To Whom It May Concern:

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions concerning "The Fathers of Texas" presentations that K. R. brings to the schools of Texas. Although we don't presume to answer all your questions, this may serve as a broad overview of our work and help you to develop specific questions as they concern your particular needs.

1. What is the content of the program presented to schoolchildren?

"The Fathers of Texas" is an historical presentation of the Texas Revolution and events leading up to that period beginning with "The Old 300". We discuss, in music and narration, Moses Austin's receiving a grant from Mexico to bring Anglos into their territory and Stephen Austin's commitment to fulfilling his father's dream, the conflict in Gonzales with the "Come and Take It" incident and profiles of Ben Milam, Santa Anna. William B. Travis, James Bonham, James Bowie, and David Crockett. We also explain the Deguello and give tribute to Susannah Dickerson. Goliad is explained and a profile of Sam Houston is introduced as he proceeds to lead up to the Battle of San Jacinto. Intermixed with K.R.'s original music are public domain pieces that were written during the period we cover. This, we feel, ads to the authenticity of the program. Back to top

2. What grade level are the students?

Texas History is a part of the 4th and 7th grade curriculum. We can adjust the program for younger audiences when the administration wants to have the entire school hear our performance. We have performed for kindergarten through college level at previous venues. Back to top

3. What do the children take away from the presentation?

Foremost, the children take away a general knowledge of the Texas Revolution, names and significant incidents in our Texas history. Several tunes are simple and repetitive and we often hear the kids humming or singing on their way out of the presentation. Many will make the effort to stop and ask questions or just tell us how they have enjoyed the presentation. Back to top

4. Is the presentation made in classroom or school auditorium?

Both. It is up to the administration and/or teacher how they would like to handle the performance. We have done many auditoriums and library shows as well as going into the actual classroom. Back to top

5. What does it cost to make a presentation at a school?

For K. R., solo, and the cost is $750.00 to $900.00/day depending on the location and date of performance. The Fathers of Texas Band can be brought in for an additional fee. K.R. Wood and Camp Cookie Productions/Texanna Records can custom create a special Western program including chuck wagon, gunfighters, period performers from the Texas Army, and authentic cowboys with example of the skills that were required to drive cattle. We can bring in horses and even have a tamed longhom steer that has made a few appearances with us. Prices upon request.
Subsidies are available through the Texas Commission on the Arts. Back to top

6. How many presentations have you made in the past?

K. R. has been on the road performing his Fathers of Texas for over ten years. He has primarily been covering the Hill Country and North Texas area, as that is where he has had residence for that period of time. It is safe to say that he has done hundreds of presentations to schools such as Plano, Mesquite, Quinlan, Electra, Wichita Falls, Dallas, Leander, Llano, Austin, San Antonio and many more. K.R. also performs regularly at the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum and The Alamo. Back to top

7. Is K.R.Wood’s historical work recognized?

The Father’s of Texas CD is offered as part of the 4th and 7th grade Texas History curriculum offered in the 2002 Texas History adoption, by Harcourt Publishers and Holt, Rinehart and Winston Publishers.

An honor which K. R. fails to share with many, is the Senate Concurrent Resolution #73 he received from the Texas Senate on April 21,1997 for his efforts to spread the history and heritage of Texas to school children and the general public. Back to top

8. What support does the program receive from schools and others?

K. R. is registered and listed with The Texas Commission on the Arts. As a registered performer. The Commission will subsidize up to half of the expenses for K. R. to perform for an approved audience. Schools as well as many civil organizations and gatherings qualify for that subsidy. We have found that this subsidy allows us to perform for school districts that could not normally afford to have us appear. On occasion, commercial establishments (i.e. car dealership, a book store, insurance agencies) have been solicited by school administrators and teachers to assist with funding. Back to top

9. What involvement do the teachers and school administration have?

Scheduling, of course, in done through the administration and with the teachers' cooperation. The actual performance goes on much like a field trip where the teacher is responsible for discipline and order. Back to top

10. Do you have a presentation schedule for the schools?

We are always taking reservations. Please check our web site Calendar Fathers Of Texas Performance Schedule and contact us to confirm a available date. Back to top

11. Are you targeting highly populated areas in Texas for the presentation?

Our target audience is the entire State of Texas. We travel many miles each year to reach as many students as possible. Electra (in north Texas) and Quinlan (outside of Dallas) may not have been our largest audiences, but their enthusiasm and participation was equal to any other school we may have seen throughout the year. Back to top

As I have stated before, I am sure that you will have specific questions and welcome you to contact either K. R. or myself at your convenience. We can be reached at the number on our letterhead. I will admit to being anything but a neutral fan of K. R.'s work. He is passionate about spreading our Texas History and Heritage to the public and has a wonderful repoir with children of all ages. To have witnessed him in action and see the response and involvement which he receives from school children is quite impressive. I know that you will be pleased with his presentations. We look forward to speaking with you and thank you for your interest!

Sincerely,

Jamie Winkley
Events and Bookings

As K. R. would say, "KEEP IT TEXAS!" Back to top