Educational Outreach through the Public Library
Thanks to a partnership with Urban Stages since 2023, The Nightingale Fam has been able to offer a variety of free educational programs at New York, Brooklyn and Queens public libraries. Below are some of the public library programs created and/or led by The Nightingale Fam performers and teachers. Please reach out via the contact page if you are interested in scheduling any of these programs!
REBEL SQUEEZEBOX
Get ready to dance, shake... and squeeze! Join Broadway alum, music teacher and accordionist Mary Spencer Knapp for a rollicking interactive intergenerational jam, as Mary plays us through a bit of Women's history as told through the Rebel Squeezebox. Accordion music has a long storied history, much of which involves some pretty amazing (and pretty rebellious) women! Dive into history, cultures, music and how they all came together to influence and shape our world.
REBEL GIRLS: MUSICAL TALES OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
A colorful original musical adaptation of Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo’s “Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls,” and Penelope Bagieu's "Brazen," featuring musician/narrator Mary Spencer Knapp and dancer Veronica Simas de Souza. Through this interactive presentation we will learn the stories of some of history’s most fearless pioneers, from ancient Egyptian ruler Hatshepsut to 20th century performer, activist and spy Josephine Baker. Recommended for families with children ages 2-10.
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THE NIGHTINGALE FAM SINGALONG
Mary Knapp's music class builds foundational rhythm, song and social skills for all ages and stages of early childhood. Emphasizing storytelling and hands on time with Instruments, we will remix favorite songs, sing along to international tunes, and move in creative ways. Mary’s music classes are designed for you the adult as much as they are for your children - for you to feel you are in a safe space where music is neither polished nor dull, but instead spontaneous, multifaceted and fun. Geared for young children, but all are welcome!
SPORTS PARTY!
NY-times dubbed “Weird Al Yankovic of New York Knicks fandom” Doug Berns and composer Mary Knapp show their team spirit in a medley of musical tales that highlight the emotional rollercoaster of sports - from big wins like the legendary 1970 Knicks championship to devastating strikeouts as detailed in Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s famous baseball poem, Casey at the Bat. The duo round it out with an original tale of personal triumph in “The Man Who Swam the Hudson River.”
DAUGHTERS OF PACHAMAMA
Created and performed by Veronica Simas De Souza with musical accompaniment from Mary Knapp, this show intertwines heroic tales of Peruvian women at the forefront of the climate justice movement with ancient stories and legends passed down through generations. It's a storytelling, dance, and music show that celebrates not only the struggles and victories of these environmental guardians but also the enduring wisdom of a culture deeply rooted in respect for Mother Earth. It carries a message of unity and hope for a sustainable future.
MUSICAL STORY HOUR - FAIRYTALE ADAPTATIONS
The Nightingale Fam musicians and dancers present original adaptations of classic fairytales, including Hans Christian Andersen's "The Nightingale," Brothers Grimm's "The Musicians of Bremen," and international folk tales like South Africa's "Abiyoyo" and Peru's "El Tunche." All performances feature interactive music and dance to engage audience members of all ages.
INSTRUMENT LAB
Mary Knapp's Instrument Lab aims to enhance musical creativity and group listening skills among children ages 5 and up. We will execute ideas through ensemble play with instruments and crafts, widening our ideas of what music can be. 100% curiosity led with mentorship from a seasoned bandleader, composer and Broadway alum.
READY, SET, KINDERGARTEN (a library specific program)
In this special six-session reading readiness series, families enjoy stories & activities designed to encourage the development of early learning practices, rooted in the Science of Reading. Exploring literacy, science, & math through music, stories, art, & play will help you & your child get ready for school! Families will receive free materials to continue the learning and fun at home. The experience of learning together with peers also teaches children important social-emotional skills that will help them adjust to being in a classroom environment.
BRAINY BABIES (a library specific program)
Families enjoy stories and activities designed to encourage brain development and early learning practices. Each week we will read books, sing songs, and do fun activities that promote language development, social-emotional skills, and more. Parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to learn about community resources, hear from expert guest speakers, and connect with peer support networks. Each week, we explore a different theme: READING, TALKING, SINGING, PLAYING, MOVEMENT, and EMOTIONS. Parents and caregivers will learn how to use these practices to develop their children’s oral language and pre-reading skills. Families will also receive FREE books, toys and learning materials to continue the learning and fun at home.
