Children's Workshops

Sammie performs at concerts, festivals, schools and libraries, and is available for artist-in-residency and song writing workshops. For booking info and media kit, click here.
School Performances and Workshops: Concert 45 minute set. Mostly original material which encourages participation of various kinds. Classroom Visits Basically, similar performance to above but in a smaller setting. I talk with the children about writing songs, tell more stories about the songs and get them a bit more involved in conversation with me.
Songwriting Workshops Artist-in-Residence Joint effort with students (and possibly) teacher. Can offer several workshops a day with different classes. The workshop can be given over several weeks, days or hours. Schedules and expectations would be worked out ahead of time. The program can be tailored to any subject the teacher wishes to cover or can be the children's choice. (Note: it's more fun when it's the children's choice!) Sammie is a member of the Maine Arts Commission and the New England Foundation for the Arts; some schools might obtain matching funds. How it works: I perform a few of my songs and talk about what inspired me to write them, how I went about doing so, what makes a song work, etc. Next, a topic is selected. We explore the subject matter and if needed, research. (This can be as simple or involved as you like). Much of it is flexible and really depends on whether or not the teacher wants to spend time in the classroom researching/writing with the students in my absence. The actual writing begins! All students participate. Every suggestion is valuable and discussed. If we work over several weeks or days,we have time to learn and perform the song during a concert, which is included in a 5-day residence. Note: Generally, I create the music unless the children want to use a melody they already know (which often works best with the younger children) or a tune works up quickly within the classroom.

Reviews from the schools and Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs): Sammie’s enthusiastic nature, combined with her caring and compassion for children show in her fun-filled, heart-warming songs and skits. The smiles and laughs on the faces of the children tell it all - Sammie is a wonderful entertainer and those who are fortunate enough to view her performances or listen to her work are truly enriched. Rebecca Hyson, Central School PTO, South Berwick, ME This past spring our PTO sponsored a performance by Sammie Haynes and the Treetops Chorus for our elementary school in Eliot, Maine. She was a lively and engaging performer. My second grade students were entranced… Our students responded well to her gentle unassuming manner and laughter. Sharon Stuart, Teacher, 2nd Grade, MSAD #35, Eliot, ME Sammie’s performance was delightful. The children interacted with Sammie with ease. Her choice of music makes it hard not to sing right along. We would love to have her back anytime. The Eliot PTO, Eliot, Maine In 1997 Kathryn Mills's Third Grade Class in South Berwick, Maine wrote a song under the direction of Sammie Haynes. They recorded the song and sent it to Governor Angus King. Here are comments from the teacher and Maine's state Governor. The synthesis with science, music, language arts, and civil responsibility was quite affective. Sammie Haynes is talented, her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is very responsible. My experience working with her was very positive and I was more than pleased with what the students took from the experience. Kathryn Mills, Teacher, 3rd Grade, Central School, South Berwick, ME The Governor's response in a letter to the class: With this project you have captured the two essential elements of increasing awareness on an issue: education and fun. By simply talking about this issue you are helping to educate others on the issue of endangered species, and by choosing this inventive format for spreading your message, the issue will take a firmer hold in peoples minds. I am very proud of the way that you have tackled this very important issue. Governor Angus S. King, Jr., Augusta, ME After performing in public schools in Nashville, TN and with Cormac McCarthy as part of the city-wide 90th birthday celebration for Woody Guthrie, the schools' visual and performing arts coordinator, Carol Crittendon writes: “I would like to sincerely thank you for the outstanding performances you gave during Woody Guthrie month at three of our middle schools. I was fortunate enough to attend one of the performances and was quite impressed. The three elementary schools at which Sammie performed were thrilled. They had such a wonderful time while gaining more knowledge of music.” "I feel that all those students who had the privilege of attending one of your performances will long remember who you are and the music you presented." For further references or booking information, please call 207-384-3234 or email: sammiekids@aol.com

Treetops Chorus and Songwriting Workshops: The TREETOPS CHORUS! Does your child love to sing and enjoy working in a group? Sammie Haynes directs a children's chorus for ages 4-8. Depending on enrollment, age groups may meet separately.
What to Expect • A bunch of songs! • Tips on performing! • Write a group song! • Recital! Please give Sammie a call: 207-384-3234 or email her at: sammiekids@aol.com for more info!

Hard Times & Good Times in America A historic presentation with Cormac McCarthy about the Great Depression/Dustbowl with an original script and the music of Woody Guthrie. For grades 5-12