In collaboration with our partners in the EMU Music Department, nearly 1,200 5th and 6th grade students from Rockingham County and Harrisonburg City Public Schools experienced Mexilachian y Appalachiano music, a new style of traditional music inspired the sounds and songs of Mexico and Appalachia. In their words, Lua Project is "a cultural pollinator, bridging together musical styles from different continents and cultures." Writing about contemporary themes, families and communities, work and loss, Lua Project has created a repertoire inspired by the musical traditions of their varied cultural past and narrative storytelling approaches. They performed original music and included students in call and response song and rhythm at EMU Lehman Auditorium. 

Many thanks to Tall and Small Photography for the images below. 

Cahoots NI, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, aims to "inspire a sense of wonder, unlock imagination and nurture a love of the arts in children." Last week, 3rd graders from Harrisonburg City Public Schools experienced this sense of wonder through storytelling and dazzling illusions at The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. 

Inspired by true events,  The Vanishing Elephant, an incredible story of resilience and friendship, comes to life through large-scale puppetry, illusion, and theatrical magic. Jenny, a young elephant in India, is full of curiosity and wonder. Sadly, one day, her life changes when she is captured, separated from her family, and eventually taken to America to join a circus. She must learn the ways of humans who can be cruel, but she befriends a young boy named Opu. Her special bond with Opu is the first step on an adventure so huge, it spans decades and continents, but despite the time and distance, Jenny never forgets her forever friend. Years later when Opu is an old man, their paths cross once again in an unexpected encounter with the world-famous magician Harry Houdini in New York City. Their life-long friendship is rekindled in a magical way when Jenny makes history as The Vanishing Elephant.

Many thanks to our Premiere Performance Partner,  The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU for making the arts come alive for our students. Photos by the incredible Tall and Small Photography.

Last week, After Jack, an all-female trio from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, had 3rd graders from Harrisonburg City Public Schools and Rockingham County Public Schools clapping their hands, tapping their feet, and singing along at EMU Lehman Auditorium. The group offered a fun and educational performance featuring a repertoire of bluegrass, old-time, gospel, and country music.

Thanks to Tall and Small Photography for the photos and to the EMU Music Department for their partnership to bring this live arts experience to our local students.

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!