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"Respect
the earth from which we have come; it is alive just like
us." |
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Pete Onofrio is a musician, composer, businessman, world traveler, and multi-cultural performer. Pete, who studied at The University of Connecticut and Albertus Magnus College, has followed his heart and used his head to create several businesses that have kept him moving forward for over a decade.
On December 15, 1997, he embarked on his first journey to Australia. What was to be only a few weeks turned into a four-month exploration of a land down under! The oldest wind instrument on the planet, the aboriginal didgeridoo quickly entranced Pete and became part of his
musical tapestry.
On his last visit to Australia in 2001, Pete’s zeal for music and culture
plus an inspired hunch, prompted him to stay where he was just north of the Perth area to learn as much as he could about the Aboriginal culture and ancient musical traditions. His Aboriginal guides and hands on experience of their culture is what he has to share with us today.
More information about Pete and his travels.
School Performances Grades K-12
School Workshops Grades 3-12
Workshops and classes for Adults
Campfire Jams Programs for Residential
and Day Camps
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School
Performances
Grades
K-12 |
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Educate
and Entertain...
Pete
Onofrio’s interactive program emphasizes an appreciation for music
and culture. It is a
fast paced show that educates and entertains with energy and passion.
The indigenous music will keep students entranced and
learning throughout the show. This
vibrant performance leaves the students with an understanding of
Aboriginal and Native American Culture and how it links to an
understanding of mainstream American ways. The
culturally unique and entrancing sounds, idealisms and lessons will
be a useful tool now and into the future.
Respect for all cultures and also for the individual is a main theme
of the event.
“Be
the change you wish to see in the world…” –Gandhi-
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Aboriginal
History
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Music
and Sounds
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Geography
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Environment
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Anthropology
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“To
say that Pete’s presentation was outstanding would not be an
exaggeration…he shared with the students the energy that comes from
playing the didgeridoo…”
“Pete
Onofrio is a hard working professional, imaginative and energetic.
His show is exceptional and I would definitely invite him back for
another performance. Don’t
pass up the opportunity to work with him.”
"Students
reactions were enthusiastic.” ‘It
was the best assembly I’ve ever been to’
‘He was cool and so was the music’…He made me think of
important ideas in a new way.”
--Victoria
C. Crompton, Social Studies Teacher & Coordinator, Daniel Hand High
School, Madison, CT
The students and I appreciated Peter's
enthusiasm and knowledge of Australia. He had an encouraging and easy
manner with the kids and that's not always the case with singular
presenters. Uncle Charlie is a hoot and the perfect happy-go-lucky
sidekick - he was very good in a quiet way with the students.
...it was a huge benefit for third graders in
Fairfield to be given the connection of the Aboriginal culture and the
Native American culture because as teachers that is what we are always
trying to do. Connections through and across the curriculum really
solidify learning for kids. Kudos to Peter on this point! The eerie music
and the "mystery instrument" certainly held the students' attention - good
job!
Darren Molony, Fairfield School
System
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Connecticut native Pete
Onofrio captured the attention of Julian Curtiss students at lunchtime
on Thursday, Sept. 28, with a performance on the Australian Aboriginal
instrument the didgeridoo, as J C Music Cafe kicked off a new season.
Read press
release>>> |
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School
Workshops
Grades
3-12 |
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DO
YOU DIDGERIDOO?
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Workshop
and Instructional Series (Grades
3-12, limited to 50 students)
In
this workshop, Pete Onofrio incorporates music, art, social studies,
history, geography and science as he demonstrates to the students the
hands on skill of making, playing and customary painting of their own
didgeridoo. Students learn about the traditions and rich history of
Australia’s Aboriginal people. Students
will be able to create and play their own didgeridoo, express their ideas
through art and music, and explore other cultures in this hands-on and
interactive workshop experience. They
will take with them the skills needed to perform the basic drone sound
that is created from this instrument. This sound will create the
foundation that opens the mind to endless amounts of learning and growth
through breath and concentration.
One
Workshop:
$350
Pair
of workshops: $650
Workshop
fees:
$5 per student for supplies
Single
Performance fees: $450
Double
Performance fees: $800
Full
Day (2 Performances + 2 Workshops or 1 Performance + 3 Workshops)
$1900
“You are amazing! Thank
you for creating such wonderful programs for young people on behalf of the
Building Bridges Interdistrict program.
Your work in Building Bridges has opened the hearts and minds of
the young people who have had the opportunity to work with you.
Under your direction and
tutelage, Building Bridges students have learned about the traditions and
rich history of Australia’s Aboriginal people.
Thank you for teaching our students to create and play their own
didgeridoos, express their ideas through art and music, and explore other
cultures in this hands-on and interactive workshop experience.
Students and teachers are thrilled with their finished products and
have expressed their desire to learn more about Australia and its
people...”
--Beth McCaffery,
LEARN, Interdistrict Program Manager
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“…Your
performance had opened our eyes to even more ways to incorporate music
into geography. We enjoyed working with you!”
--Dr.
David Truly, Assistant Professor-Dep’t
of Geography, Central Connecticut State University
“We
were extremely impressed by the power this event had on the students and
faculty. A diverse group
treasured the excitement involved in this cross-cultural event.”
--Rachel
Fales, Program Chairman, University of
Hartford
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"Got Didgeridoo?"
Guilford Courier writes:
Following a spirited performance and workshop,
the enthusiastic student population of Melissa Jones Elementary
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holds up the didgeridoo of
their own creation, painted by hand with the help of Pete Onofrio,
founder of Didgequest, and Guilford performer Charlie Kulinski.
Photo by Steve
DePino |
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Workshops/Classes for Adults
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Fun with the oldest wind instrument on Earth, the Didgeridoo
This workshop is for all ages. This 3 day program is a fun and exciting way to reconnect
with the earth, music, culture and
sounds from a Land Down Under. You will learn some of the Aboriginal secrets in this
workshop, hear about their
myths and legends, and gain a broader understanding of the world
we live in. Hear of
customs and rituals of the oldest continuing culture on the planet, the
Aborigines of Australia, dating back almost 150 thousand years.
Learn to make and play
your own synthetic didgeridoo, you will be coached by a professional
didgeridoo player and shown the secrets to making your didgeridoo
sing. It will open your heart and mind. We will show you the artistically tribal and customary ways
of the Aborigines and you will be able to demonstrate your skills by
creating your own masterpiece. Your didgeridoo will turn into
functional art right before your eyes. This class will end with a tribal
campfire, high up on a hill on a beautiful & secluded piece of
land in North Madison. Here, by fire light, is where you will hear of
ancient stories of the aborigines and be able to play some of the
original eucalyptus didgeridoos which have been brought back from the
aborigines in the northern territories of Australia. At the end of this
class, you will take home your new hand painted didgeridoo for a lifetime
of enjoyment, peace and serenity.
3 day workshop $45
plus $15 material fee
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Campfire Jams Programs for
Residential and Day Camps
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Click
here for detailed information... |
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