Arts Connect: Enriching Learning
Arts Connect: Enriching Student Learning
through Mentorship, Creativity, and Achievement
Why Arts Connect
The arts are powerful tools for learning, creativity, and personal growth. Arts Connect was created to expand access to high-quality arts experiences for students, ensuring that every child, regardless of background, can discover, create, and thrive.
What We Offer
Through professional teaching artists, Arts Connect provides dynamic, curriculum-supporting programs in music, dance, theater, visual art, and mindfulness. These experiences enrich school learning, strengthen student confidence, and foster a lifelong connection to the arts.
Who We Serve
Arts Connect partners directly with schools and community organizations across the Capital Region. Programs are designed for students from Pre-K through Grade 12 and are adapted to meet the unique needs of each classroom or learning environment.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a registered BOCES Arts & Enrichment Provider.
VIEW FULL ARTS CONNECT PROGRAM DIRECTORY
Explore Our Programs
Music Lab: Supporting School Music Programs
Designed to strengthen and complement your school’s existing ensembles, Music Lab provides tailored instruction across multiple instruments and voices.
Focus: Strings, winds/brass, voice, guitar, ukulele
Approach: Group or individual lessons aligned with band, orchestra, and chorus.
Outcomes: Builds strong technique, confidence, and participation in school music teaching artists.
Arts Discovery Programs
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company | Creative Movement Workshops & School Residencies
Modern dance meets imagination, rhythm, and storytelling.
Explore movement and expression through guided activities. Live percussion accompanist to enhance the learning experience.
Encourages creativity, collaboration, and classroom connections.
More Information on Creative Movement Workshops
Jordan Taylor Hill | Rhythms of the Diaspora
Drumming and dance rooted in African and Latin traditions.
Hands-on percussion and movement experiences. Call-and-response and rhythm building
Promotes teamwork, confidence, and cultural appreciation
More Information on Rhythms of the Diaspora
Morgan Elizabeth | Yes, And! Building Confidence & Emotional Intelligence through Improvisation
An improv workshop that builds resilience and creativity through theater games.
Fun, interactive theater-based exercises.
Strengthens listening and collaboration skills.
Ira Marcks | Graphic Novels & Comics
Turn stories into visuals through drawing and comic creation.
Learn character design, expression, and panel storytelling
Boosts creativity and visual communication
More Information on Ira's Cartooning & Drawing Programs
Brian Brancato | Groove Lab: Beat-Making & Music Creation
A hands-on introduction to digital beat-making and music production. Students will explore digital tools for beats, loops, and tracks.
Collaborative music creation for middle/high school students.
Inspires creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
More Information on Groove Lab
Tutti | Traveling Instrument Petting Zoo
Discover the sounds of strings, percussion, winds and more in this interactive session.
Students play and explore with guidance from teaching artists
Sparks curiosity and excitement for school music programs
More Information on Tutti Instrument Petting Zoo
Creative Skill Building Opportunities
Nikki Rogers | Movement & Mindfulness: Classroom Yoga
Yoga and breathing practices designed for the classroom setting.
Accessible, no-equipment movement and mindfulness. Supports focus, calm, and social-emotional growth.
Adaptable for students of all grade levels.
More Information on Movement & Mindfulness
Confidence & Creativity | Expressive Technique Masterclass
A FREE, limited-time masterclass for student musicians, inspired by the pedagogy of renowned educator Burton Kaplan taught by Jessica Bowen.
Focus on practice strategies and expressive musicianship.
Builds confidence, technique, and artistry.
More Information on this FREE Masterclass
“Arts Thrive and Grow has been funded by New York State, Kathy Hochul, Governor. We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins for her extraordinary commitment and leadership, and our elected officials who represent our grantmaking region: Senators Jake Ashby and Neil D. Breslin; Assemblymembers Scott H. Bendett, Patricia Fahy, John T. McDonald III, Angelo Santabarbara, Phil Steck, and Mary Beth Walsh.”
RATES
It is our goal to make the arts accessible to all. We will work within your budget to ensure we build a program that fits your needs! Inquire via the Teaching Artist Request form or contacting Jessica Bowen for more information.
Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is a registered BOCES Arts & Enrichment Provider - Ask about funding opportunities are available through BOCES!
View Rates for Arts Connect Programs
REQUEST A BOOKING!
Option 1: Fill out the Arts Connect Program Request Form
Option 2: Contact Director of Education & Outreach, Jessica Bowen with your inquiry via email jessica@troymusichall.org OR by phone (518) 629-4016
