"The Singing Cowboy is talking
and all of you boys and girls are
listening!
That's called RESPECT!" Joel
Recent References:
It is an honor and privilege to know someone like you. I respect and admire your talent and integrity. You have accomplished amazing things here in Nashville and carved out a special place for yourself among children's performers. So much so that I sometimes forget that you are also a gifted guitarist and vocalist for big people as well. I am proud to have you as a friend and colleague. Here's to more of the
same.
Sincerely, Dennis Scott
(Producer of "Songs of the Neighborhood," a tribute to Mr. Rogers) We’re all excited about “Roping good readers”! We especially enjoyed your roping exhibition and everyone loved
Buster! You are such a talented entertainer Joel, and more importantly
you incorporate good moral lessons into your show
and the students remember these lessons! Ms. Lozner -Riverside
Elementary |
| RISE AND SHINE Partnerships |
| Foundations, Non-Profits and Arts Organizations: Purpose: To instill Character, Self-Esteem, Literacy, Creativity, Music Making, Hope and Healing Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Joel participates in Words and Music Programs for Nashville elementary schools... since 2001 Charter Sponsor: AmSouth Foundation Vanderbilt Children's Hospital You are wonderful, and spectacular with children! Wendall Lowe You are very talented and seem to love what you do. What a real treat for
those kiddos! Kristin - Jr. League
Tennessee Arts Commission Rose Center Grants -- Student Ticket Subsidy Programs Joel performs for East Tennessee elementary schools, primarily those "at-risk." Community Foundation of Middlle Tennessee Joel performs for Mid-Tennessee elementary schools, primarily those "at-risk." Vanderbilt University Peabody College - Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Joel composed and performed songs for "Ready, Set, Van Gogh," a school arts education program in 2004. Teen Learning Center Cleveland, TN -- Song Writing/ CharacterTrait grant Joel performed and recorded lyrics from high school student's considered "at-risk." |
| VISION: Enhancing and furthering Edu-tainment Programs and Character, Self-Esteem, Music and Literacy Initiatives. Taking programs to more schools, living rooms, arts centers and libraries for the enrichment of communities! How? 1.) Hospitals and other Child-Related Organization presentations Perform for and write songs with children as positive therapy, literacy and esteem building exercises for hope and healing.  2.) T.V. / Video Web and Pod Casts - "Rise and Shine Time" Record 1 min. PSI's and 5-10 minute enrichment, edu-tainment shows free to schools, especially those "at-risk." Deliver DVD's to those without the internet. Include songs co-written with the students! 3.) Morning Messages Brief, inspiring and motivational recorded messages to be played during school announcements. Free to schools considered "at-risk." Includes songs and thoughts co-written or submitted by the students! 4.) "At-Risk" School Assemblies Book at least 65 schools a year that cannot afford assemblies. Co-write songs with these students to be included in web and podcasts. During school residencies we may take several classes to a local nursing home to perform the students songs and other positive presentations. |
Education
History, References and Vision
History, References and Vision
Fostering: Character, Self-Esteem, Literacy and Creativity!
"We must create an enriching classroom environment
where students are inspired to feel special, to believe in themselves and to
strive for excellence.
