“Tales & Scales . . . sets the conceptual stage for a work that can only be described as a masterpiece of musical imagination in motion. . . . As an enthrallingly visual and acoustic joy, this wonderful collaborative work seems to be an ideal vehicle for conveying the vitality and relevance of contemporary music today to young audiences and their families and thereby cultivating a climate of receptivity to the cause of such music.”

John de Clef Piñeiro
New Music Connoisseur

“Tales & Scales has, without a doubt, one of the most imaginative, musically creative, and professionally executed approaches to music education that I have ever encountered. The four enthusiastic young musicians in the group combine considerable individual talent with engaging stage presence to produce a show which is compelling, interesting for audience members of all ages, and unique in its approach. Simply put, this is great music education!”

Keith Lockhart, Conductor
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Boston, MA

“I have been bombarded with requests to bring Tales & Scales back next year. Teachers at [the] middle school commented that the Tales & Scales artists knew exactly how to interact and inspire young people.”

Les Epstein, Executive Director
Children’s Theatre of Winston-Salem
Winston - Salem, NC

“Tales & Scales is one of the most creative and original ensembles I have worked with. Their innovative style of storytelling almost literally brings the personalities of the instruments alive. . . . The music is always engaging and designed to allow emotions to speak in a free and conversational way. The actors are truly remarkable for their ability to so completely integrate the music-making with their brilliant acting. This is real virtuosity.”

David Lockington, Music Director
Grand Rapids Symphony

“The performance was high-energy from start to finish. The actors did a wonderful job of creating their characters with a minimum of costumes, props, or scenery. Their use of the instruments to create the illusion was amazing. The musicianship of the artists was outstanding. [The students] reported that working with the Tales & Scales actors in the residency program was great fun and educational.”

Susan Edge, Sixth Grade Teacher
Hanes Middle School
Winston Salem, NC

“Wonderful integration with language arts and literature. The combination of dance, drama, music and literature shows how adding the integral art forms enhances learning and retention.”

Julie White
Owensboro Board of Education
Owensboro, KY

“The performance was one of the best I have seen. The greatest benefit is to see how this type of music helps to tell a story. It was thrilling for me to see the students so engrossed with the performance.”

Judy Van Hoosier, Principal
Good Shepherd School, Evansville, IN

“[The performance] correlates well with our curriculum. . . . and with the music and drama standards for our CATS tests. Players attitudes and characterizations were great!”

Joe Bruner, Principal
East Heights Elementary School
Henderson, KY

“The children were able to see the musician / actors up close and even touch the instruments. They also saw a creative means of expression, a remarkable alternative to the play or concert alone. I think they loved it. I know that many of them were considering whether they wanted to play the clarinet, flute, trombone or drums after the performance.”

Sue Versenyei
Carrboro Elementary School
Carrboro, NC

“You make audiences see possibilities for endless creativity using nothing but a few instruments and your incredible imaginations. You are an inspiration and the adults look forward to your show as much as the kids! Thanks!”

Diane Barron
Montessori Academy
Evansville, IN

I want to thank you for coming to our school. Jay your trombone was loud. I like the name trombone. It sounds kind of slidey.

Ashley - Student
Sutton School
Owensboro, KY

My name is Jennifer. I’m eight years old. Before I used to like music, but now I LOVE music and the Tales & Scales performances!

Jennifer - Student
Guilderland Elementary
Guilderland, NY

I enjoyed the show Jabberwocky. I thought it would be puppets. I’m glad it wasn’t. We think you should do the show to other schools. I think my favorite part was when the kid met Mimsy because Mimsy sounds wiggly and I like to wiggle a bunch.

Brenda - Student
Sutton School
Owensboro, KY

Thank you so much for that great presentation. I think that was the best show I ever saw at the Kravis Center. That was really neat how you made that instrument out of garbage.

Lauren - Student
Lighthouse Elementary
Jupiter, FL