Chris Marshak

“Chris has been coming to our school, PS 173 Q, for more than 10 years.  Each time he brings excitement, instruction and tons of fun for both the students and teachers.  He intertwines storytelling, music and laughter with each visit. The children learn listening skills, counting, patterning and of course about a variety of musical instruments.  It always amazes me to watch my students interact with him.  He makes children smile who don't smile often and makes children laugh who don't laugh often.  He brings with him a special way of reaching and teaching all of us in a unique way.  Make sure to ask him to bring Foo Foo with him for an extra special experience! ”

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and impact Chris Marshak has had on our preschool community. Year after year, Chris brings an unmatched level of enthusiasm, creativity, and intentionality through his music program that truly resonates with our young learners. What makes Chris’s work so special is his ability to seamlessly blend music with meaningful educational components. His sessions are not only engaging and fun, but also rich with opportunities for children to explore early math concepts, patterns, counting, rhythm, and problem-solving. Through song, movement, and interactive experiences, our preschoolers are building foundational skills without even realizing they are learning, something that speaks to Chris’s exceptional approach. The children look forward to every visit, and we consistently see increased confidence, participation, and joy when they engage in his activities. His ability to connect with each child, meet them at their developmental level, and create an inclusive environment is truly remarkable. Chris Marshak’s program is more than just music; it is a dynamic educational experience that supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth. We are fortunate to have him as a part of our preschoolers’ learning journey each year.”

“Our 3-K and Pre-K students at PS85Q Judge Charles J. Vallone recently enjoyed another wonderful visit from Chris the Music Man, a beloved performer who has been sharing his passion for music with our school community for nearly 20 years. Over the years, generations of students have benefited from his engaging and educational programs, and this year's performance was no exception. Chris has a unique ability to connect with young children through music, movement, and humor. He taught musical patterns through funny skits and interactive activities that kept students laughing, learning, and participating throughout the program. His use of hand puppets captured the children's attention and helped make musical concepts easy for young learners to understand. Students were introduced to a variety of instruments, including bongos, shakers, and boom whackers, and were encouraged to actively participate in creating rhythms and exploring different sounds. Through hands-on experiences, the children learned about beat, tempo, and patterns in a fun and meaningful way. Movement was woven throughout the presentation as students clapped, stomped, tapped, and moved their bodies to the music. These activities promoted listening skills, coordination, rhythm awareness, and self-expression while keeping students fully engaged. What makes Chris the Music Man so special is his ability to combine education and entertainment in a way that is perfectly suited for young children. His enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication have made him a cherished part of the PS85Q community for two decades. We are grateful for the many years that Chris the Music Man has shared his talents with our students. His program continues to inspire a love of music, movement, and learning in our youngest learners, and we look forward to welcoming him back for many years to come. Thank you, Chris the Music Man, for 20 years of bringing music, joy, and unforgettable learning experiences to the children of PS85Q Judge Charles J. Vallone!”