Fall 2004—Spring 2005

SilverCloud Singers – Native American Songs and Stories (October, November 1-16, February or March)

Students experience traditional songs and dances performed by a group of Native Americans from different tribes. This interactive concert features the dances of the Northeast, Southwest and Plains regions. SilverCloud has performed at many cultural institutions including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, the American Museum of Natural History, and at pow-wows across the U.S. and in Canada.

Nacho Nacho – Artists from India and Spain in the U.S. (October, November, April or May)

The dynamic traditional dance from India, kathak, meets flamenco from Spain. This concert introduces students to complex counting and rhythms and shows the relationship between traditional music and dance in the two countries that were linked by a migration of people from Northern India across Europe to Spain. The performance enhances mathematics curriculum for grades 4-12, and can be tailored to a particular grade level audience.

World Percussion – by the Chhandayan ensemble (October, November, April or May)

Musicians playing a variety of percussion instruments from cultures in Asia,
Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and the United States. Many different types of drums, gongs, bells, and shakers are used to teach children about rhythm and the way in which musicians from different countries work together to create exciting sounds.

Mariachi Real de Mexico – Cinco de Mayo celebration (May 2005)

Introduction to Mexican music and dance in conjunction with the popular exican holiday, Cinco de Mayo. This outstanding ensemble which has performed on the Letterman Show, at Madison Square Garden, Lincoln Center, Central Park’s Summerstage, the South Street Seaport and the Newark Public Library. This program can also be extended into the classroom for a series of ongoing workshops in Mexican traditions.

Ballet Folklorico Peru – Children growing up in NJ maintain their heritage (November 2004)

Typical dances and music from Peru are presented by this company that has performed in the metropolitan region for the past 12 years. The dancers, both children and adults, wear colorful costumes from the different regions of Peru. The performance is preceded by an introduction to the geography of Peru and the traditions of its people.

Christmas Carol – December 9 and December 10, 2004

The Yates Family Theater performs a musical version of
this holiday favorite in a lively production that appeals to children of all ages. This annual production at the Park Performing Arts Center introduces children to the magic of theater.

Latin Jazz – It’s Hot! (December, January, February, or March)

A performance by the Oscar Feldman Quartet and a demonstration of the musical components that go into the jazz musician’s repertoire. Born in Argentina, Oscar Feldman, has become part of the New York jazz scene. His debut album El Angel features guest appearances by Paquito D’Rivera, Claudio Roditi and Alex Acuna. Feldman, a resident of Weehawken, plays jazz influenced by the tango traditions of his heritage.

Music Around the World – New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet (March or May 2005)
Horn players from New Jersey’s wonderful symphony take students on a trip around the world, playing exciting songs from many countries. The concert opens with an American folksong and concludes with an American march. This concert makes the classical repertoire accessible and entertaining for young children, and students playing in their schools orchestras and bands.

Passion Play March 10, 2005, 10:00 am

A special student performance of this Easter play now in its 90th season. The Passion Play has drawn audiences from the up and down the East Coast for almost 100 years. This musical version of the story of the Passion has been presented at the Park Performing Arts Center for generations. Many area residents remember coming to the Park PAC as children to see this holiday show in a production suitable for all ages.

All concerts will be scheduled on dates that meet the needs of interested school groups with the exception of the Christmas Carol and the Passion Play which are on fixed dates indicated above.

The Park Performing Arts Center can also arrange more workshops in the classroom with traditional musicians and dancers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Please contact Meriam Lobel at 201 865-6980, ext. 15 for more information on the concerts and classroom programs. We look forward to welcoming you and your students to the Park Performing Arts Center this season!


Park Pac strives to make its programs, events and exhibitions accessible to all visitors. Please call us so we can
accommodate your needs. This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council
on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts

Educational Programs

We believe the arts can help every child understand her or his cultural heritage better and inspire her or him to investigate possibilities for her or his future.

We produce and host programs for school audiences and intend to increase their number in the coming year. This year we had a special preview of our Showcase for elementary age children in which we introduced them to the technical aspects of enhancing a theatrical performance, as well as to the nuances and history of the tango.

We have also done programs in schools, bringing visual and performing artists to in-school and afterschool programs through the folk arts program.

Priya Rajendran teaching Tanjore Painting