Magpie
Programs available for all grades.

Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino a brief biography

Terry Leonino and Greg Artzner began to play music together in Kent, Ohio in September of 1973. From traditional, classic country, swing, and blues of the nineteen twenties and thirties, to contemporary songs written by themselves and others, Terry and Greg cover a lot of musical ground.

Terry's voice is an impressive instrument, not only because of its natural power, but also because of her versatility. She is a gifted singer of jazz and blues in the tradition of Connie Boswell and Billie Holiday, but is equally comfortable with the subtle beauty of traditional folk and contemporary songs. Add to this her uncanny ability to find the perfect harmony line, and, in a powerful blend of their two voices, you have a real treat for the ear. As if this weren't enough, Terry is also an excellent player of the harmonica, mandolin, fretted dulcimer, and rhythm guitar.

Greg is an outstanding guitarist whose fingerstyle approach owes a lot to his heroes, guitar legends such as Reverend Gary Davis, Big Bill Broonzy, Nick Lucas, Phil Ochs, and Rolly Brown. His playing is the solid basis of Magpie's sound, providing whatever is called for, whether it be a hard-driving rhythm, or a ringing lyrical beauty. From a slow Scots air or a plaintive ballad to a rollicking ragtime blues or infectious swing, Greg covers it all. His high baritone voice has equal range and his captivating interpretation gives power and beauty to the full spectrum, from growling blues, to a Chilean lament, to a sweet croon.

Over the years, Terry and Greg have become distinguished for producing programs of music for museums (including the Smithsonian Institution), schools, and other special events. Terry and Greg have years of experience working in schools, performing for children and families. Terry and Greg are internationally known for their musical work in the environmental movement. In the fall of 1998, in a fitting tribute to Magpie on the occasion of their 25th anniversary, members of the Washington Area Music Association awarded Greg and Terry the "Wammie" award as traditional folk duo of the year.

A vibrant ensemble of flute, percussion, violin, viola and cello, brings five of the most highly demanded soloists and chamber musicians together.  CJ is best known for its engaging and lively presentations for today's contemporary audiences, thought provoking concert themes, and wide-ranging repertoire from Renaissance dance music, traditional classical works, CJ's very own arrangements from Gershwin to Piazzolla, to original compositions by members of CJ and other living composers. CJ was recently selected by Concert Artists Guild to receive the Cary Trust Fund for Contemporary Music Projects, in commissioning composer Randall Woolf for a new work for the ensemble.  A grant from the Puffin Foundation LTD. was awarded to Classical Jam in collaboration with filmmaker Kasia Witek in producing "Classical Jam- A Documentary."  Classical Jam concerts range from subscription concert series, concerto appearances with orchestras, to in-school concerts, bringing the highest caliber of music to diverse audiences. 
 
CJ Members have appeared with the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society and Musicians From Marlboro, and have performed internationally in venues throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East.

Recent Classical Jam performances include Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, NY, Quad Cities Arts, IL, Art Center At Killingworth, CT, and Hudson Opera, NY.  Future performances will take CJ to York College Performing Arts Series, NY, EMMA Concert Association, Fl, and Strathmore, MD. 

With speech, sound, mime, dance and above all, inspired imagination, nationally acclaimed master storyteller/performer David Gonzalez is keeping the ancient art of storytelling alive. From London's Royal National Theater to Broadway to hundreds of schools across North America, Gonzalez has performed to more than 5,000 audiences worldwide. A winner of the Helen Hayes Performing Artist of the Year Award, Gonzalez is applauded for his vocal, physical and narrative talents and gift for mimicry, comic timing, and wordplay. Relying on the majesty and variety of language, the limitless landscape of imagination, the pulse of music and the beauty of art, he creates and performs multimedia productions that capture audiences of all ages and cultures.

Gonzalez's kinetic magnetism and street-style hip humor have been entertaining and inspiring children for years - hundreds of thousands of happy kids. Since 1994, the Lincoln Center Institute has presented several of his family-friendly shows. According to Inside Arts Magazine, Gonzalez "...engages the audience with material from the heart of the culture: myths, folk tales, and fairy tales...that ring true of young audiences."

"This material is based upon work supported in part by the National Science Foundation, Office of Polar Programs grant ANT-0440769 awarded to S.S. Bowser. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation."

Robert Post has developed a loose, playful approach to performance that invites an audience to participate in his creative, zany world. Post creates a charismatic comedy feast that unleashes the imagination and defies description. Equally at home in concert halls or classrooms, he's an entire theatre company himself, specializing in rapid-fire character changes, even different roles for different body parts. Post's performances will include a variety of his works carefully selected to respond to the age levels of the students. An additional element of Post's work is an ongoing dialogue with the audience. Where appropriate, students will have an opportunity to ask questions between works.