A Golden Voice In Communities » News, Reviews, and Updates

Music, science, and caring for the planet are a perfect fit!

Christopher — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 01:54:52 +0000

6,000 students in Broward and Monroe Counties learned about the science of the symphony, stepped into STEAM careers, and vowed to be a part of Preserving Our Coral Reefs. Students gained knowledge in their schools and then felt passion and gained new resolve to save the reefs at the symphony concert premier of Robert Kerr’s The Coral Symphony.

Guided by ARTZ OUT LOUD Ft. Lauderdale second grade students in Turnaround Arts and Sprouting STEM schools became members of a symphony, stepped into the careers of field and lab scientists, technologists, engineers, arts and media specialists, and mathematicians and rebuilt Florida’s fragile coral reef. Seventh grade students in Monroe County expanded their understanding of their ocean science curriculum through Preserving the Coral Reefs: Teams of Success. One second grade student exclaimed after her role as a mathematician, “this was the best day of my life” and a seventh grade student wrote “this was the best educational experience I have had. Please come again! “

Flutist/story-teller Donna Wissinger brings Peter and the Wolf to life with animated narration and fantastic puppet heads!

Christopher — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 01:53:13 +0000

Inspired by Donna’s enthusiasm and Prokofiev’s musical themes played on her golden flute, K-5 students in the Florida Keys added their own imaginative adjectives and adverbs to the classic musical story during the in-school field trip. Those same 1,200 K and first graders, 1,200 2 and 3^rd graders, and 1,3,00 4 and 5^th graders sat mesmerized at the symphony concert as they relived the story with the orchestral musicians and reveled in the role they played in the descriptive narration. “Peter and the Wolf with Donna Wissinger is sure to captivate audiences of all ages and to be a symphony experience students remember forever.”

Hundreds of School Children Enjoy Florida History Set to Music

Amy Parker — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 03:58:33 +0000

Hundreds of school children enjoyed a musical journey that reinforced what they’ve been learning in history class, as the South Florida Symphony Orchestra performed a multimedia production for them.

“Tales of Legendary Florida: 500 Years of History Through Music and Art” was brought to town by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts, and Donna Wissinger and Joy Myers of Artz Out Loud. It’s the second year that Wissinger and Myers have come to the Keys to bring their musical adventure to area classrooms and Tennessee Williams….

Through beautiful symphonic music composed by Robert Kerr, richly detailed paintings by Jackson Walker, still photography and video, the show traced the history of Florida, from the arrival of Ponce de Leon, through to the building of Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway to Key West in the early 1900s.

TERRY SCHMIDA Citizen Staff of the keysnews.com recently covered this story. Click here for the full news article by Schmida (above excerpted from Schmida’s article).

Click here for Thank You Letters

Contact Donna of ARTZ OUT LOUD to learn more about how to access this program for your school or community!

Call ARTZ OUT LOUD now for specials in your area 407-492-8876.

State Touring Funds Available for Florida History Programs and More

Amy Parker — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:58:18 +0000

Funding opportunities are available now for Florida schools and libraries through The Florida State Touring Program! A featured artist since 1992 and among the highest ranked musicians on the roster in multiple years, Donna is eligible for 2/3 funding for presenters in Florida’s communities. Celebrating 500 years of Florida history in 2013, Donna is now featuring special Florida History programs including Legendary Florida: 500 Years of History Through Music and Art (grades 3-12) and Southern Stories: Visit ‘old’ Florida Through Writings, Images, Readings, and Music (ages 15 to adult). Other award-winning programs by Donna and ARTZ OUT LOUD are also available and eligible for funding. Funding is available to Florida schools, especially underserved counties where funding priority is given by the State.

Contact Donna to learn more about how to access this funding and her programs for your school or community!

Call us now for specials in your area 407-492-8876.

Welcome Gentle Knights and Fair Chatelaines to Beowulf’s Photo Gallery

Amy Parker — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 12:29:19 +0000

Beowulf: A Tale of Courage and Honor is the journey of the great warrior and hero, Beowulf. From minstrels to monsters, this photo gallery will show you some of the excitement in ARTZ OUT LOUD’s version of Beowulf. ARTZ OUT LOUD has educated and entertained thousands of students across the country!

To grab a tale for learning and fun for your school or community, contact Donna, topformdrw(at)aol.com (407) 492-8876 donnawissinger.com/contact-us

Altoona, PA News Features The Pied Piper

Amy Parker — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:26:46 +0000

~Altoona Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski~

“An auditorium full of second and third graders at Logan Elementary School in Altoona sat chattering, as second and third graders do.

But as soon as Donna Wissinger, an accomplished concert flutist and Altoona native, played the first few notes on her golden flute, the children quieted quickly and whipped back their heads to see where the music was coming from.” …

The Pied Piper was captured by Beth Ann Downey of the Altoona Mirror and featured online at altoonamirror.com. (You can read the full article by clicking the altoonamirror link.)

