The Learning Express
Music By Kris Johnson
Lyrics by Othello
In Conjunction with Progression, Inc.

Contact
Damien Crutcher, CEO
Progression, Inc.
313 310 3383
dkcrutcher@progressionarts.org

Copyright 2009 © Kris Johnson Music LLC. All rights reserved.
Content cannot be reused without prior permission.






Mini-Documentary by Jeremy Ian Thomoas
http://www.jeremyianthomas.com/





WHAT IS "THE LEARNING EXPRESS?"
"The Learning Express" is a hip hop and jazz presentation targeted towards students in grades K - 5. The program was created by Kris Johnson (musician) and Othello (MC) in conjunction with Progression Inc.. Each presentation teaches students about different subjects including science, math, English, history, and music. The purpose of "The Learning Express" is to provide students with a fun, educational, and interactive presentation; expose them to high quality instrumental and vocal music; and to showcase positive role models who care about education and are dedicated to their craft. The students are led through a script that teaches them about each subject, defines key vocabulary words, and then learn songs with catchy hooks that cover the basics of the presentation. You will find "The Learning Express" to be a positive, entertaining, and educational program that is sure to get your students excited about learning!

STAFF
Kris Johnson (Southfield, MI) of the Count Basie Orchestra is the Artistic Director and Producer of "The Learning Express," writing all of the music and script material, co-leading the presentation, and playing the trumpet. Othello (Portland, OR) is the MC for the program, co-leads the presentation, and writes the lyrics for each presentation. "The Learning Express" band is Marcus Miller (tenor sax), Jon Dixon (keys), Darrell Campbell (bass), and Nate Winn (Drums). All of the band members are Detroit natives and were each involved in Detroit Symphony's Civic Jazz Orchestra while in High School.

PROGRESSION, INC.
"The Learning Express" is a product of Progression, Inc., founded by Damien Crutcher, a classical conductor and a 20-year educator in the public school system. Progression started out of a vision to provide high quality music and arts programs to urban school districts. Presentation content is often taken directly from the M.E.A.P test and current required and recreational reading sources.

Progression with “The Learning Express” is currently in residency in the Inkster Public Schools District.




CURRENT PRESENTATIONS
(as of March 2008)

Hip Hop Astronomy
"Hip Hop Astronomy" will teach your kids about constellations, the solar system, the seasons, and other important facts about Astronomy. Complete with fun lyrics and hand signals, every student will leave this show singing about the order of the planets and details about each season!

The Scientific Method
This program defines key steps in scientific reasoning and gives students a chance to apply what they've learned by conducting an experiment. This is a great way to get kids interested in analytical thinking and get them involved in supporting their opinions through controlled experiments.

Forms of Life
Teaches the classifications of organisms, basic needs of life, and the function of body systems.

Who is Dr. Seuss?
Students will learn about the great author Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Filled with biographical information about this classic riddler, "Who is Dr. Seuss" brings stories from his most popular books to life with fun and new songs for the kids to sing along with.

Ool Ya Koo n' Bebop Too!
Jazz Vocalese and Scat Singing are two important and popluar styles of vocal jazz. Join us as we celebrate two great pioneers of these styles: Eddie Jefferson and Ella Fitzgerald. By the end your students will be learn basic improvisation techniques and learn about the 12 bar blues!