Feedback & References

Whether you want to tell us about your experience at a DDU show or workshop, or have a random question about didgeridoos or Australia, we'd love to hear from you. We read every e-mail and letter sent our way, so please don't be shy!
Please e-mail all comments to darren@didgrevolution.com

These are some of our favorites ...

1/27/2005
Dear Darren, Lindsey and Jeremy,
The campus is still buzzing (literally) about the didg show. I've had more students smile and talk to me today than ever before. Many of them have already started making didgeridoos and can't stop talking about it. Even the students who didn't really get "it" are affected, because everyone around them is so happy and positive talking about their experience. It is very cool. I told all of my art teacher friends how awesome Didg Revolution is, so the word is spreading.
Roxanne McGlashan
Art Teacher
St. Petersburg High
St. Pete, FL
mcglashanr@pcsb.org

 

4/14/2005
Jeremy and Lindsey gave a wonderful presentation for our students this morning! Both assemblies were informative, fun and inspiring! Both men have such a love for what they do that it shines through all they say! Hopefully we can have them back next year to do a workshop to make the didgeridoos! Thank you so much for letting us know about this wonderful opportunity.
Sincerely,
Nancy Lewis
Music Teacher
Seville Elementary
Seville, FL
nllewis@volusia.k12.fl.us

 

6/2/2005
Hi Darren,
Thanks so much from all of our staff and patrons for the wonderful show! Everyone is talking about it being the best presentation we have had here at Lakes. My son, who is twelve and almost too cool to breathe these days, thought it was awesome!
Thanks again!
Lisa Brower
Librarian
Johnson Lakes Library
Lake Park, GA
lbrower@sgrl.org

 

6/6/2005
Dear Darren:
There are no words to express the appreciation of the 107 children and 25 adults who watched Jeremy perform on Monday. He kept all of us in rapt attention. The creation of the didgeridoos by our group was a big hit. Parents reported that their children serenaded the neighborhood for days!
One of the campers left for Australia on the following Sunday. She was as intrigued by the show as those who had barely known what "Down Under" meant. That speaks well of the quality of material.
From all of us in the Lighthouse Point Library summer camp program, our deepest thanks.
We loved having you back!
Very truly yours,
Doreen A.Gauthier
Director
Lighthouse Point Library
Lighthouse Point, FL
dgauthier@lighthousepointlibrary.com

 

1/20/2006
Dear Darren,
On behalf of the students, teachers, administration and parents, I would like to thank you for an AMAZING program last Friday that you put on for St. Mark's. Everyone is still raving about the fabulous program that you presented at our "International Day". You were so great with the kids, and they will remember your presentation for a very long time. You were entertaining and informative, and I am sure that they each walked away with new and interesting facts about Australia. I know that the teachers were wanting to know more and would love to have you return sometime.
Again, thank you so much for your wonderful presentation and we look forward to seeing you back at St. Mark's soon!
Sincerely,
Melissa Goslin
PTA
St. Mark's Episcopal School
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
wpbgoslin@aol.com

 

3/3/2006
I don't even know where to start to tell you how much our school LOVED Lindsey's program! I will try ….. first of all, he absolutely exceeded my expectations. I knew it was going to be pretty cool since I had spent quite a bit of time talking to Jeremy last spring at the Pettigru Arts Festival, but there was a tiny part of me that was a little nervous since I had never actually met Lindsey. Well, let me just say that I have never met anyone so professional, so dedicated, so talented, so fun, and so wonderful with children! You should have seen him with even the 5th graders (who are usually too cool to let loose) -- he had them acting out as dingoes and kookaburras and having an amazing time! I really loved how he incorporated the importance of reading, perseverance, and respect for all people. I could go on forever, but I will end by saying that my enthusiasm for Lindsey and Didgeridoo Down Under will never lessen. It will be an experience that I will remember forever. Thank you for all your help in coordinating this event and your countless phone conversations -- I am grateful!
Amy Cuny
Multicultural Festival Chair
Augusta Circle Elementary
Greenville, SC
(no longer works with school)

 

