With a limited budget for Cultural Arts, I was holding out on booking a virtual program for this year in hopes to being able to bring something into the building. By late February, I realized virtual was the only way we were getting a cultural arts program into our building and I can't even begin to explain how happy I am that we went with Brent and his Virtual Music Technology show. It was amazing from start to finish, and both of Brent's shows shows were tailored to the different grade levels (primary, K-2 and intermediate, 3-5). His show changed my mindset about virtual programs in general. This is not only the technology of the future jobs that we need to plan and prepare students for but it also introduces children and adolescents to careers that exist that they may not be aware of. The show was engaging and fun for all, and exactly what we needed during this time!
Beth Swanson - Principal
Woodland School
Hicksville, NY
Brent was extremely entertaining and engaging. As a music teacher, I really appreciated his ability to bring music technology to the students in a fun an accessible way. The band students particularly enjoyed it, and we will be using aspects of his show in our virtual performance. He used age-appropriate music terminology such as "tempo, bar and rhythm". He was able to draw in the students in such a way that helped them relate to an aspect of music they would otherwise not know about. Thank you to Brent for this amazing experience for our students.
Sam Pollenz - Music Teacher
Woodland ES
Hicksville, NY
This virtual cultural arts assembly was very appropriate and engaging for children of all ages. My students LOVED it!
Karen Farrell - Teacher
Woodland ES
Hicksville, NY
Thank you for today- what an incredible show!!! I truly could not imagine a more interactive and fun virtual assembly for students, especially in these days where we're all "zoomed out". Your masterful, seamless use of camera setups added so much to the experience, as well as the way you tailored the content for each age group. Thank you for making our Head of School Surprise Day so special. We will definitely be in touch when we're ready to do it again! (P.S. My daughter was in the 2nd show, and she's been playing with Garage Band all afternoon and getting her 5-yr-old brother involved -she's hooked.)
Kristen VonWachenfeldt - Events Coordinator
Princeton Montessori School
Princeton, NJ
Thank you Brent for an amazing program! The virtual set-up allows the children to really see the different components he works with to create music and sound effects for movies, etc. It was a very good program!
Meda Hannigan - Director of Community Spirit
USLI Insurance
Wayne, PA
Brent was excellent! Highly recommend, and great in the virtual format. Will book again in several years- and I think it's better virtual than in person because we can see your keyboard and tools. Awesome!
Kristy Warren - Assistant Superintendent
Plumas USD
Quincy, CA
The assembly was amazing, as usual. I truly appreciate how well you interacted with the kids. You always have a wonderful rapport with them...in school and also via Zoom. You really inspire them and I always hear compliments for days afterward. Please know how much we appreciated this event and we will see you in school next June. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Val Wiebke - Teacher
Bedford Road School
Pleasantville, NY
Frank Hammond Elementary School had a virtually AMAZING evening! Thank you, Brent, for your enthusiasm, engagement, flexibility and overall ability to create virtual excitement! You truly are a STAR!
Kelly Boersma - Principal
Frank Hammond ES
Munster, IN
Thank you so much for your help in organizing and helping us plan today's music technology assembly. Brent was fantastic, and I have received wonderful feedback (not only from my kids) but from many other parents about how engaging his presentation was. Please relay our gratitude to Brent for being able to adjust his assembly to work on the Zoom platform so that we could bring an energizing and inspiring presentation to the students of Essex Fells School.
Laura Zupa D'Avella - President
Essex Falls Foundation for Educational Excellence
Essex Falls, NJ
Brent was amazing! He delivered a great, interactive show that inspired our kids.
Jonathan Beckmann - Assistant Head of School
Los Encinos School
Encino, CA
This was our first virtual assembly and it was one of the best assemblies that we have had. We really enjoyed him. Everyone loved him! Brent is a music and technology expert and his talent and passion for what he does shines through. I received so much positive feedback throughout the show from kids and parents. We have had him at our school before and we will definitely invite him for a third time. Virtually or live, just amazing! Thank you Brent!
Janja Bussanich - VP Cultural Arts
East Brook ES
Park Ridge, NJ
In this COVID-19 pandemic, having Brent with us virtually was phenomenal. Brent was able to give us a closer look at all of the tools that he uses to create and produce music and soundtracks. This is our fifth year using Brent as the keynote speaker for our career fair for 7th grade students and he did not disappoint!
Kris Weiss - Assistant Principal
Kaneland Harter MS
Sugar Grove, IL
Due to COVID-19, this was a virtual assembly and WE LOVED IT!!!! Brent is amazing and is so interactive with the children.
Giuseppe Gencarelli - Principal
Hope Valley ES
Hope Valley, RI
Thank you, Brent, for a fantastic virtual assembly! The show was well-designed, the pacing was great, and the interactivity was amazing. The kids really enjoyed learning the intricacies of creating music and LOVED collaborating on their own original songs! Wonderful job!
Steve Figurelli - Principal
Lake Hiawatha ES
Parsippany, NJ
Our first ever LIVE Virtual Music Technology assembly with Brent Daniels was absolutely amazing. Brent was engaging, entertaining, and extraordinary!!! Our Virtual Assembly with Brent was incredible. The kids were engaged throughout the entire duration of the assembly. Thank you.
Diviya Patel - PTA
Lake Hiawatha ES
Parsippany, NJ
Thank you so much for the Virtual Assembly. The kids really enjoyed it. AND you called on my son in the second assembly. We will have laughs for days on this. I received five emails from teachers already. Thank you for the help coordinating, Whitney! Brent was great!
Lisa Azar - Assembly Coordinator
Laurel ES
San Mateo, CA
We really enjoyed the virtual assembly. Brent was amazing and great with the kids. Great job!
Ana Gutierrez - Principal
Lakeside MS
Norwalk, CA
The students LOVED your virtual assembly and would like to have you return. Some said it was the best assembly they have ever attended. The middle schoolers requested to have their own time with you. We are interested in setting up Music For Movie Trailers workshops!
Colleen Hutchinson - Principal
Virtual Academy of FSUSD
Fairfield, CA
Thank you for two great virtual assemblies. There was energy and engagement and that is so important, especially right now. We had so much fun. I heard from my son's teacher that evening and she said she loved the assembly. She was especially impressed since it was all done virtually. And our PTO president sent a note out with various thank yous from recent events; she included the following quotes she heard from teachers:
- Give the PTO some love for this assembly! This is awesome!! - Jody M.
- This was the perfect assembly for our half day today. It is pure joy in my classroom right now. Thank you! - Heidi F.
So, thank you again!
Jillian Wiederer - PTO
Willowbrook ES
Glenview, IL
Thank you so much for the Virtual Family Night presentation! You're a natural with the kids! We can't wait to bring you back to bless the kids in a school-wide virtual assembly!
Dr. Sandra Valles-Metzger - Principal
Machado ES
Lake Elsinore, CA
We love this show! Our kids, staff, and parents were thrilled by the technology, music, creativity, and Brent's naturally great rapport with the students. Great sense of humor! I've already recommended him to a few principals in our district and a parent who asked for her own school. I hope they book!
Dr. Sandra Valles-Metzger - Principal
Machado ES
Lake Elsinore, CA
That was absolutely phenomenal! Everyone is sending me compliments on booking your event and I'm basking in the glow of your job well done!
Nancy Balter - PTA
La Ballona ES
Culver City, CA
My 5th grader loved it! She can't wait to attend another show. Brent was engaging and relevant and added in the most important element, FUN!
Tiffany Rogers - PTA
Westpark ES
Benbrook, TX
Great job today! I heard a lot of positive feedback as the students were filing out. We would like to take it to the next level and plan for another workshop day (or two!). Thanks again for doing a great job and INSPIRING our young musicians, me, and Mr. Stehlik!
Eric Kay - Music Coordinator
Bethpage HS
Bethpage, NY
We loved the virtual music technology show. I got really good feedback on it and the kids were engaged, love the interactive session, and Brent did a fantastic job getting them up and moving at the beginning. Once again, great virtual event!
Nadine Pizarro - Programs Chair
Field ES
Elmhurst, IL
The virtual show was fantastic! My daughter loved it! Brent, your enthusiasm is contagious! ALL the kids loved the shows. My daughter played around with Garage Band for the first time last night. And feedback from parents on Facebook was also really positive. You are super talented! Whitney, it was a pleasure working with you this past year. Thank you for being responsive with your emails as well as flexible and helpful throughout this whole process. I wish you both continued success!
