The following education performances are open to students, teachers, and school groups in Prince William County, City of Manassas, and City of Manassas Park.
Each year, the Hylton Center works together with local school systems to design custom arts experiences for students. Below are some of this season's opportunities. For more information and registration details email Hylton@gmu.edu
Virtual Field Trips
La Golondrina with Sonia De Los Santos: September 14-December 11
Latin Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Sonia De Los Santos invites audiences into an engaging, bilingual virtual program inspired by her new picture book, La Golondrina, and the song that sparked it. Through story, music and joyful interaction, Sonia shares a hopeful and lyrical ode to family, home and the journeys we take to create them. Featuring Spanish singalongs of beloved songs and culminating in a lively concert recording, this program offers a vibrant introduction to Latin American music and Sonia's signature spirit - celebrating love, family, migration and belonging.
Recommended for Grades K-5
Suggested SOL Connections:
Kindergarten:
Music: K.4, K.7, K.8
English: K.1, K.2, K.9
History & Social Science: K.6
Grade 1:
Music: 1.4, 1.7, 1.8
English: 1.1, 1.2, 1.9
History & Social Science: 1.3
Grade 2:
Music: 2.4, 2.7, 2.8
English: 2.1, 2.2, 2.9
History & Social Science: 2.5
Grade 3:
Music: 3.4, 3.7, 3.8
English: 3.1, 3.2, 3.8
History & Social Science: 3.6
Grade 4:
Music: 4.4, 4.7, 4.8
English: 4.1, 4.2, 4.7
History & Social Science: 4.8
Grade 5:
Music: 5.4, 5.7, 5.8
English: 5.1, 5.2, 5.7
History & Social Science: 5.8
SIGN UP LINK COMING SOON
Third Coast Percussion: WAVES: The Science Behind Sound: January 25-March 19, 2027
The GRAMMY-Award winning quartet is back with a performance interspersed with teaching moments that connect scientific and musical concepts. Learn about amplitude and dynamics, frequency and pitch, and more.
Recommended for Grades 3-6
Suggested SOL Connections:
Grade 3:
Science: 3.1, 3.6
Music: 3.4, 3.5, 3.8
Grade 4:
Science: 4.1, 4.6
Music: 4.4, 4.5, 4.8
Grade 5:
Science: 5.1, 5.6
Music: 5.4, 5.5, 5.8
Grade 6:
Science: 6.1, 6.8
Music: 6.4, 6.5, 6.8
SIGN UP LINK COMING SOON
In-Person Field Trips
The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own”: September 16 (PWCS) and 17 (MCPS and MPCS), 2026 at 11 a.m.
Come celebrate our nation's 250th Anniversary with The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" as the Concert Band and members of the Army Chorus perform patriotic standards and other favorites you're sure to recognize.
Recommended for grades 6-12
Suggested SOL Connections:
Grade 6:
Music: 6.5, 6.6
United States History, 1865 to Present: USII.8
Grade 7:
Music: 7.5, 7.6
Civics and Economics: CE.4
Grade 8:
Music 8.5, 8.6
Civics and Economics: CE.3
High School:
Music I: MI.5, MI.6
Music II: MII.5, MII.6
Music III: MIII.5, MIII.6
Music IV: MIV.5, MIV.6
Barefoot Puppet Theatre: Galapagos George: October 23 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m..
Meet George—a giant Galápagos tortoise with a big story to tell! Follow his journey among blue-footed birds, sea lions, and other island creatures in this charming true tale inspired by the last tortoise found on Pinta Island. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Barefoot Puppet Theatre brings an “uplifting eco-fable,” as praised by The Smithsonian, that gently explores caring for our planet. Winner of the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, the highest American honor in puppetry arts, this performance invites families to fall in love with George—and the world he calls home. As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Barefoot Puppet Theatre will work with the community through classes and workshops in conjunction with its performance.
Recommended for grades K-3
Suggested SOL Connections:
Kindergarten:
Science: K.7, K.9
English: K.7
Grade 1:
Science: 1.5, 1.7
English: 1.7, 1.9
Grade 2:
Science: 2.5, 2.7
English: 2.7, 2.9
Theatre Arts: 2.5, 2.6
Grade 3:
Science: 3.6, 3.8
English: 3.5
Theatre Arts: 3.5, 3.6
Beats Bows and Remixes: November 5 at 11 a.m.
Join Christylez Bacon and Wytold as hip-hop and classical music collide with multi-cultural collaboration, transforming well-known songs into new compositions. Learn how these musicians work as a team, listening to each other's different backgrounds and perspectives as they shape modern versions of all-time favorites, like Hot Cross Buns. Create a team remix with Christylez and Wytold that twists and turns a familiar tune into a brand-new musical invention.
Recommended for grades 3-5
Suggested SOL Connections:
Grade 3:
Music: 3.4, 3.5, 3.8
English: 3.2
Grade 4:
Music: 4.4, 4.5, 4.8
English: 4.2
Grade 5:
Music: 5.4, 5.5, 5.8
English: 5.2
Third Coast Percussion: Think Outside the Drum: February 5, 2027 at 11 a.m.