Additionally, “ASO Brings Classical Music to Mishler Saturday”

“You say you want a revolution? Well, the Altoona Symphony Orchestra and its featured artists (Donna Wissinger, flute, and Joy Myers, piano) will bring their audience just that with their “Revolution” program at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Mishler Theatre in Altoona.”….

“Wissinger said one piece called “Falling Down Doodle,” is based on popular children’s songs “London Bridge is Falling Down” and “Yankee Doodle,” and pits her and Myers against the orchestra. The piece was written specifically for the two musicians by composer Jeremy Ribando.”….

“Performances of Robert Kerr’s “The Ulster-Scots: Voyage of Hope” and “Johnny Appleseed Suite” and Aaron Copland’s classic “Fanfare for the Common Man” will also be heard at the performance.”

Excerpts above are from The Altoona Mirror article by Beth Ann Downey.

To read the full symphony article go to the altoonamirror.com

We were simply left speechless…

Amy Parker — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:41:47 +0000

Words cannot express my eternal gratitude and complete awe regarding your performance at our Venetian Arts Society ‘Arts Salon’ debut. I had such high expectations for our first ‘arts salon.’ I wanted to create an intimate, interactive, almost ‘sacred’ atmosphere and to set a precedent for high standards of artistry – to say that you exceeded my expectations is a gross understatement.

I was so excited and moved by the evening that I, as well as all other members and guests, were simply left speechless. Your talents as artists, in every way, were gloriously apparent…you possess the ability to sincerely communicate and to carry those listening above and beyond life’s trivialities. None of us were quite prepared for what you so skillfully created and presented. The voice of the higher powers that speak through art and music spoke to everyone in attendance and we all went away more enlightened and grateful for having been a part of the evening.

Both you and Joy exude the true essence of the artist as the ultimate communicator.

Your newest fan and friend,

Willie

William Riddle, Principal
INSPIRED INTERIORS of Fort Lauderdale, LLC
111 Southeast 8th Avenue – Suite One
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

A true gift to any audience

Amy Parker — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:01:24 +0000

Ms. Wissinger’s performances are both unique and captivating. She blends storytelling and music in a most beautiful way. She engages her audience right from the beginning with her friendly and warm presence. My favorite part of her performance was the inclusion of the children on stage. She is the only performer I have ever seen who is able to include every child (and adult!) who would like to play a role in the story. She brings the audience together in a way that I have not seen previously on our stage. It truly cultivated a feeling of community and togetherness that only a gifted storyteller can create.
Ms. Wissinger is a true gift to any audience she steps in front of. At the Playhouse we were very grateful that she chose to share her talents with us. I can highly recommend her for anyone looking for a fantastic storytelling experience. It is with full confidence that I can say she will deliver that, and more.
Warmest regards,
Terah Herman
Education Associate
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Click here for the full letter of review and thanks from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Performing at the 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival May 5th!

Amy Parker — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 19:56:53 +0000

Donna Wissinger

presents stories and music in

The Pied Piper & Other Fantastic Tales at

The 2012 North Charleston Arts Festival May 4-12!

www.NorthCharlestonArtsFest.com

Come experience the Magic and Preview The Pied Piper for your Children

in a FREE concert on Saturday, May 5, 2012, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

at the Charleston Area Convention Center Exhibit Hall Lobby

5001 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29418

Southern Stories: Celebrating 500 Years of Florida History

Amy Parker — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 17:47:59 +0000

Sit back. Sip some sweet tea, luxuriate in the Florida sun, and allow the fragrance of orange blossoms to intoxicate your soul. This is Florida. To celebrate 500 years of Florida history, Southern Stories takes you back to ‘old Florida’, a time which Harriet Beecher Stowe captured perfectly in printed word, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings broadcast to the world with Pulitzer Prize adeptness, and Stephen Foster wooed with lilting southern charm. Southern Stories brings Florida’s rich heritage history to life. Actors Tony and Carol and cultured musical ladies, Donna and Joy grace a Southern parlor. Stories and music and photos of days of old turn the pages of Florida history. Audiences love learning their local history as well as those places captured by greatFlorida writers. Costumes by Susan Ainley, your parlor set, our Viva Florida research of your local history, and a dramatic presentation ensure a magicalFlorida experience. Call now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy Southern Stories.

For questions, additional information, and to book, contact Donna topformdrw(at)aol.com (407) 492-8876 donnawissinger.com/contact-us

A past performance photo gallery

Celebrated artists Donna Wissinger and Joy Myers joined the Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts in two sold out performances of “Southern Stories” in 2011. Creator and Director, Tony Walsh, said that the performances raised more than $4,000, which will benefit Clay County Title One students attending 2011-12 performances and also help support visual arts exhibits at the Center.

Tony Walsh and Donna Wissinger in sold out Southern Stories at Thrasher Horne Center for the Arts

Southern Stories Photo Gallery