A music-rich classroom with song and poetry
writing is just one of the tools that can help in accomplishing this endeavor ." joel
reese
RISE AND SHINE  Just imagine each child's potential for GREATNESS! That's me catching and commending another amazing child! Joel's Story: My childhood dream was to be a recording artist and entertainer. From rodeos and Wal-Mart tours to concerts and galas for guests such as Barbara Walters and former Texas Governor, George W. Bush, I'm grateful to have lived my dream for the past 23 years! My greatest reward and mission though...to inspire and educate children, began in 1991. A school Principal had observed my love and respect for children during a public performance and asked if I could prepare a school assembly, featuring music and brief, interactive skits. That first assembly and her reference letter motivated me for an important new focus in life! December 4, 1991 POWAY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Dear Joel, The series of performances you presented were exceptional. Your western theme, designed to teach children to respect themselves and others, was well received by both students and staff. The children responded to your songs and personality which encouraged them to really internalize the importance of courtesy and wellness. You are an excellent role model for our young students. Sincerely, Susan Van Zant, Ed. D. - Princpal I've been passionately dedicated to working with children since that time! "To be in awe of children, to see and believe in their potential for greatness, to show them respect....that is the key to child enrichment!" Joel Reese   "I Succeed Because I READ!" "I Show SELF-CONTROL !" "I believe the power of the written and spoken word, positive affirmations, goal setting, hard work and accountability make for lasting success-tools. Compliment these with a safe, loving environment full of music, movement, humor, and commendation, and a child's potential for greatness is unlimited!" Joel Reese Past References: The quality of the three songs you composed for the Ready, Set, Van Gogh program is outstanding. I am delighted that the children at Susan Grey had the experience of your talents, and in developing kind and loving ways of relating to each other. Experiences with the arts are especially important in the lives of children with disabilities because they can uncover talents that enrich the lives of us all. Susan Eaton, Ed. D. - Arts Education Director 2004 Joel, your assembly and recorded morning messages really helped! Our students exceeded our expectations on the Terra Nova tests. We are no longer on the state probation list! The principal threw a big pizza party and invited the high school band over to play for our students!" Ms. Elam - Tulahoma,TN. - Elementary Counselor 2003 The full group session was great, but something even more special happened in the small group session. Joel asked the students to write poems or songs that morning, and in the afternoon he put their words to music. I have one student that struggles with English skills and he sang her poem. The look on her face was worth a million dollars. Ms. Gilliam - Elementary Teacher - Tennessee 2005 The kids are really excited about your visit. This bully theme has been
interesting
to work on. A number of students want to deal with bullies by being a bully themselves. I'm glad we're doing this topic- it's needed. Working on the lyrics has been a challenge. It's good to get the kids thinking about this. I'm looking forward to your visit. Mr.Tagg - Music Teacher - Elementary-Middle School - Denton, TX 2004  A song about a horse, written by a 4th and 5th grade class and myself. Funding Partnership Be A Rise and Shine Partner! That first assembly in 1991 was made possible through California cigarette taxes. Grants, PTA funds and parent's donations have made many more programs possible since then. But many schools today lack the funds necessary for assembly and residency programs, especially schools considered "at-risk." We will impact more young lives through musically powered programs only with the assistance of strong public and private funding. Please join us as a Rise and Shine Partner as we take the message to more children, world wide. At-Risk School References: I remember that guy that believed that I could write a song. And I did it! His name is Joel. He is the best guy in the cool world. Tara - Colon, MI The assembly was great, but something even more special happened in the classroom session. Joel asked the students to write poems or songs that morning, and in the afternoon he put their words to music. I have one student that struggles with English skills and he sang her poem. The look on her face was worth a million dollars. Ms. Gilliam - Robert E. Lee Elementary - Tullahoma, TN. A Few Special People Can Make the Difference! Most of us remember those special people that made a positive impact in our lives. Besides the positive influences from my family, the first major outside influence came from my third grade teacher, Mrs. Luke. Mrs. Luke assisted me with literacy skills and instilled in me a love of reading and learning. I disliked school until third grade. That's when I was introduced to Mrs. Luke and Beverly Cleary's book, "Run Away Ralph!" I've been reading and learning every day since then! The next major influence came during 8th grade, from Darrell Staedtler, a school teacher and song writer. I desired to play the guitar from the age of three but couldn't seem to get the hang of it. Observing other children who could play the guitar, I finally resigned to the negative belief that I didn't have the talent or the ability necessary to play the instrument. Darrell asked me a simple question. "Joel, can you count to eight?" "Yes, Sir. I Can!" I exclaimed. Darrell smiled and replied, "Then you can play the guitar! There are only eight notes in the "do-re-mi" scale...playing guitar will be easy for you!" Darrell planted a positive belief in my mind and within three months I was playing the guitar. I've received much joy from playing the guitar and it has been a constant, featured companion during my professional music career for the past 23 years! © 2007 Joel Reese Entertainment Capriccio Records Joella Music |