SCHOOL PROGRAMS

With commanding presence and conversational style, Montana Blackfeet performing and recording artist Jack Gladstone captures the attention of students and guides them through an exploration of American Indian ecology, history and tradition. Original songs, masterful storytelling and stirring visual images compose the path upon which Jack travels with students to gain a better understanding of Native Americana.

Jack has been honored as both a "bridge builder" and "an ambassador of goodwill" for his work delivering positive messages concerning American Indians and their role in history.

As an accomplished scholar, athlete and musician, Jack also serves for students as a positive role model.

Jack's school programs typically feature an interweaving of traditional storytelling, historical narrative and original song. All programs are appropriate for ages K-12. Jack's preference is to address similar age groups during a program so that he can tailor his program content and vocabulary accordingly.

Mythology and Storytelling

Jack explains the role of myth through the Creation story, character portraits, animal legends and his own family stories -- many of which were passed down to him by his Indian grandmother. Used to create and maintain morals and values within a society, Jack keeps the myths alive. The wolf, grizzly and buffalo played an important part in the life of the Plains Indian. In sharing the significance, Jack explains nature's "circle of life" and our role as humans within it.

Plains Indian History

Jack brings history to life as he covers the major historical periods of the Plains Indians -- from the Dog Days (prehistory) to the Glory Days (with the coming of the horse and gun) and into current times. Jack paints a picture of the West with songs such as "Valley of the Little Big Horn" and "Hudson Bay Blues," a song about how life changed when "shopping" was introduced into our culture.

Oral Tradition As Art

Jack demonstrates how he has developed the ancient art of storytelling through contemporary folk music. Children have the opportunity to speak a few Indian words, howl the "wolf song" and communicate through sign language.

Special Programs

Jack has conducted workshops and programs on the environment, songwriting, music as a career and substance abuse. He is well versed on many subjects, so please ask us if you have a special request.

When you book Jack Gladstone for a school program, Hawkstone Productions can provide you with a list of suggested reading materials and ideas for getting students involved in the subject matter and Jack's performance. Several music teachers have also requested the lyrics and music to Jack's songs prior to his performance so that their students can sing along.

NATIVE REFLECTIONS

Jack's visual production guides the audience through myths, animal legends and character portraits into a better understanding of our Native American heritage. As a singer, songwriter and masterful storyteller, Jack touches the hearts of his audiences with his enlightening narrative and thought-provoking songs about the adventures, triumphs and tragedies of Native America.

Jack is a grandson of the legendary Blackfeet Indian Chief Red Crow. From ancient stories passed on to him from his Blackfeet grandmother, Jack recollects mythic Creation and the role animals played in traditional American Indian culture. This presentation includes segments on the wolf, bear, buffalo and the horse. The program also honors the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II and other notable Indian figures whose vision inspired their peoples and established a legacy of honor for all Americans.

The full production is 75 minutes in duration, but can also be tailored to 45 or 60 minute segments to fit class periods. Jack is able to provide all projection equipment including a rear projection screen, but can also utilize a large front projection screen, if readily available at the venue.

Residency Packages

For the most cost effective plan, and for the greatest impact upon a school and community, you may wish to consider a residency package. A full-day residency package offers up to three performances in one day, using any combination of lectures, school programs, concerts and the visual production. The cost of a residency package may be split among two or more sponsors or presenters. We have found that a full day of school programs followed by an evening multimedia concert is a very effective community presentation. Multiple-day residency packages are also available.

Did You Know

KID'S CORNER

Thanks to all the children who write to Jack and draw such great pictures! Jack gets lots of questions in the letters and heÕll try to answer a few of them here.

Q: When did you start playing the guitar?

A: I was about nine years old when I received my first guitar as a gift. I took formal lessons for about a year to learn the basics. Then I listened to and copied as many different styles of music as I could. I sang in various church and school groups. I was 19 when I wrote my first song, Prime Time Players. My second song was Pasadena Free for All, my third was Miracle Pony Farm and, believe it or not, my fourth song was In the Shadow of Mt. Lassen.

"The person I picked for my American Hero report is Jack Gladstone. As soon as I heard Jack Gladstone, I liked him and his songs. When I listen to Jack's music, it seems that his family is a big influence in his life and music as well as his Blackfeet heritage. The reason I picked Jack for my report is because I like Native American history. Jack tells stories that people should know. Jack respects the earth for what it provides for us. If there were more people like Jack Gladstone, this world would be better off."
Jason Alberston, 5th Grade

"Jack, thank you for touching Jason and Trevor's lives."
Kathy Alberston, Jason's mom

"This letter is to tell you how much all of us enjoyed the performances by Jack Gladstone. The music, visuals, and overall presentation were fresh, honest, and of the highest quality. In all honesty, this was one of the most well received guest performances that I have arranged."
Brad Brickner, Music Teacher Stanley Clark School, South Bend, IN

"I received many favorable comments from both the students and teachers for your outstanding presentation of Native Reflections. Your program provided greater insight for our students who studied American history, but maybe never realized the true impact the Indians had on our nation."
William Horvath, Assistant Principal Pocono Mountain Intermediate School, Swiftwater, PA

"You were wonderful with the children. The teachers were also very pleased with your performance and you received an "excellent" rating for all aspects of your performance, including ability to hold students' interest and appropriateness for age level.
I look forward to working with you again."
Janice Fuld, Coordinator of Children's Programs Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming