tales of Ireland... lively songs and toe-tapping rhythms... young author and composer workshops...Steve offers programs which appeal to many different audiences. Venues range from schools and colleges to international folk festivals and The Kennedy Center.
Classically trained on violin, Steve is also an accomplished singer/songwriter, guitarist, author and storyteller. Honors include composer awards, the Parents' Choice Gold Award, and five national book awards for "A Symphony of Whales." His recordings with The Night Heron Consortare national best-sellers.
"Warmth and storytelling magic."
- Los Angeles Times
"Exceptionally fine...
Schuch brings as much intelligence and skill
to folk music as he does to classical."
- The Boston Globe
(See additional Artist's Bio.)
School Assemblies, Workshops & Author Visits (K-12)
Whether
the audience is kindergartners or young adults, Steve Schuch has the material
and artistry to work on many levels. Music and story selections are based
on program theme and age group. All shows include a set of Prep Materials,
recordings and books sent to the school in advance of the performance.
Programs include assemblies, a smaller
workshop, and family concerts.
Author Visits & Book Signings
All shows may include an Author Book/CD Signing. Steve brings books and CD's with him, so schools don't need to worry about pre-ordering and returns. Steve also donates a portion of all proceeds back to the school library or PTO/PTA.
Author/Composer Visit form (.pdf format)
A Symphony of Whales
(Kid's artwork inspired by "A Symphony of Whales")
Learn
about whales, their songs and their encounters with humans. Listen to
an inspiring true tale of 3,000 whales trapped in the arctic, rescued
by Eskimos and classical music. Hear Steve's unforgettable " Whale
Trilogy (.mp3)" - a solo violin piece played with these mysterious
songs of the deep. Weaving together science and performances, this program
includes material from Steve's travels, CD's and award-winning book, A
Symphony of Whales. We also recommend visiting An
Author's Interview.
Songs & Tales of the Earth
Celebrate
nature in all its diversity. Songs about endangered wildlife and habitats...
tales of the ancient yew trees... a musical tribute to the rainforests...
even the wood of Steve's 200-year-old violin has stories to tell. This
popular program encourages wonder and respect for the natural world. With
advance planning, it can tie in with school themes such as Earth Day,
ocean and rainforest units, etc. For middle and high school audiences,
a multi-lingual musical slide show is available on Steve's reforestation
work in the Peace Corps (see below). Features many of the songs from his
Circle
of Days and Trees
of Life recordings.
"A remarkable musician and storyteller...
great depth to his performing and teaching..."
-Cincinnati Nature Center
Where There's No Running Water: Life in a Third World Village
A
multimedia music and slide
show highlighting Steve's Peace Corps experiences. Part performance,
part documentary and discussion, it takes students beyond our land of
fast food and shopping malls... up into the mountain villages of the Dominican
Republic. Available in English and Spanish, this is well suited for middle
schools, high schools, and Foreign Language classes.Discussion topics
include the rainforests, early history prior to Columbus, and current
developments.Click link above to see a few of the sample slides.
All Strings Considered (Fiddler on the Loose)
Meet
a living composer who is both a classical violinist and a champion fiddler.
From Bach to Bluegrass, Celtic to Jazz, prepare for an exciting musical
odyssey! Blending performance and discussion, Steve shares his enthusiasm
for different influences and creativity. He encourages students in their
own playing and composing. In a master class setting, students have a
chance to play (and improvise) with Steve as well. Available as an Assembly
or Workshop (for Orchestra and Band students).
Music & Tales of Ireland
When
the Irish came to the New World, they brought their fiddles and tunes,
and a love for the Emerald Isle that reverberates even today. This program
takes audiences on a Celtic odyssey. It includes music on fiddle, guitar,
and a magical telling of "The
Gift of the Wee Folk." All bookings include a copy of Steve's
story, The Gift of the Wee Folk, and his nationally acclaimed instrumental
album, Crossing
the Waters.