A fun, interactive, and educational presentation for all ages. Performances by Third Coast Percussion are interspersed with teaching moments that introduce the building blocks of music (rhythm, melody, and timbre) through participation in a series of interactive activities including clapping, singing, and a listening game.
Students learn about the extraordinary range of percussion instruments that can be found in cultures around the world, as well as in their own kitchen cabinets.
Recommended for Grades 3-5
Suggested SOL Connections:
Grade 3:
Music: 3.5, 3.6
Grade 4:
Music: 4.5, 4.6
Grade 5:
Music: 5.5, 5.6
Enchantment Theatre Company: The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon: February 8, 2027 at 11 a.m.
The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon is based on the seven delightful picture books by Crockett Johnson and follows the zany escapades of an inventive young boy. Resourceful and brave, Harold creates the world he wants to explore, using nothing more than a big purple crayon and his imagination. Enchantment Theatre Company’s production takes the audience on a wild ride to Mars, a circus, an enchanted castle, and more! Combining life-size puppets, dance, magic, animation, and original music, The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon invites audiences of all ages to step into a world where anything is possible.
Recommended for grades K-3
Suggested SOL Connections:
Kindergarten:
English: K.7, K.9
History and Social Science: K.4
Theatre Arts: K.6
Grade 1:
English: 1.7
Theatre Arts: 1.6
Grade 2:
English: 2.7
Theatre Arts: 2.6
Grade 3:
English: 3.5
Theatre Arts: 3.6
Honolulu Theatre for Youth: Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar: February 17, 2027 at 11 a.m.
Meet Joseph Kekuku. In 1889, Joseph, a student at Kamehameha Schools, fabricated a steel bar in the school’s machine shop, slid it across the strings of his guitar, and changed the sound and shape of the instrument forever. The grandson of a royal chanter, Joseph Kekuku went on to play his steel guitar for royalty in Hawai‘i and across Europe and for audiences throughout the continental United States. He inspired musicians around the world with the new “Hawaiian Sound,” and his influence continues today.
Recommended for Grades 4 and up
Suggested SOL Connections:
Grade 4:
Music: 4.6
History and Social Science: 4.4
Theatre Arts: 4.6
Grade 5:
Music: 5.6
History and Social Science: 5.4
Theatre Arts: 5.6
Grade 6
Music: 6.5, 6.6
Theatre Arts: 6.6
Grade 7
Music: 7.5, 7.6
Civics and Economics: CE.4
Theatre Arts: 7.6
Grade 8
Music: 8.5, 8.6
World Geography: WG.5
Theatre Arts: 8.6
High School:
Music I: MI.5, MI.6
Music II: MII.5, MII.6
Music III: MIII.5, MIII.6
Music IV: MIV.5, MIV.6
Virginia and U.S. History (VUS): VUS.1, VUS.8
Virginia and U.S. Government: VUSG.3
Theatre Arts: TI.6
Imagination Stage: Wake Up, Brother Bear: February 26, 2027 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Join Imagination Stage for Wake Up, Brother Bear! Sister Bear and Brother Bear are back from hibernation to take little ones on an interactive journey through the seasons. Meet a curious butterfly, play in a rushing waterfall, and catch lightning bugs as the bears frolic through the forest in an unforgettable theater experience—all to the tune of a live cellist. Tag along as these lovable bears set out to “entertain and engage children in the wonders of our world that we adults can all sometimes forget” (DC Theater Arts).
Student seating is limited to 50 students per performance.
Recommended for Pre-K (ages 1-5)
Suggested SOL Connections:
Pre-K:
English (Early Literacy): PK.1, PK.3
Science: PK.1, PK.2
History and Social Science: PK.4
Theatre Arts: PK.5, PK.6
Ladysmith Black Mambazo: March 1, 2027 at 11 a.m.
Sharing a heartfelt message of love, peace, and harmony, five-time Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs an uplifting concert showcasing traditional South African vocal styles. With richly harmonious vocals rooted in isicathamiya, a traditional music that developed in the mines of South Africa, the group has received 19 Grammy Award nominations and won multiple times. Not only has Ladysmith Black Mambazo recorded with musical legends such as Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, and Dolly Parton, they earned the deep admiration and respect of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who designated the ensemble “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world.” Don’t miss this uplifting, joy-filled concert that resonates long after the final note.
Recommended for Grades 6-12
Suggested SOL Connections:
Grade 6
Music: 6.7, 6.8
Grade 7
Music: 7.7, 7.8
Grade 8
Music: 8.6, 8.7
World Geography: WG.4, WG.5
High School
Music I: MU1.HC.1, MU1.HC.2
Music II: MU2.HC.1, MU2.HC.2
Music III: MU3.HC.1, MU3.HC.2
Music IV: MU4.HC.1, MU4.HC.2
World History & Geography: WHII.15
Virginia & U.S. History: VUS.14