Friday, February 27, 2009

Dianne de Las Casas tell stories to the pre-K classes 2-26-09

Dianne de Las Casas tell stories to the pre-K classes 2-26-09

Friends:

Today was Day 9 of my Louisiana Story Fest residency at Bissonet Plaza Elementary. My 8 year old daughter, Eliana, who is off school for the Mardi Gras break, accompanied me to the school. She was such a sweet helper, filling in for missing students during rehearsal, helping me distribute supplies, and keep me organized. She even knew the schedule!

For my last two days, I am with the P.E. department, seeing each grade level at one time. My day began with 5th grade. The classes were very disorganized with the exception of Ms. Brumfield’s storytellers. They were animated, lively, and projected their voices with vocal variety. I hope to see more of that tomorrow!

Dianne settles down the crowd 2-26-09

Dianne settles down the crowd 2-26-09

Pre-K participated in “Going on a Bear Hunt” and other participatory stories. They were fun.

Dianne tells a story to Pre-K 2-26-09

Dianne tells a story to Pre-K 2-26-09

The third graders did a nice job but it was Mr. Boone’s class that stood out. I was very impressed with Mr. Boone’s class (storytellers and chorus), who performed their entire story without scripts. They did a great job. Yay!

Third graders rehearse 2-26-09

Third graders rehearse 2-26-09

After telling stories, singing songs ad having a blast with first grade, second grade, and kindergarten, it was time to rehearse with the 4th graders.

First graders listen to a story 2-26-09

First graders listen to a story 2-26-09

The fourth grade is, right now, the most cohesive group of performers. Ms. Morrow’s story chorus, in the tale of Poucette (Tom Thumb), is the best story chorus I have seen thus far. They added complex dance moves and scarves to their equally strong vocals. Way to go, Ms. Morrow’s 4th grade story chorus (Skitter, skitter, skat…)!!

Ms. Morrow's 4th grade story chorus rocks their story! 2-26-09

Ms. Morrow's 4th grade story chorus rocks their story! 2-26-09

I look forward to seeing how tomorrow’s performances will turn out. I know I am ready! Best wishes, Bissonet Boys and Girls. Make me proud!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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Johnette Downing (L) and Dianne de Las Casas (R) sign books at Hudson Books at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 2-25-09

Johnette Downing (L) and Dianne de Las Casas (R) sign books at Hudson Books at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 2-25-09

Friends:

It was so much fun signing books at Hudson Books in the New Orleans International Airport. I signed next to Johnette Downing, Multi-Award Winning Author & Children’s Singer/Songwriter, who also happens to be one of my best friends. I signed The Cajun Cornbread Boy while Johnette signed her books, Chef Creole, My Aunt Came Back, Down in Louisiana, and Today is Monday. Johnette and I sold a nice number of books to passersby, who wanted Louisiana-flavored books as gifts or as keepsakes.

Thank you, Luisa Chinchilla and Rob Schauffler for coordinating this great event. I look forward to returning!

Until next time…

Warmly, Dianne

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