Enrichment Programs for pre school through 6th Grade Students of America’s History, Musical Heritage and Landscape

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Dear Mr. Brandt,

On Behalf of the Washington School students’s and faculty, I would like to personally thank you for an outstanding educational assembly “This Land is Your Land”. Your musical interaction with the students was phenomenal. Following your presentation, students were seen outside at recess singing many of your selections. I look forward to seeing you in the near future for additional programs.

Sincerely Douglas T. Jones - Principal - Washington School - Nutley N.J. 973-661-8888

Dear Mr. Brandt

Thank you for four wonderful assembly programs which you presented to our third and fourth grade students and staff.         “It Happened In New Jersey”, the history and folklore of New Jersey was a welcome addition to our curriculum. The children enjoyed participating in this educational and musical presentation. Personally, I cannot get the song phrase, “I’ve been everywhere, man…” out of my head. It was an entertaining assembly for the staff members as well.In my informal discussions with both students and staff, they are giving rave reviews of your program. Thank you again for your positive, informative and fun program. The music and audience participation components really set you apart from other assemblies we have had in the past.

Please feel free to use my name and number as a reference for other school administrators considering your program. I will readily tell them that our money and time were well spent on your presentation. Thank you again and good luck with your programs for the rest of the school year.

Sincerely, Marjorie P. Fopeano Principal Dr. Joyanne D. Miller School Egg Harbor Twp. NJ 609-407-2500 X 2301

Dear Mr. Brandt,

It was a pleasure to have you present your assembly program “This Land is Your Land”.Our Third grade students were engaged in both the music and the lyrics as they listened to your story telling. The information was well connected to our curriculum along with your ability to both educate and entertain our students. Teachers and staff also commented on how appropriate your program was. We certainly recommend your assembly program to other schools. We look forward to the opportunity to future assemblies and being notified when your CD’s are available. Sincerely,

Mary Polese – Mahala F. Atchinson School Tinton Falls N.J. 732-542-2500

Dear Children’s Educational Assemblies,

Ronnie Brandt's performance at our elementary school was outstanding! A wonderful performance. I don't know who enjoyed it more, the students or the teachers. The assembly was one of the most educational and captivating shows that we have had. We are looking forward to having you back again next year. Thank you!

Melissa Wittig - Jacksonwald Elementary School Reading PA, APT Assembly Coordinator

Dear Educator,
It is with pride and enthusiasm that I write this letter of recommendation for Mr. Ronnie Brandt and his This Land is Your Land musical and historical assemblies for school age children. This spring Ronnie came to Amsterdam Elementary School and performed for our entire student population. What a great show he gave us; students, parents and most importantly our children not only learned a great deal but also sang and danced along!
Combining an historical foundation for his songs, children asked, responded to and even participated in the performance. Ronnie is easy to work with, polite to the students and staff, and has a genuine sense of pride in both the music he plays and the history those tunes represent. You can expect a high energy performance laced with a variety of “All-American” music that is sure to please. I highly recommend This Land is Your Land and encourage you to call me to further discuss this outstanding assembly program. 
Educationally,
Michael A. Rossi, Jr., Ph.D.    Amsterdam Elementary School, Hillsborough, NJ  908-874-3700

Dear Mr. Brandt,
The assembly program that your organization brought to our school was wonderful. The students and staff truly enjoyed the interactive,fun yet educational theme . I look forward to future presentations from your company.
Very Truly Yours,
Marcia Robins, Principal PS 128 The Bensonhurst School, Brooklyn , NY 718-373-5900

Dear Mr. Brandt,
The program “This Land is Your Land” was terrific. The students in Meadowbrook were actively engaged in the sounds and “times” covered from the moment they walked into our all purpose room. Both you and Steve Toll visually set the tone of early America with your period dress and country associated instruments. The older students could be heard discussing the lyrics of the days program at recess. This history lesson had a positive impact on the students, far greater than any printed lesson covered in class. Again, Thank you for an outstanding program.

