Home               Back to Main Ed Page 

"Willson & McKee brought cultural and musical education to a new level for our students in all five public elementary schools."

- Waneen Polly  Executive Director Arrow Education Foundation

  Educational Mission Statement

In a fast-moving, information-packed 50 minute period,  Willson & McKee expose students to the

multi-disciplines of music, dance, social studies, science and history.   The performance covers

cultural diversity and acceptance, instrumental and musical diversity through songs, storytelling

and active participation.  Our Goal is to stimulate the imagination and creativity that will

give the student a refreshing boost to their basic and cognitive skills.  The combination

of performing arts with education,  gives the student an indelible glimpse  into the creative

process.  Observing and interacting with us also helps inspire the student to find

and utilize their own creative imagination and apply it to themselves.  The presentation is finished off with a

question/answer session that is only limited by the schools time schedule,  and of course, 

is a great way to assess the impact of our presentation. 

"Willson & McKee were once again incredible!  This time we were fortunate to have all public elementaty students in

Watertown experience them.  It was such a heart-warming experience to see a husband/wife team work

together with so much pleasure and happiness.  TEAMWORK is a life skill!"

-Lesa Dahl, music educatior, program coordinator Watertown SD Public Schools

The nuts and bolts of the Willson & McKee assembly program is this: 

We use lots of instruments (Hammer Dulcimer, Mountain Dulcimer, Irish Bouzouki, Bodhran, Celtic Harp, Guitar, Scottish Bagpipes, Bones, Accordion and singalongs) to illustrate our own Culture (celtic) and spur interest in the students own culture. 

We do this with songs, tunes and demonstrations, encouraging the student to actively participate.  We also tell stories, some about music and instruments and some about ancient celtic (Irish and Scottish) cultures.  These stories are very interesting and informative - ending in creative and/or moral outcomes.  There is nothing like a story of the little people or ancient kings and harpers to rivet the attention of students! 

We also cover the science of sound, rhythm and instrument invention, as well as adding specific covered areas of student interest as we can.  All of this is wrapped up with a chance for students to focus their new interests by asking questions.  

Dear Ken and Kim:

I can’t say “thank you” enough for your Celtic/Folk music presentation yesterday. As you could tell, our almost 200 1st through 4th graders were absolutely delighted with the music, dancing, singing, and the wonderful display/explanation of unique instruments. I have kids coming to me excited about what they saw, heard, and learned!

Additionally, I have had numerous teachers comment to me that you are the best Young Audience performance they’ve had in a long time. They’ve explained that your entire presentation dovetailed nicely with our music curriculum, as well as reinforced several other area of class room curriculum. They were delighted! As one teacher stated, “They would appeal to kids from kindergarten through high school, not to mention to adults of all ages.” That was apparent by the participation you had from kids and adults!

Wilson and McKee has provided Target Range School students with a quality glimpse of how interesting and fun music, dance, singing, and history can be, whether actively pursued or passively enjoyed, whether done as an individual or in a group. I don’t doubt that most every student went home to his or her parents with a story of what fun they had and what they learned.

Finally, students can be a challenge to keep focused in a large group. You handled the crowd of almost 200 exceptionally well, and did it in a war and caring fashion. Their eye remained on you throughout the 50 minute period, and they’d have asked questions of you, for another half hour if time would have permitted!

Thank you, from all of us. We look forward to having you back one day!!

Sincerely,
Michael A. Magone, Superintendent Target Range Schools Missoula Mt

Sincerely,
Barbara Talich Eastern Laramie County Arts Council
Pine Bluffs, WY