Join author Trinity Bursey and the Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra for a joyful and inspiring fusion of storytelling and live music. In this one-of-a-kind 40-minute program, schools can choose between two engaging story experiences, each brought to life through expressive narration, vibrant animated visuals, and a live performance by a full 18-piece jazz orchestra under the direction of Gregg Gelb. Featuring original compositions, the music is thoughtfully crafted to reflect and deepen each story’s themes.
Program Options:
Lamar, the Super Guitar: Students follow Lamar on a high-energy journey that explores courage, responsibility, and what it truly means to be a hero. This experience encourages self-awareness, positive decision-making, and using one’s strengths to make a difference.
The Day the Instruments Split: In this imaginative story, instruments learn the importance of collaboration after choosing to separate into groups. As the town falls into chaos, students discover powerful lessons about teamwork, harmony, and the value of collaboration.
As each story unfolds, students explore big ideas like communication, cooperation, and community. For many, this will be their first time hearing a live jazz orchestra, making it both an exciting introduction to the genre and a memorable arts experience.
Each program includes: – Interactive pre-show activities that prepare students to engage with the story and its themes – A live narrated reading with an 18-piece jazz orchestra and motion pictures.
A Q&A session and closing activities to reinforce key messages – An optional introduction to jazz, including improvisation, core concepts, and historical context This unique program blends literacy, social-emotional learning, and music education into an engaging experience that celebrates creativity and the power of teamwork. Schools may select the program that best fits their students’ grade level and instructional goals.
See the group in action: https://www.jazztales.org/
Artist Background
Trinity Bursey, the creative mind behind the enchanting “The Little Instrumentals” book series, brings her diverse experiences as a school counselor, educator, and former professional basketball player to the literary stage. Through captivating read-aloud sessions, Trinity adeptly weaves tales that aspire to ignite young hearts with invaluable lessons centered around self-celebration and embracing the beauty of diversity in both oneself and others. Gregg Gelb is a recipient of the Raleigh Medal of Arts in 2018 and Jazz Composers Award from the NC Arts Council. When Gelb was Visiting Artist at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford, N.C. from 1989-1991 he formed the non-profit, Heart of Carolina Jazz Orchestra. For 30+ years its mission has been to increase and educate as well as to build and develop the jazz audience.
Search Criteria
- Program Type: Performance
- Discipline: Multi-Disciplinary, Music, Storytelling
- Grade Level: Elementary
- Cultural Context: African, Caribbean, Hispanic
- Accepts bookings in Johnston County
