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Below are some of the themes available for concerts and assembly programs.
The shows are highly interactive
experiences, with lots of audience participation: singing on the
chorus, hand motions, clapping along, "filling in the blanks", learning
how to play the mouth trumpet and even some audience members (students
& staff or parents & children) assisting with percussion
on-stage.
There's a wide range of musical styles, from Folk & Traditional to
Country & Swing, with just of touch of Acoustic Blues and an
occasional Rap or Spoken-Word. If the moment is right or it is
requested, there could be some storytelling, too.
Purly plays guitar, banjo,
ukulele, accordion, harmonica and some unusual, home-made kind of
instrumental "surprises" - but not all at once! Shows generally
run 40-45 minutes for grades 3-5 and general audiences; pk-2nd grade
programs run 30-35 minutes. All programs are age-appropriate and
suitable for
large (up to 250/ show) or small groups, educational or recreational
settings, family/multi-generational audiences.
Since Purly is on several
rosters of the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts, partial funding
may be available to qualified presenters. If you are a
New England presenter, click here for more information.
I Can Read
A lively, fun, up-beat collection of tunes geared to primary and elementary grades with lots of singing along (of course).
There are songs about reading and about the library, songs based on folk tales and current childrens literature, some songs to enhance literacy skills and even a song based on the 6-trait writing method! Purly's song "I Can Read" was the Theme Song of the Texas State Library Summer '04 Reading Club. She sings it in English and in Spanish.
This program is terrific for assemblies, or a wonderful addition to YOUNG AUTHOR DAY, FAMILY NIGHTS, BOOK WEEK and LITERACY CELEBRATIONS.
Click for more details on the program.
Click to hear "I Can Read"in English , "I Can Read" in Spanish" or "I'm Gonna Get It" and "Read a Book (on the Wild Side)"
-Melanie Bowen, Schurz Elementary, New Braunfels, TX
Songs for a Healthy World
This show is a collection of great sing-along tunes about
recycling, trees, clean water, garbage, taking care of the planet and of each
other, too! It’s empowering, educational and fun - with lots of
suggestions for how we can all make a better world.
Click to listen to samples from the program: Help
Recycle Water,Water-mp3
It's Good to Know How to Say No!
Every one of us is special, and there are many things we can do to feel good about ourselves. This program is chock-full of empowering songs to boost self- esteem, independent thinking and making wiser choices......a great adjunct for substance abuse prevention programs, geared to elementary grades. The program features lots of audience participation on catchy songs with messages that 'stick'. Can also be integrated with a visiting speaker for large-group assemblies (to add interest, balance and variety) or presented class-by-class with discussion.
You and Me
People are alike, but not the same! It’s fun to realize that we have much in common with many others around the world. There are songs in Spanish and English, celebrating both cultural diversity and the unique individual. Lots of audience participation, of course!
Songs of the West
Mostly traditional tunes about cowboys and cowgirls, and life
in the old west - with sing-alongs, recitations, and maybe even a lesson in how to
"wahoo" or spin the flat loop. All songs encourage audience
participation (of course). The Calamity Jane impersonation is optional
! (see below)
Click
here for more details.
Calamity Jane
The
Amazing Woman Scout of the Wild West and Heroine of a Thousand
Thrilling Adventures comes to life right before your very eyes.
Click
here for more details.
Mixed Songs & Stories
A
sampling of the best of 2+ decades of hits.......plus a story or two.
All sing-alongs or do-alongs. Lively, upbeat, entertaining, educational,
involving AND fun!
Back to the Good Ole'Days
A collection of mostly traditional songs about the farm, farm animals, logging, hunting, quilting and the way they used to do things in the late 1800's. Lots of audience participation, with a story or two thrown in if the time is right.
"You were wonderful! .... The different instruments you play and the little bits of history you throw in to your act make it unique. We all loved the dancing stick man and the word game that went with him this year. I like acts that entertain and educate, and you fit the bill beautifully. Thanks once again for a fantastic performance!"
- Jane Sheaffer, Chair- Children's Chapter Tent, 2002 Central Texas Book Festival
Your Theme Here
With advance notice, Purly can create a program to complement your curriculum, theme or unit.
One of my favorite things (about the program) was that you tailored it right to what I asked you to do! You even wrote the song to teach the Appalachian states. The program was exactly what I wanted and more!!! Thanks again!"
- Viki Hicks, Music Teacher, Crockett Elementary, San Marcos, TX
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