Former YAR artists reach out to area educators at RMSC on March 16

FREE admission & attendees can win a free artist presentation for their school

 

Rochester, NY – Area teaching artists who were once affiliated with the now-defunct Young Audiences of Rochester (YAR) banded together in 2018 as Teaching Artists ROC (TAROC) to bring awareness to their continuing interest in working with educators and students.

“We know that the need for arts-in-education continues as well,” explains Larry Moss, artistic director of Rochester’s internationally recognized Airigami and the driving force behind TAROC. “The ability of these programs to improve academic achievement, attendance, and life and social skills such as decision-making, collaboration, and taking responsibility is well documented.”

“The arts help children to see themselves as ‘shining ones,’ regardless of what other circumstances may tell them about themselves or their life situations,” adds venerable Rochester storyteller, Almeta Whitis. “An accomplished teaching artist opens them up to understanding the truth of their potential and the power hidden in every living being, in our natural environment and within their own unique, beautiful selves.”

Realizing that educators were looking for a one-stop-shop replacement, TAROC debuted its direct-booking website (teachingartistsroc.com) and held its first YAR-style showcase for educators at School of the Arts in September of 2018. On Monday, March 16, the organization will present a follow-up showcase from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rochester Museum & Science Center’s Eisenhart Auditorium (14 S. Goodman St., next to RMSC). Taking part with information, displays, and performance excerpts will be 20 of the top teaching artists in the Greater Rochester area, including:

  • Airigami
  • Almeta Whitis
  • Annette Ramos
  • Anthony Padilla: Conga Mania, Tumbao Band
  • Dave “Bippy” Boyer
  • Daystar Dance
  • DEEP Arts (formerly Rochester Children’s Theatre)
  • Doug Rougeux, BubbleMan
  • In Jest with Nels Ross
  • Martha Schermerhorn
  • Nancy Bryan
  • PUSH Physical Theatre
  • Ted Canning Steel Drums
  • Ted Baumhauer
  • Professor Hughson

Admission is free and open to anyone who has interest in school programming – area educators, librarians, PTA representatives and other parents. Children accompanied by parents are also welcome. Each adult attendee (even multiple representatives from the same organization) will automatically be entered for a chance to win a free presentation, performance, or workshop for their school or organization from an artist on the TAROC roster, so bringing others from your organization increases your chances of winning! The winner will choose from a selection of programs offered by TAROC artists.

The 2020 showcase is made possible in large part due to support from the Rochester Area Community Foundation and the Southeast Area Coalition.

“This event will be so important for teaching artists to create and strengthen relationships with educators from around the region and identify opportunities for new partnerships that can benefit students,” says Annette Jiménez Gleason, program officer for vitality at the Community Foundation. “Enhancing access to the arts in more schools has the potential to transform the lives of students and make our communities more vibrant.”

Media please note: TAROC artists’ high-resolution images can be found here: https://bit.ly/2MovhxC. Photo, footage, and interview opportunities may also be arranged.

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