Heidi Cianfrocca - PTA
Flocktown-Kossman ES
Long Valley, NJ
Our students had a great time. As their principal, I appreciate the connection you made, Brent, to your own education and all you had to learn and continue to learn to be successful in your profession. Thank you for all your work to bring this experience to our students.
Michael Craver - Principal
Flocktown-Kossman ES
Long Valley, NJ
Thank you for such an entertaining, interactive and educational virtual assembly this morning. My fourth graders agreed it was the best assembly in Scott Avenue's history! That is a big compliment coming from 33 ten-year-olds!
Scott Ave ES PTA
Whittier, CA
Thank you so much! The virtual show was amazing. Such a great way for kids to start their day!
Pam Bahiri - Parent
Whitman ES
Woodbury, NY
The virtual assembly was awesome, hearing lots of positive feedback from the teachers already!
Chris Perruso - Assistant Principal
Cucinella School
Long Valley, NJ
So much fun for our students! It was wonderful to see our youngest students groovin' this morning! Brent Daniels gave our students (Kindergarten through Grade 5) a behind-the-scenes look at the sounds that are all around us (video games, movies, ads) in his Technical Music Assembly. Our students were completely engaged as Brent helped our students to see that everyday tools make this art possible--but to be able to use the tools as a career, you need your education--especially, problem-solving & critical thinking skills. Mostly it was special to see our kids be a part of the music-making & to see them enjoy the music they created together with Brent. I would highly recommend this assembly for any age!
Kyra McCool - School Counselor
Cucinella School
Long Valley, NJ
The kids were engaged the whole time. AMAZING!!! Thank you, Brent, for offering such a fun program!! The energy you bring captivated the kids for the entire time! They were laughing, smiling, dancing, participating…everything you would ever hope for during a virtual middle school program. I can’t wait to post your info on our PTA Programs Facebook pages to let other schools know what you offer. You and your team were a pleasure and so easy to work with. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
We are still receiving so much positive feedback! I was at my younger son's school on Friday and one of the teachers asked if I was on the Roach PTA Board as well and excitedly told me all about her daughter loving it and how she won't stop talking about the program. I have received so many texts and comments from friends with the same sentiments. Even younger siblings that watched with the older ones were wishing you would present for their school too! It's just all so amazing. Thank you for bringing joy to so many kids and families! It's off the rails how excited the kids (and administration!) are!
Amber Mendoza - PTA
Roach MS
Frisco, TX
Thank you so much! Our 225 students loved it! Great Virtual Assembly!
Kim Richards - Principal
Deerfield School
Mountainside, NJ
The show was great! Thank you for the recommendation!
Alexis Whelan
Cold Spring Harbor SD
Cold Spring Harbor, NY
Brent was so easy to work with. He treated all of our students well and created a very safe environment for them to participate. The cameras he had allowed students to really see the music technology he was using. His message about the importance of learning was great! Since he has worked on so many timely movie trailers, that made him very relevant to students!
Allyson Fallman - Assistant Principal
Mahopac MS
Mahopac, NY
Thank you for bringing this joyful assembly to Odyssey today! The principal, Dr. Berg, emailed me in the middle of the assembly to tell me it was "freakin' awesome." And my two kiddos were giggling and dancing the whole way through. I wanted to share what a parent emailed us after the assembly today. I think she captured the experience beautifully:
"I know the work in finding and the risk of a virtual assembly being a flop is high, but today's assembly was fantastic!! Ronan and Natalie are now spending recess playing on garage band and I'm guessing that Brent Daniels was a success in many households. Besides being a pro at zoom meeting production/camera angles, etc..., he did such an awesome job of inspiring the kids to do more creative things with technology! As much as I'd love for the kids to be back in the classroom, this was a great example of what virtual learning can be! Hopefully, someday, it will be supplemental, not the only way the kids are learning!"
Marisa Borrevik - PTA
Odyssey School
Portland, OR
Bravo! The kids loved your assembly and my son and his friend were singing to each other on their way to their bike ride!
