Wade Fernandez

Educational Offerings

INQUIRE for prices info@wadefernandez.com

Wade Fernandez : Wiciwen Apis-Mahwaew (Walks With the Black Wolf) 

From the Menominee Nation 

Website: www.WadeFernandez.com 

About the Artist  
With Menominee roots extending well over 12,000 years to the land that is now called Wisconsin, Wade Fernandez /Wiciwen Apis-Mahwaew, has continually been sharing medicinal music, motivational messages and Menominee culture on stages and classrooms throughout the world for over 35 years. Wade is an enrolled member of the Menominee Nation and was raised in the beautiful ancient forest land of the Menominee Reservation where he still resides to this day. He is an international award winning musician/recording artist/songwriter/producer who performs with voice, guitar, Native American flute, and hand drum. As a certified teacher with a college degree in Music Education, a motivational speaker, a former adjunct instructor in the History dept at Marquette University, and a presenter with extensive experience in classroom, on the stage, and parenting (proud father of 6), Wade combines a warm personality, a wealth of experience, and a sense of humor that keeps international audiences and schools inviting him back year after year.

What follows is just a sample of programs offered. Wade works with all age groups and levels from kindergarten to elders and from beginners to advanced students.  Almost all offerings may be altered to fit any age group and quite often these offerings are combined to fit the students' needs.  

Finding Your Voice Through The Native American Flute (Grade 5-adult, multi-day residency) 
The Native American Flute is a therapeutic instrument that helps one to deeply express their emotions and innate music. Students can learn how to play, improvise, and even compose on the Native American Flute. No previous musical experience is necessary for the beginning class. This is usually a 4 day residency that culminates at the end of the week with students performing a song in concert with Wade for the school and/or community which allows the students an opportunity to share and apply their newfound talents as well as build build self-esteem. The residency can also be condensed as an in-service to help teachers think outside of the box and unleash their creative selves. Please note: the school, program, or individual students must purchase Native American flutes from Wade, so please inquire on cost and details.

Guitar Master Class (Intermediate - Advanced)

This class can focus on guitar improvisation, tone, technique, groove, feel, versatility, songwriting, playing from the heart, and all things in-between.  It is tailored towards students needs. 

Menominee Culture, Storytelling, Social Dance (Grades K-5) 

This class can be any combination of storytelling, music, Menominee Language, Menominee history, learning and participating in a social dance, etc. 

Menominee Culture, History, and Social Issues, A Multimedia Presentation (Grade 6-adult) 
This lecture that can include a multimedia presentation about Menominee culture, history, and social issues from the past to the present. Images of the Menominee people from the late 1800s to the present may be used to create discussion with the class.  

Music Workshop (Grades 6-adult) 
As an award winning professional touring and recording artist, Wade presents this workshop specifically for your music class. Topics may include: Native American music from the traditional to the contemporary, music business, how to deal with performance anxiety, music technology, guitar playing, songwriting, music as a career, etc.

Erasing Stereotypes Through Arts & Culture (Grades K-adult) 
This workshop breaks down stereotypes by teaching about Menominee and other Native American cultures, demonstrating how honoring and learning about yourself and others creates understanding and acceptance which leads to better relations with all. 

Lyric Writing/Songwriting (Grades 4-adult) 

Students learn how to write lyrics or a complete song and may perform it with Wade for the school and/or community. 

Performance/Motivational Speaking/Presentation (school assembly, lecture hall) 
As an award winning international touring contemporary American Indian performing artist and educator, Wade is available for concerts at your school. His school performances provide music, words, and inspiration that help students to become self aware of their own motivations and to honor their gift of life while sharing with and respecting others.

INQUIRE for prices info@wadefernandez.com

Educational Quotes

“Wade Fernandez is phenomenal in a classroom.  From pre-K to graduate students, Wade always finds the perfect combination of performance, story-telling, and teaching that will resonate most deeply with his audience. His visits to our classrooms at Lawrence have helped our students see, and hear the world in whole new ways. I can’t recommend him highly enough. His recent visit over Zoom was just as powerful as his in-person visits.  Thanks for coming to my classroom and changing lives Wade!”

