Japanese drumming is a powerful, stirring reorganization of the traditional art which was practiced in Japan for thousands of years. The addition of ensemble performance, dynamic choreography, and world influences have turned it into modern performance art with deep roots. The members of the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko have been practicing the art of Japanese drumming since 1996.

With a combined history of over 100 years as Springboard to Learning and Young Audiences of St. Louis, Springboard to Learning has positively impacted millions of under-resourced students and teachers throughout St. Louis through arts-integrated, creative programming, and pedagogy, igniting a love of learning. Over 125 distinct programs, taught by knowledgeable teaching artists and content specialists, are available throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, the eastern half of Missouri, and the Metro East area of Illinois.

Songs of Africa Ensemble, is a multicultural and eclectic group of highly trained musicians promoting new genres of choral music from around Africa and its diaspora. Our songs teach about Africa’s music, people, languages, cultures and creates opportunities for incorporating new styles of African-descent music into modern choral repertory.  A majority of the songs are drawn from Songs of Africa: 22 Pieces for Mixed Voices, the choral collection published by Oxford University Press, but includes more songs that are yet to be published! Songs of Africa Ensemble is a community outreach and partnership program of the African Musical Arts organization.

Mike and Tenley are folk musicians who specialize in the traditional music of the Ozarks. Mike and Tenley began working together as members of the Shortleaf Band in 2006, with Mike performing on Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Mouthbow, Harmonica, and Autoharp. Tenley performs on Keyboard, Guitar, Fiddle, Spoons, Boudhran, and Vocals. In 2008 they began working more as a duet and have steadily increased the amount of touring as a duet. Together they have toured; performing at festivals, dances, school programs, senior centers, community “arts in the park” programs and many other types of venues.

Sergei, a native of Ukraine, is a teaching artist with a Master’s degree in Music Education from the Gnessin Institute in Moscow. He presents two programs, Russian Kaleidoscope, and Ukrainian Kaleidoscope. His educationally-based presentations teach through assemblies and workshops which focus on native music, dance, and folk art. While experiencing the excitement of learning through the arts, the students gain knowledge about the language, geography, history, customs, and traditions of the country. Both programs are available in a one-day format or as a residency. Teaching Guides are provided. His powerful combination of lessons set the stage for students to fully appreciate and find success in the world they are inheriting. Sergei knows how to connect with students and deliver a powerful and memorable message that “Culture Matters.”

The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras, celebrated for its warm and engaging sound, prolific and acclaimed recording history, national and international touring activities, and distinctive commitment to educational and community outreach efforts. Aside from its vast touring portfolio to communities large and small throughout the Midwest, the SLSO has regularly toured nationally and internationally to critical acclaim. Tour performances can be customized for your location and budget, ranging from the full 96-musician orchestra to a smaller chamber orchestra. Tour performances may be augmented by master classes, educational concerts, and small-ensemble performances. Multiple-day residencies are also possible.

A pianist in the “grand manner,” Rosario Andino carries on the legacy of Anton and Nicholas Rubinstein, Busoni, Friedman, Sauer, and Godowsky. Her teachers, Vera Maourina Press and Jascha Fischermann, were students of these great pianists. Born in Cuba, Ms. Andino began her musical studies at age four and gave her first concert at age six. Her orchestra performances, recitals, radio and television concerts have been acclaimed in the United States, Cuba, Mexico, Spain, England, Italy, and Holland. Ms. Andino commands an immense repertoire that includes all the standard major works for the piano as well as little known works, such as cultured ethnic works by 19th- and 20th-century Cuban composers.