Eric Paton
Wold Percussion
Eric Paton (MM) is a world percussionist fascinated by the intersection of movement and music. He accompanied Afro Caribbean dance classes for ten years, including technique and Dunham techniques classes with April Berry Burkey. He founded the Hiuchi Taiko Ethnic Percussion Ensemble featuring the music of Cuba, Haiti, Brazil and Japan, the KataBomba Drummers, co-directed Sambateria (a community samba percussion ensemble), and directs Yumbambé Salsa Jazz.
He specializes in percussion from the African Diaspora and Japan and is dedicated to providing interactive learning experiences for all learners and educators.
Paton has performed with national and international artists including Aretha Franklin, Tito Puente Jr., Sir Roland Hannah, Bobby Shew-Salsa Caliente, Earl Klugh, Milano La Scala (Italian National Opera), Eitetsu Hayashi, and Burnadette Peters.…
Kimberly Payne
Dance/Movement
Kimberly Payne is a teaching artist, administrator, instructor, and choreographer. Kimberly has degrees and certifications from the Scandinavian Institute for Physical Culture in Denmark, the American College of Sports Medicine, Malone University, and the University of Akron (Jerry Burr, Inna Strabova, Lana Carroll, Kay Davis, Tom Smith, Alexander Vedmedev, Andrew Carroll, Heinz Poll, Anne Green Gilbert, Bella Lewitzky, and Donald McCardle). Her collaborative experiences are with Kent State University; Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, Mississippi; and Jacob’s Pillow in Massachusetts, (Merce Cunningham, Meredeth Monk, Craig Patterson, Patricia Lent, Susanna Chaffey, Jennifer Way, Milton Myers, Dianne McIntyre).…
Holly Pratt
Music, Harp & Multidisciplinary
Holly is the founder of Holly’s Harps, an award-winning program based in music, with optional extensive curriculum in STEM, history, and language arts. Holly’s Harps offers both assemblies and hands-on workshops (with 30 harps for students to play). Holly of Holly’s Harps is a real person! Winner of the Continuing Creativity Award for her teaching, Holly believes there is no “one size fits all” in learning. She creates activities to meet state standards for each grade, yet her programs are unique in the country. Holly serves over 21,000 students per year with musical experiences that deepen children’s understanding.…
