Residencies vary in length from 3 (the "mini") to 30 days. They typically are comprised of two or more of the following elements : an Introductory Concert by Purly for the entire population or just the particpating groups; Classroom, or smaller 'Core Group' Workshops for songwriting, instrument making, demonstrations, hands-on music-making, singing and movement activities; Teacher In-Service/ Staff Development Workshops; and a Culminating Event, often called the "Sharing Session", which can be an all-school assembly &/or an evening Community Event. This is the time when the students share what they have learned/made/written during the residency. Each residency is tailored specifically to fit the needs of the school or venue. Grades pre-K -6. For more information on residencies, please contact Purly.

Workshops can be booked as stand-alone, partial- or full-day programs. Group size may be limited. (You do not need to book a residency in order to book workshops. Workshops can be booked in conjunction with concerts, which results in a lower rate for workshop fees. See below for fee info.)

Instrument making works best in groups of 15 children or less, and can take place in a classroom or any quiet space such as a shop, library or office. (We will be noisy at times, and may make sawdust, etc.) We need several large tables, chairs and perhaps a few AC outlets. I bring all tools and materials, unless other arrangements are made. Sessions can run from 30-90 minutes, depending on age-level and the specific project(s) undertaken. Some projects may require several sessions to complete.

Possible projects include drums (bongos, shell -or frame-type), kalimbas (m’bira), pan pipes, jug banjos, washtub or bucket bass, rainsticks, marimbas, cuicas, stamping tubes and ear harps.
Another option is to create a permanent - or moveable - musical ‘installation’ at the school, as a residency project. For more info on BANJO MAKING WORKSHOPS click here.

Materials used to make the instruments are bought, scavenged, recycled or natural. We might use cardboard tubes, bamboo, garden hose, wood, hide, fishing line, deli-containers, spring steel, etc. Both the projects and materials are determined by age-level, time and budget. Grades pre-K - 6.

Soda-box Guitars, Hillsboro(NH) Rec.Camp

"Great job Purly, thanks lots! We all had a lot of fun, we learned a lot and I have a bunch of new projects that I can do with my kids." Andrew Raeside, Art/Music Teacher/ Residency Coordinator, Spaulding Youth Center, Tilton, NH

"Great reviews from the boys! The kiddoes really enjoyed the workshop and have been playing the instruments at every opportunity. Thanks so very much for the workshop - Let us know when you are back in the area and perhaps we can have that drum workshop...." Janice Kennemer, Hill Country CMHMR Center, Kerrville, TX/ Texas Heritage Music Foundation Summer Arts Program

“.....The kids showed a strong interest in making the instruments and playing them. Since they were so simple, the kids weren’t overwhelmed yet they didn’t get bored. All the instruments were very creative and I was interested to learn about some of (them) like the cuica and the pan pipes. Thank you for your time and patience.” - Jason Rigollet, counsellor-in-training, Kearsarge High Summer Camp project.

"Thank you again for such a fun time at our school. The kids are still buzzing about their instruments that they made, and Mr. Flagg (the principal) really enjoyed his instruments too. He is actually quite good at them!" Karen Meredith, Boscawen Elementary, NH

.”Her easy, open manner and knowledge of her art just naturally draw kids in to participate.” - teacher, Main Dunstable Elem. School , Nashua, NH

With little more than a chalkboard or large paper-pad, a CD-quality recorder (which I provide) and a group of enthusiastic young folks - we can (1) create a "recycled" song (old melody with new, original lyrics) or (2) write a totally original song with new, original music and lyrics.
The workshop lasts from 1-5 days, about 45-50 minutes per session, depending on which approach is taken, budget, time, age-level, etc.
This workshop works well with grades 2-5; 4th grade is my favorite age for song-
writing. (Single-class or smaller 'core' groups)
Possible goals are to write a song about a theme/topic from the curriculum; to write a school song; to write a song about bullying, self-esteem or a topic chosen by the students themselves; or to write a song about a community member - to honor that person.
Usually we record the song during the last session, so that it may be transferred onto an audio CD for the school. (This is typically done as part of a residency program.)

COMMENTS:
"Another wonderful four days with you. You do amazing things with children - thankyou SO MUCH for everything!” Lynda Tallarico, Head Teacher, N. Walpole (NH) Elem

•How to Play a Mouth Trumpet &/or Nose Flute •
•Percussion for the Musically-Challenged•
•How to Spin the Flat Loop•
•The Fine Art of Playing the Washtub Bass •
•Accordion Appreciation and other Semi-Extinct Behavior Patterns•
•How to Have Fun with a 5-Gallon Bucket•

Purly also teaches beginner/intermediate Guitar, Ukulele, 5-string Banjo, Accordion,
Upright and Electric Bass

FEES, ETC.
Residencies generally start at $350/day (Concerts, materials, travel and lodging are extra);
Residencies are limited to 5, 45-minute sessions/day with single-class or core-groups only;
Minimum residency length is 3 days.

Workshops are quite variable, depending on how many, length, group size, project, if a concert is also booked, etc. (Materials/prep-time, travel and lodging - if necessary- are extra.) Fees for workshops range from $75-150/hour. Adult/staff-training workshops are priced differently.