By Leah Blackard, Navarro Council of the Arts

Have you ever sung like a bat? No? Well, this next week Pre K – 3rd grade students in Navarro County will learn with Lucas Miller, the “Singing Zoologist. Don’t worry if you can’t carry a tune because you don’t actually make any sounds, you just move your lips and act like you’re singing so high no one can hear you.

Miller, recognized as an “American Masterpiece” by the National Endowment for the Arts, blends music, puppetry, projected images, and “zoological, stand-up comedy” to teach about monarch butterflies, wetlands, animal defenses, endangered species, symbiosis, and other nature-related topics.

Once described as “Dr. Doolittle, Bruce Springsteen, and Robin Williams all rolled up in one,” Lucas performs for about 80,000 children annually at schools, libraries, and family events throughout the nation. He delights children and parents alike with his dynamic stage presence and songs like “The Anaconda La Bamba,” “A Snake’s NOT Slimy” and “Gotta Take Care of the Hive.”

Lucas holds a degree in zoology and underneath all the silliness is good, solid science education. “First and foremost,” he said, “I consider myself an environmental educator. I try to help kids realize how much we depend on the natural world.”

Miller has authored two children’s books, released three, award-winning CD’s, and hosts the award-winning DVD series “Animals Rock with Lucas Miller.” With song titles like “I Don’t Wanna Be Part of the Food Chain” and production styles ranging from bluegrass to rap, Lucas’ music has an appeal beyond the Nickelodeon crowd. “People often tell me that my songs don’t sound like the children’s music they’re used to hearing,” Lucas said. “A lot of parents have actually told me that they enjoy the songs as much as their kids do.”

Lucas has been a full-time, independent educator since 1994. Based in Austin, he has performed for the National Zoo, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Moody Gardens, Whooping Crane Festival and hundreds of schools and libraries across the continent. Visit www.lucasmiller.net to learn more about Lucas Miller and hear samples of his songs.

The Navarro Council of the Arts is pleased to present the highly entertaining comedy act of Lucas Miller for the children of Navarro County.

Monday, Nov. 9

8:45 Rice Elementary Pre K-1st

9:30 Rice Elementary 2nd – 3rd

12:30 Sam Houston Elementary Pre K – 3rd

2:15 Collins Catholic Pre K – 3rd

Tuesday, Nov. 10

8:45 Mildred Elementary Pre K –1st grades

9:30 Mildred Elementary 2nd – 3rd grades

12:30 Kerens Elementary Pre K – 1st grades

1:30 Kerens Elementary 2nd –3rd grades

Wednesday, Nov. 11

9:30 Frost Elementary Pre K-3rd

1:15 Dawson Elementary Pre K – 3rd

Thursday, Nov. 12

8:45 Carroll Elementary Pre K-1st

9:45 Carroll Elementary 2nd – 3rd

1:15 Fannin Elementary K – 1st

2:15 Fannin Elementary 2nd – 3rd

Friday, Nov. 13

8:45 Bowie Elementary K – 1st

9:45 Bowie Elementary 2nd – 3rd

1:15 Navarro Elementary K – 1st

2:15 Navarro Elementary 2nd- 3rd

This student enrichment program is sponsored by the Navarro Council of the Arts in cooperation with Corsicana and Navarro County Schools and is made possible by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and local contributors. For Additional information contact the Navarro Council of the Arts at 872-5411 or email us at ncart@sbcglobal.net.

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Leah Blackard is executive director of the Navarro Council of the Arts. Want to “Soundoff” on this column? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com