| Home | Earth, Music... Magic! | A Circle of Drums | Music, Culture, & the Creative Spirit | House Concerts | Reviews | Bio |
|
|||||||
|
|
What People Are Saying About Bill Kehl's Programs...Please scroll down or click here for specific school and library references.“Thanks for the really cool musical workshop in the Rainbow End Children’s area at this year’s (2007) Midwest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair. Your passion and enthusiasm for children and music was evident… thanks for making Rainbow’s End and the entire fair a success!” “On behalf of School Specialty, Inc. Summit attendees, thank you so much for making our event productive and fun! Your event received ‘top-rating’ by every participant… and your session helped make our gathering most productive… I appreciate your flexibility and reliability. You successfully converted a group of ‘never-drummed’ into a group of ‘can’t wait until the next time’ drummers.” “Bill’s performance of ‘Earth, Music… Magic!’ worked very well with our crowd of campers. His show was very professional and well prepared, but still very personable and spontaneous in feeling. He interacted often with the kids, leaving them each feeling very special and engaged in the program. I enjoyed watching the kids dancing and singing along… I think the parents loved it best when watching their children on stage playing an instrument.” “Thank you so much for sharing your great talents with us last week at the RISEN 25th Celebration. You made a special event extraordinary… I hope our paths cross again.” “Your program was great! Thanks for your time... everyone enjoyed it and we hope that perhaps some day you will do another presentation for us. You’re a real sunshine maker!” “Your time at Balance was indeed inspiring! It is apparent that you have a true passion for percussion and the healing qualities it brings... fun, relaxing and powerful! You and the voice of the drums have a way of helping to transcend the problems of everyday life, and allow a reconnection with that tribal beat within each of us!” “Twice a year, Bill Kehl works his magic with a drum circle held inside the Village Booksmith. Babes in arms, great-grandmas, families, loners, Whigs, prigs and fencesitters... we’ve got 'em all and they ALL love it! It’s a wholesome and exciting way to build community through rhythm and music, and Bill’s leadership and consideration make it happen every time!” “Bill Kehl facilitated an ecumenical church drumming event (with ages ranging from 5-60) in our community. His enthusiasm and passion touched each of us and we indeed did ‘make a joyful noise unto the Lord’! Young and old were on fire with the Spirit and we look forward to his return!” “We invited Bill to perform at our program’s ‘End of the Year Celebration.’ Bill captivated the audience with his harmonious talents and amazed us when he sang in English and Spanish! I’m not sure who had more fun, the children or the adults in the audience! Thanks, Bill, for a memorable experience!” “What an awesome experience! Although I instinctively felt it would be perfect for our group, I was a bit uncertain about whether our Staff & Board would be responsive to the presentation or not. Well, a half hour program quickly turned into an hour and a half! Bill knows the rhythm of life and how to keep the beat... what an experience! Bill is a compassionate person and works hard to provide this experience for those who have a limited budget... like the Master Card, the group rhythmic experience was priceless!” “After reading the evaluations that pertain to your presentation for our ‘Mourning Has Broken’ conference, there’s not much more that we can add... other than THANK YOU! You have a tremendous gift of connecting with people and helping them to connect with themselves. You are a blessing!” “Drumming circles have been a part of The Wellness Conference for many years. The drumming circle event has been a pleasure, both to work with you and to witness the energizing experience for participants as they quickly and comfortably involve themselves in the activity. “Thank you!!! I’m very pleased that both nights went so well! You are well educated and very flexible, tailoring your program to meet our needs. We will for sure call you again in the future! “Bill Kehl’s program leaves you with enough positive energy and spirit in your soul to last a lifetime!” “My first encounter with Bill was at a volunteer conference and I was so moved by the experience of drumming together with a group of strangers that I immediately bought my own drum and invited him back to lead a professional staff retreat. The drumming experience at the staff retreat was fun and really did serve to bring our group together. While at first some were hesitant, by the end of the afternoon everyone was pounding away in a coordinated rhythm that showed us all that we have something unique to offer and this uniqueness [gives us] the ability to create great things together as a group. Thank you for bringing this message to us in a special and powerful way!” “As my partner’s 50th birthday neared, I tried to plan a