Central Park Conservancy

Moey rocks out at Sandbox Sing-a-longSandbox Programs

Monday - Friday, July 7 - August 15
11:00 am - 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
FREE

The Central Park Conservancy celebrates the 19th summer of Sandbox Programs by diversifying! Teaching artists from Central Park Brass and GlobalArts to Go, storyteller Dan Kitrosser, and singer / musician Moey of Moey’s Music Party will lead Sandbox Music, Sandbox Stories, and NEW Sandbox Sing-along programs in 16 playgrounds throughout Central Park (3 of which are new in 2008!). For children ages 3 - 8 years old.

Sandbox Sing-along with Moey's Music Party

Moey (A.K.A award winning Off-Broadway songwriter Melissa Levis) turns tots into rock stars by passing out pompoms, maracas, and inflatable guitars during Sandbox Sing-along.  Kids and caregivers alike will sing and dance to classic children's songs as well and as hits like "Pierre Wouldn't Wash His Hair" and "I Gotta Go Potty" from the Moey's Music Party CD. For the past two and a half years, Moey taught music to over 300 children each week at York Avenue Preschool, Gym Time Rhythm & Glues, and PS 158.  Her song, "I'm A New York City Kid" is an anthem to Central Park and says it all: "I'm a New York City kid and I love NYC. On my way to Central Park, right next to me, I saw 9 nannies, 8 horses, 7 sirens, 6 strollers, 5 hot dog stands..." Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to sing! 

Sandbox Music with Central Park Brass

The Central Park Conservancy welcomes back professional musicians and educators from the Central Park Brass, one of New York City's premier brass quintets, to our playgrounds for Sandbox Music. Highly interactive and fun, Sandbox Music programs stimulate young minds and spirits. Children are invited to clap-, sing-, and march-along, and even get the chance to play percussion instruments. This summer, our Sandbox Music program with Central Park Brass expands, as participants learn a new song from a different country or tradition at each program. 

Central Park Brass was formed in 2002 by trumpeter Arthur Murray and has been leading the Sandbox Music program since that same year.  The members of the ensemble perform with leading Broadway shows and orchestras throughout the New York Metro area.  In 2007 and 2008, Central Park Brass musicians performed with ensembles and artists ranging from the New York Philharmonic (including their recent visit to North Korea) and the Metropolitan Opera, to the Broadway smash hit Jersey Boys and Kanye West, among many others.
  

Meet the Central Park Brass Sandbox Music artists!

  • David Spier, trumpet, on stage solo trumpet from the smash Broadway hit, Jersey Boys.
  • Arthur Murray, trumpet, founder of Central Park Brass, member of the Naumburg Orchestra, the Westchester Chamber Orchestra and a teaching artist with Midori and Friends
  • Angela Cordell, french horn, frequent performances with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra
  • Lisa Albrecht, currently performing as Associate Principal Trombone with the New York Philharmonic
  • Morris Kainuma, tuba, frequent performances with the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic

Sandbox Music with GlobalArts to Go

This year, you’ll have more opportunities than ever to catch a Sandbox Music program in Central Park’s playgrounds with the addition of new GlobalArts to Go jam sessions on Tuesday afternoons.

It’s music and movement time with the Central Park Conservancy and GlobalArts to Go! Come sing, dance, make music, and explore different cultures around the world as your favorite Central Park playgrounds are transformed into your very own global music studio during these fun Sandbox Music programs. No music or movement experience required; just bring your sense of adventure and imagination!

GlobalArts to Go specializes in multicultural education, entertainment, programs, and products for people of all ages in any setting. This growing community of world-renowned musicians, dancers, visual artists and storytellers takes audiences on global adventures through interactive, upbeat and entertaining experiences. GlobalArts to Go works and plays with non-profits, corporations, special events and families.

Sandbox Stories with Dan Kitrosser

Now in its 19th year, Sandbox Stories features a new resident storyteller, Dan Kitrosser a performer, singer, and writer who exploded onto the storytelling stage in Central Park last summer. Come hear stories about goblins and shoemakers, witches and princesses, fools and people with back problems in your very favorite Central Park playgrounds.  Hilarious and poignant, vivacious and inspiring, the world comes to life with Dan’s multicultural Sandbox Stories programs.

Dan Kitrosser is one of New York City's wildest children's entertainers.  A performer, singer and writer, Dan brings his vibrant energy and caustic humor to a great variety of children's events around the city.  As a storyteller, you've seen him at Central Park, Bryant Park, Tribeca Family Day, The JCC Manhattan, The American Museum of Natural History, and The Scholastic Store.  Also a playwright and actor, Dan is a resident actor with the Brooklyn-based theatre company Rabbit Hole Ensemble.  Both his new play, "The Mumblings," and children's musical, "The Evil Spell of the Butterfly," will premiere in New York this fall.  Dan also teaches playwriting to tweens and teens at WritopiaLab on the Upper West Side.

All Sandbox programs are free and intended for children ages 3 - 8 years old and accompanying adults. These programs take place in 16 different Central Park playgrounds from Monday - Friday, July 7 - August 15 at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm. Please call the Central Park Conservancy at 212-860-1370.

Click here for a listing of playgrounds in Central Park

Sandbox Programs Schedule

Roberta WolfMeet Roberta Wolf, Sandbox Programs Coordinator
 
"Being in the playgrounds every day, watching the kids reacting to the different performers, enjoying the stories and music myself... what a great way to spend a summer." - Roberta Wolf
 
This summer marks Roberta's second year as Sandbox Programs Coordinator. She is also a devoted Central Park Conservancy volunteer who has spent the past four years working with students in the Conservancy's youth education programs, especially The Dirt on Dirt. Lately, she has brought her love of photography to the Conservancy by training to be a volunteer photographer.
 
A former Montessori teacher who also worked in the educational materials business, Roberta is a long-time resident of the Upper West Side where she lives with her husband and two children.