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Teaching children to work cooperatively, to help each other accomplish tasks, to share ideas and materials, and to appreciate each other’s creations are all part of this fun-filled character education through music workshop. Working in large and small groups, children build simple musical instruments made from recycled bottle caps, wood bits, cardboard boxes or paint sticks, and also sing songs about friendship, kindness and getting along. These lessons further students understanding about recycling and reusing, and about caring for the Earth and our global family. A highlight of the workshop is when each child plays his or her instrument during the “Instrument Band Song” which is enthusiastically sung at the conclusion of the workshop. All materials are prepared and supplied by Music Mobile. Grades K - 4
Using a songwriting process that encourages all voices to be heard, Ruth Pelham teaches students about the power of language, the craft of writing, and the basic elements of music - melody, rhythm and lyrics. Students learn about writing concepts such as narration, sequencing, intention, context, and fluidity, and also gain social skills in communication and group dynamics. Acclaimed by folksinger Pete Seeger as “one of America’s greatest songwriters,” Ruth uses her longtime expertise as a songwriter and educator to inspire students to write songs that draw upon their life experiences and express their hopes, dreams, and concerns about their world. Composed by one or several classes or by the entire school, the completed songs can be sung at Morning Programs, school assemblies, or special events, and can help boost school spirit and self-esteem. This workshop integrates language arts, music and character education with social studies, science, and other core curriculum areas. Grades K - 8
These inspiring, empowering workshops focus on teaching students peacemaking skills and concepts such as cooperation, negotiation, creative problem-solving, appreciation of differences and conflict resolution. While singing participatory songs, doing simple songwriting activities, and engaging in cooperative activities and games such as brainstorming, role playing and the “fish bowl” technique, students learn meaningful and fun-filled ways of building peaceful classrooms and developing caring school communities. Songs include “Under One Sky,” “P-E-A-C-E,” “Turning of the World,” “One Us,” “Love Is All Around,” and many others that Ruth composed to teach peacemaking skills. Grades K - 8
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Since the 1980’s, Ruth Pelham has worked with the Havasupai tribe who live in a small village nestled at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This powerful presentation integrates social studies, language arts, environmental awareness, peace education, and music, and features Ruth teaching students about the Tribe’s history and culture. Highlights of this program are the presentation of traditional and contemporary Havasupai songs plus a slide show depicting Havasupai life and customs as the Tribe struggles to survive the influences of modern technology and cultural domination. Central to the workshop is the song, “No Uranium Mining” which Ruth composed with 8th grade Havasupai students to help stop a uranium mine that currently is threatening their land and culture. Grades 2 - 8
When students want to know if being an artist is a “real” way to earn a living, or what it feels like to perform in front of hundreds of people, or what singing songs has to do with making a difference in the world, Ruth Pelham’s responses always serve as an inspiration for children. During this song-filled workshop, Ruth draws from her work as a songwriter, performer, recording artist, public speaker, educator, community organizer, and arts manager, and conveys the message that the job of being an artist requires being good at ones art form as well as in all of the skills that we learn in school - writing, reading, math, communicating, negotiating, problem-solving, and many more. Depending on the particular need of each school, this workshop can be geared to topics such as career development, the arts, writing skills, music and performance, making life choices, and others. Grades K - 12
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