Programs
K-5
Spend some time making music with RiverJack Z (a.k.a. Jack Zucchini, the guitar-playing singer/songwriter from The Zucchini Brothers). During a 60-75 minute songwriting session, join Jack as we explore the craft of songwriting by composing and recording a song that is uniquely our own, based on a theme of your choice (i.e. Summer Reading Program theme) or a curriculum-related topic. We will work cooperatively to form a musical composition by:
brainstorming ideas
writing lyrics
composing a melody
gaining personal experience with the creative process.
The song is then rehearsed and recorded, and the library or school receives a high-quality audio file containing our song to share with family and friends online!
Classroom workshops require:
teacher assistance
a minimum of 8’ X 16’ of space
75-minute setup and one hour teardown
one or two people to help load equipment in and out
a group of up to 25 students – although larger groups will work with prior coordination
Typically, teachers and Jack work together on the general theme of the workshop. Successful themes have included SEL, character education (honesty, compassion, peace, and respect) and others such as environment, health and nutrition, self esteem, bullying, school/classroom rules, any curriculum based content area or subject area you would like to see reinforced through music….basically, anything under the sun you’d like a song about.
For New York State workshops, Jack is listed with BOCES Arts In Education programs for which district aid is available.
Special Needs
Jack also works with groups and individuals who have special needs, including autism and behavioral challenges. This type of program involves a more therapeutic approach where he brings his music to them and works with the group on whatever level they are comfortable with. This could mean simply introducing sounds, playing his guitar, singing a few songs, or actually writing and recording a song with them, depending on their ability level. When working with students with behavioral problems (typically middle and high school), Jack offers a more inspirational program, focused on building their confidence to be all they can be in life.
Residencies
Residencies are extended programs that typically last from 2 to 5 days. Residencies may culminate in:
the creation of an entire album of songs centered around a character education theme
music videos to go along with the newly created original songs
creation of a class storybook/song package developed in coordination with the classroom teacher. Check out the Peace Pizza storybook and song.
Due to the wide range of possibilities, residencies are often unique to the school or program. Jack would love to talk with you about this great opportunity for extended creativity and inspiration!
Corporate Functions
Corporate functions focus primarily on themes of diversity, acceptance, team-building, creativity, and other topics. Jack’s workshops help you to kickstart your creativity in a fun, relaxed way and will give you a fresh attitude to bring back into the office world along with a new song to sing around the workplace.
Seniors
For seniors, the program may involve a solo performance and/or a songwriting workshop or walking around the home and visiting those who are bed ridden and singing a song or two for them bedside.
Performance
Everything I play is live! Jack plays various instruments at the same time and also uses live recording “loop” technology to achieve a full band sound. Layering percussion, bass, acoustic/electric guitars, harmonica, vocals, and various other instruments and sounds, he achieves a full band sound with a noise level suitable for any room.
What is “Live Looping”?
Live looping is a 21st-century, live-performance art form where groups of sounds are recorded via digital technology, layered and mixed in continuously-repeating loops to create spontaneous musical tracks that provide the basis for Jack & Mike and the workshop participants to compose and perform a unique song.
Many of Jack’s workshops and residencies incorporate performance – either as an ensemble (Jack and the students together) or with his brother Steve Zucchini as Jack & Steve Zucchini (of the Zucchini Brothers.) Jack & Steve Zucchini enjoy performing at summer camps, campgrounds, theaters, festivals, restaurants & pubs, coffee shops, music series, pool parties, campfire sing-a-longs, backyard bonfires, etc.
Both RiverJack Z’s and Jack & Steve Zucchinis’ performances are highly interactive, acoustic/electric and intimate with a selection of “Rivergrass” and “Zucchini” originals along with familiar covers. Both RiverJack Z and Jack & Steve Zucchini have many scheduled performances throughout the northeast in all different types of venues. Check the News page for a performance near you…or go to the Booking page to find out how you can contact them directly for future events.
Bookings
Let’s get together and make some music…You know, have a great time.
Simply send me an email at riverjackz@gmail.com
Include some details about what you’re looking for and I’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you!