References / Testimonials

A note from Brian & Susan... "We are grateful to all the folks who invite us to their schools and communities. The dedication of parent volunteers, teacher and principals to the enhancement of children's education is inspiring!" ~ Brian & Susan

Letters of Reference: (pdf)

Patrick Gunner, Principal, Forest Park ES, Colonie, NY

Paul Elisha, WAMC / Northeast Public Radio

Crandall Public Library

Moreau Elementary School

School 18, Troy NY

References:

"Reading Rocks was a perfect and fun way to deliver a positive message about reading. Students were totally engaged and enthusiastic throughout the performance."
--Kim Ringer, Librarian, Roessleville Elementary, S Colonie NY

"I unreservedly recommend Susan for educational and artistic performances... Her inclusion on any program can only enhance it."
--Paul Elisha, WAMC/Northeast Public Radio

"Reading Rocks and so do the performers! Brian has been an integral part of the Forest Park "family" for about four years... When we were looking for a program to kick off our Parents as Reading Partners (PARP) we immediately thought of Brian and his partner Susan. This program was a spectacular way to introduce this worthwhile project. Both Brian and Susan are extremely talented and engaging. They have phenomenal rapport...

This show was fun and entertaining. It was an easy performance to book for our school and well worth the cost. The PTA was pleased that Brian and Susan would do two performances that were within its budget. The message was perfect for the age levels of the students. It made quite an impact even on our kindergarten youngsters. Two months after the performance, Brian came into my kindergarten room to sing with the students. He asked the children what they wanted to hear and one student replied "Goosebumps!" This student has difficulty with language arts and yet he could remember a song that he'd heard eight weeks earlier.

I would certainly recommend "Reading Rocks" as a kickoff for a PARP program, reading month or as an introduction to the world of books at a library. These two musicians are not only talented, but fun and knowledgeable about children's likes and needs. This performance would be an asset to any elementary reading program."
--Elyse Fegelman, Kindergarten Teacher, Forest Park Elementary School, S Colonie NY

 

"Reading Rocks was a perfect and fun way to deliver a positive message about reading. Students were totally engaged and enthusiastic throughout the performance."
--Kim Ringer, Librarian, Roessleville Elementary, S Colonie NY

"A wonderful motivator! [They] tailored the program to suit the needs of my children. There was a great deal of student participation throughout the program. I was very pleased with the show and would recommend it highly. " - School 18, Troy, NY

"Great program! We'll let others know how well you were received, and thanks again." - Moreau Home School PARP Chairpersons

"Brian and Susan's performance "Reading Rocks" is a creative and interactive performance. Their originality, sing-alongs, and ability to involve children in their performance were an outstanding way to encourage our children to read... Brian Chevalier has an excellent rapport with both students and staff at Forest Park Elementary School. His enthusiasm, while working to create educationally sound performances, is infectious. Students continue to take home videos of his performances years after his visits."
--Patrick Gunner, Principal, Forest Park Elementary, Colonie NY

Recent Educational Programs & Residencies
(solo & duo)

NY State BOCES Librarians, Independent multiple day programs: Martin Luther King School, Charlton Heights Elementary School, Sanford Street Elementary School, Schuylerville Elementary School, Bolton Central School (Songwriting residency and year long enrichment program) Corinth Central School, Hadley - Luzerne Central School, Guilderland Elementary School, Bridging The Years Intergenerational Writers Institute, College Of Saint Joseph, Jackson Heights Elementary School, Granville Central School, Big Cross Elementary School, Forest Park Elementary School, Roessleville Elementary School, Kensington Elementary School

Multiple day programs for Capital Region Center For Arts In Education: Berne - Knox - Westerly Elementary, Ichabod Crane Elementary School, Ichabod Crane Sr. High School, Van Antwerp Middle School, Martin Van Buren Elementary School, Veeder Elementary School, Malta Ave Intermediate School, Arbor Hill Elementary School, Saddlewood Elementary School, Lake George Elementary School, Herman L. Bradt Elementary School, Roessleville Elementary School, Milton Terrace Elementary School, Elsmere Elementary School, Wood Road Intermediate School, Hamagrael Elementary School, Summer Session 2001 at SUNY Albany - facilitator - teacher training

Great Camp Sagamore, Raquette Lake, NY, Adirondack Discovery, C.T. Plunkett Elementary School, Adams MA, Saratoga Independent School, Community Music School of Buffalo (Certified Orff Instructor) Division Street School, Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville Elementary School, Abram Lansing School, Cohoes, NY, Hoosic Valley High School, Pine Bush Elementary School, Guilderland, NY, Moreau Elementary School, Mariahville Elementary School, Greenwich Elementary School,Tannery Pond Community Center, North Creek, NY, Tupper Lake Middle School, Saranac Lake Middle School, Otke Elementary School, Shenendehowah Schools, Hebrew Academy, Albany, NY, Stillwater Elementary School, Granville Elementary School, Lake George Elementary School, Spring Hill Waldorf School, Saratoga Springs, NY, Saratoga Springs Continuing Education (Adult Ed) Adirondack Community College (Instructor, Business Division)

Libraries: Crandall Public Library, Glens Falls, NY, Saratoga Springs Public Library, Town of Chester Library, Canajoharie Library & Art Gallery, Shenendehowah Public Library, Mechanicville Public Library, Stillwater Area Community Center, Indian Lake Library, Raquette Lake Public Library, Scotia Library, Woodlawn Library, Schenectady, NY, East Greenbush Community Library, Pember Library & Museum, Granville, NY