Travel around the world through music! Explore cultures and traditions that connect us from continent to continent yet are distinct to each place and peoples. Games, songs and dances shared by culture bearers will be the focus of this workshop.  Explore the globe through singing, moving, playing and musical stories. From Afghanistan to Japan, Thailand to Tanzania — and beyond, music is a gateway to understanding global diversity and commonalities. 

About the Clinician: Colleen Casey-Nelson is a dynamic clinician and educator, infusing her energy and enthusiasm into workshops and lessons for all ages. As an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University and The Hartt School of Music, Colleen teaches courses on World Music and Arts Integration. She is also the Music Director at the Montessori School of Greater Hartford Middle School Farm Program. With music degrees from the University of Washington, Seattle and Central Connecticut State University, she draws from her wide-ranging experience as a music educator in both public city schools and independent Montessori environments. A Visiting Teaching Artist, Colleen provides short and long term residencies for music programs as well as general classroom teachers, emphasizing world cultures and integration through music. She is certified by Smithsonian Folkways in World Music Pedagogy and now lectures within that program. An experienced clinician, Colleen presents at local and national workshops and conferences, including AOSA, OAKE, NAfME as well as numerous school district professional in service sessions.  As a recipient of an Arts Fellowship from the Council for Basic Education, Colleen has traveled to Japan to collect and study Japanese folk music. Dedicated to opening a world of music to children, Colleen’s passion is to draw upon global inspirations for nurturing personal growth and community connections through song, movement, and play.