DCCA’s initial AIE program explores American Roots Music

Darke County Center for the Arts will present award-wining contemporary folk music duo Wild Carrot for kindergarten through third grade students in all local public schools September 16 through September 20. The first of DCCA's Arts In Education programs for this school year, Wild Carrot duo Pam Temple and Spencer Funk will explore the historic and geographic roots of American music. The show is free and open to the public.

“Wild Carrot developed this show utilizing training they received from the prestigious Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; they are wonderful, charismatic musicians who love to play, and are also effective teachers who are truly excited about exposing students to the deep and fascinating roots underlying American songs,” said DCCA Executive Director Andrea Jordan. “Their interactive program addresses a broad range of curriculum areas while delighting and entertaining the audience,” Ms. Jordan concluded.

DCCA's Arts In Education series annually takes high quality performing artists into each Darke County and Greenville City public school where programs reach students in all grade levels at no cost to the students. Upcoming presentations include innovative chamber music group Carpe Diem performing for high school students, pianist Alpin Hong playing at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall for those in junior high, and “Mr. Blue Shoes” examining blues music with fourth through sixth graders.

Target, DP & L Company Foundation, Vectren Foundation, Greenville Federal, Maid Rite Sandwich Shoppe, The Andersons, Edison State Community College, Darke Rural Electric Trust, BASF, Family Health, Littman-Thomas Agency, and Mercer Savings Bank sponsor DCCA's Arts In Education series. Additional funding is provided from DCCA memberships and the schools. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. DCCA also receives operating support from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial as well as funding from the Ketrow Foundation and Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust Fund.

Wild Carrot's in-school performances are scheduled in cooperation with the schools; for more information about specific times and locations, contact DCCA at 9376-547-0908 or by e-mail at dcca@centerforarts.net. Wild Carrot will also perform at the Wayne Trail Historical Society House, 124 West George Street, Arcanum on Thursday, September 19 at 7 p.m. as part of DCCA's casual Coffeehouse Series. Tickets for the Coffeehouse show are $10, and can be reserved by contacting DCCA, and purchased at the Ben Franklin Store in Arcanum or online at www.CenterForArts.net. If any remain by showtime, tickets may also be purchased at the door the night of the performance.