School shows

Anne Norman has performed in thousands of schools through Nexus Arts in every state and territory of Australia since 1997. She performs as a soloist and in combination with Toshi Sakamoto (Taiko Drums) presenting shows that introduce Australian children of all ages to Japanese music and culture. Her work in schools incorporates Japanese language, story-telling, shakuhachi and other Japanese instruments. She has also assisted many schools to develop their own bilingual musical productions.

Where possible, Anne prefers to perform to mixed age groups.

Bookings and enquiries

NEXUS ARTS
PO Box 1009 Elsternwick, VIC, 3185
Ph 03 9528 3416 Fax 03 9523 6866
Freecall 1800 675 897 for country/ interstate schools.
Email: nexusarts@netspace.net.au

 Anne’s shows

Rabbit Moon
Japanese Music
TAIKO Drums and Flutes of Japan

Kasa Jizo and the Wonderful Hat Song
Omusubi Kororin: Riceball Tumble Tumbling

go to the NEXUS ARTS page and download PDFs

FACEBOOK pages

Anne has also written a musical Issun Boshi: Inch High Samurai in Japanese for performance in Primary Schools. Several Schools performed it in the 1990s, and Sale Primary School in Victoria has performed Anne’s musical play biannually since 2007, making it a central component of their Japanese language programme. They put on evening and daytime performances inviting in other schools to watch it. A DVD of this musical is available. Email Anne directly. This is not a NEXUS ARTS production.

Reviews

“Absolutely brilliant!!!!  It had everything, Japanese language, art, music, maths, history, drama. It involved the students in the story.  It was totalling engaging and even the classroom teachers were greatly inspired…  The children just loved it!!  I was so impressed by what they learned and retained from this one hour session…  The school was buzzing. Some of the boys want to perform the wonderful hat song in the talent quest later in the year. All the children remembered the song and even the meaning of all the words. Very catchy tune. Has been stuck in my head for the past couple of days…” Sue Palmer, Balgowlah Heights, NSW. Kasa Jizo.

“Thanks for the great performances today! …Your shakuhachi piece was fantastic. I wish I could forget about the students and listen to your shakuhachi for hours…” Atsuya Kotoda, Pacific Pines, QLD. Kasa Jizo.

“…an aural delight! Anne’s performance embodies all that makes communication über-engaging. Most of our kids may never have experienced this art of story telling. Beautiful.” Nulsen Primary School, WA. Kasa Jizo.

 “Great presenter / storyteller / musician! Exposure to Japanese culture, language, food, music… very worthwhile! Entertaining! Student involvement was terrific and the simple sound effects were very effective. The use of children’s drawings was great too. A lovely story.” St Marks, Vic 8-10 years. Kasa Jizo.

“Learnt and love the song – it’s a mainstay of our Japanese language lessons now! Fantastic – kids were thoroughly engaged and interested.” Willaura PS. Vic. Kasa Jizo.

“A great session presented in a fun and very informative fashion. How Anne can present this to group after group without showing lack of energy or enthusiasm – I don’t know! Excellent.” Brighton Beach Priary School, Vic. Grade 6. Kasa Jizo.

“Many students were heard attempting to incorporate the Japanese words in their conversations during the days following the sessions!” St Mary’s College, Seymour, P-6. This school has no LOTE or Japanese program at the school. Kasa Jizo.

“This amazing, interactive performance had the students completely engrossed. Anne’s creativity, musical ability and Japanese language skills are outstanding.” Greenmount PS. QLD. Omusubi Kororin.

“Action packed with many “hands on” experiences for the students. A thoroughly professional and exciting learning experience.” Living Waters Lutheran College, WA. Omusubi Kororin.

“There was a lot of humour going on in there! Some kids got up and made sound effects, some danced and some just so involved with laughing! …we all had a great time.” Roberts McCubbin Primary School, Vic. Omusubi Kororin.

Anne & Toshi started touring Australia in 1997

“A veritable feast of rhythm, entertainment and learning.” Dampier Primary School, WA. Taiko Drums and Flutes.

“Very exciting to see and hear the Japanese instruments being played, and your traditional costumes looked cool. I liked it when you played cymbal tennis. It was really peaceful when I closed my eyes and Anne played the shakuhachi, and when you walked around me it felt magic, like a calm waterfall. I liked when you put your arms up really high and brought them down and banged the big taiko, your taiko drumming was awesome! It was funny when you got four teachers on stage to dance and play the taiko drums! I liked the fishing song, how we chanted different words. We all learnt a lot and had heaps of fun. Can’t wait until you come back.” Year 5 students, Surrey Downs PS. SA. Taiko Drums and Flutes.

“Unbelievable, a fantastic show that gave me ‘goosebumps’. A show not to be missed.” St Joan of Arc Primary School, SA. Taiko Drums and Flutes.

“Your performance yesterday was fantastic.  I loved the way you facilitated interaction with the audience in an entertaining and natural way. Please see our school blog“. Margaret River Primary School, WA. Taiko Drums and Flutes.

“Very impressed – a great opportunity for an activity crossing curriculum boundaries.” MacKillop Catholic College, ACT. Taiko Drums and Flutes.