Classroom Concert Series

Classroom Concerts are attention-grabbing “edu-tainment” programs for all school-age children. Rex March Fowler, lead singer and principal songwriter of the renowned folk/rock duo Aztec Two-Step, offers a variety of workshops created to inspire kids’ interest in the arts. Innovative topics such as Fractured Fairytales & Folk Songs, Songs from the Stratosphere, and A History of American Songsmiths serve as fun educational forays into enchanted lands of learning. By intermingling elements of science, folklore, poetry and song with historical interconnections, Rex aims at instilling a greater appreciation for the arts in young people so they can ultimately express and explore their own unique creativity.

Fractured Fairytales & Folk Songs is designed to introduce children to the playful side of words through storytelling and song. Though thoroughly entertaining, the greater intention here is to open up and expand the whimsical side of each child’s unique imagination. Rex juxtaposes fun a cappella style camp songs and curriculum-appropriate original songs, with selections by other masterful songwriters such as Stephen Foster, Woody Guthrie, Lennon & McCartney, Paul Simon, Neil Young, Kenny Loggins and Donovan. This highly energetic and interactive class, peppered throughout with colorful props, hand clapping and sing-a-longs, is sure to sound a positive chord with young school-age children.

The Songs from the Stratosphere program features selected songs that connect to basic science studies. Rex borrows Simon & Garfunkel’s Cloudy and uses many of his own catchy originals such as Cosmos Lady, Stargazers, Rabbit In The Moon, and The Rain Song to enhance and teach science related topics. Starting with the elements closest to earth, these songs will act as a conduit by introducing a range of subjects beginning with atmospheric layering - then moving upward and outward to cloud structures, rain, moon cycles, the solar system, stars and finally, the cosmos. Additionally, this program offers an introduction to two pioneers of science and astronomy; Copernicus and Galileo. Rex will utilize curriculum related resources such as visual props and charts that relate to each science topic. Besides basic science skills, students learn that creative inspirations can be drawn from many diverse sources, not just personal experiences.

Rex Fowler is spiritually descended from a long line of American songsmiths. Stephen Foster, considered the “trunk of the tree” of American music, became our nation’s first great songwriter by drawing upon, then stitching together, the music of European settlers and African slaves. In this workshop Rex will bring students on an incredible historical journey by demonstrating how Stephen Foster’s songs influenced other great American songsmiths such as Irving Berlin, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan. Rex will help students gain a firsthand knowledge of how music has evolved from our country’s early beginnings. This hallmark workshop also features sing-a-longs and a synopsis of the legendary American songsmiths who influenced Rex’s songwriting and who continue to influence and shape the fabric of today’s popular music.

Biography

Rex March Fowler has been a professional musician his entire adult life. As one half of Aztec Two-Step, Rex has performed worldwide and toured with such notable artists as Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Bill Cosby and countless others. Rex has also been critically acclaimed in Rolling Stone Magazine and appeared on numerous radio and TV shows including NPR’s World Café, and the David Letterman show. Rex’s first kids’ CD, Stargazers, was released in 2008 to enthusiastic reviews. He is enormously excited about the prospect of helping enrich the education of school-age children through his workshop programs and songs.