Mr. Paul A. Desmond, Principal Meadowbrook Elementary Eatontown, NJ -732-542-2777

Dear Ron,
 On behalf of the students and teachers of the Wanamassa Elementary School, I want to thank you for the outstanding musical assembly that you provided .Using folk music to learn history was an effective teaching strategy for these third,fourth, and fifth graders. The first song, Woody Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land", set the patriotic tone of the performance. All of your musical selections were age appropriate and educationally valuable. The children, as well as the teachers, were fully engaged for the entire performance.
 I have recommended that the other elementary schools consider your program as well. I know that they would find your performance to be educational, enjoyable, and fun! Thank you again for adding an innovative component to our social studies curriculum.

Mr. John Lysko - Assistant Superintendent of Schools Ocean Twp. NJ 732-531-6300 X3200

It was a thrill to have Ronnie Brandt perform at our school. His singing, guitar playing and storytelling engaged the students in a history lesson they will not soon forget. From singing to yodeling to just simply learning about history, this assembly was well received by students and staff alike! The show on NJ history was a particular bonus, with facts interesting to all.

Sue Cavallaro Cultural Assembly Chair JJ Catena Elementary School , Freehold, NJ  732-431-4430

Mr. Brandt
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for presenting “This Land is Your Land” for the students of Ethel Mcknight School. Your songs and stories were motivating and inspiring. Additionally, your warm and engaing style held their attention throughout the program. I feel that “This Land is Your Land” brought a sense of pride for our nation and its culture. Thank you for inspiring us all!
I would welcome any future productions from you. This was a most educational experience for our students.
Thank you once again.

Gayle Parker, Principal  Ethel Mcknight Elementary School - East Windsor , NJ - 609-443-7800

I would highly recommend the assembly, This Land Is Your Land. Our K-6 students were excited, engaged, and entertained for the entire program. I received more positive feedback from students and teachers on this assembly than any other we've had the past few years. We combined this program with our celebration of Music in the Schools Month and it helped to reinforce the theme that music can be educational as well as fun. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon!

Linda Haver - Chesterfield School , Trenton, NJ 609-588-0730

Dear Mr. Brandt,
Thank you very much for coming to Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Asbury Park, the students were involved in learning about “our land”. Students participated fully and there was not one person in the auditorium that wasn’t smiling, singing and clapping with the music. You and your partner should be commended for your professionalism and rapport with the students. Your understanding of young students was evident in your ability to encourage them to join in and participate without getting overly excited. The caliber of your achievements as musicians provided a wonderful experience for adults and students alike.
Very Truly Yours,
Mrs.Margaret E. Bradach 5th grade & Sister Jude Catherine Boyce, Principal Our Lady Of Mount Carmel Asbury Park, NJ 732-775-8989

More References -

• Edward Chimiel - Assistant Principal - Peter Muschal School, Bordentown, NJ 609-298-2600
• Estee Hebel - Shalom Torah Academy - Assistant Principal -732-536-0911

Ronnie,
Thank you again for an outstanding performance for the 5th and 6th grades. The teachers and students both enjoyed it very much!
We will certainly be having you and Steve back again next year to perform “This land is your land” at both Maple Place and Wolf Hill school here in Oceanport. You have put together a wonderful program and an excellent addition to enrich both our music and history curriculums.
Please do not hesitate to call on me should you need a recommendation in regard to your presentation. Outstanding!
Sincerely,
Dr. John Amato Principal, Maple Place School Oceanport 732-229-0267 X2210

Asbury Park Press 
"He has a rare combination of musical talent, historical knowledge and crowd-pleasing capabilities. That combination makes a package that is very attractive to kids and teachers as well. His program focuses on a patriotic theme that is refreshing and innovative," says John Lysko, Assistant Superintendent of Township of Ocean schools Lysko also says "history through music offers yet another approach to the children to learn about national and, even to a degree, local history as well."

It was indeed a refreshing musical adventure having you and Steve with us at Anatasia School last week! Our students were most receptive to the interesting and informative way in which you presented America’s History. The tunes and lyrics were catchy, but also historically correct. Between the use of many musical instruments,and the way in which you involved the students, an hour of Amrica’s history came alive! Many thanks for the way you started our day! We would love to have you back again next year.
Sincerely,
 Mrs. Cecilia Sweeting-LeVell Principal 732-571-3396 Long Branch Schools