Danielle Cantrell - PTA
Austin Creek ES
Santa Rosa, CA
Brent made the virtual assembly relatable to the students! He was patient and kind. He kept them interested and excited and wrapped up with a great message about the importance of school and an education. He taught our students a new way of creating music. Thank you so much, we would definitely have Brent back again!
Jenna Pal-Freeman - Vice Principal
Lawrence ES
Lodi, CA
My three kids got in the car after school and told me they LOVED your virtual show! They thought it was awesome, and were so excited to tell me all about it. Thank you for presenting to our school! ALL the kids absolutely LOVED Brent's show! It is very impressive to be able to keep kids grades K-5 all engaged for the entire presentation. Our principal said that in his 24 years of education, this was one of the best assemblies he has ever had!! It was awesome!
Trisha Otto - PTO
Anchor Pointe ES
Bennington, NE
Brent did a phenomenal job - feedback from the kids was it was cool, fun, interactive! Seeing this was our first virtual assembly and we had over 750 kids participating, it exceeded our expectations. Brent’s passion, not only for music but education came through in his presentation. He’s a pro when it comes to adapting his show to virtual and making kids feel a part of the show. It was a pleasure working with you, Whitney. Brent was phenomenal and I would highly recommend him to other schools. I look forward to working with you in the new year on some other programs for Howitt.
Deb Scanlan - PTA
Howitt MS
Farmingdale, NY
Thank you so much for such a great VIRTUAL program! I’m already getting messages about students loving it and wanting to make music!
LaToya Shelton - PTA
Phillips ES
Frisco, TX
The virtual show was FANTASTIC! I loved watching the kids dancing in their living rooms. Thanks so much!!
Krista Reid - Teacher
Medford ES
Patchogue, NY
Today's virtual presentations were just fantastic. Truly a bright spot in an otherwise really difficult year for our kids. Thank you! We'd love to have you back to perform for Chesterbrook in the future!
Anne Rucker - PTA
Chesterbrook ES
McLean, VA
Brent Daniels was the perfect presenter! His presentation was extremely age appropriate, and we heard several teachers and students say it was the best virtual assembly they have had. The subject matter was exactly in line with our school's current initiatives and vision. I can't think of a presentation that could have been more effective and in sync with our students and school. Thanks Brent!!! Would love to work with you more.
Christopher Low - STEAM/Technology Coordinator
Weisser Park Fine Arts Magnet School
Fort Wayne, IN
My students thoroughly enjoyed the program and loved being able to participate in creating music!
Dena Wade - Music Teacher
Oakdale ES STEAM School
Rock Hill, SC
Brent was absolutely amazing. He was so great with middle school students and they loved the program! Thank you again for such a great afternoon. I have had so many students telling me how much fun they had during Virtual Music Technology.
Alicia Bono - Principal
Cache La Poudre MS
La Porte, CO
Yesterday's virtual assembly was great! I heard tons of positive feedback from teachers and kids. Thanks again!!!
Terry Barnes - Principal
Fairmead ES
Chowchilla, CA
THANK YOU so much for an amazing day. The students were engaged and you definitely sparked some future music careers. It was truly a wonderful experience. Thanks again!!!
Lindsay Hobart - PTA
St. Mary's Catholic School
Mansfield, MA
Awesome job! We are getting a bunch of messages from parents telling us how much the kids enjoyed your presentation. Thank you!
Karen Johnson - PTA
St. Mary's Catholic School
Mansfield, MA
What a great program yesterday! Thank you for a fun, informative, and engaging program for our students (and teachers, and principal!).
Matthew Bourque - Principal
St. Mary's Catholic School
Mansfield, MA
Thank you so much for the amazing performance. It was a lot of fun to watch, even for me as an adult! You did a really great job! Thanks again!
Melissa Alexander - PTA
St. Elizabeth School
Rockville, MD
Brent was truly engaging with the students. His energy was infectious. Even though we were virtual, he never skipped a beat! Kids LOVED him!
Melissa O'Brien - Teacher
Eagle ES
Medford, NY
I loved your music show, all the kids and teachers can't stop talking about it. I have received requests from people to share your information for assemblies. I think your virtual format works amazing!