4/17/2006
Thanks for a great program. The students were fascinated and Lindsey was very generous to answer their many questions - even staying after the presentation for a little while to do so. We especially liked his focus on tolerance as it is always nice when someone besides the teachers students see everyday, has the same message. We will certainly recommend your program highly to anyone we come in contact with. Again thanks - Lindsey was GREAT.
Candee Manwaring
Administrator
SunCoast School
Vero Beach, FL
suncoast3050@netzero.net

 

5/4/2006
G'day to you, Darren!
The kids thouroughly enjoyed your show as well as the staff members! And yes, you did exceed my expectations. I didn't know that they would learn so much vocabulary, that was perfect. You kept their attention and kept your promise to let them go crazy in the end :) I had a great time and so did many, many, many others. Thank you so much! We do hope to see you again soon in the near future!
Peace and Love,
Tamika L Morris
2nd Grade Teacher & Multicultural Liaison
Skyview Elementary
Pinellas Park, FL
morrist@pcsb.org

 

5/5/2006
Yes, Yes ,Yes, it was fantastic and even my older kids who are usually a tough sell were as quiet as mice when I saw them at the program. All of the teachers LOVED it and were very impressed that science, social studies, vocabulary and all was included in a fun way! I have already recommended you to another colleague who works at two schools in southeast Volusia and she said she would set it up for next year! Thanks for coming!
Lynne McGinnis
Music Teacher
Indian River Elementary
Edgewater, FL
386-426-7350
lamcginn@volusia.k12.fl.us

 

August 2006
Hi Darren,
I want to thank you for working so wonderfully with our libraries and for your wonderful program.
I received feedback forms from many of the libraries and all was positive. There is one line which asks, "What would you change about this program?" On the all the forms I received, except for one, the comment was, "nothing!" For the one exception (which I believe was from a friend of yours; program was at the Weston Library), "A Kangaroo should be here"….. :O)
Nancy S. Murray
Library Specialist I, Youth Services Administration
Broward County Libraries
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
nmurray@browardlibrary.org

 

9/8/2006
Hey Darren,
I want you to know how much we appreciated your willingness to come and share with all of our 3rd graders on Friday. I believe you have a wonderful touch with children and your excitement was exemplified throughout your presentation. Please know that you have enlightened our students more than you could possibly know.
Cheryl Jacques
3rd Grade Teacher
Sikes Elementary
Lakeland, FL
cheryl.jacques@polk-fl.net

 

1/26/2007
Dear Darren,
The students really enjoyed Didgeridoo Down Under - even my "tough" 8th graders told me they enjoyed it (and they were being honest). I'll even forgive you for making me hop like a kangaroo :)
The "little" people teachers told me how AWESOME your show was.
I'll be passing your name and information along to our superintendent for this diocese, so I hope our good word can bring you more opportunities to share your love and respect of Australia, its people, and its critters. Some teachers are already planning for how to arrange your visit for next year.
I think I'm understating it when I say you were a hit with the students and staff of St. Joe's.
Thank you again.
Amy Kesler
Social Studies Teacher
St. Joseph Catholic School
Stuart, FL
akesler@sjscf.org

 

1/30/2007
Hi Darren & Lindsey,
I just wanted to say THANKS for an AWESOME program today! As usual, you guys ROCKED!
Cathy Czyr
PTA President
JD Floyd Elementary
Spring Hill, FL
czyrpta@aol.com

 

2/16/2007
It was great. My principal even gave me compliments on my choice, and she doesn't dole out the compliments:) Thank You for providing information that covers so many subject areas. When children make connections like that it brings learning to life. I am sure this will be an experience they
won't forget!
Whitney Hilburn
Art Teacher
St. John's Elementary
Darlington, SC
whitneyh@darlington.k12.sc.us

 

March 2007
Dear Mr. Liebman,
When I grow up I want to do what you do, but about slavery and Africa. I hope I can be as successful as you are. Thanks again, and continue to inspire.
Erin Richardson
6th Grader
Jewett Academy
Winter Haven, FL

 

3/21/2007
Good Morning,
Yesterday's program was OUTSTANDING! Mr. Dank's presentation was both entertaining and educational. He kept my students' attention and interest for the entire hour. They were still talking about him when school ended! I have emailed 5 local public school principals with whom I have worked, and 6 of the parish school principals, to let them know Didgeridoo Down Under is a terrific assembly program.
Thanks again, God bless you,
Stew Downes
Principal
The Dreams Are Free School at Bishop Nevins Academy
Sarasota, FL
sdownes@dreamsarefree.org

