Making Music in Nature with Wendy Lanxner & Penny Russell

In this interactive, accessible program, Wendy and Penny invite young audiences to participate in rhythm and song-making activities inspired by nature. Participants will be encouraged to make and bring their own homemade shaker instruments to the event. Wendy and Penny will lead repeat-after-me songs, rhythm games, a songwriting activity, and a culminating singalong. Penny will incorporate the use of animal puppets as we observe our surroundings and use our senses as inspiration for song making. A show-and-tell of instruments made from natural objects will be featured, and the program will close with an inclusive sing- and move-along.

About Wendy Lanxner

Wendy Lanxner is a Washington area teaching artist and arts-in-health practitioner. She works as a composer and music director for ArtStream and Lumina Studio Theater, and is Musician in Residence at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center where she provides bedside music experiences for patients. Wendy provides educational programming through several agencies including Washington Performing Arts, ArtStream, and Arts for The Aging, working with children, seniors, and adults with developmental disabilities. Wendy received her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Florida and a B.A. in Creativity Studies from the University of Massachusetts. Her book Interactive Music In Pediatrics: A Handbook for Music Practitioners has been hailed as “an outstanding contribution to the field” (Judy Rollins, PhD, RN). Wendy sings and plays bass in Wendy and the Lost Boys, and volunteers with Musicians On Call.
wendylanxner.com
musicinhealth.net

About Penny Russell

Penny Russell is a Puppeteer, Musician, and Teaching Artist based in Prince George’s County, MD. She is a Master Teaching Artist with Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts; and teaches Music, Drama, Puppetry, and Self-Advocacy through the Arts to children and adults on the autism spectrum for ArtStream. She studied Folklore and Mythology at the University of Maryland, College Park where she received degrees in Sociology and English. She has performed for Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, Adventure Theater, The Puppet Company, and the National Theater among others; and has presented workshops for the National Science Teachers Convention, Virginia STEM and Library Conference, Wolf Trap, The Kennedy Center, The Actor’s Center, and schools across the country. She loves connecting and communicating through the arts; and believes that the arts are for everyone.

Ticketing & Seating Policy:

This event is free but requires advanced registration. This event is lawn seating only in Franklin Park’s West Lawn (lawn closest to 14th street). Bring your blankets and chairs to join us for this outdoor event! In the case of rain, this event will be rescheduled to Wednesday, July 27th at the same time and location..

COVID-19 Safety Notice:

As Washington Performing Arts does not own or operate its own venue, Washington Performing Arts audiences will be subject to the current vaccination policy of each event’s venue on the date of the event. Franklin Park does not require proof of vaccination. Masks are highly encouraged when not eating or drinking.

Public Transportation:

Franklin Park is located in the Downtown neighborhood, one block from the McPherson Square Metro Station (Blue, Orange, & Silver Lines). Other nearby stations include Farragut North, Metro Center, and Gallery Pl-Chinatown.

Accessibility:

This FAM event will include:

• ADA accessible sidewalks throughout Franklin Park
• Public restrooms
• American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation
• A calming corner with fidget toys if patrons need a quiet place to relax
• A relaxed atmosphere which allows patrons to talk and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed