Episode Guide

1. Telling Stories: Bryan Collier (Grades 4-6) — Illustrator Bryan Collier started painting at the age of 15 in his hometown of Pocomoke, Maryland. The eastern shore served as the backdrop for many of his early works which included the bay, marshlands, and wildlife. At an early age, Collier developed his own style of painting that incorporated water colors and collage. In this episode, Collier shares his interest in books as a young reader, how he integrates his original style of painting into children’s books and his collaborations with authors such as Nikki Giovanni (Rosa) and Nikki Grimes (Barack Obama: Child of Promise.) (CC) Study Guide   Streaming Only

2. The Suzanne Farrell Ballet: Deconstructing Divertimento (Grades 9-12) — Renowned ballerina and Balanchine collaborator Suzanne Farrell, along with her acclaimed ballet company, presents a performance and demonstration titled Deconstructing Divertimento. This program is designed to give students a unique vantage point as the company breaks down the choreographic theme and variations that define the classic 1956 Balanchine tutu ballet, Divertimento No. 15. (CC) Study Guide Streaming Only

3. Waiting for Godot (Grades 9-12) — Two tramps meet by the roadside, and endlessly wait for someone—or something—named Godot. Samuel Beckett’s most popular work masterfully examines the tedium and hope of human existence. Students experience “the closest production we will ever get to the perfect official Godot” (The Irish Times) in a discussion with the director and cast members as well as video excerpts of the production by Gate Theatre in Dublin. (CC) Study Guide Streaming Only

4. Connections: MORE Science and Music (Grades 5-7) — Science course or music class?  In this fast paced, multimedia performance, a group of musicians explore the connection between science and music. Students hear how concepts in science class can explain how musicians perform, while watching how a melody can be played on a laundry hose or a tuba.  They will hear how instrument makers are responding to the near extinction of their favorite trees, and see whether a violinist can break a world speed record. (CC) Streaming Only

5. Limón Dance Company: The Traitor (Grades 7-12) — The Traitor, one of modern dance’s most significant works of the 1950s, was Limón’s response to the McCarthy hearings and the climate of betrayal that haunted the arts and entertainment fields during this period. In this episode, artists portray the tragedy of Judas and explore the theme of betrayal through a detailed demonstration and explanation of the dancers’ movements followed by the full-length performance of Limón’s signature piece. (CC) Study Guide Streaming Only

6. Ella! (Grades 7-12) — Ella! celebrates the life and work of legendary jazz vocalist Ella Fitzgerald. Musicians pay tribute to the “First Lady of Song” in a program that shows how Ella Fitzgerald has influenced singers of today, shares film clips of this remarkable vocalist, and includes performances of well-known favorites from Ella Fitzgerald’s repertoire. Study Guide Streaming Only

7. Telling Stories: Richard Peck (Grades 7-12) — Creative writing students join the moderator to explore with Richard Peck several of his recent books, influences on his work, and the craft of writing. The students also solicit Peck’s advice for aspiring writers. Study Guide Airable

8. Tambuco Percussion Ensemble (Grades 7-12) — One of the finest percussion quartets of today, Tambuco Percussion performs a wide assortment of music styles, ranging from structured percussion music to ethnic drum music and avant-garde sound interpretation. Using percussion instruments from bongos to vibraphones, this talented ensemble demonstrates the unique sounds of their instruments, discusses the culture and traditions of Mexico as expressed through music, and performs original compositions inspired by the popular and folk music idioms of Mexico. Airable

9. Telling Stories: Linda Sue Park (Grades 4-8) — Linda Sue Park reads from and discusses her recent books, shares the inspiration behind them, and talks about her diverse interests, which include her craft, her ethnic heritage, and a passion for baseball. Ms. Park also reads from her collection of sijo and discusses this little-known form of Korean poetry. Study Guide Airable

10. Poets and Presidents (Grades 6-9) — President John F. Kennedy and Mrs. Kennedy believed strongly in the power of words and the value of poetry for their children. In The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children, Caroline Kennedy has gathered together poems about nature, heroism, adventure, and imagination by celebrated poets Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Nikki Grimes, and Carl Sandburg; poems her parents loved and read to her during her childhood. As part of the Kennedy Center’s The Presidency of John F. Kennedy: A 50th Anniversary Celebration, several well-known poets of today read and discuss their poems and show how these important themes are continued in their work today. Airable

11. From Page to Stage: Locomotion (Grades 6-12) — Have you ever wondered how all the elements of a theater production come together to form the final product? Join award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson as she talks about the creation and adaptation of her book, Locomotion, for the stage. This new production is an inspiring story of the journey of an eleven-year-old African American boy as he moves from tragedy to hope, losing one family and gaining another. Additionally, through specially created Webisodes available online only, the actors and technical artists discuss their role in the creative process, providing insight into the process from start to finish. Airable

12. Musical Theater: Stephen Schwartz (Grades 9-12) — Stephen Schwartz talks about his Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical, Wicked, “the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time” (USA Today). Schwartz also discusses his other musicals, including Godspell, Pippin, and the Baker’s Wife; and students hear a few of his well-known songs performed live. Airable

13. Waiting for Godot (Grades 9-12) — Two tramps meet by the roadside, and endlessly wait for someone—or something—named Godot. Samuel Beckett’s most popular work masterfully examines the tedium and hope of human existence. Students experience “the closest production we will ever get to the perfect official Godot” (The Irish Times) in a discussion with the director and cast members as well as video excerpts of the production by Gate Theatre in Dublin. (CC) Study Guide Streaming Only

14. maximum INDIA (Grades 6-9) — The music and dance of India provide students with a window to the vibrant culture and traditions of one of the world’s largest countries. Ragamala Dance introduces students to Bharatanatyam, a traditional dance form from south India. Combining virtuosity and aesthetic beauty, the dancers, accompanied by live music, demonstrate how basic body positions, rhythms, gestures, and facial expressions are woven into each piece. Acclaimed sitar and cello duo, Shubhendra Rao and Saskia Rao-de Haas, perform their own compositions blending European and Indian styles and also perform along with Ragamala Dance. Rao-de Haas reveals how she create the ‘Indian cello’, the only such instrument in existence. Streaming Only

15. Jazz: Eldar (Grades 6-12) — A 2008 Grammy®-nominated jazz artist at age 21, Eldar is described as “one of the finest jazz pianists of his generation” (CMJ Magazine). Eldar is known for his extraordinary technique, musicality, and virtuosity. With his trio, Eldar guides students in how to listen to jazz and performs some of his original compositions. Airable