Testimonials

About AAE, Inc

“Joe and Jesse have arrived! Already I can feel the ‘energy’ in the room. Thanks for having such dynamic performers.” — Helene DiCarlo, South Elementary School Art Specialist

About Joe Sallins

“Did you see that? That was a miracle! You don’t understand. I have six students in this first grade level. The boy who just performed and played his part, listened, followed three consecutive sets of directions, and participated in playing his part in the percussion song, he almost never follows adult direction and does not work together with his peers. For him to take direction from Joe, focus, and decide that he will be a team player is truly a miracle. It is so good for me and for his teachers to be able to step back and watch his interaction with Joe. Thank you.” — Sara Cohen, Occupational Therapist, Northfield Elementary School.

“To see Joe interact with his students is to witness both a master teacher and a master performer. To work with Joe is an honor, for his positive attitude is infectious. Countless numbers of parents throughout the past several years have made it a point to personally thank Joe for ‘bringing about a positive change’ in their child. One parent’s comment said; ‘Thank you for taking the time, Joe, to care about my child. It has made all the difference in her attitude.'

“As someone who conducts programs for children, I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful it is to see a particular teacher really ‘connect’ with our program participants. Our Step Forward participants are all girls of middle school age.... What started as a class of tentative drum beats ended in a 20-minute performance that had the 'whole house rockin!’ Right after the performance I asked Joe to return this summer and teach for us again.

"Other children need to share in this experience; they need to experience the energy, the talent and the love for children that is Joe Sallins.” — Eileen Kirk Coordinator, Elms College summer programs.

ABOUT TONY VACCA

“Thank you so much for coming here to present your workshop and concert ‘World Rhythms’ as the kick off for our summer reading club, ‘Catch the beat @ Your Library.’ We all enjoyed it immensely! The workshop was incredible — so much fun...and what an exciting and professional concert! Many from the audience have stopped by to let me know how much they enjoyed the whole show. Thanks again for making this wonderful and entertaining show a part of our summer.” — Elaine Wrubel, Head of Children’s Services, Wilbraham Public Library (This was our second summer kick off.)

about NIKKI HU

“Thank you again for a WONDERFUL day! Never have I seen the purpose of art made so clear. It was written all over the faces of both the performers and the audience. They really got it." — Sandra Henderson, Cultural Arts Committee Willard School, Concord, MA

about ELAINE SISLER

“The hallmark of her work is her ability to reach all the students; their sparkling eyes tell the story more eloquently than words can fully express. Elaine is always designing her programs to match the needs and desires of her constituency. The work is fresh and new — every time. This is a very special quality that Elaine possesses. From scratch — a perfect match!” — Miriam Kronish, Retired Principal, John Eliot School, Needham, MA

“Elaine is a consummate professional. She exhibits creativity and generates it from others. Special note is made of her commitment to 'Arts Are Core' in Education and her inclusion and integration of the MASS Arts Framework in all of her work.” — Harriet Goldin, former Director of Career and Instructional Development at the Education Cooperative, a consortium of 14 public school systems in Metrowest Boston

“Thank you. I was feeling very stressed today. With dance and laughing at myself, I was able to relax. My mood is much better. Thanks!"

“Fun! Went by so quickly. I usually leave professional development ready to kill something. Feeling positive today.”

“I sometimes fear dance therefore I never really feel able to integrate it into the class. I now feel like I can start to think and begin doing so. Thanks.”

“As someone who isn’t a teacher, but a paraprofessional I was glad to be included in the Professional Development because we have such a large number of Special Ed. students (over 50% total). I know my kids and I think that if they had an outlet for their energy and their own creative selves, they could benefit greatly. I can only help but wish that my teachers use this great tool.”

“Very well organized. Thank you for some new ideas and more defined answers for my dancing questions. Lovely energy.”

“I’ve got a ways to go in terms of implementing but I’m yours. I had a joyful time and now I want to go home and do it all over...I see clear ways of using in humanities.”

“Thank you! This was invigorating physically and mentally. Question: How can we build a culture that includes dance as well as music, art, drama as a real important form? Yes, I will get the teachers to perform!" — Ellen Ennis, Principal

About 35th parallel

“One of the best assemblies of the year.” Mara Taylor, Assembly Coordinator, the Chapin School, NYC

“I loved the huge drum that sang!” Grade 11 student

“I realized how connected music is from all over the world.” Grade 9 student

“Quality music with a unique cultural experience.” Marti Adams, Student Affairs Coordinator, Proctor Academy, NH