You are a genius! The whole residency was wildly successful --- I knew it would be! Students (and Teachers, too!) are still buzzing with excitement over the songs they created with you. Thank you!
--- Diane Odbert, PTA, Ft. Collins, CO
You made a real impact on our students, teachers and parents, on many different levels... a positive difference in the lives of the people here at Franklin School. I feel that is no small feat.
— --- Alan Fuller, Franklin School, Fond Du Lac, WI
What you accomplished with our students was amazing!
--- Marge Willms, Burleigh Elementary, Brookfield, WI
Ken brings Artist-in-Residence experiences to schools, colleges and nature centers, adapting each one to meet specific needs or goals. Each A-I-R is tailored with school staff. Residencies explore Songwriting / Creative Writing, developing a Musical Story or exploring local history via a 'Sense Of Place' approach.
Songwriting A-I-R’s offer individual classes or grades maximum flexibility in choosing their topics, whether curricular or totally creative (writing about “lawnmowers from outer space†comes to mind!). These residencies are typically 3-5 days in length.
Musical Story A-I-R’s unify the school-wide writing process by having all grades write songs that fit into a classic story or fairy tale. Each grade'’s efforts become part of a “final all-school concert. These are typically 4-5 days in length.
Read more about a:
Songwirting Residency
Musical Story Residency
Sense Of Place Residency
During you week's residency, you brought music and excitement to our children at Traeger School and have touched the lives of our children and staff in ways that will be revealed for years to come. "Remember when Ken Lonnquist came to school and...." (fill in memory---- called Nazir a "she" and then became best of friends by the end of the residency!) A residency is more than the music, because you've gotta put up with all of us real, live people to make the music! You were a joy to have as part of our family!
The other day,Jen Cook, kindergarten teacher at school, went on and on about how much she loved your residency! Her kids sing your songs during free play time. Once(once) once upon... was the song one little girl was leading the others in singing.
Thanks for everything!
--- Alice Toepel, Traeger Elementary, Oshkosh (January, 2011)
As I walked the halls this morning...it was music to my years...7 of your classrooms were playing the RESPECT song during their morning meeting time and I only sent them the songs last night. So many of them have shared their strong desire to have this be our school anthem..how cool is that!!!
Thank you so much for an awesome residency!!! You've been the talk of the school since Friday!!!!
--- Jen Schmidt, Music Teacher, Traeger Elementary
Ken established a wonderful rapport with students and maintained excellent discipline in each class. Both administration and faculty were impressed with how he kept each class on task and used the creative process of song writing to enhance the subjects being studied in class. Learning in academic areas was definitely enhanced by his cross-curricular approach.
Any school who retains Ken for either a residency or an assembly will not be disappointed. I recommend him most highly and without any reservations whatsoever.
--- Karen Bures, Music Teacher, Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Great fun! Very engaging. Students were on task, thinking and problem solving. This residency fits nicely with our reading curriculum. Rhyming, writing lyrics fits in first grade. --- Kenwood School, Mpls, MN
I’'ve only been motivated to have a residency if I’'ve seen an artist who can truly connect with the age of the students I’'m currently teaching, and is… the BEST! You’'re an extremely talented songwriter, musician and singer who gave us all a great experience!
--- Maywood School, Monona, WI
Outstanding classroom management.... Respectful of teachers and students.... I hope he can be on the calendar for next year...I would recommend him to any other school, absolutely.
--- Principal, Kenwood School, Minneapolis
Ken kept classroom control. I didn''t have to be the bad guy. He's clever, quick and funny. One of the best residencies I've seen in 21 years at Kenwood. Good energy, 5th graders very engaged. The residency is truly a collaboration. This little girl who can't speak any English just lit up and came out of her shell.
---Teacher Surveys, Kenwood School, Mpls, MN
"Rob Summerbell" 2nd Graders writing
about "the spirit of the summer".
"Coyotes" 2nd Graders writing
about their wild, furry friends out west.
"This Is Home" 4th Graders writing
about their home surroundings.
