Q: Is this program suitable for all grade levels?

A: Once Upon A Time In Texas is targeted to grades 3 through 8, and is especially suitable for students who will be studying, or have studied, Texas History.  Many schools bring multiple grade levels, and students of all ages enjoy the show.  Brian is able to adapt the performance for younger grade levels, as long as the school understands that they are unlikely to derive educational value from the material.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of students, or grade levels, that can attend?

A: There is no limit; however, smaller audiences allow for a more interactive and orderly presentation.  If your audience will exceed 300, we encourage you to consider second or additional performances at the time of booking - these additional performances will be offered at half-price.

Q: How long does the performance last?

A: The performance is approximately 40 to 45  minutes in length.

Q: How do I book a performance at my school?

A: Simply send an email inquiry to

bburns@sbcglobal.net

or call (214) 354-1861.  If you have a particular month, week, or day in mind, let us know.  Once a date and time has been agreed upon, you will receive an invoice by email or fax.

Q: Should I contact Brian between the date of booking and the date of performance to make sure we're still on?

A: That is not necessary.  You are always welcome to check Brian's schedule on this web site to make sure the booking has been listed.  Brian is regarded as one of the most dependable performing artists in the industry.  He would cancel a performance only in the event of illness, accident, or other circumstances which would render him unable to travel or perform.  In such a case, you would be informed as far in advance as possible, and every effort would be made to reschedule the performance.

Q: What should I, and my school, do in preparation for Brian's performance?

A: Create a buzz with your students and let your excitement rub off on them: Play selected songs from Brian's CD The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians in class (if you don't have the CD, let us know and we'll get you a copy).  Create assignments and activities based on Brian's songs.  These activities will dramatically increase your students' enjoyment and involvement in this program.

Q: Is the performance always the same?

A: Not rigidly.  The performance is not scripted or formalized in any way.  It is a free-flowing series of dialogs and songs that encourage students to embrace history and make their own discoveries.

Q: Can the students participate in the performance?

A: The first half of the performance is geared toward getting the students thinking about history and historical events, while at the same time enjoying a musical performance.  As such, they are encouraged not to clap or sing along during the songs.  They are, of course, encouraged to applaud after each song.

During the second half of each presentation, they will be invited sing along to a fun song or two, sometimes including Brian's hit, "I've Been Everywhere (In Texas)".

Brian will also invite audience members to raise their hands and ask him any questions they might have regarding his songwriting, guitar playing, travels, CDs, the music business, his interweaving of music and history, or any other relevant topics.

Q: Will Brian offer CDs to sell at the performance?

A: Brian will have CDs available to sell, but only upon the school's approval.  An announcement may be made to students, either prior to or after Brian's performance, that CDs are available at the special price of $10.00 each.  If orders come in during the days after Brian's performance, we will be happy to fill those orders by mail... just email or call us to make arrangements.  The $10.00 special price applies only to Bran's Texas History CD, "The Eagle & The Snake".  Brian's other CDs will be available at the regular price of $15.00 each.

Q: Will Brian stay to sign autographs and/or talk with the students after his performance?

A: Only if such arrangements are agreed upon in advance.  Brian is honored to be asked to sign autographs and visit with students and faculty.  Unfortunately, his schedule does not always allow him to do so without being late for another engagement.

Q: What can my students be expected to gain from this program?

A: Music and lyrics work on an emotional level that textbook material sometimes cannot reach.  Different people assimilate music in different ways.  Be sure to visit the Testimonials section of this web site to gain first-hand insight into how listeners are inspired by these songs.  While Once Upon A Time In Texas cannot be expected to turn your entire student body into straight-A Texas History students, there is no question that some students will respond positively to the material, and go on to develop a keener interest in the subject matter.  That is also evidenced by the number of schools Brian performs at one year that invite him back the next... and the next... and many teachers really do attribute Brian's visits to their students earning higher Social Studies grades.

Brian is an intense and commanding, yet friendly and accessible performer, prompting students to ask thoughtful questions not only about Texas history, but also about songwriting, musicianship, and the music business.

Finally, many students who have only been exposed to contemporary, commercial musical styles such as pop, rap, and hip-hop will start to respond favorably to musical styles they may not have understood or appreciated before: folk/country/Americana ballads.

Q: What should I, and my school, do after Brian's performance?

A: Encourage your students to purchase Brian's CD The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians - the more they hear the material, the more they'll want to learn.  Point out areas in your curriculum that coincide with topics in Brian's songs.  Email and tell us how you and your students liked the show.  Also, we're always interested in hearing ideas on how we might improve the program.  Let other schools in your area know about us!