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Programs
Uncle Mike's Big
Dreams Show
Participation opportunities abound in this "Big Dreams" show,
perfect for 2012's "Dream Big - Read!" summer reading theme!
Every child dreams of being a pilot, doctor, or firefighter when
they grow up. Now your young patrons can volunteer to wear the
hats that go with these jobs and many others while the audience
guesses the corresponding occupations. In the process, everyone
will enjoy learning about the alphabet and even a little bit of
history, all while getting a great workout to Uncle Mike's happy
polka music. The audience is invited to do the "Chicken Dance" and
"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"; play name that tune for polka
versions of three children's classics; and sing along to all of
Uncle Mike's catchy polka songs. Two optional video segments
briefly quiz attendees on three "dream" vacation destinations, and
teach the steps to the polka - Wisconsin's official state dance!
Program
Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.
Best Suited For
Libraries and schools; families, children in grades K through 5.
Indoor / Outdoor
Either.
Technical
Requirements
- A performing area
of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
-
Uninterrupted use of
the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the
program.
-
Mike
typically provides his own sound system. One grounded electrical
outlet is required.
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Mike requires a
flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
Additional
Links
To Top
UNCLE MIKE'S POLKA VARIETY SHOW
Enjoy learning about the alphabet, occupations, personal
hygiene, and even a little bit of foreign language
through Uncle Mike's catchy polka tunes! The fun of polka music is
reinforced by educational and humorous video segments that cover
age-appropriate geography, history, and math, plus how to dance the polka. The audience
is encouraged to take part in a geography quiz
about major cities, states or countries with polka roots;
volunteer to wear various hats and guess the corresponding
occupations; learn the steps to songs like the Chicken Dance; and
sing along to all of Uncle Mike's polka songs.
Program
Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.
Best Suited For
Libraries and schools; families, children in grades K through 5.
Indoor / Outdoor
Indoor preferred.
Technical
Requirements
- A performing area
of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
-
Uninterrupted use of
the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the
program.
-
Mike
typically provides his own sound system. One grounded
electrical outlet is required.
-
A TV or LCD
projector with a standard composite video input.
Additional
Links
To Top
UNCLE MIKE'S MUSIC &
DANCE PROGRAM
Enjoy learning about the alphabet, occupations, and personal
hygiene while getting a great get-up-and-move workout to Uncle
Mike's polka snappy beat. Participation opportunities abound! The
audience is invited to learn the steps to songs like the "Chicken
Dance" and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes"; volunteer to wear
various hats and guess the corresponding occupations; play name
that tune for polka versions of three children's classics; and
sing along to all of Uncle Mike's catchy polka songs.
Program
Length
Typically 30-45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.
Best Suited For
Fairs, festivals, libraries; Families, children of all ages.
Indoor / Outdoor
Either.
Technical
Requirements
- A performing area
of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
-
Uninterrupted use of
the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the
program.
-
Mike
typically provides his own sound system. One grounded
electrical outlet is required.
-
Mike requires a
flat, dry performance area for outdoor programs.
Additional
Links
To Top
UNCLE MIKE PRESENTS THE HISTORY OF POLKA MUSIC
Direct from the state that made the polka its official state
dance, Uncle Mike covers the history of the accordion and polka music, plus
takes an in-depth
look at the three main polka styles during this
anything-but-boring presentation. Enjoy the sounds of some of the
most famous polka songs ever played! The audience will learn the
steps to songs like the "Chicken Dance," and is invited to take
part in an interactive video quiz on the German, Polish,
and Slovenian styles of polka music. To cap the program off,
everyone will learn how to do the polka, courtesy of a video
appearance by Wisconsin dairy farmers Ralph and Diane Boehlen.
Program
Length
Typically 45 minutes. Flexible according to event need.
Best Suited For
Libraries and schools; families, children in grades K through 8.
Indoor / Outdoor
Indoor preferred.
