Shana Tucker

GRADES: Pre-K – 12 “ChamberSoul Cello & SongStories” is an “informance” (information + performance) that introduces audiences to essential song form elements: verse, chorus/hook, bridge, intro/outro, solo sections; melody, lyrics; and the role of storyteller through songwriting. The program can adopt a curriculum-based or thematic approach. Shana’s ensemble overviews tempo, form, dynamics, improvisation, rhyme, rhythm, tone and storyline to encourage a more active participatory experience that address several curriculum standards. Students are encouraged to ask questions during the experience. Max Participants: 400 (dividing by grade levels recommended) Duration: 50 minutes Special Requirements: 12’x12′ or 15’x15′ performance area preferred. Performance space must have access to electrical outlet source and long 25′ extension cord. Shana brings her own sound reinforcement/equipment. Access to a dedicated electrical outlet source close to performance area + extra-long grounded (3-prong) extension cord. Single Performance Fee: $1,875 DUO (Shana +piano or guitar), $2,500 TRIO (adds bass or drums), $3,125 QUARTET (adds bass and drums) Two Performances Fee: $3,125 DUO (Shana +piano or guitar), $3,750 TRIO (adds Bass or Drums), $4,375 QUARTET (adds bass and drums)

GRADES: 3-5, 6 -8, 9-12 ChamberSoul cellist and singer-songwriter Shana Tucker leads string orchestra students on a creative introductory journey into string improvisation. Through call-and-response, rhythm games, and guided melodic exploration, students learn how to listen deeply, improvise confidently, and weave their own musical ideas into the ensemble sound. Designed for grades 6-12, this workshop builds skills in active listening, creative risk-taking, thoughtful melody-making, and collaborative music-making, empowering young string players to move beyond the page and make music that is uniquely their own. Max Participants: Designed to serve various sized orchestra classes Duration: 60-90 minutes, depending on class length (Max 3 workshop sessions per day) Special Requirements: Space would ideally be a classroom or multipurpose room. Auditorium is acceptable as long as technical requirements are met. Artist brings adequate sound reinforcement for classroom teaching situations and many large performance spaces. Proximate access to working electrical outlets is necessary. Fee: $187.50 per hour/session Modifications: This workshop adapts for grades 3-12 by introducing improvisation concepts in age-appropriate ways: using simple rhythmic patterns, call-and-response, and guided group exercises for younger students, gradually increasing melodic and harmonic complexity, creative independence, and ensemble interaction for older students, culminating in advanced improvisational techniques and small-group performance for high schoolers.

GRADES: 3-5, 6 -8, 9-12 “Tapestry of Songwriting” can be structured as a 1-day workshop or multiple residency for academic and music classes, and is designed to introduce students to the essential components of song form, the relationship between melody, harmony, lyrics, and the role of musical storyteller through the art of songwriting. The experience can take a curriculum-based or thematic approach, incorporating story elements into musical components that are primarily student-led. At the end of each experience, students are encouraged to share/perform their completed song along with Shana. Max Participants: 30 per class/session Duration: 60-90 minutes, depending on class length (Min 2 days recommended, Max 5 days. Max 4 sessions per day) Special Requirements: Minimum space requirements for performance: 8′ x 10′ for solo/duo (Shana + accompanist). Fee: $187.50 per hour/session Modifications: Music has the power to meet students exactly where they are, inspiring curiosity while building skills they can carry beyond the classroom. I adapt language, delivery, and activities to be age-and grade-appropriate, incorporating curriculum connections that resonate with each group. For younger grades, I use relatable examples, interactive activities, and storytelling to connect musical concepts to their everyday experiences. For older students, I focus on honing songwriting technique-exploring lyrical structure, melody development, and creatuive expression-while encouraging them to experiment with their own ideas and refine their craft.

GRADES: 6 -8, 9-12 This residency invites students to explore the cultural connections between Southern soul food, memory, and music-making. Using the foods of North Carolina as inspiration, students learn how sensory experiences-especially taste and smell-spark nostaligia, storytelling, and a sense of place. Guided listening, discussion, and collaborative lyric-writing activities help students translate personal and community food traditions into simple original songs, celebrating the doverse cultural roots, expecially Black traditions, that shape the region’s musical culinary heritage. Max Participants: 30 per class/session Duration: 60-90 minutes, depending on class length (Min 2 days recommended, Max 3 days. Max 2 sessions per day) Special Requirements: Artist brings adequate sound reinforcement for classroom teaching situations and many large performance spaces. Access to electricity is neccessary. A 25-foot grounded (3-pring) extension cord requested to be onsite at time of Artist load-in. Minimum space requirements for performance: 8′ x 10′ for solo/duo (Shana + accompanist). Space would ideally be classroom or multipupose room. Auditorium is acceptable as long as technical requirements are met. Fee: $187.50 per hour/session Modifications: This lesson adapts across grades 6-12 by keeping its core theme-linking Southern soul-food, memory, and music-while scaling discussion deptrh, cultural research, and songwriting complexity to match students’ developmental and creative levels.