Schools

This summer (2024) we’ll be performing almost 400 shows, workshops and concerts in 24 states, including many public library programs that are open to all. Please visit our Facebook page to view the schedule.

We offer a variety of unique K-12 programs …
1) Didgeridoo Down Under Show: Australian Music, Character Building & More! (PreK-5th)
2) Didgeridoo Down Under Show:
Australian Music, Culture & More! (6th-12th)
3) Protect the Planet:
World Music, Earth Science and Ecological Entertainment! (K-9th)
4) Adventures of the Wild Wolf:
Unleash Your Inner Reader & Author! (K-5th) – virtual only
5) Aussie Funk Jam:
Didgeridoo Workshop! (2nd-12th)
6) Didgeridoo Residency:
Multi-Day Immersive Didge Experience! (3rd-12th)

Please view our promo videos here.

 

Didgeridoo Down Under Show

“Several teachers said that this was the best program we have had in our 54-year history.”  Bryan Kaye, Assistant Head of School, All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, SC

The DDU Show is an energetic fusion of Australian music, culture, art, science, comedy, character building and audience participation. The didgeridoo has been played by Aboriginal Australians for at least 1,500 years, and is known for its otherworldly sound. But DDU is much more than music. It’s interactive, educational, motivational and super fun for all ages!

 

“Our Didgeridoo Down Under presentation was absolutely amazing.”Annie Marmiol, Social Studies Department Chair, Elkins Pointe Middle, GA

During the show, we play a variety of exotic didgeridoos and worldly percussion instruments. We also use a multitude of props – vocabulary list, motivational signs, artifacts, artwork and more – to deliver educational lessons and empowering messages. The program is very participatory, and several segments involve students playing instruments, dancing or acting out a story. DDU supports state and national educational standards, and we provide a study guide for pre- and post-performance lesson plans. We adjust our programs according to the audience’s grade levels and learning objectives.

 
 

DDU Will Motivate Your Students To … – Respect multiculturalism and diversity. – Get excited about learning and reading. – Think creatively and imaginatively. – Act with kindness and acceptance. – Appreciate world music and art. – Stand up against bullying. – Protect the environment. – Become better global citizens!

 

Protect the Planet: World Music, Earth Science & Ecological Entertainment!

Join us on an epic musical and scientific adventure, from the birth of the universe to the age of dinosaurs to the modern world. Multi-talented performers Rob Thomas & Tanya Gerard will weave didgeridoo world music and awe-inspiring projector visuals into a captivating and interactive program. Students will learn how the air we breathe was created; they’ll marvel at prehistoric creatures roaming primordial landscapes; they’ll explore a mysterious underground plant communication network; they’ll observe interactions between different animal species; and most importantly, they’ll learn how to protect our beloved Earth.

 
Adventures of the Wild Wolf: Unleash Your Inner Reader & Author! Deep in the mystical mountains of western North Carolina, if you listen quietly at night, you might hear the ancient and enthralling sound of … a wolf! Although wolves no longer live in the wild in western NC, children’s author Tanya Gerard and her husband, Rob Thomas, have raised wolves and wolf-dog hybrids as pets for almost 20 years. Their pets – and their love of nature and storytelling – inspired Tanya to write a children’s book, The Adventures of the Wild, Wild Wolf, and soon-to-be-published sequel.
Tanya and Rob are now on a mission to motivate children to practice reading and writing, and to unlock their own inner author. In this engaging and fun virtual program, Tanya and Rob will read and act out passages from her book, complimented by stunning photos and captivating videos of their wild pets. Throughout the program, Tanya and Rob will deliver motivational messages about reading, writing and life. Their messages are simple but important: Read as much as possible. Start by writing about what interests you. Keep writing, even if it’s not perfect. Follow your dreams!
 

Aussie Funk Jam Workshop

The Aussie Funk Jam is a totally interactive and hands-on program. Participants learn how to play the didgeridoo, including vocalizing and creating simple rhythms, with our beginner instruments. We also explain how to make a “didge” with household items like cardboard tubes. The workshop is best for ages 8+, but it’s OK for mature youngsters too. Participants will be mesmerized, inspired and motivated as they enjoy a one-of-a kind multicultural music experience!

 
 
 
 

Our Programs are Affordable!

“Worth every cent and more!” – Connie McSwain, Media Specialist, Emerson Elementary, GA

  Please contact us for a price quote and more info.

 (more videos on Videos & Virtual page)

 

Download DDU Flyer

 

“I have been at Merry Oaks for 14 years and this is the best production we have had in that time. We especially appreciate the links to character education, global awareness, and environmental awareness.”

Nan Bloom, Art Teacher, Merry Oaks Elementary, NC

 

“Thank you for your message of acceptance, diversity, and awesome Aussie-ness! It was engaging, creative, and powerful!”

Julie Roberts, Principal, Seymour Smith Intermediate Learning Center, NY

 

“The performance was top-notch and more than appropriate for a school full of teenage boys!
I highly recommend Didgeridoo Down Under!”

Paula I. Wichmann, Library Director, Mount St. Joseph High, MD

 

We are dedicated to helping develop better global citizens, and we incorporate these themes into our kids’ shows …