Summer Reading 2025 - Theme: "Colors/Art!"

Libraries Rock! - The Singing Cowgirl - 2018

"The Singing Cowgirl"

Recommended for children and families, groups of 2 - 200

Saddle up for your Western adventure! Kids and families will clap, laugh, sing, dance, and role-play, as the Singing Cowgirl takes them on a journey into the west, highlighting western geography and historical and modern cowboy & cowgirl life! Travel with settlers on theOregon Trail, bring rain to the drought-ridden plains, learn about blending of cultures and traditions in the desert southwest, and the job of modern-day cowboys and cowgirls all while having a ton of FUN!!

Duration – approx. 50 min.

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Tales & Tails - The Singing Cowgirls - 2021

Build a Better World: Western Spirit - 2017

"I wanted to take a moment and thank you for joining us last night for the Ukulele classes. We have received so many compliments about your program and your teaching style. Everyone had a wonderful time!" Donna Porter, Assistant Director - Dorothy Bramlage Public Library, Junction City, KS

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Teens (or Tweens) participate in a lively discussion about their own perceptions of the messages, potential meanings, and perceived impact on self and society of several popular and iconic songs that fit a chosen theme. Participants then learn about the basics of songwriting and work on writing their own song (lyrics only or both lyrics and melody) on the themed topic.

This workshop can fit almost any theme. Some examples are:

Summer Reading 2025 - "Colors/Artwork"
"Love" for Valentine's Day or anytime
"Patriotism" for July 4, Memorial Day", etc.
"Work" for Labor Day
Seasons (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall)
"Peace", "Family Values", "Death", "Change"
or a specific theme your library plans to focus upon

Affordable, turnkey programs that get your kids and families involved! Educational and entertaining. Discounts available for multiple programs in one system or geographic region. Save $$$ and bundle your kids' program with a teen program or themed adult concert or writing workshop!

2024 - Adventure - "The Singing Cowgirl Western Adventure"

The Art of Ukulele! - Summer Reading 2025

Aspen Black's widely popular ukulele program has been adapted to fit the 2024 Summer Reading theme of "Art and Colors"! Beginners learn to play ukulele in one session, even if they have never played any instrument before! Aspen provides up to 30 specially-marked ukuleles and patrons are also welcome to bring their own ukuleles. songs about travel and outdoor adventure will be learned in class along with the history of the ukulele and interesting information about each song. The session ends with a ukulele circle, featuring favorite songs patrons choose from the lesson, along with any songs more experienced players bring to share.

Duration 1 hour. Ages 8 and up in any combination (kids, teens, kids & teens, kids & families, adults). The program focuses on beginners, but intermediate and advanced ukulele players are welcome to jam along and should bring a song of their choosing to share in the ukulele circle. Registration required. Each session limited to 30 participants, plus additional patrons bringing their own ukuleles.

:Libraries Rock! - Guitar Like a Star - 2018

A Universe of Stories- To the Moon & Beyond - 2019

"That Song!" - for Teens and/or Tweens

All Together Now - "Sing All Together Now"

Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on number of participants. Will serve 1 - as many as you have! Registration required to ensure enough art supplies are provided.

"The Singing Cowgirl" program has gotten excellent reviews from librarians, teachers, school administrators, parents, grandparents, and kids all over the country for over 10 years!

Duration: approx. 1 hour, groups from 1 - 200+, babies, toddlers, children, & parents through great grandparents!

"Color Your World in Song!" - Summer Reading 2025

All Together Now! - "Play All Together Now" ukulele program

Kids and families will sing, dance, and make a small take-home art project in this fun, fast-paced, interactive program focusing on art in music! This one-of-a-kind entertaining and educational program features Aspen Black's original songs and paintings, has lots of dancing and movement, gives prizes for reading, comprehension, and games, and inspires young patrons (and families) to create!

Aspen Black combines two of her passions: music and painting in this exciting workshop that guides teens (and/or t'weens) to interpret music through the perspective of visual art. After a warm-up exercise to stimulate the artistic senses, participants are guided through opportunities to interpret a variety of songs, from popular recordings to live originals, culminating in each participant "painting a song" (all art materials provided).

Fizz, Boom, Read! - Intro to Cowboy Music & Poetry - 2014

Summer Reading Photo Gallery:

Library of Virginia Performers' Showcase

"Your interactive music presentation kept the children rhythmically engaged as they clapped, danced, and walked according to your lyrical direction. Another important aspect of your presentation is that you slyly slid history lessons into the show. Our staff members smiled sincerely when, without missing a beat, you promoted our Summer Learning Program by throwing it into your lyrics. We are grateful to you for sharing your time, your knowledge and your original songs. It was certainly enjoyed by the patrons and staff." Victoria Charnoky, Youth Services Supervisor, Macon County Public Library, Franklin, NC.

2024 - Adventure - "The Singing Cowgirl Western Adventure"

2024 - American Journeys Adult/Community Concert

2024 - Adventure - "The Singing Cowgirl Western Adventure"

Programs Available Year 'Round:

What people are saying about Aspen Black's Ukulele Programs:

Aspen Black

Every Hero Has a Story - Sisco the Superhorse - 2015

On Your Mark, Get Set, Read! - 2016: Sisco the Superhorse

"Waves" of Sound -

Tweens and teens will have fun discovering how to record and mix a variety of instruments and vocals to create a quality home recording of music or audio for video. This workshop guides students through hands-on techniques of recording, mixing, and mastering, all using a laptop computer, DAW software, and a few pieces of reasonably-priced audio equipment. During the second half of the workshop, participants will record a live song or spoken passage and keep the exported file. All levels of creative participants welcome. Musical teens and tweens are encouraged to bring their own instrument.

For 1-30 participants, 1 1/2 - 2 hrs.

Library Programs for Kids and Teens

All of Aspen Black's programs are original creations, blending entertainment and educational properties that support literacy and language arts curriculum in all states. Her background as an educator in the public schools, along with almost 30 years of experience as a professional musician, ensure you a well-organized, thorough, and professional presentation. Aspen Black gets excellent reviews from libraries, schools, cultural centers, churches, festivals, music venues, and community institutions across the country.