celebration worthy of the landmark. Bill Kehl was the answer. ‘A Circle of Drums... The Rhythms of Life’ was an ideal way to celebrate. Over 90% of the thirty-plus people who attended our event had never experienced a drum circle before, yet they all were affected by the experience. For many days following the party I heard from various guests about how the experience lifted them and heightened their sense of well-being. All of our guests were very appreciative of our innovative celebration. I highly recommend Bill’s program to anyone having an event they wish to remember!” “I have found that Bill Kehl’s ‘Circle of Drums... The Rhythms of Life’ has been an excellent tool for bringing people together in joyful way. Building rhythmic connections through drumming is both powerful and energizing, a means for allowing individuals of different abilities and backgrounds to share a common experience. We include this presentation regularly (5 years running) as a part of the member development portion of our AmeriCorps program as a way to achieve team spirit.” “Our intention of bringing Bill in to do a workshop was to bring our team together in a way that would deepen sense of community and strengthen the bonds of unity and connection in our group. He delivered! We surprised our staff of 25 participants with this adventure in rhythm and they had no idea what to expect. It was fulfilling to watch the energy and dynamics of the group shift to a place of peaceful synergy among us. We thank Bill and strongly encourage you to invite him in for an experience that will long be remembered.” “You have endeared yourself to Camp HOPE in a short period of time. When the kids come in and see your incredible display of drums, their eyes instantly sparkle. For most of them, this is the first time that they have taken part in a drumming session and with your guidance and excitability, they quickly become ‘experts.’ These special kids have found one more way to channel their feelings of grief. Thank you for everything you bring to Camp HOPE!” “Thanks... a great experience! I am grateful we can have the opportunity to share your gifts with others.” “Thank you for the wonderful, amazing and unique program! It was a fantastic opportunity to tune into life and touch the heart base of the world. We all look forward to the next opportunity to share with you.” “Thank you so much for helping to create Fall Spectacular 2003 at Ledge View Nature Center... all the responses we received were positive and appreciative of your efforts. Thanks to your talents, our visitors saw, heard, tried and learned new things. That was our goal!” “A long overdue ‘thank you’ for the wonderful program you presented to our Special Needs Campers... everyone enjoyed it immensely, even those who had been otherwise quiet during the week. It brought out the best in everyone!” “Thank you for presenting an awesome concert for the visitors to Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit. It was wonderful the way you blended the wide array of musical instruments with your environmental message and audience participation. I have heard many good comments about the evening from many different people... thanks so much for sharing your time, talent and message!” “Sensational... I came wanting a taste of the group rhythmic experience and received an 8-course meal! There was a buffet of instruments to choose from to play and experience. Bill is overflowing with enthusiasm and knowledge on a wide spectrum of percussion instruments... he is encouraging and supportive and provided me with the confidence to drum, to dare, to go wild!” What Librarians Are Saying About Bill Kehl's Summer Reading Programs...“Just wanted to let you and your future audiences know what a great performance you did for us this summer! We had a very diverse group, with mixed ages, mixed races and a few older boys who thought they were pretty cool. You were great at engaging all the kids… they really participated – singing, laughing and enjoying all of your amazing instruments. I appreciated the extra time you took at the end to talk with those who had questions and comments.” “Bill did a great job facilitating our community drumming workshop. He involved participants of all ages in drumming activities, who then returned for continuing drumming events sponsored by our library.” “Bill Kehl’s program “Earth, Music... Magic!” was incredibly enjoyable, interactive and educational. Our children were engaged with the music and the rhythms. His performance has it all!” “Wow! What can I say... the show says it all! This fast moving program features a talented musician, Bill Kehl, and he shares his love and knowledge of music with a ‘hands-on’ presentation. Everyone who attended the family program went away entertained, inspired and a little bit more knowledgeable about the instruments.” “Grown-ups and children alike enjoyed the program, with its great songs, energy and humor. What a great way to teach boys and girls about the environment and nature in a fast-paced and entertaining way... we always enjoy having you visit!” “We liked Bill Kehl's show so much