Walt Michael & Company
"Music for Young People"

Ever since his days as a volunteer student team leader in Appalachia in the 1960's, Walt has been leading young people in music and dance. He has a gift for communicating with children in a way which brings them joy, humor and dignity.

He has performed concerts for young people in literally thousands of schools and community venues throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Whether it be for the children of New Orleans' public schools, the boarding students of private schools in New England or the Shetland's Young Heritage Fiddlers, Walt is one of America's most treasured children's entertainers/educators.

What Educators Say:

"Walt Michael & Co. had the full attention of students and teachers. For 45 minutes, they really had those kids mesmerized. We'd like to have them back." Henry Veilleux, Director, Academy Hills, Wilton, Maine

"Our students, faculty and staff were delighted, amazed and captivated by the musical expertise of each of the company's members...quite an accomplishment considering that our student body consists of well over one thousand boys and girls." Robert W. Valente, Asst. Principal, Berkely Terrace School, Irvington, NJ

"Walt Michael Week was a stunning success for all of us at Greens Farms Academy!" James M. Coyle, Headmaster, Greens Farms Academy, Greens Farms, Ct.

Programs:

Music Across the Pond: Music Across the Pond is an assembly program celebrating old time string band music & dance. Walt Michael & Company trace the lineage of America's folk music and dance back to its origins in Africa, the British Isles and Europe. The trio demonstrates how the music and traditions changed as they encountered the great melting pot of America. Music Across the Pond introduces a wide array of wonderful acoustic instruments to the audience. The fiddle, mandolin, banjo, guitar, string bass, autoharp and harmonica are highlighted and played in a variety of authentic styles. The hammered dulcimer, forerunner of the piano, is the featured instrument in this delightful program blending music and history. The voice is featured as an instrument as well, as the trio sings a wide variety of songs that engage the audience. Music Across the Pond culminates with an authentic Virginia Reel danced by a troupe of students from the sponsoring school. Selected and instructed before the start of the assembly, these students are the stars of the show as they dance to authentic string band music before an audience of their peers.

Sangmele Ð The Blues: In Sangmele - The Blues Walt Michael is joined by blues vocalist Lea Gilmore (a veteran of the Morgan State Choir and blues performances throughout Europe) and New Orleans bassist Henry Reiff, forming this exciting acoustic blues trio (pronounced sang-ma-lay). Sangmele brings the blues alive to students as it traces the historical roots of the music from ring shouts to spirituals to gospel to the blues, with a special emphasis on the women who have sung this truly American music throughout this century. Featured instruments are piano, bass, guitar and harmonica.

Music Across the Pond and Sangmele Ð the Blues can be geared to both the elementary and secondary school levels.

Workshops: Workshops are offered as a supplement to the assembly performances: Group Dancing Clog Dancing Group Singing Songwriting - students learn how to write blues lyrics and bring them to song. Audience Size: Walt Michael & Company or Sangmele can entertain a packed assembly hall.

Technical Requirements: Stage if possible. One electric outlet. Walt Michael & Co. provide sound system if necessary and possible.