Brian G. Pertl, Dean, Lawrence University Conservatory of Music

"Wade Fernandez is not only a world-renowned musician, but an incredibly gifted teacher. And I'm not just talking about music, but also history, and Menominee culture and language. I have had the pleasure to co-teach with Wade for two years, and have been humbled by his teaching style and substance time and again. I cannot even begin to describe how important Wade is as an educator, because so much of his life and reputation is tied to his music, but please know that Wade is hands-down an incredible leader and role model inside and outside the classroom." 

Dr. Bryan Rindfleisch, Associate Professor of History, Marquette University

"My students that attended your sessions yesterday came in on fire!  They were teaching those who could not attend about things you presented.  They had so many things to talk about. It was wonderful!

Laura Dunbar, PhD. , Associate Professor of Music Education, Music Education Coordinator, Department of Music and Theatre Arts
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

“Wade is an absolute pleasure to work with!  I have hosted him a number of times over the past years to do four day residencies with my 4th graders.  He has such a kindness and calmness about him that comes through in all his interactions with students and adults.  Wade easily establishes a rapport with students and teaches life lessons right along with lessons about his Menominee culture.  My classes are always excited to work with him and can’t wait to see what they will learn next.  Wade’s passion for teaching and learning is inspiring!  He is always willing to work with me, be flexible when needed in the schedule, and is very respectful with everyone he interacts with.  The lessons Wade teaches my students will be something they will carry with them throughout the rest of their lives.  Thank you Wade for having such a lasting positive impact on my students!” 

Jodi Prien, 4th Grade Teacher, Suamico Elementary School

“I am deeply grateful for the beautiful class and performance that you gave to my students and the Lawrence and Appleton communities last winter! You are always so centered, and you speak and play from a place deep within you that reaches all of us in a truly extraordinary way. In the class meeting following your visit, my students spoke rapturously about their time with you -- they spoke of the experience as being transformative and profound. They talked at length about all of the wise insights that they had learned from you, and I could tell that they were reflecting on how to bring those into their own lives.”            

Karen Hoffmann, Associate Professor of English at Lawrence University 

"Tomorrow is our last virtual visit with Wade Fernandez. Students will be sharing their compositions they made with his guidance and inspiration. Some students have given me a preview and I can't be more proud of their growth and the self-confidence they developed in this experience. This musical collaboration was the healing balm, the medicine my soul needed this fall and I think it is the same for my students. Waewanen, Wade! The students and I are excited to share our creations, but sad that our time is coming to an end. Music ensemble teacher friends, explore CREATING this year. Find funds and have Wade Fernandez visit your classroom virtually too. It's a life altering experience."

Aimee Swanson – East Troy Middle & High School Choral & General Music Educator

“Wade did a fantastic job with our students Pre K through 8th grades. Not only did he teach about music and his life as a musician, he shared information about growing up on a reservation, values, goal setting, overcoming obstacles and more. He also shared his musical talents with us through teaching and playing for all grades. He was able to have age appropriate conversations with each class. One unexpected bonus for our program was that he is a Native man who plays a native instrument and is also a contemporary musician who could talk to the students about Native heritage. I know he positively impacted every person who got to interact with him. This program exceeded any expectations!”                                                                               Fort Atkinson Catholic School

“Wade Fernandez is an incredibly talented performer, motivational speaker and instructor with the special ability to connect with and inspire others.  He is also a gifted teacher who brings out the best in everyone.”                

Lynn Tarnoff, MA, Director, School of the Arts Rhinelander, UW-Madison

"Just finished first master class for guitar with Wade Fernandez.  I learned new ideas that I am excited to put into use to become a better guitar guitarist.  100% inspired!" Adam Vance

“What beauty and respect you brought to all of us fortunate to have been in your presence. We were honored and blessed, and forever changed.”

Sharon A. Hansen, Music Director The Milwaukee Choral Artists

"Wade Fernandez engages students in Menominee culture, singing, dancing and storytelling through his exceptional musicianship and cultural knowledge. My students are captivated and enthralled during his presentations and he is able to manage them in such a way that they all stay incredibly focused. Students love singing songs in the Menominee language and listen to his every word. Students with special needs take to him as he can inspire them in ways others can not. I would highly recommend him for any school."

Mr. Craig Pynenberg, Hillcrest Primary School Music Teacher in Shawano, WI  2004-present

INQUIRE for prices info@wadefernandez.com