that we booked him again for another program immediately! Bill was fun and engaging... the audience (from toddlers to adults) learned and enjoyed themselves tremendously... Bill's show transports his listeners to ports all over the world through music.” “Fascinating program that kept everyone’s attention. Bill’s program was so interesting... he intertwined education with cultural awareness, as well as concern for environmental awareness. Good audience participation!” “Grown-ups and children alike enjoyed the program, with its great songs, energy, and humor. What a great way to teach boys and girls about the environment and nature in a fast-paced and entertaining way... we always enjoy having you visit!” “Our small library hosted Bill’s fun, interactive, and educational presentation for our Summer Library Reading Program. All ages attended and found Mr. Kehl to be a passionate and personable performer who simply loves what he does! The absolute best!!!” “Thank you so much for coming to educate and entertain our young readers... we all enjoyed your program very much! It’s nice to know there are people like you nearby that we can call on for a quality program... thanks again!” “We liked Bill Kehl’s show so much that we booked him again for another program immediately! Bill was fun and engaging... the audience (from toddlers to adults) learned and enjoyed themselves tremendously... Bill’s show transports his listeners to ports all over the world through music.” “Bill Kehl’s ‘A Circle of Drums... ’ is a profound program experience. Bill shares his creative energy as well as his knowledge of the different types of drums and then lets the group ‘have at them!’ Participants find the drumming to be soul-stirring and relaxing, a very peaceful experience... everyone learns and has a great time doing so!” “‘Earth, Music... Magic!’ is truly magical! Bill Kehl brings so much to the children with his music. He relates history, science, culture, music, and an awareness of our environment, all in an energetic, all-inclusive program. Bill engaged children of a wide range of ages and immersed them in his message with energy, humor, and enthusiasm.” 
What Educators Are Saying About Bill Kehl's Programs...“'Drumming' Bill Kehl is more than just a musician and educator. Bill is an inspiration with a zest for life that is contagious from the moment you meet him. Having worked with Bill at a camp for grieving children, as well as in an alternative high school, I can honestly say that kids, teens and adults will have their spirits lifted... as natural as the sun rising in the morning.” “Bill Kehl has come to Neshkoro Elementary School numerous times over the past several years. With each visit, he has brought new excitement, learning and energy to our students. Bill never fails to bring our whole community together --- students, parents and teachers, and helps to inspire us all to care more deeply about our world.” “I can’t tell you how much the children and teachers loved your program... it was really fabulous! Your program (“Earth, Music... Magic!”) highlighted the beauty and value of diversity in music and people. And it was presented in the context of sharing our home – Earth – and being equally responsible for its care. The kids made rhythmic songs with their water bottles while waiting for the bus later in the day... you really got to them... thanks!” “Bill Kehl was outstanding! He presented a very interactive program, with the students involved and ‘into’ his entire performance. I had many, many staff and students come to me after his show and comment on how much they enjoyed him and strongly encouraged me to invite him back SOON... and I will!” “The students and parents absolutely loved him! He was energetic-exciting and had a blast exhibiting his drums and native instruments in his presentation of “Earth, Music... Magic!” “My students are still buzzing about your world sounds programs (“Earth, Music... Magic!”). They especially remember the science/vibration concepts and being personally “didged” by your Australian didgeridoo. Thanks for reinforcing musical fundamentals in an entertaining, interactive and multi-ethnic way!” “Your program ‘Music, Culture & the Creative Spirit’ has universal appeal. It speaks to anyone who is intent on understanding the power that music has in celebrating life and communicating inner feelings and realities. Thank you, Bill, for bringing your gift of this unique and authentic musical program of natural human creativity to us. We are the richer for it!” “Thank you so much for coming and sharing your artistic talents with our children, teachers & parents at our 27th Annual Elementary Fine Arts Day. Our children are so lucky to have people like yourself willing to share your art. We hope that we will be able to have you join us again in the future!” “It was fun to work with Bill... lots of positive feedback from students and teachers. He has good rapport with the students and kept all children from ages 4–12 enthralled for over 45 minutes. His collection of world instruments was a resource treasure for our students to share and his ability to