School Programs
Preschools, Elementary Schools, After-school Programs, Summer Camps, Special Needs Programs
For over 10 years, thousands of children in the Boston area have sang, danced, laughed and learned about music with Philip Alexander! Philip is available to perform in schools on a regular basis or for one-time special events, including holidays, open houses, school assemblies, early release day shows, or graduations. Each performance is carefully tailored to the size and age group involved, with appropriate activities to stimulate and engage. Theme shows are available as well. ‘Songs From Around the World’, ‘Take Care of Our Planet’, ‘Spooky Songs and Stories! for Halloween', and ‘Friends Forever’ are all popular programs and can be adapted to each age group, from Pre-K to 4th grade. Songwriting workshops are available for children in the 3rd to 6th grades. Whether you bring Philip for one show, or a regular enrichment series, your children and teachers will be happy. Everyone loves making music with Philip!
Philip’s school performances feature:
• LIVE MUSIC
Philip enchants children with a variety of instruments--- guitar, bamboo flute (China), ocarina (clay flute/Mexico), djembe drum (Africa), handbells, dulcimer (Appalachian stringed instrument), boomwhackers (?!!?) and more!
• SINGING
Philip’s wide repertoire includes catchy, zany originals and traditional favorites, spiced up with a select choice of songs from around the world. Philip always chooses songs to match each particular age group.
• DANCING AND CREATIVE MOVEMENT
From the Hokey Pokey to the Polka, and from swing dance to square dance, Philip gets kids (and teachers too!) jumping, shaking, wiggling, strutting and moving to all kinds of rhythms and beats. Be prepared for some crazy fun with the Move-Like-An-Animal-Freeze-Dance, The Roll and Stop, and The Sticky Dance.
• INSTRUMENTS AND PROPS FOR ALL TO PLAY
When the group size permits (about 25 or less), Philip will bring instruments and props for every child to play. Kids love to explore the sounds and rhythms they can make playing drums, tambourines, maracas, shakers, bells and more. Colorful, hands-on props like the Parachute, Giant Stretchy Band, and Scarves keep children excited and engaged. All instruments and props have corresponding songs to enhance the fun!
• EDUCATIONAL VALUE
Studies have shown that music is a fun way for children to develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. When children are learning through music, they are learning lessons that will last a lifetime.
Accolades
"We are very happy to have Philip Alexander as our regular Music Enrichment specialist. He brings an amazing, positive energy and children look forward to his visits and talk about him in between visits. His music is geared to the needs of the children and keeps them very involved with an appropriate balance of songs, fingerplays, dances and creative movement games. Our children are getting a wonderful exposure to many different instruments. Our center is a big one and Philip is able to handle large groups from the toddler level all the way up to Kindergarten. Our teachers are impressed with Philip’s high energy level. From visit to visit there is enough repetition to help children learn and remember the songs, but also enough new material and variation to keep it interesting for children and teachers alike. Sing, Play, Grow with Philip Alexander is a hit!"
– Julie Happeny, Director
Child Development Center, Medford, MA
"Thank you for entertaining the children of my Extended Day Programs. Your performance was such a treat for each of three groups of sixty to eighty children aged 5 to 11 years old. Your activities, songs and stories were truly enjoyed! The children were kept engaged in your show, and participated in a fun and appropriate manner. The children listened, sang, danced and enjoyed! I look forward to your coming back to our programs next year. Thank you!"
– Ellen G. Morse, Director
Extended Day Program, Swampscott Public Schools
"The children and parents really enjoyed your show at the Coolidge Corner Theatre for The BEEP Music and Movie Party on January 6, 2008! We had a great crowd, filling up the main theatre of the Coolidge, with nearly 350 attendees, many of whom where dancing in the aisles and in front of the stage. Having the other musicians on stage, including the saxophonist, and your daughter Sophia (a BEEP alumna!) was great - making for a diverse and very entertaining performance. And thanks so much for publicizing the show to the members of your email list - your list really expanded the scope of the BEEP PTO's event announcement. Philip, thank you for your friendship, partnership and for bringing music and fun to children in BEEP and Brookline. We look forward to working with you again at our upcoming spring event and often in the future."
– Anne Short, President
The Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP) PTO
Bring Philip Alexander to your school for a regular enrichment program or a special musical show. Your children will love it, and your teachers too!