Roy's Educational Programs

Roy has created a variety of programs that are suitable for children of all ages. His workshops range from one day to one week, and include songwriting, storytelling, and Native American skill presentations, alone or in combination. The photos and program descriptions that follow provide a general idea of what these programs look and sound like, but each one is individually tailored to meet the needs of the group.

1. Walk on the Mountain

Roy's "Walk on the Mountain" storytelling/music program has been highly acclaimed as one of the most exciting, heart-opening, and entertaining arts in education programs out there. "Walk on the Mountain" is a whole-language presentation of earth-minded philosophies, woodland skills, and plain old mountain humor. Roy plants a seed of "Earth Morals" in the minds of his audience, encouraging students to experience the feelings and embrace the concepts of reverence and respect for the natural world.

A. MacArthur Barr Middle School Nanuet, NY (Click on any photo for a larger version) For the fourth year in a row, Roy has been asked back to this Rockland County middle school. The program changes from year to year and from grade to grade, and each year brings with it a special surprise. Students and teachers alike come away with a new appreciation for our beautiful planet.

A few...

kid-friendly...

songs,

followed by...

captivating stories!

The bow drill...

and...

the...

fire...

kit.

Students watch and wait...

It's getting smokier...

and smokier!

Gently wrapping the coal, and then...

FIRE!

Click here to see what this program looked like in a camp and two different school settings.

2. Rhyme Without Reason

Roy's "Rhyme Without Reason" songwriting workshop offers school children a firsthand experience in the songwriting process. In Roy's workshop, students learn about rhyme and structure. There is discussion about what inspiration is and what inspires them. They brainstorm concepts, choose a subject, and collectively find the words and lines that pave the way to the writing of their song - a song that is their own and expresses their thoughts and feelings. Upon completion, the song can be shared with the other students in the school in an assembly presentation. The song is burned onto a CD for the class to provide a memento of their successful songwriting efforts. This workshop is also offered to adults and is a great workshop for an aspiring songwriter to get insights into the music business: publishing, performing rights, pitching songs, how songs make money, and co-writing.

JEMS Songwriting Workshop, Upper Jay
June 30, 2006
(Click on any photo for a larger version)

With a little help from Roy, a very special group of children, ages 6-14, worked together to write, rewrite, rehearse, and record a wonderfully funny song titled, "It All Makes Sense To Me." It was a truly collaborative effort, and everyone in the group contributed in a major way to the final product.

Some people were lucky enough to hear a live version of the song, sung by some of the original artists, at Roy's concert in Jay on July 29. Here is a behind-the-scenes peek at how it all came to be.

The creative process at work...hard work!

...but hard work can be fun...

...and produce great results!

Practice, practice, practice!

A pre-rehearsal group shot...

...followed by post-recording critique.

The stars approve...
...and celebrate a job well done!

If your curiosity has been piqued by all of this, and you want to hear what these beautiful children have created, click here to listen!