Songs & Tales from Around the World
Inuit legends from the arctic night... magical sounds of the Scottish highlands... lively songs and African polyrhythms... all are part of this multicultural tour of different lands. Through songs, stories, and instrumental music, students gain a window on other people and places. If requested, the program can include teaching songs in Spanish, German, Russian, and ASL (American Sign Language). Features many of the songs from Steve's Trees of Life CD.
"Music and Story are doorways to the imagination.
They are a powerful force to develop creativity and awareness of self,
and others."
-Steve Schuch
Artist Residencies
Artist Residencies are created on an individual basis, typically from three to five days in length. Sometimes they involve the entire school; other times they focus on a specific grade level. Residencies may include any combination of Assemblies, Workshops, and an evening Concert (or final school wide performance). More info
Seasonal Programs & Family Concerts
These include programs for Halloween, Winter Solstice, St. Patrick's Day and Earth Day.
Workshops for All Ages
Any
of Steve's assembly programs may be offered in a workshop format. Steve
also offers specialized workshops for students, educators and parents.
For more information, visit Workshops
for All Ages, Specialized
Workshops, and Workshops
for Educators & Parents.
These hands-on workshops increase participants' creativity and confidence, while sharpening language and music skills. Designed for smaller groups, workshops generally last 45-90 minutes. In some settings they may meet more than once.
The Author's Story
Hear the stories behind Steve's stories and poems... where his ideas come from... how early versions are developed into the final books... thoughts for young writers on developing their own stories. Excellent for combining with Performances, Author Visit or Book Signing.
Living Poet Society
Nearly every writer knows the benefits of an attentive listener and encouraging coach. In this workshop, Steve works with selected students on their own emerging stories, poems, and musical compositions. Key skills include learning to express what we really mean and finding creative solutions when we're stuck. Ideal as part of an Artist Residency or Author Visit.
Roots of Rhythm & Harmony
This
lively workshop teaches the roots of rhythm and harmony. Songs range from
medieval canons to modern songs, chants with motions, sign language, and
"non-pitch-critical" rounds that are fun for everyone.The level
of complexity is appropriate to group's age and ability. Ideal for Chorus,
Orchestra and Band students. In a residency setting, Steve may work with
chorus students on an original choral arrangement leading to the final
evening performance.
Mythology & The Art of Storytelling
Long
before television and videos, people told stories. Deep in their memories,
the great bards and storytellers unlocked their "word hoards"
to tell of their people's hopes and fears, their history, and understanding
of the univers. Join Steve for a look at these ancient tales. How do we
commit a story to memory? What are some of our own myths today? Excellent
for English & Creative Writing classes, or developing memory and speaking
skills. Click
here for suggested Storytelling Resources.
The Songwriters' Circle
Explore the steps from writing a song to arranging and recording it. The workshop may focus on students' own works in progress, questions about the music business, or creating an original song with Steve.
Technical Requirements
Steve
provides all sound equipment needed for larger assemblies. He just needs
a quiet space with a grounded electrical outlet, and two 68 foot tables.
Maximum recommended assembly size is 300 students within three grades
of each other.Set up time is generally 1 1/2 hours for larger assemblies.
The contract will note arrival time and set up requirements based on specifics
of the event and performance space.
Funding & Resources
Recommended bibliography, handouts, and other resources are provided, along with Steve's own recordings and songbooks. For Trees of Life Lyrics & Curriculum Guide, click here. Funding may be available from NEFA, Eisenhower Title II grants, Title VI, and other sources.
For more options, see Specialized Workshops and Workshops for Educators & Parents.
See also "Resources for Educators & Parents."
- Reflections on the Arts & Nature of Education
- Keys to a Successful Artist Residency
- Trees of Life
- Children's Books
- Storytelling Resources
- Author/Composer Visit form (.pdf format)
Pair of Performances or Workshops with Book/CD Signing:
Pair of Performances: $1790
Family concert on Day of Program: $1120
Family Concert: $2230
Curriculum Links:
Music, Science, Social Studies
Lodging is required the evening prior to the performance. Setup time at school is required the day before performance.
PWRT