WisdomKeeper / WisdomSpeaker

Performing Artist: Tom McCormack © 1989 (Revised 2008)

McCormack shape-changes into different creatures throughout this myths and legends performance that includes cedar flute music, clapper-stick, rattle and drum. These ancestral stories are endorsed by tribal elders and leaders from Native American communities across North America. Legend-teller draws on over 50 hours of tribal tales from his extensive repertoire. These traditional tales come from a time when the animals were people and could talk to each other. (The performance runtime is 45-60 minutes) Sample Video

Note: Tom will confer with teachers ahead of time to determine what tribes their classes are studying, then he will perform stories from those tribes. 

References:
"I was very impressed with the cultural experience you shared. The stories, song, music and indigenous objects came together through the Medicine Power. You brought the ancestral time and traditional places to our audiences through your storytelling."
Leon Jett (Festival Organizer) - Eiteljorge Native American Museum (2002 Indian Market Event) ~ Indianapolis, Indiana

The native indian teachers from Lukachukai Navajo Boarding School wrote:
"I enjoyed how the children's stories related to children everywhere"
"What I found effective during your storytelling program was how it was appealing, relevant, kept their interests and the humor".
The Native American instruments you played was very creative and motivating".
"The storytelling was very effective because all of the students were interested and listened!"

WOW! Your name is "a blast from the past"!! Your visit to East Helena was very special and spiritual. We all had such a grand time listening to your stories of life. I hope to schedule you in for 2011 summer reading program.

Diane Potter
Branch Librarian
Lewis & Clark Library System Helena
MT 59635

 

Performing Artist: Tom McCormack © 1989 (Revised 2008)

This program has distinct dialoging characters with Native American interaction from Missouri to Oregon. This refreshing rendering of the pioneer journey express perspectives of indigenous tribes. Old west and native objects enhance the ambience of this program. A Native American legend is shared by a medicine person along the way. An Applegate Trail variation is included. A California Trail assembly program is also available. (The performance runtime is 45-60 minutes.) 

There is an interactive window halfway through each assembly and a question and answer period at the conclusion.

References:

"Mr. McCormack has obviously done much research to prepare for these presentations. Excellent!"
(following a Young Audiences performance) Comments from the Principal at Buttonwillow Elementary School ~ Buttonwillow, California

"The realism of the stories told was most effective"
Principal at The Garden City Elementary School ~ Indianapolis, Indiana

 

Performing Artist: Tom McCormack © 1996 (Revised 2008)

During this presentation, Mr. McCormack plays indigenous music on a different ethnic instrument with each story from a different country. He plays the didgeridoo with an Australian myth. Story Dreamer concludes by playing music on multiple instruments at the same time! This performance is an adventure in ethnic enrichment. (The performance runtime is 45-90 minutes.)

Note: Tom will confer with teachers ahead of time to determine what countries their classes are studying, then he will perform stories from those cultures. 

References:
"I really enjoyed the effective expressions and dramatizations, and particularly the Ethos of the legends that was interwoven with indigenous languages. In particular, you gave insight to your audience about the identity of indigenous peoples forebearers. Kia Kana (Go Forth In Strength)" 
Wrote an Elder from the Maori Marae - Masterton District Library ~ Masterton, New Zealand

"I loved seeing the children respond. They were enthralled!" 
Judy (Ch-Librarian) - Springfield Public Library ~ Springfield, Oregon

Wisdomkeeper's fee's are negotiable and subject to the number of presentations.

 

Facilitator: Tom McCormack © 2000 (Revised 2008)

(For Junior-High and High School Students)

This program incorporates indigenous healing tools as effective diversion and redirection for teen youth. Tom brings mythology stories to life as he inspires native culture exploration. He conveys a dynamic prevention message that reaches the pulse of students. Mr. McCormack demonstrates the synergistic impact of native art, folk stories, native dreamcatcher, song, indigenous poetry, American Indian music, movement, native medicine, the prayer wheel and Native American music. What does an American Indian medicine dictionary contain?  Some students get to experience the cultural objects during an interactive window halfway through the assembly. This program highlights indigenous rites of passage from Native American culture. A lively discussion ensues that is informative and entertaining. A summary with a question and answer period is at the close.
 (The assembly runtime is 45-60 minutes.)

* Mr. McCormack will meet with school administrators, counselors, or teachers prior to the assembly to determine the substance abuse areas they want him to address during the assembly.

References:

Mr. McCormack's prevention programs are endorsed by John Lennsen / Director of Oregon Department of Education's Substance Abuse Prevention Division 
"Tom ~ Thank-you for your wonderful assemblies! All of our youth who were mesmerized by your art today".
Jodie Goft Parson's Junior High School ~ Redding, California

For Teen Prevention Assembly Programs multiple-booking rates apply and Tom has funding solutions.