Alphabet Rockers share their GRAMMY award-winning music to inspire children and educators alike, encouraging participation through singing, dancing, and embodying messages of belonging and inclusion. With empowering anthems like “I shine in my beautiful skin” and “I will stand up for you,” children develop self-confidence and build connections while discovering new rhythms and learning dance moves that can be repeated in the classroom. The program encompasses pre- and post-assembly curriculum, complete with interactive videos and engaging group arts activities.

Assembly add-ons include:

• Video Projections throughout the concert spotlight Alphabet Rockers' globally recognized videos, viewed by millions, enhancing the live experience with dynamic visuals.
• Classroom visits offer students a hands-on opportunity to delve into various aspects of performance art, from mastering choreography and exploring hip hop elements to crafting poetry, harmonizing in song, or engaging in an enlightening Q&A about music careers.
• A comprehensive virtual curriculum provides schools with resources to address antiracism through the mediums of music, poetry, and dance, fostering meaningful discussions and understanding.
• Professional development sessions equip educators with invaluable tools for seamlessly integrating social-emotional learning and music into their classrooms, enhancing the educational experience.

As a special bonus, autographed copies of the artists’ SEL book "You Are Not Alone" are available for purchase, featuring the Alphabet Rockers' song and providing young learners with a tangible reminder of unity and support.

STATE STANDARDS - Curriculum/Assembly alignment: The assembly by Alphabet Rockers aligns with several California State Standards for Performing Arts, especially those related to music and dance education. Here are the key standards that are addressed:

• MUSIC STANDARDS
  • MU:Pr4.1 - Demonstrate and explain how the selection of music is influenced by personal interest, knowledge, purpose, and context.
  • MU:Pr4.2 - Explain and demonstrate the structure of musical works and how the elements of music are used.
• Performing (Anchor Standard 4: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation)

• Performing (Anchor Standard 5: Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation)
• MU:Pr5.1 - Use self-reflection and peer feedback to refine individual and ensemble performance.
• Responding (Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work)
• MU:Re7.2 - Demonstrate and explain how music concepts (e.g., rhythm, melody, timbre, form) are used in music from various cultures.
• Connecting (Anchor Standard 11: Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding)
• MU:Cn11.1 - Explain how the context (e.g., personal, social, cultural, historical) influences musical works and performances.

DANCE STANDARDS

• Performing (Anchor Standard 4: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation)
  • DA:Pr4.1 - Demonstrate a range of movement skills and techniques, using the elements of dance to express ideas and convey meaning.

• Creating (Anchor Standard 2: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work)
• DA:Cr2.1 - Explore, improvise, and create movement patterns and sequences based on music, themes, and personal experiences.
• Responding (Anchor Standard 8: Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work)
• DA:Re8.1 - Analyze and interpret how dance communicates meaning, considering elements like body movement, rhythm, and space.
• Connecting (Anchor Standard 11: Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding)
  • DA:Cn11.1 -  Explain how dance reflects and influences culture and society, and how historical and cultural context affects the performance and appreciation of dance.

INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS

• Social-Emotional Learning: Developing self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through group activities and collaborative performances.

• Literacy and Language Arts: Enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and narrative skills through song lyrics, discussions, and reflective activities.

These standards ensure that the assembly not only promotes artistic skills but also integrates social-emotional learning and cultural awareness, aligning with a holistic educational approach.

Alphabet Rockers co-leaders Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd share their unique story on how their musical partnership led to a 2023 GRAMMY Award. Students will hear about how to build a music career grounded in community, where the audience experiences self-love, allyship, and collaboration towards a world of belonging. Hear about their experiences of overcoming obstacles in their quest for creative success in this interactive, music-centered assembly that includes song, stories, and a DJ-led soundtrack to bop to. The assembly led by Alphabet Rockers co-leaders Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepherd meets several California State Standards for Performing Arts.

The assembly focuses on music, storytelling, and interactive engagement, which aligns with the following standards:

• MUSIC STANDARDS 
• Creating (Anchor Standard 1: Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work)

• MU:Cr1.1 -  Generate rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas and motives.

• Performing (Anchor Standard 4: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation)
• MU:Pr4.1 - Select varied musical works to present based on interest, knowledge, technical skill, and context.
• Performing (Anchor Standard 5: Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation)
• MU:Pr5.1 - Use self-reflection and peer feedback to refine individual and ensemble performance.
• Responding (Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work)
• MU:Re7.1 - Select and describe music to support understanding of personal and social contexts.
• Connecting (Anchor Standard 11: Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding)
• MU:Cn11.1 - Demonstrate understanding of relationships between music and the other arts, other disciplines, varied contexts, and daily life.

• DANCE STANDARDS
• Performing (Anchor Standard 4: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation)

• DA:Pr4.1 - Select and demonstrate movements that reflect musical rhythms and themes.

• Creating (Anchor Standard 2: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work
• DA:Cr2.1 - Create and perform movement sequences based on musical accompaniment and narrative storytelling.
• Responding (Anchor Standard 8: Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work)
• DA:Re8.1 - Analyze and discuss how dance and movement express ideas, feelings, and cultural narratives.

• INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS

• Social-Emotional Learning Standards: Building self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through shared musical and storytelling experiences.

• Career and Technical Education Standards: Understanding the career pathways in music and performing arts, including the skills and perseverance required to succeed.

• SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understanding Community and Collaboration - Recognizing the importance of community, collaboration, and allyship in artistic success and personal growth.
• Overcoming Obstacles - Learning how overcoming personal and professional obstacles can lead to creative success and personal fulfillment.
• Encouraging Self-Love and Belonging - Emphasizing messages of self-love and belonging through music and personal stories, encouraging students to embrace their uniqueness and support one another.