Sandra Reilly - PTA
Lloyd Harbor School
Huntington, NY
Oh my goodness that was amazing, Brent!!! Thank you so much! Both virtual assemblies were super fun and engaging and we all had a blast!! I will recommend your assembly to everyone I know!
Melissa Ferraro - PTA
Fayette School
Merrick, NY
Fantastic virtual assemblies!
Howard Merims - Principal
Fayette School
Merrick, NY
The students (and teachers!) loved your performance. This was a great culminating activity for an interesting science unit. As the 5th graders have choice in their middle school music program, I think you will have a large number of students who now select music technology. Thank you!
Lynn Garofolo - Teacher
Katonah ES
Katonah, NY
Brent Daniels Virtual Music Technology was excellent! The kids were interested and engaged the whole time. We would love to have him back next year!
Karen Kozan - Teacher
Milton School
Rye, NY
Brent! You were absolutely wonderful! We had almost 500 kids between the 2 shows and it was SOOO well received! Almost everyone stayed for the whole presentation which was a great example of its engaging nature! Lots of fun and so educational about how music can be a highly lucrative CULTURAL and STEM career! THANK YOU!
Julia Cherner - PTO
Country Meadows ES
Long Grove, IL
I watched my son light up when you said that you worked on the Transformers and Black Panther movies. You had the kids smiling and bopping their heads. Thank you for bringing such high caliber production for our students. As Julia wrote, you opened their eyes to opportunities in the music industry and I appreciated you sharing your journey, such as working hard in school, studying music theory, taking computer science to name a few.
There are a lot of kids who are in band or take music lessons and I’m sure they took mental notes. I wish you continued success!
Debbie Sainte-Rose - PTO
Country Meadows ES
Long Grove, IL
Thank you Brent! By far the best virtual show we have had this year!
Joanne Pumo - Cultural Arts
Fulton Avenue School #8
Oceanside, NY
I received amazing feedback from the teachers. What a wonderful virtual assembly! Thank you!
John Frias - Principal
Wheeler Ave ES
Valley Stream, NY
I just had the pleasure of watching Brent's second program today with the Niskayuna 4th and 5th graders. Brent your enthusiasm and energy got the kids engaged and the final song is a hoot! It was so wonderful to see the students smiling and chair dancing and being inquisitive to the very last (last) minute. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with our students!
Bridget Stein - PTO
Glenville ES
Rexford, NY
We've gotten great feedback about the Virtual Assembly! Our kids really seemed to enjoy it. Thanks to all for your help with making it a positive experience for all! This was our first virtual k-5 district assembly and we were hopeful that it would be a positive experience as well as a way to build community. Our expectations were met and exceeded! Brent was masterful with all of the technology and shared his knowledge in a way that was fun yet informative. He laughed with our students, while engaging them in creating music and moving to the music created. Loved that he also showed students how they could using applications like Garage Band at home from devices to keep doing just what he had shown them! Later that day I saw my grade 5 students working on a keyboard on their chrome books during their free time. This was a fun, inspiring and uplifting experience that I would recommend to all! Thanks Brent!
Shelley Baldwin-Nye - Principal
Glencliff ES
Rexford, NY
Outstanding show; relevant topic that was interesting to kids. I appreciated your reinforcement of the importance of education.
Shireen Fasciglione - Principal
Hillside ES
Niskayuna, NY
Wow Brent!!! The response I have received from the teachers and students has been amazing! They LOVED it! All of our students have ipads so they are all trying things in Garage Band. I had just wrapped up my tech projects for 4th and 5th grades about a week ago so they knew some of the lingo but you took them to a whole other level! They are very excited to try new things! This assembly is just what we needed right about now so it was a wonderful pick-me-up. Thanks so much!!
Linda Marigold - Music Teacher
Penn Wood ES
West Chester, PA
Brent was amazing. He was incredibly engaging and was able to captivate the students through the computer screen. The way he used the input from various students throughout his show made it feel incredibly personal. It was very difficult so sit still and so many students were dancing in their seats (or getting up to move)!
Blair Lambert - Principal
Fuller ES
Chowchilla, CA
It was a GREAT show! I received lots of positive reviews from teachers and students about this show! Loved it!