demonstrate each of them brought the global world of music closer to home.” “With enthusiasm, I recommend Bill’s ‘A Circle of Drums... The Rhythms of Life’ program for any number of audiences. We have used Bill as part of our Peer Contact training at the college and the students have really enjoyed the experience, not just for the drumming exercise, but also for the sense of community that Bill creates with his passion and energy.” “Bill Kehl’s programs at the Newman Center at UW–Oshkosh have been fantastic. His techniques for building community among a group of strangers are exceptional. I am always amazed at how willing people are to be open to complete strangers during Bill’s drumming presentations. Bill possesses a spiritual charisma and personal style that invites participation, sharing, mutual support and respect. I highly recommend Bill and ‘A Circle of Drums... The Rhythms of Life’ to any group or organization that is interested in having fun, building community and generating spirit.” “We have had Bill present ‘A Circle of Drums... ’ for several years to our 6th graders in conjunction with our school’s outdoor learning unit. The experience has been awesome and the students truly connect with one another and learn to work as a group. It is also a time to release extra energy they have gathered throughout the day and they always talk about it for days after they return to school, which shows how much the drumming together as a team meant to them. Thanks for the great work that you have done and I look forward to working with you again this year.”
“Our school district has used Bill for several K–12 presentations and even for some parent groups because he does an excellent job team-building, enhancing self-esteem and promoting self-expression. His presentations are not only educational, but fun! I have observed many at-risk students (who did not otherwise excel in many acedemic areas) really open up and shine while working with Bill. I would not hesitate to recommend his presentation to any type of group or age level of participants because he really knows how to get people to open up, relax and have a great time together!” “I am drawn to your drumming events simply because I enjoy the ‘community product’ that emerges each time we are together. Drumming and making music together is a very satisfying and enriching experience for veterans and ‘newbees’ alike. I thrive on the positive energy and realize that there are very few places in my life where that kind of energy comes forth. Keep the drums beating!” “Your interactive drumming experience was a terrific finale for my ‘High School Girls—Teen Issues’ group. After spending 8 weeks discussing topics ranging from health to self-image, the hands-on energy of the drumming was empowering and wild fun! You did an excellent job of encouraging both individuals and the group as a whole. They found a new voice they never had known!” “Bill Kehl spent a day with the 8th grade art students at Horace Mann Middle School in Wausau, WI. Bill’s program is not a one-size-fits-all-sit-back-and-watch program and his enthusiasm for working with kids was evident from the beginning. He quickly developed a good working relationship with each class of students and he was very flexible in designing an interactive workshop that would meet the specific goals we wanted to accomplish. We ended the day with a massive drum circle with 130+ students and staff which Bill facilitated with ease. Our students enjoyed experiencing a professional drummer who can make magic happen with a drum! I would recommend Bill for any organization or school looking for an energy-packed, hands–on enrichment activity!” “Our Diversity Fair this year was a success... and you helped make our dream a reality. Thanks for your heartfelt presence at this year’s Fair... we loved the drumming... students were touched by your efforts and enlightening information... thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” “Your presentations have been outstanding... the feedback from the students and staff has been extremely positive! Everyone has enjoyed your group drumming workshops and wished that they could have been longer. Thank you for helping to make our ‘Arts in the School’ day such a success!” |
| Copyright © 2007-2012 Planetary Productions, Ltd. • All Rights Reserved Website Design by Foxglove Website Designs |
“The kids at Camp Timbertop were once again delighted by your program. Not only is the “hands-on” participation valuable... your insight into their individual needs shows you are not only talented, but caring and perceptive. Thank you!”
“I thought that your presentation was the perfect introduction to our Earth Charter Community Summit. It worked brilliantly to bring people together in a spirit of collaboration and friendship. For such an event as the Earth Charter Summit, that celebrates community, it was ideal! You are a wonderful leader—kind, encouraging and terrifically effective in transforming a random group of fifty or sixty people into a coherent ensemble. It was tribal in the best sense of the word, and everyone had fun. Thanks again!”