Artist Residency Program - Musical Instrument Museum

The Artist Residency Program at MIM brings professional musicians to provide unique educational opportunities for elementary, middle-, and high-school groups. The two-hour experience includes an interactive theater performance and semi-guided museum tour starting at 9:30 or 11:00 a.m.

Option 1: 9:40–10:30 a.m. Assembly; 10:30–11:30 a.m. Tour
Option 2: 11:00 a.m.–noon Tour; 12:10–1:00 p.m. Assembly

Call MIM’s School and Group Tour Coordinator at 480.245.6919 or e-mail grouptours@MIM.org to check availability and for reservations.

Space is limited; reservations are required. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

FALL 2018

YELLOWHOUSE DANCERS
Thursday and Friday, October 25 and 26, 2018
The Yellowhouse Dancers are a talented group of performers from the Navajo Nation. Led by founder and performer Lane Jensen, the ensemble also features Kailayne and Tyrese Jensen, both award-winning hoop dancers in their divisions. The group will share American Indian culture through song and dance, outfitted in traditional regalia and accompanied by instruments such as drums, flutes, rattles, and gourds.

SIMPLY THREE
Thursday and Friday, November 15 and 16, 2018
Simply Three is a critically acclaimed string trio that bridges the gap between classical music traditions and today’s popular culture. Using popular music (from artists such as Pharrell Williams and Twenty One Pilots), original compositions, and classical favorites, Simply Three offers audiences a musically superb and visually thrilling experience. Students are invited to sing and clap along while gaining a new perspective and an appreciation for classical instruments.

MEGA RAN
Thursday and Friday, December 6 and 7, 2018
After seven years as a middle school teacher, Raheem Jarbo (a.k.a. Mega Ran) began a career as a touring hip-hop musician. He is a trailblazer in the subgenres known as “nerdcore” and “chip-hop” music, which combine video games and hip-hop music. Students will learn about hip-hop’s elements, its early inspirations, and cultural impact as well as know how to identify parts of a rap song.

SPRING 2019

THE NASH – BIG IDEAS IN JAZZ
Thursday and Friday, February 21 and 22, 2019
The Nash celebrates the rich tradition and ongoing innovation of jazz. Just as jazz musicians have done throughout its history, this group will use the music of today as a platform to explore different time periods and shine a light on American culture. Students are encouraged to listen for familiar tunes in order to build their understanding of approaches to improvisation and different jazz styles.

AZ OPERA – OPERATUNITY
Thursday and Friday, March 7 and 8, 2019
Arizona Opera helps students dive into the world of opera by showcasing the most universal musical instrument: the human voice. Through guided listening, students will learn to appreciate this timeless genre. Using new and familiar selections, AZ Opera will take students on a musical journey. Students are sure to be transported by AZ Opera’s musical storytelling.

ARIZONA WOLF TRAP
Thursday and Friday, April 4 and 5, 2019
MIM partners with Arizona Wolf Trap, an affiliate of the nationally recognized network committed to early-childhood arts education, to offer a program specifically for students in prekindergarten–grade 2. Through a fifteen-minute dance workshop, a fifteen-minute musical performance, and a fifteen-minute ballet, students will gain a greater understanding of how music and dance combine to tell a story.

RUN BOY RUN
Thursday and Friday, May 2 and 3, 2019
Run Boy Run uses traditional music to tell stories from U.S. history. Students will learn how the music expanded beyond Appalachia and what life was like when the music was written. The audience is encouraged to sing, laugh, and clap along as the group imparts the joy of Americana music. The band will introduce their instruments, share performing experiences, and talk about what motivates them to play music.