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"You ain't got that swing if you don't read a thing."

Read Across Kansas celebrates music!

Kansas NEA is planning a musical celebration.  The Cat-in-the-Hat is 50 years old this year and this is the 10th anniversary of NEA's Read Across  America.

The theme is "You ain't got that swing if you don't read a thing!"

"Music means celebration. This year we are celebrating music and how music helps kids learn to read and to learn new languages," said KNEA President Blake West.

KNEA's honorary chairman is a Winfield High School student named Chase Foster. He's a Western-Swing inspired musician and songwriter who is receiving national attention.

"Celebrate reading with music," West said. "We encourage everyone to have a concert on March 2 featuring the musical talent in every school community -- students of all ages, school staff and area musicians."

Here are some starter-ideas courtesy of KNEA member music teachers.

• Connect with music teachers at all levels to plan events.
• Highlight your local high school musicians! Ask students, school staff and area musicians to perform and read in classrooms and at school/local concerts.
• Invite musicians in to read and sing. Help students learn about musical styles: Western Swing, jazz, blues, country, rock' n roll, classical, opera, rap, etc.
• Hold book lovers' concerts, parades or sing-a-longs.
• Invite "rock 'n roll" readers to lead students in song, poetry jams, etc. 
• Contact your local radio station. Arrange to have students be a "DJ for a Day".
• Invite local singer/songwriters or area musicians to do family concerts based on the theme their favorite book or of a Dr. Seuss book.
• Invite singer/songwriters to class to perform and help kids put poems to music.

Look for a KNEA poster  in the February edition of the Issues and the printed edition 2007 Reading Circle Catalog .

Sponsored nationally by the NEA and Dr. Seuss Enterprises along with 45 national partner organizations, "Read Across" asks Americans, young and old, to open a book and celebrate reading. NEA's Read Across America is a year-long program designed to get kids excited about reading that culminates every year on Dr. Theodor "Ted" Seuss' birthday. Last year, reading events took place in every school district in Kansas. Events in all 50 states attracted more than 45 million readers of all ages.

NEA Resources

NEA is "building a nation of readers" in celebrating reading this year. At the NEA Read Across America web site you can pledge to participate and sign up for NEA's free e-newsletter. You'll also find information about "Lea con NEA," a new program designed to reach out to Spanish-speaking students, and much more:

• Special 10th anniversary materials and activities.
• 50th birthday of the Cat in the Hat and "Project 256" (national read-aloud event).
• Read Across America merchandise.
• Links to sister program "NEA's Books Across America (Giving the Gift of Reading").
• National partners' resources (Seussville.com, red and white stovepipe hats from Saturn and more).

About Chase Foster

Chase is a teenaged Western Swing-inspired musician, vocalist, performer and songwriter. He got involved involved in the elementary school orchestra program. When his grandpa saw his interest in music, he began sharing “Western Swing” music with him. It was evident that Chase had a talent for playing the fiddle (violin), by ear. Before long, Chase was taking on the sounds of Bob Wills, Johnny Gimble and other Swing legends.

Perhaps true confirmation of his love for music, and performing, came one night as he was at tending a Charlie Daniels concert in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Chase got the chance to go to the Green Room and meet Charlie and have his fiddle signed. Charlie said, “Son, I’ll be happy to sign it, but first you have to play something for me.” Chase did not hesitate. As he pulled out his bow, Charlie hushed the room to silence. Chase began to play a familiar tune, “Faded Love”. The room was quiet until Chase finished the last note. Suddenly, loud applause and cheer came from Charlie and the others.

PHOTO RIGHT: Chase performing with Charlie Daniels. For more, see chasefostermusic.com .

Since then, Chase has taught himself to play several instruments. He also sings a wide variety of music for crowds throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Texas, at festivals, musical variety shows, and benefits of all kinds. Chase performs with artists such as Charlie Daniels, Johnny Gimble, the Former Bob Wills Texas Playboys, Riders In The Sky, Asleep At The Wheel, Western Underground, Bobby Boatright, Randy Elmore, Tommy Emmanuel, Adie Grey, Dave Mackenzie, Paul Anastasio, Buddy Spicher, Hank Thompson, Les Gilliam, Locash Cowboys, Jana Jae, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys, Dave Alexander and his Big Swing Band, Elana James, Shelby Eicher, Rick Morton, and the list goes on.

Chase Foster has been compared to such icons and legends as Harry Connick, Jr., Billy Joel, and Johnny Gimble. Not bad for a young man who discovered his musical talents about seven years ago! With aspirations of performing and entertaining, he is well on his way.

Music Clip Art

Regardless of the style, music helps students learn to read. To help promote your event, here are some fun pieces of clip art!

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