Bee Cave Public Library
Unusual,
engaging and wildly entertaining! I love how unique this event was
for our community, unlike anything else we've had in years. The
children were rapt during the whole performance and couldn't stop
dancing. Great for all ages, which is always one of the hardest
things to find in a summer reading performer. Wonderful!
- Cate Sweeney, Public Services Manager
Bee Cave, TX
COULEE MONTESSORI
SCHOOL
Everyone had a blast! I am still hearing great things from
students and staff. The students were so engaged. It was wonderful
how you got so many students involved and got everyone up and
moving. I even heard a habitual negative Nancy student say, “omg,
this is so much fun!!” Thank you for doing this for our kids. It
truly was wonderful!
- Jessica Ingvalson, Music Teacher
La Crosse, WI
Gays Mills Public Library
The feedback from
everyone I've spoken to is they loved your show immensely. Four
out of five library board members were there and they had a great
time. You have a great rapport with the audience, your
musicianship is off the charts, and you sneak in those little
educational nuggets in a very engaging way. What's not to like?
We'd definitely love to have you back sometime in the near future.
Thanks for your amazing work!
- David Gibbs, Director
Gays Mills, WI
Rampart District Library
Young and old alike loved Uncle Mike! He was extremely
professional, very funny and highly entertaining! He was
definitely one of the highlights of our summer programming!
- Julie Wilson, Youth Services Manager
Woodland Park, CO
New Holstein Public
Library
Polka is SO much fun! Mike makes polka music exciting and
engaging. Our younger - and older - patrons were all smiles and
laughs as they danced the afternoon away!
- Amy Wolff, Children's Librarian
New Holstein, WI
North Suburban
Library District
Mike was
truly wonderful! The patrons and staff loved him and his music. He
is the perfect example of what every performer should be,
professional, polite, prompt, and fun to name a few of his best
qualities. Our families of all ages, loved the music and danced at
every song. I would recommend him for any venue, make sure you
wear shoes you can polka in!
- Tammy Tucker, Librarian
Loves Park, IL
Baylor County Free Library
Not only did the kids love Uncle Mike, but dealing with him on a
professional level was a dream. He is so friendly. The kids really
enjoyed his show, and I would love to book him again soon!
- Jessica Myers, Director
Seymour, TX
Lake Forest Library
Mike Schneider's program Pint Size Polkas was a great hit at the
Lake Forest Library. Everyone came out of the Children's Activity
Room saying "What fun!" I highly recommend this lively interactive
family program.
- Lorie Rohrer, Head of Children's Services
Lake Forest, IL
Antioch Public
Library District
Your show had
the feel of a wedding reception and I mean that in a good way. A
number of families that attended were represented by multiple
generations and everyone in attendance was singing and clapping
along. It was a pleasure to see a room filled with so many beaming
faces. Thanks for an enjoyable program.
- Kim Zupkoff, Children's Librarian
Antioch, IL
Elkin Public Library
Very professional and had even the most reluctant child dancing in
the aisles! Thank you!
- Vicky Town, Children's Librarian
Elkin, NC
Triton Elementary
We are
extremely thankful to have had Mike visit the Triton Elementary
Schools! During his visit, he held two performances: one for about
300 K-2 students and a second performance for another 300 students
grades 3-5. For both performances, ALL the students were actively
engaged in the songs, videos, dances and were excited for the
opportunities to join Mike on stage. I have had nothing but
positive feedback from all my students! Looking beyond being an
engaging performer, Mike is also an amazing accordionist. I was
very impressed by his playing as were many of the teachers who
came to me afterwards with nothing but positive remarks about his
performance. In terms of scheduling, Mike was easy to work with
and flexible in making adjustments to meet the needs of our
school. I would highly recommend Mike to any school district!
- Jennifer Miller,
K-5 General Music
Teacher
Dodge Center, MN
Ponemah Elementary
We were
delighted to have Uncle Mike come and work with our K-8 school. We
are a small school with a total of 200 students and we typically
have a lot of behavior problems. Uncle Mike was able to keep all
of our students engaged and smiling. Everyone that was able to
attend left with a smile on their face. We can’t wait to have him
back.
- Betsy Gerard, Music Teacher
Ponemah, MN
Lyle &
Glenville-Emmons Elementary Schools
Uncle Mike
recently visited our schools and we had a wonderful time! Our
students enjoyed the interactive videos, the
action/movement-oriented songs, the lessons about various history
characters, and the wide variety of activities! I highly recommend
that you have Uncle Mike come visit your school!
- Sheila Rame,
Music Teacher
Lyle and Glenville, MN
Mary Riley Styles
Public Library
I just wanted
you to know how much we enjoyed your show last night. I don’t
think I’ve ever seen an audience of young children remain so
attentive for 45 minutes. You really kept them involved in your
performance. Even the adults continued to clap along with the
polka rhythms. You played and sang beautifully, and I really liked
the different hats and trivia questions that kept the children’s
attention between the song and dance numbers. We will definitely
have you back again to perform for us.
- Cary Frostick, Youth Services Supervisor
Falls Church, VA
Alexander County
Library
What a
fantastic, interactive show Uncle Mike provided for our summer
readers at Alexander County Library! Designed specifically for the
2013 summer reading theme, Mike Schneider’s “Polkas You Can Dig”
was informative, entertaining, and a whole lot of fun. I highly
recommend his programs for anyone who wishes to delight folks with
the happiest music on earth.
Spring Green
Community Library
Pint Size
Polkas is fun and entertaining. The kids were spinning, the adults
were clapping, and everyone was smiling. Mike Schneider is a
pleasure to work with, friendly and professional. Bring Happy
Back!
- Brenda Francis,
Children's Librarian
Spring Green, WI
Winchester Public
Library
The Pint Size
Polkas program was very entertaining and engaging. The songs were
upbeat and fun, and the kids really loved dancing along. It was
also interactive so that the kids could really feel like part of
the show. It was an excellent library program!
Thanks so much a wonderful program!
- Misty Strain, Children's Librarian
Winchester, KY
Glenview Public
Library
Uncle Mike
and the Pint Size Polkas was a delightful show for the whole
family. Uncle Mike entertains youngsters with the exceptional
sounds of the accordion. The children had smiles on their faces
throughout the show as Uncle Mike played old favorites mixed in
with his new catchy tunes. The show's educational tie-ins created
a thoughtful and enriching program for all ages.
- Alison Kulczak,
Youth Services
Librarian
Evanston, IL
Montessori at Franklin
The Pint Size
Polka Program we had at our school this week for 500 students was
wonderful. The students were very attentive, and Uncle Mike got
them up and moving several times. Mike is a fantastic accordion
player. We all got to polka! It also engaged the students with the
educational components of math and reading.
- Edna Mezacapa, Music Teacher
Rochester, MN
Chisholm
Middle School
Thank you, Mike, for making our polka party such a huge success!
Our students, faculty, and staff had a great time listening and
dancing to your music! We hope you enjoyed your afternoon on
Minnesota's Mesabi Iron Range, and that you'll consider coming
back to entertain us again!
- Ann
Marie Lubovich, Music Teacher
Chisholm, MN
Elmhurst Public
Library
Thanks so
much for your wonderful performance for families at the Elmhurst
Public Library. We had many positive comments from parents and
kids, and we hope you can come back again. Your music was the
perfect way to sing and dance away the winter blahs, and you had
everyone’s feet tapping with your awesome accordion. Parents
enjoyed music they recognized, and even the littlest audience
members loved clapping and dancing along. Your hat quizzes kept
the older kids involved and gave them a chance to be in the
spotlight, and you kept the pace moving along nicely throughout
your presentation.
This is such an original program, our families really enjoyed it!
From toddlers to grandparents, everyone had fun. Thanks for being
so easy to work with, and reasonably priced. We will definitely be
calling you to come back again.
- Gloria Walsh-Rock, Kids’ Library Program Coordinator
Elmhurst, IL
Hales Corners Public
Library
Wonderful & lively program that had our patrons on their feet and
dancing! I will be sure to recommend bookings to other Milwaukee
County librarians.
- Patrick Lodge, Youth Services Librarian
Hales Corners, IL
Fond Du Lac Public
Library
Mike Schneider and
the Pint Size Polkas performed to a sell out crowd during our
recent summer reading program. Although it was 100 degrees outside
and as warm inside, 150 kids and families enthusiastically
participated in this fast-paced interactive program. Mike has the
ability to keep every participant involved with trivia, audience
participation and of course foot stomping music to sing along
with. He creates connections to books and the library at every
turn. One parent stated her children have become polka converts
like their parents because of Mike's performance. She's tried to
spark interest in this form of music for years to no avail. All
her children (including a teenager) walked out of the performance
stating they now knew why their parents loved this music! I would
highly recommend Mike Schneider and the Pint Size Polkas to any
kind of group. This is a performer extraordinaire!
- Julia Cartwright, Children's Librarian
Fond du Lac, WI
Anderson Public
Library
Goodness!!! Pint
Size Polkas was so much fun! We had a blast! Mike Schneider is
energetic, fun, happy, and very appreciative. We clapped, sang,
and danced! We played a geography quiz game and learned how to do
the polka. Pint Size Polkas is very much about audience
participation. I highly recommend Pint Size Polkas! Great
Presenter!
- Sherry Noon, Children's Librarian
Lawrenceburg, KY
MESQUITE Public
Library
Mike Schneider and
his polka music are a great show! Not only do the children get to
enjoy some new and different music but Mike also teaches about
people and professions, as well. We really enjoyed having him come
to the Mesquite Public Library this summer and look forward to
having him again in the future!
- Chris Thomson, Children's Librarian
Mesquite, TX
Austin Public
Library
Mike is a terrific
performer in a library setting - a skilled musician for sure, but
also able to relate to all ages in the crowd. As part of his
children's show he asks for volunteers, and always knows just what
to say to make whatever the kids do seem part of the plan.
Everyone had a great time.
- Ann Hokanson, Director
Austin, MN
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL
LIBRARY
The Pint Size Polka Program was wonderful at our library this
summer. Mike Schneider was very engaging, easy to work with, and
his program had the children and the adults up and dancing to the
polkas. He had the children participate by joining in the music
and dance. He also was very informative about the polka music and
dance. He taught the children several German words!
His costume and
accordion were very authentic. He was on time and ready to start
at the appropriate time. Sometimes he was at the branches before I
was! Mike is very easy to work with and I really enjoyed his
program. The Chicken Dance was my very favorite song and dance - I
laughed and laughed! The kids and the adults were so funny. They
were really into the song!
- Lynn Farrow,
Children's Librarian
Jackson, MO
Evergreen Park
Public Library
I really enjoyed your show at the Evergreen Park Public
Library. You even got my 13-year-old daughter singing, dancing,
and clapping along. Great job!
- Laura Meyer,
Children's Librarian
Evergreen Park, IL
James J. Siebers
Memorial Library
Thank you for a wonderful and FUN program! Everyone who
attended had very positive comments. The music was great, and the
multi-media content was fantastic, as well. You put on a top-notch
show! Thanks for creating such a fun experience at the library for
our patrons! I want to say "You Rock," but maybe I should say "You
Polka!"
- Ann Hardginski,
Youth Services Librarian
Kimberly, WI
Southwest Georgia
Regional Library Mike is very professional, he's easy to work with, and I would
highly recommend him to anyone interested in booking him.
Video testimonial
- Taryn Brown,
Youth Services and Community Relations Librarian
Bainbridge, GA
Pelham Carnegie Library
Let me tell you,
he's awesome! Mike nailed it. If you want something really unique
that will create long-lasting memories, bring Mike into your
library. I'll sing his praises 'til the cows come home.
Video testimonial
- Scott Routsong,
Branch Manager
Pelham, GA
Kids in the Rotunda
Mike's experience as a professional performer is explicit the
moment you meet him. He is punctual, courteous, organized,
presentable, and prepared - all attributes that make his yearly
visits to Overture Center's Kids in the Rotunda Program such a
dream from a host's view. When it comes to audience interaction,
Mike does a wonderful job catering to all ages, backgrounds, skill
levels, and paces. I believe these traits set Mike aside from
other performers. One may be able to perform musically, but Mike
can do it all! We highly recommend Pint Size Polkas!
- Meryn Daly,
Coordinator for 2010/11 Season
Madison, WI
Red Lake Falls
Public Library
You can put me down as highly recommending your program. It's
important to preserve the unique heritage of the accordion along
with its particular type of music for the benefit of our youth,
and this you do in a friendly and upbeat way, without
condescension or "cheesiness," as my kids call it! Thanks for a
good program.
- Laura Schafer, Librarian
Red Lake Falls, MN
Wisconsin State Fair
I wanted to take the time and say thank you so much for coming
this year to the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair. We really enjoyed
having you here, and you were a pleasure to work with. Your shows
always went great, and the fairgoers loved having you there. It
was fun to watch and I always heard good things about your show.
Your performances were a lot of fun and it drew a huge crowd. You
were super nice about everything, and I am glad it all went well
for you. I look forward to seeing you next year! Good luck with
the rest of your year, and thank you again for participating with
us at the 2010 Wisconsin State Fair!
- Kristin Farina,
Special
Event Coordinator
West Allis, WI
Hallock Library
I was very impressed with your program and heard such good
things from the people who attended. People loved the music, and it
was well presented. You definitely knew your stuff and people
thought it was a flawless performance. In Hallock people realized
that it was hard to perform in front of such a small crowd and
admired you as a performer because it didn't seem to bother you.
The music was so much fun to listen to. I spoke to many of the
other librarians in our region who had your program and they all
were very impressed. Thank You.
- Peggy Pearson, Librarian
Hallock, MN
Muehl Public Library
Mike Schneider from Milwaukee led his Pint Size Polka program
at our library on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. We had
much fun and laughter as we polkaed the afternoon away. Mike
played the accordion and sang polka songs. He also infused an
interesting and educational slide show into his presentation. His
motto is, “We’re bringing happy back.” Polka is a historical and
cultural influence to our region. It was great to see everyone
enjoying themselves along with the music. We will invite Mike back
next summer because that will fit in perfectly with the theme of
learning about cultures of the world!
- Elizabeth
Timmins,
Library
Director
Seymour, WI
Menasha Public
Library
Mike Schneider brought Pint Size Polkas to Menasha Public
Library on Wednesday, August 11. The kids loved the concert and
had great fun. Mike Schneider is a great performer who had the
kids laughing and dancing to his interactive polka music. It's
hard to sit still when you hear the beat of that terrific polka
music. I would highly recommend Mike Schneider as a very
professional performer!
- Kathy Beson,
Head of
Children's Services
Menasha, WI
Flagg-Rochelle
Public Library District
We closed out our summer programming with an evening of family
fun featuring Uncle Mike and his polka music. Our audience was
made up of toddlers, pre-school and school-age children, parents
and grandparents. From the very first song, Uncle Mike had
everyone clapping and singing along. Even the “Oh, we think we are
bored, but we’ll act like we’re having fun” kids were soon
volunteering, clapping and joining in as we danced to the Chicken
Dance and the Jolly Lumberjack Polka. Mike weaves video clips full
of information into his music - from geography to accordion
information to a brief “how to polka” clip. The time flew by, and
all too soon, we were singing the “E-I-O” song.
We purchased one of Uncle Mike’s CDs last summer, and we have used
it with our lapsit programs, pre-school story times, a Hispanic
Head Start group and with our Summer Readers (grades K-4). The
music is fun, the words are easy to follow, and you honestly
cannot remain sad when that CD is playing.
For the fastest one hour of programming you will ever enjoy, you
must have Uncle Mike come and play for you. I’m certain that we
will have him back again. His program was a favorite with my
co-worker and myself last summer, and this year, he treated
families to an evening of music and fun.
- Connie Avery,
Assistant
Director / Youth Services
Rochelle, IL
Fountaindale Public
Library District
We all had a fantastic time yesterday at Pint Size Polkas! The
audience members told me they thoroughly enjoyed the program and
they loved seeing the children up and dancing and having fun. It
was great that the children danced with other children they didn’t
even know! The expressions on their faces were so joyful.
People commented that they learned from the program and that they
would definitely recommend it to others. It was so much fun to
learn about the various polkas. We loved “The Chicken Dance” and
“The Lumberjack Polka,” as well as all the other great music and
songs.
Thank you, Mike, for bringing such a lively show to the families
of our community! What a wonderful addition to our summer
programming.
- Nancy Sauer,
Senior Children’s Services Librarian
Bolingbrook, IL
Germantown Community
Library
We had Pint Size Polkas perform during our 2010 summer reading
program and both the kids and adults had a blast! Everyone had fun
dancing, singing and playing along with Uncle Mike's quizzes. I
recommend Pint Size Polkas for a fun time and a cultural learning
experience.
- Stephanie Reister,
Children's Librarian
Germantown, WI
Aram Public Library
Uncle Mike's show was entertaining, educational and plain fun
to watch! The kids loved the music and interacting with him and
his show! We would highly recommend his performance!
- Mary,
Youth Services
Delavan, WI
Graham Public
Library
Pint Size Polkas is a wonderful program for all ages. Mike is
an engaging performer and his multimedia approach is pure fun.
- Pat Freitag,
Librarian
Union Grove, WI
Garrett A. Morgan
Elementary School
Having the Pint Size Polkas party at our school was a great
change of pace. During the fourth quarter of each year at Garrett
A. Morgan we try to make it interesting. Students traditionally
feel school is over because the mandated testing is over. Uncle
Mike provided a very interesting and stimulating introduction to
our students about the polka and the history of the accordion.
Math, reading, and geography-related questions kept the audience
participating in the presentation. The students just raved about
the event. They even liked Uncle Mike’s costume. We’d surely have
him back again!
Video testimonial
- Linda Walker,
Principal
Chicago, IL
Assumption B.V.M. Catholic School
Our students and staff loved your polka presentation. Thank
you for engaging everyone (all ages) in your polka assembly. We
learned much and had a great time trying out our dancing steps!
- Deanne Wilinski,
Principal
Pulaski, WI
West Bend Community Memorial Library
Pint Size Polkas was a great program for everyone. Toddlers
and grandparents alike had such a lot of fun! Mike kept the whole
audience engaged. The song lyrics (written especially for kids)
were remarkable. Who wouldn't love "The ABC Polka"? Thanks, Mike,
for a truly entertaining "family night" program. Everyone raved
about the program and wanted to know when you'll be back.
- Nancy Bauer,
Coordinator of Youth Services
West Bend, WI
Kids in the Rotunda
Thank you so much
for performing at the Kids in the Rotunda Series at Overture
Center for the Arts. We are always excited to welcome new artists
into our series and your performance was certainly a treat for our
audiences! You and lumberjack Doug are talented, engaging and
educational. Our kids really lit up for the accordion and your
humor kept the audience laughing all afternoon. Above and beyond
the performance, you are a true professional and a delight to work
with. I do hope you will consider returning to our series in
future years. Best wishes in your continued performances and we
look forward to working with you in coming years!
- Syrah Gunning, Coordinator for 09/10 Season
Madison, WI
Eleva-Strum
Elementary Schools When I first heard about Pint Size Polkas, I thought, “What a
great idea. But there must be plenty of polka music written for
children.” Polka is ideal for young children. It’s fun. It’s
lively. It makes you want to move to the polka beat. I was
surprised to find that I could not find polkas written for kids
anywhere. Mike Schneider, a.k.a. Uncle Mike, and Pint Size Polkas
are one of a kind! Now I really wanted to hear Uncle Mike’s music.
I booked him to perform at my school and wasn’t disappointed. I
introduced Uncle Mike by telling the young students that he plays
music that is described as the happiest music there is. It didn’t
take long for them to start believing it for themselves. Uncle
Mike had them singing, dancing, clapping, smiling, and laughing.
Kudos to Mike Schneider for introducing polka music to a new
generation for a lifetime of fun.
- Craig Semingson,
Principal
Eleva and Strum, WI
Parents Cooperative
Preschool
Pint Size Polkas was a great addition for our Spring
Fundraiser. Both the parents and the kids were fully engaged for
the whole show! We would definitely have Mike Schneider and Pint
Size Polkas back again!
- Amy Larson,
Preschool Parent
Fort Atkinson, WI
Madison Public Library - Lakeview
Branch
Mike Schneider brought the audience of children and parents to
their feet with his bouncy polka beat. His energetic presentation
was fun for everyone in the room. Mike is personable and easy to
work with, and great with children!
- Jenny Baltes,
Youth Services Librarian
Madison, WI
Colman-Egan School District
I
have been a school superintendent for over 18 years and have
witnessed numerous assemblies for our students. Mike Schneider’s
“Pint Size Polkas” far exceeded my expectations. It is
superior to other assemblies where the artist/entertainer forgets
the real reason why they are there, and that is to entertain and
educate. Pint Size Polkas is not only entertaining and
educational, but our K-6 students loved his program. Why? Because
of Uncle Mike’s enthusiasm and how he involved the students. He
even had them dancing the polka along with the staff members,
several of whom told me how much they enjoyed the program. I
would highly recommend the “Pint Size Polkas” assembly.
Video testimonial
- Darold Rounds,
Superintendent
Colman, SD
Schurz Elementary
I wanted to send you a quick note about your Pint Size Polkas
Show. We at Schurz enjoyed it very much. It was not our usual
assembly program; we don’t often have a real polka artist such as
yourself! The added videos and games were a plus. The kids loved
it and so did the staff. Thanks!
- Andy Bare,
Principal
Watertown, WI
Milwaukee Public Central Library
The Polka band added a festive atmosphere to our Harvest Fest
this year. They got everyone's feet tapping to the polka beat. The
kids really enjoyed themselves, especially when it came time to do
the Chicken Dance. Great job, lot's of fun!
- Kelly Hughbanks,
Children's Services
Milwaukee, WI
McMillan Memorial
Library
Uncle Mike and Lumberjack Doug recently performed at McMillan
Memorial Library. Their show was so much fun for our audience of
various ages. The music was fun and fast paced and many of the
children danced in the aisles throughout the show. I also enjoyed
Mike's use of the video to inject some educational elements into
the program. The video presentation was very well done. I would be
happy to have Uncle Mike back to perform at our library again in
the future!
- Kerry Preece,
Head of Children's Services
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
St. Henry Catholic
School What a delightful hour we spent recently as part of our
school's "Heritagefest Day" celebration, thanks to Mike Schneider.
Sharing his Pint Size Polkas program with our 4K through grade 8
youngsters, he was able to engender a spirit of downright fun in
the audience. Sing-alongs, dance-alongs, clap-alongs, short
informational video clips interspersed with questions for audience
participation - all made the time fly by. The price - extremely
reasonable; seeing so many people of such varying ages having such
a good time - priceless!
- Francine Butzine,
Principal
Watertown, WI
Our Lady Queen of Heaven School
Thank you for presenting the educational concepts to our
students in a fun and bouncy way. The children couldn’t help but
move to the beat of the polka. Lots of smiles and twinkling eyes
mean that we have succeeded in what we do as educators.
- Pam Fochs,
Principal
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
St. Paul School
St. Paul School Students and Staff thoroughly enjoyed Uncle
Mike's Pint-Size Polka Program! Both students and teachers sang
along and danced to the music. This is an enjoyable assembly
program that holds the interest of all attending! I sincerely
recommend it.
- Sandi Stankowski, Head Teacher
Mosinee, WI
Massillon Public
Library
Pint-Size
Polkas was enjoyed by our patrons, both young and old! Although we
had publicized it as a children's event, several of those who
attended were adult polka fans who came just to hear the music.
Mike was very easy to work with, and I could always count on him
to email me answers to my questions right away. His playing and
singing are wonderful, and he is a true professional. His video
segments are funny, informative, attention-getting, and a
meaningful addition to his program.
- Laura Klein,
Children's Programming Specialist
Massillon, OH
Euclid Public
Library
Mike
Schneider and his Pint Size Polkas program was great! He involved
the audience in the program and included historical and
educational information about polka music and the accordion. They
clapped, they sang, they danced and had a marvelous time. Thanks
Uncle Mike!
Video testimonial
Centralia Regional
Library District
Accordionist Mike Schneider does a wonderful job educating
children with his upbeat bouncy polkas. The audience of 150
enjoyed his energetic musical performance. The bouncy polkas make
you want to leap and cavort, and many children did throughout the
performance… a wonderful, enjoyable program for everyone.
- Rita Lewis,
Youth Services
Centralia, IL
Cudahy Family Library
Everyone
who attended had a great time listening to Uncle Mike and his Pint
Size Polkas! Although it was advertised at our library for young
children, I was thrilled by how inter-generational the program
became. Even our most elderly patrons, hearing the polka music,
popped their heads in the door and stayed to clap to the beat and
smile as they watched the younger generations dance the day away.
The kids had so much fun learning about polka through the short
video clips, and dancing with their parents and grandparents. I
can’t wait to see what Uncle Mike has in store for us next year!
- Heather Holton,
Youth Services
Cudahy, WI
Community Library of
Allegheny Valley I
just wanted to tell you again how very much we enjoyed your
program. As a children's librarian, I find it hard to find quality
programs for children 4-7 years of age. Your program is designed
to draw in the younger children but yet it keeps the adults
entertained, as well. I thought the videos you use help to give the
children information in a fun way. The children and I did enjoy
dancing to the "Chicken Dance." Hopefully, we will be able to have
you back to visit us in the near future. Keep up the great work!
- Judy Errico,
Children's Librarian
Natrona Heights, PA
Moon Township Public
Library
I just wanted to thank you again for an excellent program! I heard
many compliments from the families who attended. It was such a
beautiful evening for the families to be outside, to listen to the
music, to sing along (the song sheets were a great idea!), and to
watch the children dance. Your program was timed just right, with
the little snippets of videos interspersed with the music. I like
how you drew the kids in with your interactive quiz questions and
audience participation activities. We hope you will make a tour of
the Pittsburgh area again.
- Jane Miller,
Children's Librarian
Coraopolis, PA
Dormont Public Library
We recently had Pint Size Polkas as a program for our library. We
advertised it as a way for children to learn to about Polkas. The
attendance was great for all ages, including the Parents and
Grandparents, and everyone enjoyed dancing and singing along. Mike
and Bob did a great job with the songs and instruments and all of
the songs were appropriate for any age, with many of them being
familiar tunes everyone could follow or sing-a-long with. The
intermittent video explanations were a great way for everyone to
catch their breath and learn something new about different types
of Polkas, and the brochures were a great help to follow along
with the words and have a friendly reminder of the music for that
performance. I would recommend this program for any age and any
location. It's a unique idea that is well executed and a blast for
any participants.
- Cindy
D'Agostino,
Library Director
Pittsburgh, PA
Green Tree Public Library Uncle Mike and his Pint Size Polkas program was a great hit at our
library. Who would have known that important concepts like
personal hygiene could be set to accordion music! The room was
full of bouncing children and adults; you can't help but to move
along to the beat. I was particularly impressed that he included
not only music for audio listeners, but also video footage for
those visual learners, too. From beginning to end, Mike was a
pleasure to work with. For anyone looking for festive,
family-friendly fun, I highly recommend Pint Size Polkas.
Video testimonial
- Adaena Tray, Library
Director
Pittsburgh, PA
Burlington Public
Library
Uncle Mike is a musical magnet for the pint-size crowd. Children
are captivated by his polka music and friendly banter, and become
active participants of his programs quickly and thoroughly! He's
proof-positive that learning is fun when polka is involved.
- Joy Schnupp,
Youth
Services Director
Burlington, WI
Whitefish Bay
Library I am pleased to let everyone know about Uncle Mike (Mike
Schneider) and his music, Pint Size Polkas. We had Mike perform
here at the Whitefish Bay Library as part of our summer reading
program and his performance was wonderful! He had the entire
audience, both kids and adults, clapping, dancing and singing
along. Highlights included a rousing rendition of the Chicken
Dance and a new polka written by Mike called the "Parents Polka."
Mike performs in lederhosen, sings and plays the accordion and has
a warm and welcoming stage presence. He includes an educational
component about polka music that is interactive AND fun! Mike’s
slogan “We’re bringing happy back” is a great way to describe the
effect his performance had on our audience…smiles all around! I
highly recommend Mike for any family or children’s program.
- Mary Beth
Murray,
Youth
Services
Whitefish Bay, WI
Flagg-Rochelle
Public Library District
Pint Size Polkas is the perfect program for children and adults.
There is audience participation that will get everyone singing and
smiling. Do not expect a “sit still and listen” program — you
won’t be able to keep yourself from clapping your hands or tapping
your feet. Uncle Mike is a talented musician who brings in great
music that covers the alphabet, numbers, occupations and more. He
provides words to his songs, so you can join right in. And of
course, you get to do the “Chicken Dance!” Lots and lots of fun.