Lorraine Pelaez - Principal
Elsinore ES
Lake Elsinore, CA
Both shows were FANTASTIC!! Brent, you had everyone engaged and excited!! Excellent show!!!!! Thank you!
Angela Bennett - Building Assistant
Forts Ferry ES
Latham, NY
We loved Brent Daniels. His energy is contagious and the kids couldn't wait to contribute and make music with him and learn how to advance their career options with music and technology.
Catherine Stockton - Teacher
Lansingburg Central Schools
Troy, NY
This is our second time with Brent. He was wonderful. The children enjoyed and learned so much. It was great having him at our school. When I logged into Zoom he was already to go. Can't wait to have him back next year. It is always something new and innovative.
Caroline Schozer - Assistant Principal
Seaford School District
Seaford, NY
What a GREAT show. Brent was the best.
Michael Elliott - 21st CCLC Program Manager
Woodsfield ES
Woodsfield, OH
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!! I have been looking for an avenue to help the kids understand the opportunities in music, that are outside the music teaching field. Many students think that teaching is the only thing to do in music, and do not understand that there are many facets. I, as a non-traditional teacher, continuously look for ways to show them the many facets of music that they can endure up above, and beyond the traditional avenues.
I really enjoyed your program today, as a fellow musician, and composer, and conductor, and creator, and performer I wanted to reach out and say from the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!! For inspiring my students, and inspiring me to keep trying with my composition and creation as well.
I just had a class of the 3rd and 4th graders that were on your program and all we talked about was your program!! Again props and kudos!! Thanks so much!!!
Lucas Brown - Music Educator
Pine Grove School
Rowley, MA
The virtual show was a huge hit today! Thank you so much!
Linnea Tangorra – PTO
Immaculate Conception School
Newburyport, MA
The virtual assembly was great. My daughters and all the kids loved it. The principal told me the students loved it and it was the best assembly ever!
Allyson Forrer - PTA
Lee Road School
Wantagh, NY
Thank you! The presentation was great!
Dawn Robson - Library Media Specialist
Seneca MS
Holbrook, NY
Please tell Brent his assembly tonight was AMAZING!! We’ve already had rave reviews from parents & kids. Not sure what happened to some of the kids who signed up but I’m sure they will regret not attending. The song he made with the kids is still running through my head—so much fun! My son is already planning on getting the garage band app Thanks again. PTA money well spent!
Laura May - PTA
Jackson, MS
Villa Park, IL
The show was well organized and engaging for students. Students enjoyed interacting with Brent and seeing his knowledge and talent in action.
Chris Petrie - Teacher
Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah SD
Elkhart Lake, WI
Brent made the experience dynamic through his interaction with the students and ability to really show and explain what he was doing while doing it live!
Layla Lyons - Technology Integration Specialist
Arcola Intermediate School
Eagleville, PA
Brent was engaging, interactive, and fun. Several teachers and students commented that this was the best assembly ever.
Gwynne Cosh - Principal
Queensbury UFSD
Queensbury, NY
The show was amazing and Brent did an outstanding job. Many of our students commented on how informative and entertaining it was. Thank you for suggesting it for our career day!
Mark Mueller - School Counselor
Arcola Intermediate School
Eagleville, PA
Brent is wonderful. He's on his 3rd class for the day and is as energetic as he was this morning!
Alrye Osborne - Assistant Principal
City College Academy of the Arts
New York, NY
The session was amazing! I highly recommend!
Lucerny Guzman - Teacher
City College Academy of the Arts
New York, NY
Here are 2 students reviews:
Hi Brent . I love the way you make music and how passionate you are about it. I really enjoyed it and appreciated that you gave me an opportunity to “Drop that beat!” - Helaryn 9th grade
And
Hey Brent. I really liked the beats you made today and how interesting it was that you inspired me to look into this more. I appreciate it and keep up the great work! - Krismeily 9th grade
Jeff Haley - Music Teacher
City College Academy of the Arts
New York, NY
Fantastic show!
Janine Rossi - Principal
Dutch Lane ES
Hicksville, NY
The teachers and students loved it! I will look to book another one of Brent's shows next school year.
Christina Roche - PTA
Bardonia ES
Bardonia, NY
