School Residencies

The Tummlers have been doing school residencies for over 20 years. We've worked with students from elementary grades through college classes. With our varied backgrounds in theater, dance, clowning and teaching, we are able to bring a lot to a school beyond our music skills. We have invariably had wonderful responses from students and teachers. (see recommendations below)

Residencies can range from a single performance to an all-day program with multiple workshops and an evening concert which includes students. For residencies outside the state of Maine there is some funding available from the New England Foundation for the Arts.

A residency program could include:

• Introduction of the instruments and demonstration of their use in a klezmer band.
• Introduction to the scales and rhythms that define klezmer.
• Teaching traditional circle dances.
• Introduction to the Yiddish language and learning simple Yiddish songs.
• Discussion of immigration - and songs about the immigrant experience.
• Where appropriate, discussion of the Holocaust and songs from the Holocaust.
• General introduction to Jewish history and culture.
• As time permits, teaching a klezmer tune to band students.

Please contact us by or by phone, (207) 688-2293, (Steve Gruverman) for more information.

Recommendations

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter as a recommendation for the Casco Bay Tummlers's workshop that is presented yearly as part of the Holocaust unit I teach. The Tummlers are superb performing artists and have an extremely polished presentation. They include wonderful music, songs and information about each instrument that is part of a klezmer band. Intermingled within the program is dancing, which students learn and participate in. They also add important facts about Jewish history and culture. There is discussion about the Yiddish language which is used in many of their songs, and students learn a few words and phrases.

Their program is extremely well organized. It is very appropriate for middle school as my sixth graders would attest. Afterwards, student comments are very positive with expressions like, "We were learning while having fun!" Also, "The dancing was interesting." And "We like the way they featured each specific instrument."

Overall, having them perform and teach in our school has been an incredibly rewarding experience for all involved. We hope to continue our partnership for years to come.

Elizabeth Norton
Sixth Grade Teacher
Great Salt Bay School
Damariscotta, Maine