From The Bordentown NJ School District Newsletter - 2005
The students of Clara Barton School were treated to a visit by singer/songwriter Ronnie Brandt. Mr. Brandt’s visit was funded by the CBS Parent Teacher Organization as part of the school’s cultural arts program which serves to enrich the lives of students through assemblies showcasing art, music, culture etc. Mr. Brandt, who plays the guitar and sings, was joined by Mr. Steve Toll a multi-talented musician who played the banjo, mandolin, fiddle and keyboard.
Students were given the opportunity to actively participate in a myriad of
Patriotic songs celebrating their American heritage.
Mr. Brandt’s personal belief is that “the history of a people is best illuminated
through its music.” With that in mind, he tailors his performances so that he’s able to tell a story of America’s landscape and history.
Songs included; This Land is Your Land, Ballad of the Alamo, I’ve Been Everywhere and Growin’ Up in America to name a few.
Integrated into the musical performance are messages of taking pride in your heritage, working hard to make dreams a reality. These
messages are combined with an appreciation for American history and folk music. Students were encouraged to sing with the
Musicians as well as ask questions about the music and history behind each song. This performance was an excellent way to kick off a new year
Of cultural arts performances and a good time was had by all!

Many More references happily available upon request

Dear Cowboys,

I Loved your show, it was fantastic, it was good. So good that if you want to know my name it is Maggie. You are great. Can you come and sing again? Yeehaw!!

(Letter from Maggie 3^rd grade Student and very loud enthusiastic singer – Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Asbury Park NJ)

Thanks so much for a wonderful performance for our 4th graders! You kept their attention and involved them in the program which made it more meaningful! It was a perfect addition to our New Jersey Day celebration!

Julie Oldham School Counselor Long Beach Island School District - 609- 494-8851 Ext. 2105

Dear Mr. Brandt,
Thank you for coming to our school with your assembly program. The live performance was a great success. The students were completely engaged and learned a great deal about American History through your music. It was thoughtful of you to continue your performance with an encore that included your “new release” about Thanksgiving. As a principal, I know the importance of reaching out in the community at large to help educate our young people. Thank you again for coming to our school.
Renee Bonin, Principal      Wolf Hill School, Oceanport, NJ 07757 732-542-0683 X1116

Dear Ronnie,
Thank you for bringing such a wonderful assembly program to our school last week. “This Land is Your Land” was thoroughly enjoyed by both our students and faculty alike. Your lighthearted approach in bringing history alive through music was entertaining and educational, and your spirit was contagious. I would definitely recommend this program to other educators as a means of incorporating both music and fun into their every day history lessons. We look forward to the chance of offering one of your other programs to our students in again in the future.
Sincerely
Mrs. Janet Dolan, Principal  St. James Elementary School Red Bank, NJ    732-741-3363

Dear Mr. Brandt:

Thank you for the wonderful performance, “This Land Is Your Land,” on December 18, 2007. You captivated the audience from the moment they entered the auditorium. The students enjoyed the music immensely, as evidenced by the conversations I overheard regarding how much fun they had at the presentation.

It was a real treat to learn about history through your musical abilities. According to your web site, your mission is “ . . . to continue to bring our enrichment program to young students everywhere and inspire them to remain excited and aware of America’s landscape, history, and musical heritage by presenting the material as a live cultural arts performance.” Mission accomplished! My hope is that you will visit us again next year. I thought this experience was truly inspirational, since I find myself still singing a number of the songs in my head! You really made a great impression on us! Again, thank you for a wonderful performance. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

Sincerely, Victor R. Milano Assistant Principal - Ocean Twp. Intermediate School New Jersey

Mr. Ronnie Brandt is Children’s Educational Assemblies founder and Executive Director, with more than 25 years as an International performing singer songwriter studying American folk music and its origins; Mr. Brandt serves periodically as an Adjunct at Monmouth University; West Long Branch NJ where he teaches a history of music class. He also serves annually as teaching artist for the NJ Monmouth County Council of Arts where he teaches music history seminars to students that explore the musical works that reflect historical and everyday events from the times in which they were composed.
In addition he is has written, produced and recorded several albums released here in the United States and Europe.
Music and Education are his passion, which have formed the foundation for the creation of Children’s Educational Assemblies. Where he has assembled a  history through music live concert presentation for grades K through 6th and performs for nearly 100,000 children every year in pre, Elementary and middle schools throughout the Eastern region of the United States.