 

4/9/2007
I absolutely fell in love with the music of the didgeridoos!
Janie Hayes
3rd Grade Teacher & Multicultural Liaison
Oldsmar Elementary
Oldsmar, FL
hayesja@pcsb.org

 

4/17/2007
Darren,
Thank you so much for the presentation yesterday! You made it very interactive and interesting for the kids. Their excitement has continued through today!
I really appreciate your time and kindness to the students and teachers. It was very nice of you to also spend a bit of time with Marshall from the Upper School. Your dedication to the kids and love for your subject makes it all that much better!
Thank you for everything.
Jean Boothby
3rd Grade Teacher
St. Stephen's Episcopal School
Bradenton, FL
jboothby@saintstephens.org

 

5/7/2007
Lindsey was superb; he covered natural history, cultural history, cultural awareness and personal responsibility, in addition to the art and music lesson. … Just after Lindsey left, other students on campus rushed in and said they had heard there was a wonderful hands-on musical presentation ... they were sorry to miss it. Please compliment Lindsey for his professional approach, his warmth and enthusiasm for the project and his handling of the students. The lesson was all you had said it would be, and I enjoyed it tremendously.
Thanks for all your assistance!
Barbara Farrar
Social Studies Department Chairwoman
Venice High
Venice, FL
barbara_farrar@sarasota.k12.fl.us

 

5/24/2007
The shows were incredible. Lindsey really did a great job with the music. It was really cool how he relates music with our environment, history, culture, and reading. The teachers were really impressed with the program. They asked me where I found you guys. I'll definitely pass the message to my co-workers in the district. I also want to set up a program for my other school, Washington Street.
G'day and G'summer,
Ron Price
Music Teacher
Carolina Elementary
Hartsville, SC
ronaldp@darlington.k12.sc.us

 

6/15/2007
Lindsey was great! The kids really enjoyed him. Our camp helpers really milked him for information when he went out for dinner with all of us after the festival. He was open, talented, and willing to help in any way. The program was exactly what was needed for the kids, and the didg playing really added to the concert. Thank you so much for agreeing to book so far away, and we are so fortunate that he was willing to make the drive.
Sue Simonson
Director
Oberlin Children's Choir World Music Festival
Oberlin, Ohio
sue.simonson@gmail.com

 

6/28/2007
Mr. Lindsey Dank,
I feel so lucky that my daughter and I were able to catch your show today at the Leon County library. (I am the pregnant lady with the little red-headed girl.) We have been to a lot of library programs, many have been very nice, but none come close to the phenomenal experience we had today listening to the didgeridoos! We loved it so much and need to see it again! Please let us know when your workshops are. I see on your card that you might do private parties? I have a group of daisy girl scouts that would love a primal experience of ancient rhythms! Who wouldn't?! How refreshing to see a program that reinforces what my husband and I try to teach our daughter at home … kindness, awareness of world community, sharing, caring for nature, caring for animals, respecting others, and just making mindful choices in general so that our actions affect the world in a positive way. Thanks again for a richly authentic experience and the best hour spent imaginable!
Christy Ashley
Tallahassee, FL

 

7/27/2007
Dear Mr. Dank,
I just had to write to tell you what an awesome program you provided tonight. My nephew attended your program at the Lakes Regional Library (in Fort Myers). When he thanked you for your lesson, you complimented him on his enthusiasm. I truly hope you did get to see his enthusiasm because he was wild with excitement for the rest of the evening! He did nothing but talk about all that you taught him and in his enthusiasm, he taught me several things! I had no idea that a platypus was poisonous [editor's note: a male platypus has "venomous" spurs on its hind legs], or that a didgeridoo was made from a termite-ridden log! I just had to complement you for sharing your skills and to thank you for your program. It was great!
Take care,
Becky Newton
Fort Myers, FL

 