These standards and outcomes demonstrate the assembly's comprehensive approach to integrating performing arts education with social-emotional learning and career education, providing students with a well-rounded, enriching experience.

An immersive program designed to empower students through collaborative classroom songwriting, kicking off and culminating in inspiring all-school assemblies. This unique arts program offers a transformative experience that empowers students to amplify their voices and create positive change within their school community over the course of a kick-off all school assembly, two classroom workshops, one classroom rehearsal, and an all-school assembly. Program to be held over the course of two months.

Program Outline:

• All-School Assembly [2]
  • The program kicks-off with an inspiring all-school Alphabet Rockers assembly, where the students hear their GRAMMY winning music [see assembly menu for outcomes].
  • The program culminates in an electrifying all-school assembly, where each classroom performs their original song for the entire school community.
  • Students showcase their creativity and newfound confidence on stage.
  • The assembly celebrates diversity, unity, and the power of music to inspire positive change.
  • Alphabet Rockers deliver a dynamic performance, reinforcing the program's messages of empowerment and inclusion.
• Classroom Sessions [Various #]

• 2 interactive songwriting workshops in individual classrooms.
• Students explore themes of identity, belonging, and inclusion through guided activities and discussions.
• Working closely with the artists, each classroom collectively writes and composes an original song, reflecting their unique experiences and perspectives.

• Rehearsal and Collaboration
• Students rehearse and refine their songs with their classroom teachers, with the support of Alphabet Rockers. 
• Alphabet Rockers provide 1 classroom rehearsal with students for final rehearsal of their song, incorporating musical elements and personal narratives.
• Emphasis is placed on teamwork, creativity, and self-expression as students contribute to the songwriting process.
• Alphabet Rockers provide guidance and mentorship, fostering a supportive environment for artistic exploration.

Benefits:

• Encourages collaboration and teamwork among students.
• Promotes self-expression and creativity through songwriting.
• Fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the school community.
• Provides students with a platform to share their voices and experiences.
• Inspires empathy, understanding, and appreciation for diversity.
• Leaves a lasting impact on students' social-emotional development and artistic growth.

STATE STANDARDS: The multi-day "ARTS IMMERSION PROGRAM: Schoolwide Classroom Songwriting with Alphabet Rockers" meets several California State Standards for Performing Arts. This program involves collaborative songwriting, workshops, rehearsals, and performances, addressing both MUSIC and DANCE STANDARDS. Here are the key standards addressed:

MUSIC STANDARDS

• MU:Cr1.1 - Generate and conceptualize musical ideas and work, involving rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas.
• MU:Cr1.2 - Generate rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic ideas, and create musical motifs.

• Creating (Anchor Standard 1: Generate and Conceptualize Artistic Ideas and Work)

• Creating (Anchor Standard 2: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work)
• MU:Cr2.1 - Organize and develop musical ideas, demonstrating the ability to structure music according to form and style.
• MU:Cr2.2 - Develop and refine musical ideas and work collaboratively with peers.
• Creating (Anchor Standard 3: Refine and Complete Artistic Work)
  • MU:Cr3.1 - Evaluate and refine music to convey intent, using established criteria and feedback from peers.
  • MU:Cr3.2 - Present finalized musical ideas in a performance setting.

• Performing (Anchor Standard 4: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation)
• MU:Pr4.1 - Select varied musical works to present based on interest, knowledge, technical skill, and context.
• MU:Pr4.2 - Analyze the structure and context of musical works for performance.
• Performing (Anchor Standard 5: Develop and Refine Artistic Techniques and Work for Presentation)
• MU:Pr5.1 - Use self-reflection and peer feedback to refine individual and ensemble performance.
• Performing (Anchor Standard 6: Convey Meaning through the Presentation of Artistic Work)
• MU:Pr6.1 - Perform music expressively with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy.
• Responding (Anchor Standard 7: Perceive and Analyze Artistic Work)
  • MU:Re7.1 - Select and describe music to support understanding of personal and social contexts.
  • MU:Re7.2 - Analyze how the structure and context of musical works inform performance.

• Connecting (Anchor Standard 10: Synthesize and Relate Knowledge and Personal Experiences to Make Art)
• MU:Cn10.1 - Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to create and understand music.
• Connecting (Anchor Standard 11: Relate Artistic Ideas and Works with Societal, Cultural, and Historical Context to Deepen Understanding)
• MU:Cn11.1 - Demonstrate understanding of relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

DANCE STANDARDS

• DA:Cr2.1 - Organize and develop movement ideas, creating dance sequences based on musical accompaniment and storytelling.

• Creating (Anchor Standard 2: Organize and Develop Artistic Ideas and Work)

• Performing (Anchor Standard 4: Select, Analyze, and Interpret Artistic Work for Presentation)
• DA:Pr4.1**: Select and demonstrate movements that reflect musical rhythms and themes.
• Responding (Anchor Standard 8: Interpret Intent and Meaning in Artistic Work)
• DA:Re8.1 - Analyze and discuss how dance and movement express ideas, feelings, and cultural narratives.

INTERDISCIPLINARY CONNECTIONS

• Social-Emotional Learning: Building self-awareness, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making through collaborative songwriting and performance.
• Language Arts: Enhancing vocabulary, comprehension, and narrative skills through songwriting and storytelling.

SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Empowering Student Voice: Encouraging students to express their ideas and perspectives through collaborative songwriting.
• Fostering Collaboration: Promoting teamwork and cooperative learning through group songwriting and performance activities.
• Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Helping students build confidence and self-esteem through the creative process and public performance.
• Enhancing Musical and Rhythmic Skills: Developing students' musical abilities, including rhythm, melody, and harmony, through hands-on workshops and rehearsals.
• Creating a Sense of Community: Strengthening the school community by bringing students together to create and perform music that reflects their collective voice and experiences.