To schedule a visit: Please have two or three dates in mind, and call 812-952-3482 or E-mail: neil@neilbrewer.com
I am currently available to perform poetry and music from The 8 O'Clock Bell for students ranging from kindergarten through college seniors. I also frequently present for educational conferences, special events for school corporations, and other special gatherings of all kinds. The fee for up to one hour of expressive reading of original poetry and accompanying music for schools is $395 within 25 miles of Louisville, Kentucky. The fee is $495 for locations up to 100 miles from the Louisville area and is $695 for locations between 100 and 200 miles. A second presentation at the same location (also up to one hour) may be added for $175. Students or teachers will have the opportunity to purchase their own copy of The 8 O'Clock Bell following the performance. Books are $8.00 each.
Performance Preferences:
The number in your group is up to you... and I have presented to groups of every size. However, all students should be seated where they can easily view the book's many excellent photographs, as projected via PowerPoint during the presentation. Further, when possible, I greatly enjoy having the students sit or recline comfortably on the floor, close to me as I share.
Required Technology:
I will need a computer (with PowerPoint installed) with a projector and screen in order to share the book's photographs. Two microphones are great for groups beyond 200. One microphone on a stand, and one hand-held or lapel mic are best in large audience performances.
More than a Standard Performance!
The following classic Language Arts State Standards (which apply to virtually every state in the nation) are reinforced throughout presentations given to 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th grade groups, and are based upon 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Grade Language Arts Standards for Indiana, as well as the Kentucky Core Content Expectations of Individual Behaviors in the form of etiquette, fairness, politeness, sharing, listening, and in showing responsibility and respect to others.
The Organization and Delivery of Students' Oral Communication will be modeled and enhanced in terms of:
1. Engaging an audience with appropriate words, facial expression and gestures.
2. The use of varied word choices to make writing interesting.
3. The use of volume, phrasing, and timing appropriately to enhance meaning.
4. The evaluation of an author's techniques used to influence readers' perspective.
5. The identification of tone, mood, and emotion conveyed in oral communication.
The following state standards are reinforced throughout middle school and high school presentations, and are based upon Language Arts Standards for Indiana and Kentucky. (And there is no doubt that those of you from any other state can easily match many of your own standards with these!)
6.4.8 - Review, evaluate, and revise writing for meaning and clarity.
6.7.1 - Relate the speaker's verbal communication (such as word choice, pitch, feeling, and tone) to the non-verbal messages (such as posture and gestures).
6.7.2 - Identify the tone, mood, and emotion conveyed in oral communication.
6.7.7 - Use effective timing, volume and tone to sustain audience interest and attention.
7.4.1 - Discuss ideas for writing, keep a list or notebook for ideas, and use graphic organizers to plan writing.
7.4.5 - Identify topics and develop ideas leading to inquiry and research.
7.4.8 - Review, evaluate, and revise writing for meaning and clarity.
7.4.9 - Edit and proofread one's own writing.
7.4.10 - Revise writing to improve word choice and organization after checking the logic of the ideas and the precision of the vocabulary.
8.3.1 - Determine and articulate the relationship between the purposes and characteristics of different forms of poetry.
8.7.4 - Use precise language, action verbs, and sensory details in ways that enliven presentations.
8.7.5 - Use appropriate grammar, word choice, enunciation and pace during formal presentations.
8.7.6 - Use audience feedback, including both verbal and nonverbal cues, to reconsider and modify the organizational structure for clarification and meaning.