10/25/2007
Hello there,
This note comes with our gratitude for LIndsey's appearance yesterday. I heard many appreciative comments from the classroom teachers, who voted this unofficially "the best assembly" award. Our children were actively engaged and attentive. Furthermore, Lindsey did a great job of controlling his audience. I've already spoken to the principal about the possibility of having you come in residence next year, but since I'm retiring in June (and so is the principal), we can only make recommendations. Thanks for keeping your word and rescheduling the visit. It is rare that one can count on a business to keep their word these days!
Thanks and g'day mate!
Arlene Wertz
Music Teacher
Paris Elementary School
Taylors, SC
awertz@greenville.k12.sc.us

 

10/26/2007
Hi Darren,
I had to write you a note and let you know how much we enjoyed Lindsey!! The kids and teachers were all thrilled with his assemblies on Thursday and the 4th graders LOVED learning to play their PVC didgeridoos today! The rest of the kids at school were jealous that the 4th graders actually got to learn to play.
Lindsey's workshop was great - he worked well with the kids and was able to get them started on the basics of didg playing. I'm sure parents all over Anderson will be hearing lots of didg sounds tonight - and will probably be heading out to buy more PVC for siblings!
We are going to spread the word here in Anderson - a picture of Lindsey with the kids is already on the front page of the Anderson 5 website, and we'll have pics on the music website and probably most of the 4th grade websites soon. I also have some friends in Columbia and I will spread the word to them as well!
We told Lindsey that we'd like to see if we might be able to have him back next year to work with the next group of 4th graders - it was such a neat experience, it would be cool to let more kids participate.
Thanks again for calling to follow up and get Lindsey booked with us! We loved him. My first grade son said several times in the car on the way home this afternoon, "I like Lindsey Dank." Then all three of my boys were talking about how nice he was - and telling me I should have gotten my didg autographed like they did!
Thank you, thank you!!!
Sydney Phillips
Music Teacher
Midway Elementary
Anderson, SC
sydneyphillips@anderson5.net

 

10/30/2007
Darren, we've gotten all kinds of positive comments about your presentation, followed up by a new curiosity about Australia. I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you before this, to send you a whelming thanks for performing at Booker High School. What a wonderful job(?) you have, doing something that you love and sharing your enthusiasm about many parts of life with young people.
Your messages about career/life path, the environment, and other aspects were subtly presented as you seasoned your gentle sermons with entertaining vignettes. Continued good luck in your endeavor, and I most assuredly will pass along your name to other educators in our school system.
Ann Copeman
Media Specialist
Booker High
Sarasota, FL
ann_copeman@sarasota.k12.fl.us

 

11/16/2007
(e-mail sent to all Marion County media specialists)
Just wanted to let everyone know that Didgeridoo Down Under was GREAT!!! The students have already asked for the books Darren highlighted during the show. So we will see a lot of reading about Australia happening in the next few weeks.
There was student interaction, visuals, and comedy. Along with lessons to be learned. Our music teacher helped prepare the students for this presentation, which really helped. We also incorporated the vocabulary words (from the Didgeridoo Down Under study guide) on our daily morning show.
If you have any questions just let me know.
Marie Valletta
Media Specialist
Sunrise Elementary
Ocala, FL
marie.valletta@marion.k12.fl.us

 

11/27/2007
(e-mail sent to all Columbia County music teachers)
Music Teachers -
We just had this program this morning. Everyone was extremely pleased. The program was informative, interactive, and very entertaining. It was worth the money!
Johnny Carr
Music Specialist
Brookwood Elementary.
Grovetown, GA
jcarr@ccboe.net

 

11/27/2007
I did all I could to hold my seat during the program!!!! I wanted to dance! It was wonderful!!!
Bea Brown
Special Needs Teacher
Brookwood Elementary
Grovetwon, GA
bbrown@ccboe.net

 

12/15/2007
The show was awesome. The music was wonderful, of course, and everyone had a great time learning how to play. I was also VERY impressed with the educational/respect for others and nature aspect of it. What a wonderful program! I and everyone else, I think, learned so much. I've never seen such a long and interesting question and answer session. Please thank Lindsey again, and thank him, too, for being so generous with his time. I will definitely let other people know about you!
We look forward to seeing and hearing you again this summer!
Michelle Kiley
Young Adult Librarian
Ponte Vedra Library
Ponte Vedra Beach. FL
mkiley@sjcfl.us

