Building on our 40-plus year history of running a music school and producing concerts, Swallow Hill has built a reputation as Denver’s premier provider of free and low-cost music education in under-resourced communities. Our programs include early childhood music education through Little Swallows for preschoolers; workshops and interactive performances in K-12 schools; and music therapy for our aging population, veterans and people living with developmental or mental health challenges.
Available Programs
Engaging musical experiences in assembly settings (25 to 300 audience members at a time) through songs, stories and a variety of instruments. These 45-minute programs are designed to meet grade level curriculum standards related to music, culture, and history and include:
The Melting Pot: Bluegrass & Beyond
With Paul Trunko
This assembly examines the ways in which cultural traditions combine to form something new. Students will see live performances with folk and bluegrass instruments like guitar, mandolin, and banjo. With musical examples, students will see how the United States melting pot of musical cultures combined to create bluegrass.
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-5
– Max group: 300
– Base Price: $385
Colorado History through Song
With Mike Jagel
Colorado has a rich tradition of music through its history. Native Americans were the first settlers and had their own musical traditions. The following waves of explorers and settlers all contributed to our musical heritage as well. During the performance, the musicians will share songs of mountain men, explorers, farmers, ranchers, and miners, and will finish the assembly with recognizable and modern Colorado songs.
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-6
– Max Group: 300
– Base Price: $385
Rhythm: A Multicultural Music Experience
With Ed Contreras and Chad Johnson
This assembly explores rhythm and percussion as it evolved out of Africa through the Caribbean, Brazil, and up through the Americas. Students will hear dun duns, djembes, talking drums, and congas. Students will also have an opportunity to play percussion instruments with the assembly performers.
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-12
– Max Group: 300
– Base Price: $400
We Will Rock You: History of Rock-and-Roll
With Trent Nelson and Jeff Rady
Rock-and-roll music emerged in the 1940s-1950s in the United States, a style evolved from rhythm & blues. Rock-and-roll songs typically include electric guitar, electric bass, and drum set. Our performers play songs from rock-and-roll origins like Chuck Berry, its heyday like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, and contemporary interpretations like The White Stripes.
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-12
– Max Group: 300
– Base Price: $500
School Workshops engage smaller groups of students in hands-on activities. Many assemblies above can be formatted as a workshop, which in turn address state education standards. For 5-50 students.
Instrument Petting Zoo
Our Instrument Petting Zoo is an opportunity for participants to try different acoustic instruments! This is a hands-on experience for any age, led by our knowledgeable staff of “Zookeepers.” Instruments include ukuleles, hand drums, guitars, mandolins, banjos, mini-pianos, and more! Swallow Hill provides the instruments.
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-12
– Max Group: 30
– Base Price: $150
Ukulele Workshop
Our Ukulele Workshop introduces participants to the parts and history of the ukulele, as well as how to play it! Participants will learn some chords and a song! Swallow Hill will provide the ukuleles for each participant.
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-12
– Max Group: 20
– Base Price: $150
Sing Along, Move Along
Our early childhood teachers lead students in an interactive musical class featuring dance, creative movement, song, percussion instruments, and more! Programs can be adapted to fit educational and seasonal themes. Swallow Hill Music will provide instruments.
– Length of program: 30-45 minutes
– Grade Level: Preschool-2
– Max Group: 30
– Base Price: $150
Percussion Workshop
Our Percussion Workshop introduces participants to hand drums and percussion from all over the world. Participants learn basic hand technique, rhythm, and skills to play together as an ensemble! Swallow Hill will provide the instruments!
– Length of program: 45 minutes
– Grade Level: K-adult
– Max Group: 15
– Base Price: $150
Want to learn more? Fill out our inquiry form below!
Please tell is a little bit more about your organization and which interactive performance you are interested in. Someone will be in touch with you soon!