Classroom Concert Series

The arts have been put on the back burner in most school curriculums. With ever dwindling resources, students are truly fortunate if they get the exposure needed to develop an appreciation for the arts. Especially with regard to music, most children are exposed to the insipid pop genres broadcast on commercial radio, and network and cable television, rather than the rich and diverse spectrum of music and art that actually exists today.
We believe that our 35-year career as performing songwriters – on both mainstream and grass roots levels – is a relevant and unique teaching tool.



The Meyer Academy, Florida
Photo by Carol Erinrich

The Classroom Concert Series is an intimate edu-tainment event for all school-age children. We share aspects of our career, including the business of music and the historical interconnections of American popular music. We also demonstrate basic songwriting and performing techniques, intermingled with extensive Q & A sessions and live, in classroom performances.
Aztec Two-Step is honored to present this edu-tainment program to help promote the arts to school-age children.

Objectives

We offer a child and curriculum-friendly presentation during which we:

  • Suggest the short and long-term benefits of playing a musical instrument:  stay in school, study, and PRACTICE!
  • Discuss songwriting techniques for our many songs that are appropriate for kids of all ages, such as: Rabbit in the Moon, The Ballad of Humpty Dumpty & Cinderella, On the Road, Bakin', Living in America, Dance, Dancers All, Shanty Town, Johnny's an Angel, Days of Horses, Dad Came Home
  • Point out the origins and inspiration for the previously noted songs to help children connect with our lyrics - or inspire them to write their own!
  • Provide a synopsis of legendary American songwriters and poets, including Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin, Woody Guthrie, Allen Ginsberg, and Bob Dylan.
  • Encourage children to realize that their personal experiences are rich resources for expressing their creativity in words, music, fine art, dance, etc.
  • Note that creative inspirations can also be drawn from many diverse sources, not just personal experience.
  • Reference performing techniques and touch on D.I.Y. (do it yourself) CD recording, manufacturing and website promotions, for students with career aspirations in music.
  • Present the ways our partnership enabled us to evolve and grow both individually and as a band.
  • Emphasize the rewards of collaboration and cooperation, in and out of the arts. Teamwork!
  • Mention how effort applied to ambition has brought us rewarding moments, such as performing with Bruce Springsteen, Bill Cosby and The Beach Boys!

Elizabeth Shelton School, Shelton, CT

Testimonials

“Aztec Two-Step’s performance at the Elizabeth Shelton School was both inspirational and entertaining to the children. Between songs, they spoke candidly about creativity and self-expression through songwriting and music. Neal and Rex encouraged the children to ask questions which they answered with honesty, patience and humor. It was a testament to their music when the children spontaneously clapped along to their songs and gathered around at the end of their performance to ask additional questions.”
Nicki Kirk & Helen Smith
Cultural Arts Committee
Elizabeth Shelton School
Shelton, CT

“Your school program was entertaining, informative, accessible and fun for all. Your musicianship and professionalism paired flawlessly with your easy rapport with the children. I think you have much to offer in this field. Again, bravo, and thanks! ”
Cheryl O’Brien
PTO/PTA
Shelton, CT

“In this age of instant and fleeting stardom, you showed my students what it means to be truly talented artists who have stood the test of time. I know that they were not only entertained by your discussions and performances, but “enlightened” (which is the buzz word flying through my classroom) and forever changed – especially those students who had preconceived notions about “getting it all" without giving it all. To them you are "real” and I know the impressions you made in my classroom will last a lifetime. Thank you for touching their creative side. We truly enjoyed your time here and can't wait for the next full moon to appear - we will be looking for that rabbit!”
Julie Caruso
Vocal Music Director
Durgee Junior High School
Baldwinsville, NY



Durgee Junior High School, Baldwinsville, NY

Click here to download the printable ATS Classroom Concert Series Sheet