 

12/19/2007
Lindsey was great. I even heard our principal, Tom Westermeyer, say that "this is the best show I've ever seen in school."
Lisa McBee
Assistant Principal
West Melbourne Elementary School for Science
West Melbourne, FL
mcbee.lisa@brevardschools.org

 

1/18/2008
The show was great! It met and went beyond my expectations. Lindsey was a great showman and a talented musician. The kids loved it. He allowed my friend and I to show off our budding didge skills and spent time with us between shows, talking about the making of didges and Australian culture and native peoples. First grade said thanks for their show too. They loved it.
One kid from my class searched the room and found a small cardboard tube. He played it on and off for the rest of the day, and to our surprise, got a pretty good sound out of it. He may join your group in the future. :)
Thanks again. Same time next year? And yes I will share the info.
You guys rock!
Shari Lynn Gewanter
Kindergarten Teacher
Oak Ridge Elementary
Tallahassee, FL
gewanters@mail.oakridge.leon.k12.fl.us

 

1/25/2008
G'day Darren,
Many thanks for bringing "The Land Down Under" to Spring Creek Elementary for a second year in a row. Lindsey is so authentic and his knowledge is expressed in such an entertaining fashion. The 3rd and 4th grades were mesmerized and are still talking about the didgeridoos and Aboriginal people. This program enhances my multicultural curriculum and continues to provide me updated facts about our smallest continent.
Being a theater person, and supporter of the arts in education, I welcome the opportunity to educate children where they are actively engaged in the learning process. We will look forward to your return visit soon!
Lynne Gratton
Multicultural Studies Teacher
Spring Creek Elementary
Bonita Springs, FL
lynnegr@leeschools.net

 

2/27/2008
Hi Darren,
It was such a pleasure to have Didgeridoo Down Under visit Boulevard Heights. Your multicultural program was fantastic! Students and faculty raved about your presentation as being one of the best we have ever had!! You had all the ingredients of a successful program. Integrating history, music, art, geography, and science with a colorful and interesting visual display on stage, set the tone for a wonderful learning experience. Your enthusiasm, humor, excellent stage presence, and opportunity for audience
participation, were icing on the cake. Thank you for giving our school an "out of the box" marvelous educational and entertaining experience.
Gratefully,
Betty Bunnell
Multicultural Coordinator
Boulevard Heights Elementary
Hollywood, FL
betty.bunnell@browardschools.com

 

3/6/2008
Darren,
Lindsey was absolutely wonderful! He was engaging, informative, funny, very good at his craft, and the displays were excellent. I was amazed that one person could carry a couple of hundred of 6th graders that well - they were learning AND having fun. Next year I will beat down doors to do a block booking and make it worth the trip. The schools don't know what they are missing!
Thanks so much!
Nancy Rodriguez
Arts Coordinator
City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Department
North Charleston, SC
rodrign@northcharleston.org

 

4/17/2008
Dear Darren,
We were very pleased with the Didgeridoo Down Under presentation. Lindsey was enthusiastic, knowledgeable with all things Australian and certainly made beautiful sounds with the didgeridoo!
The staff and students truly enjoyed the Down Under experience. I would highly recommend this program to any school or organization looking for a unique learning experience.
Thank you again!
Maureen Coats
PTA Cultural Arts Chair
Layer Elementary
Winter Springs, FL
coatspartyof6@aol.com

 

4/18/2008
Hello Darren:
Thank you so much for coming to our school. Your program was a great part of our Violence Free Week celebration. You not only taught the kids about unity and accepting other cultures, but also about how to get along and coping skills to prevent violence. We were so entertained by your program that the school is still talking about it!
Sincerely,
Judith Brown
DVS Specialist
Lake Orienta Elementary
(no longer works at LOE)

 

5/9/2008
Hello Darren,
Didgeridoo Down Under was fantastic and exceeded all of my expectations! Lindsey was great with the younger and the older groups! It can be difficult to keep a group of 300 plus 5- to 8-year-olds engaged, but he did! I loved how he had the students participate. The music was wonderful and I really appreciated the educational aspect of the program!
Susan Chick
Prinicpal
Holiday Hill Elementary
Jacksonville, FL
chicks@duvalschools.org