Artists-in-Schools › Tom Jordan

Artist's Narrative | Programs Available | Availability

Artist's Narrative

Tom Jordan has been composing and performing electronic music since the early days of the Moog synthesizer. Now, he calls it computer music for kids! He was involved in some of the early arts-in-education pilot programs in Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Indiana in the 1970's. Although he has composed and performed in various public venues around the country, his heart is in helping kids discover their own creativity. It is his ability to explain - to communicate with the students how these electronic things work - that is so important. His non-stop enthusiasm and excitement definitely make his programs "click with the kids." He lives in Mason, OH (near Kings Island) and is a frequent visitor to schools throughout greater Columbus. He travels to schools throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Southern Michigan. Tom is now preparing music ed. students in his Music Technology class at Northern Kentucky University. His choral music for children's voices and adults is published by Shawnee Press, Lorenz, and Alliance Music Publications.

Availability

Upon request.

Programs Available

Wired for Sound! (Grade levels K-12)

Wired for Sound! is computer music for kids! High energy music with lots of audience participation. Discover what happens when computers and music get together! Tom Jordan, a composer and a performer, will involve you in making his music come to life, and literally get you Wired for Sound! He will be running throughout your audience getting kids to participate in the action!

Tom's regular, daily equipment includes some of the latest computer-based musical instruments and digital special effects. His awesome sound system will transport you to unexpected destinations.

Activity Options:

"Wired" Performance

• Duration: 50-60 min.
• Fees: $450/ $600 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: 6 ft. table, 30 minutes setup. 350 students maximum.

Hear and Handle Everything! (Grade levels K-12)

This is a chance to spend a day together for assemblies and Q/A sessions with small groups. Here's a chance for some more, in-depth experience in the world of electronic sounds. Everyone should get a chance to try out the keyboard.

Activity Options:

Hear and Handle Everything

• Duration: Full day
• Fees: $750
• Requirements: 50 students per session max

Try Composing as Part of a Team (Grade levels 4-12)

Some schools offer this every year to a specific grade level. Maybe it's your 5th graders who work on teams (five kids) to create their own piece of music on the computer-based instruments and get it recorded onto a cassette. All of the student compositions go onto a tape for you to keep.

Activity Options:

Team Composing

• Duration: Full day; 40-45 min. per team
• Fees: $750
• Requirements: 5 students per team

Complete a request form online, or download a printable copy.

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