SWEET THUNDER MEDICINE WHEEL MAGIC
SONG-WRITING WORKSHOP FOR KIDS & TEENS
WITH
SHANNON THUNDERBIRD & SANDY HORNE

Booked Directly through
Teya Peya Productions

HOW WE DO IT

Sandy and I work in a school on a project basis. This means two-five days in one school working with students from Grades 3 - 12. It is a song-writing-themed project, based on Anti-Bullying Medicine Wheel/Character Education and Environmental teachings.

1. The students are first introduced to the Medicine Wheel.

2. They are shown photos of the real medicine wheels and the significance of the shape and the stones is explained.
3. We consult with the school to see if they wish any of the teachings to be emphasized., i.e., teachings that address lack of self-esteem, bullying.
4. The students then engage in a free flow of ideas around the chosen teaching(s), i.e. respect, honour, sharing, courage, hope, etc. We write all their words on a flip chart.
5. We then organize the themes into a coherent song and write the music on the spot! Yes, we are that good! Don't try this at home folks, we are professionals!
6. If the school is amenable, at the end of the project the students host a gathering of interested parents and students from other classes and perform their material.

EXAMPLE: 2011, C.E. Webster Public School in Toronto. Four songs were written with the theme of "Respect" - Respect for each other; Respect for the Environment; Respect for Cultural Diversity; Respect for Teachers and Family. At a gathering that included the rest of the school, teachers, family, the kids sang their songs plus the school's official song, "Blue Jays Dream" which I wrote with the students in Grades 4-5 in 2010.

SWEET THUNDER MEDICINE WHEEL SONGWRITING IS BOOKED DIRECTLY THROUGH TEYA PEYA PRODUCTIONS

voice@shannonthunderbird.com

CLICK BELOW FOR:

Moon Thunder: Identity, Belonging, Solidarity - It's a Girl Thing!

HORNE & THUNDERBIRD'S SONGWRITING ROGUE'S GALLEY


C.E. Webster & Bala Avenue Community School (TDSB)

THEY LIKE US, THEY REALLY LIKE US!

"It was a pleasure having Sandy and yourself perform and work with the students over the past two days. The feedback has been nothing but positive. Everyone learned a ton and enjoyed the wealth of talent that both of you brought to our school community. I want to thank you both so much for making this such an excellent experience. All the best to you both!" (M. Menheere, Principal)

"The opportunity for students to learn how First Nations music was originally created, and then to actually write a song, that you translated into your language so they could sing it, was invaluable to their overall music education. I very appreciated your kindness and inclusivity." (Music Teacher, Private School)

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