Technical
Requirements
- A performing area
of 8' wide x 6' deep minimum.
-
Uninterrupted use of
the performing area at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the
program.
-
Mike
typically provides his own sound system. One grounded
electrical outlet is required.
-
A TV or LCD
projector with a standard composite video input.
Additional Links
To Top |
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Mike Schneider
P.O. Box 342623
Milwaukee, WI 53234
(414) 431-4683 | E-mail |
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"Thank you for a wonderful and FUN program! Everyone who attended
had very positive comments. The music was great, and the
multi-media content was fantastic, as well. You put on a top-notch
show! Thanks for creating such a fun experience at the library for
our patrons! I want to say 'You Rock,' but maybe I should say 'You
Polka!'"
- Ann Hardginski, James J. Siebers Memorial Library
"Let me tell you, he's awesome! Mike nailed it. If you want
something really unique that will create long-lasting memories,
bring Mike into your library. I'll sing his praises 'til the cows
come home."
- Scott Routsong, Pelham Carnegie Library
"I wanted to take the time and say thank you so much for coming
this year to the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair. We really enjoyed
having you here, and you were a pleasure to work with. Your shows
always went great, and the fairgoers loved having you there. Your
performances were a lot of fun and it drew a huge crowd. I look
forward to seeing you next year! Good luck with the rest of your
year, and thank you again for participating with us at the 2010
Wisconsin State Fair!"
- Kristin Farina, Wisconsin State Fair
"Having the Pint Size Polkas party at our school was a great
change of pace. Uncle Mike provided a very interesting and
stimulating introduction to our students about the polka and the
history of the accordion. Math, reading, and geography-related
questions kept the audience participating in the presentation. The
students just raved about the event. They even liked Uncle Mike’s
costume. We’d surely have him back again!"
- Linda Walker, Garrett A. Morgan Elementary School
"Uncle Mike is a musical magnet for the pint-size crowd. Children
are captivated by his polka music and friendly banter, and become
active participants of his programs quickly and thoroughly! He's
proof-positive that learning is fun when polka is involved."
- Joy Schnupp, Burlington Public Library
"Mike Schneider, a.k.a. Uncle Mike, and Pint Size Polkas are one
of a kind! I introduced Uncle Mike by telling the young students
that he plays music that is described as the happiest music there
is. It didn’t take long for them to start believing it for
themselves. Uncle Mike had them singing, dancing, clapping,
smiling, and laughing. Kudos to Mike Schneider for introducing
polka music to a new generation for a lifetime of fun."
- Craig Semingson, Eleva-Strum Elementary Schools
"Uncle Mike and his Pint Size Polkas program was a great hit at
our library. Who would have known that important concepts like
personal hygiene could be set to accordion music! The room was
full of bouncing children and adults; you can't help but to move
along to the beat. I was particularly impressed that he included
not only music for audio listeners, but also video footage for
those visual learners, too. From beginning to end, Mike was a
pleasure to work with. For anyone looking for festive,
family-friendly fun, I highly recommend Pint Size Polkas."
- Adaena Tray, Green Tree Public Library
"I have been a school superintendent for over 18 years and have
witnessed numerous assemblies for our students. Mike Schneider’s
'Pint Size Polkas' far exceeded my expectations. Pint Size Polkas
is not only entertaining and educational, but our K-6 students
loved his program. Why? Because of Uncle Mike’s enthusiasm and how
he involved the students. He even had them dancing the polka along
with the staff members, several of whom told me how much they
enjoyed the program. I would highly recommend the 'Pint Size
Polkas' assembly."
- Darold Rounds, Colman-Egan School District
Read more
testimonials
Watch
video testimonials |
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Kids in the Rotunda
Madison, WI
Live Oak Public Libraries
Savannah, GA
Summerfest
Milwaukee, WI
Wisconsin State Fair
West Allis, WI
WLS-TV ABC7 Chicago
Chicago, IL
Plus additional performances and media appearances in nine
states! |
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