Father/son duo spread life lessons through song

GLENS FALLS | André Chevalier can tell you what an "ah-ha" moment really feels like. It's how he found his true calling with Coast to Coast School Assemblies. It was the 2010's. Chevalier was home from college spring break and reminiscing with a group of high school friends. His lifelong buddies broke out into song, channeling a tune they collectively remembered from grade three. As the notes of "Sammy the Electrician" floated over to Chevalier, he immediately recognized the melody. It was an original composition from his father, Brian Chevalier, who had made a career out of musical school assemblies in which he taught youngsters a few life truths and concepts about how to be a good person. Chevalier was immediately struck by how that simple tune had resonated with his peers and made a lasting impression. "It went to show that if these college students could remember all the words to a song they had heard at seven years old, that music has a powerful impact," Chevalier said. Chevalier had already earned a degree in interdisciplinary studies, interested in social justice and wondering how to make an impact on the world in what seemed like an uphill battle. It was in that moment with friends that Chevalier knew what path to take- he would join his father in his musical education quest. Now, after hundreds of school assemblies, the father and son duo offer four programs for students in elementary and middle school. According to Chevalier, each program is highly interactive and engaging, and most importantly, the message imparted remains with students long after he and his father exit the school. Most of their repertoire of songs has been written in collaboration with educators so the connection to curriculum and Character Education is right on. Andre and Brian have also become well known for their residency programs and workshops throughout the United States. There are four primary programs that school districts are able to embrace, each offering children avenues of personal exploration and growth. "Our signature and first assembly ever created is our Character Education & Anti-Bullying program, it's a pillar for us," Chevalier revealed. "It is all based on respecting others and really breaking down the whole idea of the Golden Rule, to treat others how you want to be treated. That statement is so powerful and can be applied to a person's life not only as a child, but also as an adult." The Chevalier's Respect Tour is all about participation.; students don't merely listen; they become an interactive part of the experience! Utilizing movement, sign language, call-and-response, and singing, Chevalier said youngsters are engaged from start to finish, which holds their attention and ensures they are hooked, the messaging fully resonating. "Respecting and treating other people with empathy is a lifelong process; it is something you can practice and work on every day," Chevalier reflected. "Being able to respect others and learn how you can treat others with kindness and thoughtfulness is something you only get better at with time and the more you work on it." For their second program, the Chevaliers take it one step further and head into their "Freedom Within: Mindfulness" assembly, which focuses on individuals learning how to respect themselves. "With character education and anti-bullying focused on how you treat other people, it is important to remember you have to respect yourself," noted Chevalier. "When you are a more whole, centered person, it is easier to be able to respect others." The assembly features exercises in meditative breathing, coping mechanisms, and tips and tricks to self-soothe, all the while reinforcing an "attitude of gratitude." It's all about teaching kids self-acceptance and finding a sense of strong emotional well-being. "Being able to look at your own life through a positive lens and all the things you are grateful for is so crucial," Chevalier said. "Thinking about the abundance of positive things you have in your life allows you to change your mindset and get out of the rut of whatever negative thing that is bumming you out." The third assembly is one that schools may find of particular use and relevance during special occasions that celebrate the literary arts (like Dr. Seuss's birthday). "Rock Out for Reading" fires up students' passion for reading and is a fun way to reinforce PARP programs and Reading Month as a kick-off event, final assembly, or even an after-hours evening event. "This is a reading celebration show that pairs reading and storytelling with music," explained Chevalier. "Reading us like push-ups for the brain, the more knowledge you are consuming the stronger your mind becomes. We get kids stoked about reading using music as a tool to be able to talk about what a book and a song have in common. We want to get kids hyped and stoked about reading so they begin doing it more on their own time." Chevalier describes their fourth assembly, "Gather Here!", as a multicultural, multimedia show that highlights different cultures around the world in which diversity is celebrated. Influential music that has influenced American culture is dissected, as are the traditions from which that music originated. "The entire point of this assembly is breaking down the phrase 'the United States is a melting pot.' The more I do this program, I am finding some students have heard that phrase but depending on where they are in our country, some are not as well-acquainted," Chevalier revealed. Chevalier likens the United States to one big pot of soup on the stove with a plethora of different ingredients- carrots, meats, rice, noodles, celery, etc. "When people move here, they bring not only the food they eat or the art they produce, but they also bring their music with them as well," he said. It is a metaphor children are able to understand, and with the assistance of interactive songs but also had a slideshow presentation with different clips of music and photos of various cultures from around the world, the message reaches its young audience successfully. "You can do this work, and you can see the result," Chevalier noted. "Music is a wonderful discipline to be able to teach a subject or an idea and have something the kids will remember." Schools interested in booking the Chevaliers are encouraged to visit coasttocoastschoolassemblies.com, or send an email to Chevalier directly to andrec@coasttocoastschoolassemblies.com. The duo can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BrianChevalierSongspunProductions.

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Father/son duo spread life lessons through song

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