Education
Guest speaking at recovery/youth outreach based events and in various group homes and facilities got me interested in sharing my music in educational environments. Creative writing lectures pairing with poetry and hip hop performances in youth centers and university campuses. More recently I was invited as a guest lecturer at an addictive behaviors course at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, OR. The presentation was well received as the students were approaching the topic from a textbook point of view; I was able to provide a different angle on the broad topic of addictive behavior. I am currently offering presentations at middle school, high school, community college, and university level courses (Creative Writing, Shakespeare, Addictive Behavior, and any other course you feel my material would be appropriate). To discuss having me at your school, please visit the contact tab and either e-mail or call.
"To Be Or Not To Be" commissioned by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival for their education department. The goal of this song was to make Shakespeare more accessible to youth. I accepted the lofty task of translating Hamlet's "To Be Or Not To Be" monologue into a modern sounding Hip Hop song because I feel Hip Hop and Shakespeare have the ability to go hand in hand.
Substance Abuse Awareness Through Hip Hop at Ashland High School
I have been guest lecturing for the alternative education classes and freshman health classes at Ashland High School, the one hour presentation includes detailed accounts of my experiences paired with topically relevant songs and no holds barred Q&A.
Quotes from teachers and students
"Oh wow. I am still reeling from today. What an incredible day. Your presence in the classroom was a gift.
So important. And the student letters say it all – what an impression you made."
- Alison French. Health Instructor, Ashland High School.
"Your performances were passionate and compelling. You engaged the students with humor, grit and authentic stories. They were captured by your rhythm, cadence and poetry -- forced to think about their use, their choices, their lives. Amazing. Thank-you."
- Jay Preskenis. Alternative Education, Ashland High School.
Quotes from teachers and students
"Oh wow. I am still reeling from today. What an incredible day. Your presence in the classroom was a gift.
So important. And the student letters say it all – what an impression you made."
- Alison French. Health Instructor, Ashland High School.
"Your performances were passionate and compelling. You engaged the students with humor, grit and authentic stories. They were captured by your rhythm, cadence and poetry -- forced to think about their use, their choices, their lives. Amazing. Thank-you."
- Jay Preskenis. Alternative Education, Ashland High School.