- Connie Avery,
Assistant
Director / Youth Services
Rochelle, IL
Pecatonica Public
Library District
Uncle Mike from Pint Size Polkas performed at our library this
morning for our summer reading program. His program was a delight!
He has cleverly found a way to use an accordion and polka music to
entertain and education the children on numbers, letters,
geography, careers, and the history of polka. The kids get to
participate during the program with the chicken dance and a short
video “test” on geography. The hour went quickly and the children
had nothing but positive comments. I would recommend Mike to any
library or school, and hope to have him back to our library next
year.
- Shari Bouray,
Director
Pecatonica,
IL
Bean Sprouts If you want your kids to have a rip-roaring musical time, I would
highly recommend Uncle Mike and his Pint Size Polka Band!
Mike Schneider is not only a great musician, but excellent at
engaging and involving children in his performances. He recently
captured the attention of a packed audience of families at my
healthy kids cafe, Bean Sprouts. Kids and parents were singing and
dancing, and my own children sang his songs for weeks after the
show.
Please consider Mike a great addition to your event lineup. If you
have any additional questions, feel free to contact me at
608-213-7426.
- Shannon Seip,
Co-Owner
Middleton, WI
KIDSfest 2009 I am writing this letter in support of Mike Schneider of Pint Size
Polkas. Pint Size Polkas performed at our recent Metroparent’s
KIDSfest event, held April 18 & 19 at the Wisconsin Exposition
Center at State Fair Park. KIDSfest, now in its sixth year, is a
celebration of southeast Wisconsin’s best for families. The event
features fun, entertainment, learning and hands-on activities in
160,000 square feet of space, on seven stages, with a dozen
special areas, 150 exhibitors and 20,000 attendance.
Mike and his group provide fun, wholesome entertainment for
families, while at the same time educating audience members on a
delightful aspect of our Germanic heritage. We work with 40 to 50
performers and presenters at this event and Mike proved to be
perhaps the most pleasant of all to work with before, during and
after the event.
Mike is extremely focused, professional and punctual, takes great
pride in his work and presentations, and obviously has a deep love
for polka as well as a great enthusiasm for bringing it into
people’s lives. He is responsive to our needs as an event
organization and even did much to promote KIDSfest in general –
inviting all his Facebook friends as well as promoting his
appearance at KIDSfest on TV. Mike was one of the handful of
KIDSfest performers that we invited to represent KIDSfest on a
series of promotional spots taped at and aired on TODAY’S TMJ4 in
advance of the event.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Events department regularly
conducts online surveys of attendees after each event we produce.
When asked what they liked best about Metroparent’s KIDSfest 2009,
a number of the several hundred respondents included “the polka”
in their responses. When you consider everything there is to see
and do at KIDSfest, anything receiving special mention is
impressive.
Mike Schneider is a true professional, a talented musician and
performer, a smart promoter, and a very positive, upbeat
individual. Mike and Pint Size Polka are the kind of performers we
are thrilled to invite back to KIDSfest year after year. He makes
our job a pleasure and our mission easier.
- Becky Steimle, Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel Special Events Manager
Milwaukee, WI
Barnes & Noble
Sarah, the Music Manager, and I very much appreciated your
interaction with our young storytime children on April 2, 2009.
Your music is entertaining and educational for young children and
best of all is designed for them to move! Your personal demeanor
was very professional and your flexibility helped make the event a
success.
- Jeanne K. Huie, Community
Relations Manager
Madison, WI
Mike Schneider
P.O. Box 126
Clinton, WI 53525
(414) 431-4683 |
Albuquerque Public Library
Albuquerque, NM
Fairfax Co. Public Library
Fairfax, VA
Garfield County Libraries
Rifle,
CO
Lewis & Clark Library
Helena, MT
Live Oak Public Libraries
Savannah, GA
Tulsa City-County Library
Tulsa,
OK
Kids in the Rotunda
Madison, WI
Summerfest
Milwaukee, WI
Missouri State Fair
Sedalia, MO
Wisconsin State Fair
West Allis, WI
WLS-TV ABC7 Chicago
Chicago, IL
Plus additional performances and media appearances in 30
states!