In partnership with our Premiere Artist Partner, the EMU Music Department, Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public School middle school students experienced Broadway actor, dancer, and singer, Izaiah Harris in a 3-day residency for 7th and 8th graders. A Chicago native, Harris showcased his tap dancing and singing skills, infusing motivation and inspiration through storytelling during his performance. Students engaged throughout the experience, culminating with students and teachers learning dance moves and choreography. You can read more about the live arts experience in this Daily News Record article. 

Photo credit goes to the fabulous Tall and Small Photography

A few weeks ago, fifth grade students from Stone Spring Elementary School experienced "A Wrinkle in Time" at James Madison University. Presented by the Stratford Players, the play was written by John Glore, adapted from the novel by Madeleine L'Engle, and directed by JMU student Kathryn Wevley. Students saw one of literature's most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry, braces, stubbornness and all, up close in the small Studio Theatre. They followed Meg Murry as she joined forces with Mrs. Whatsit, Charles Wallace, Calvin O'Keefe and more to battle the forces of evil to rescue her father, save humanity and find herself.

Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley is grateful to our Premiere Performance Partner, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU who made this collaboration possible.

Enjoy the photos below from our partners and friends Tall + Small Photography 

We kicked off our 2024-2025 live arts experience season with a puppet show for 2nd graders at Court Square Theater in late October. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Barefoot Puppet Theater presented their original work "New Squid on the Block" to nearly 1,500 2nd grade students from Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County during their week-long residency. 

Beautifully handcrafted puppets of penguins, orcas, and jellyfish coupled with an original score took students on a journey to Antarctica where a curious squid sought friendship in the most unlikely of places. The comedic, wordless performance celebrated our ability to create connections, despite our differences, in this heartwarming tale of friendship. 

Thanks to our partners and friends, Tall and Small Photography, for capturing the fun!

For the 16th year, Harrisonburg High School Bands performed for over 3,500 K-2 students from Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County! The annual Tiny Tots concerts feature our oldest students performing for our youngest. This fun, interactive experience introduces students to various band instruments, aspects of conducting, and music techniques. Song selection included favorites from Disney movies and popular children's TV shows, complete with a sing-along! 

Check out these joyful images from Tall and Small Photography!

Jack London’s classic tale came to life with engaging storytelling, projected illustrations, and original music for over 250 middle school students from Rockingham County Public Schools. In this multi-media adventure, students followed Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie, who was kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush. This thrilling tale of courage and survival featured acclaimed actor Noel Gaulin and a stunning array of illustrations from the book’s first edition and period photographs. Following the performance, students engaged in peer to peer reflection and a thoughtful question and answer session with the artist.

Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley is grateful to our Premiere Performance Partner, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, who made this collaboration possible.

Thanks to our partners and friends Tall + Small Photography for capturing the energy of this one-man show.

Last week, 4th graders from Harrisonburg City Public Schools and Rockingham County Public Schools experienced the dynamic duo, Collision of Rhythm, in Wilson Hall at James Madison University. Comprised of tap-dancing classical virtuoso, Aaron Williams, and beatbox-juggling keynote speaker, Bronkar Lee, Collision of Rhythm is a high energy duo that fills the stage as a 12-person ensemble would. With audience interaction woven throughout the hour long performance, students experienced everything from drumming, beatboxing, tap dancing, juggling, marimba, piano, and flute through storytelling, humor, and personal stories.

Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley is grateful to our Premiere Performance Partner, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, who made this collaboration possible.

Enjoy the photos and video below from our partners and friends Tall + Small Photography 

In partnership with our Premiere Performance Partner, The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU, 2nd grade students from Harrisonburg City Public Schools were taken back in time to pre-historic Australia for a breathtaking tour of 19 life-like dinosaurs! Hailing from Australia, Erth Visual and Physical Inc, a team of skilled puppeteers and professional paleontologists, brought the past to life at Wilson Hall for the 400 students in attendance. The company is recognized internationally as a innovator of physical and visual theatre and creator of brave and exciting work for children. Throughout the educational and highly interactive performance, brave student volunteers got on stage to pat, feed, and interact with the dinosaurs and puppeteers.

Enjoy the photos below from Tall and Small Photography.

In partnership with our Premiere Performance Partner, The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU, 3rd grade students from Rockingham County came to campus for a dance workshop, hosted by JMU Dance. Students experienced portions of a dance program from the Virginia Repertory Dance Company, a group of select JMU Dance majors. 

Hosted by JMU Dance Program faculty, company dancers performed two modern choreographic works from their upcoming show and talked with the 3rd grade audience about elements of dance and movement to watch for during the performance. The interactive program also had 3rd graders participating with elements of movement and rhythm, culminating with a short choreographed dance in their seat. ​

Enjoy the photos below from Tall and Small Photography.

A few weeks ago, 1,425 Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County middle schoolers experienced a live performance from world-renowned jazz musician Makinto. The Liberian-German composer, musician, singer, and storyteller played jazz flute, piano, and percussion for students during his two-day residency. The interactive and engaging program highlighted music from around the world.  

We were thrilled to partner with the EMU Music Department to bring Makinto to our students. He was in Harrisonburg for the EMU Gala, where he premiered a new composition.