We have had the great pleasure of having Ooch visit our school on multiple occasions. As we address the ongoing challenge of eliminating bullying from our schools we are constantly on the lookout for effective programs that will really hit home with our students. Over the past few years we have had many such programs. None have even come close to impacting our students, and our school community, the way that Ooch has!... Click here to read more
Frank E. Ferriero - Principal
North Intermediate School - Wilmington, MA
WOW, WHAT A SHOW! I've been teaching for 25 years and it's a rare event to come across an incursion for children of such high quality. Rarer still, is an event where every child is engaged for the entire performance. Even rarer still a show that both entertain and educates. The Science of Spin is a magnificent show that has it all.
Following the show I was inundated by parents and teachers who couldn't speak more highly of Brett Outch and the professional way in which he presented his show. The common staff question was, 'How can I contact Brett to have him perform at my child's school?' Many thanks for the electrifying experience.
Richard Johnson
Rostrata Primary School - Willetton, West Australia
The Positive Spin program was presented to our K-4 and then another version to our 5-8 students. It was one of the best presentations that I have ever seen for children. A very positive and serious message was given with all of the humor, entertainment and quietness that one could ever imagine. Every single student in our school gave a resounding YES when I asked if they enjoy the show. We are already planning another show by 'OOCH!
Paul Hudson - Principal
St. Margaret Regional School - Buzzards Bay, MA
Everyone, I mean everyone, really enjoyed the show. The students, at both shows, were obviously engaged and riveted to every move. The way Brett uses physical gestures to symbolize the concepts he is trying to communicate is brilliant. The kids really pick up and retain the message. The teachers also visibly enjoyed the show, appreciated the message and the break from the usual classroom routine. Brett was a pleasure to work with. Thank you for your cooperation and help making this event a success. I am certain we will work with you again.
Deb Christakos
Bridge Street Elementary PTO - Northampton, MA
Ooch, you truly have a gift to share with people. You discuss complex and sometimes painful issues in a manner that is positive and allows everyone to understand how someone else might feel about being teased or bullied because they are different... Click here to read more
Valencia F. Douglas - Superintendent
Pocantico Hills Central School District - Sleepy Hollow, NY
Brett was a hit at the Museum of Science Member Halloween Party. His interactive DJ show made the event. He offered so much more than simply playing music. He created a fun party atmosphere, led games, and had our members and their kids fully engaged. His energy was infectious. Everyone had a fantastic time and we can’t wait to have him back next year!
Angela Brink - Member Relations Officer
Museum of Science, Boston
Absolutely amazing! The comments coming in include 'phenomenal', 'just the right message', 'he connects with kids right off the bat' and, from the kids, 'the best assembly ever!' Everyone wants to have him back in the spring. We'll see what we can do!
Kim Zadworny
Leeds Elementary - Leeds, MA
Ooch Man was awesome. He is a good role model and he taught us how to go through life and interpret our goals and dreams into the building blocks of our lives. His stories were inspiring and he is very cool. Everyone loved him and he taught us stuff that we normally don't learn. I really hopes he comes again and does another assembly because he is just so cool.
Student
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - Franklin, MA
OOCH Rocks! That's what all the kids are saying at my children's Elementary School. They had the pleasure of hearing Brett's Positive Spin program last month. Along with entertaining Yo-Yo tricks they all walked away with important life lessons that they will always remember. As the President of the Massachusetts PTA I have the opportunity to see countless student programs and I have to say Positive Spin is one of the best with long lasting results. Brett is collaborating with the Massachusetts PTA to help with our annual conference and our 100th Anniversary Celebration. We are lucky to have him working with us! His energy is infectious! I have even personally hired him to entertain my daughter and her friends at her 8th Birthday Party and he now has fans for life! Thanks Brett! I hope every child gets to someday experience your magic!
Kim Hunt - President
Massachusetts PTA
Our students truly believe in their own SuperPOWERS after Ooch's assembly! In the days following, many students have greater confidence in themselves and their ability to resolve conflicts peacefully and successfully. Ooch is a tremendous role model - everyone wants to be like him and to show that their powers are for GOOD!
Gwen Agna - Principal
Jackson Street School - Northampton, MA
Ooch came to our school and performed the Super Power show, it was fantastic. He immediately won the kids' attention and respect by playing a song they loved as they filed in, and started interacting with the students right away. He makes kids feel like doing the right thing is cool!
Donna Skinner - PTA President
Morse Pond School - Falmouth, MA
Thanks again for the terrific work you've done with the kids during our after school Yo-Yo program! They are all disappointed that class is over...but go on to spread the word and demonstrate the tricks that you've taught them. (Evan just did 'Mach 5' like an old pro!) My boys also learned something else from you. In conversation on the way home they said "It's not just about yo-ing, Mom - we have to learn, teach and play." As I mentioned tonight - you're a wonderful role model - one that I'm thrilled to have my children look up to. I'm listening to them at this moment, working together to learn a new trick, while videotaping it for You Tube....rather than playing video games or watching TV. Wow, Brett, what a gift. Thank you : )
Cheri Faso Olf - Parent
Ranger Elementary School - Tiverton, RI
I wanted to touch base with you and Brett to tell you how much he reached the kids at Beckwith.
Last night was the end of year play called Wipeout during the last scene the actors were being "photographed" by the "paparazzi" where a handful of the boys posed with spinning it back! The kids in the audience laughed so loud and yelled OOOOCH! I was so surprised and laughed myself. I cannot believe Brett left Monday and by Friday's play (which has been planned for months) they were spinning it back for the world to see.
We've never seen the kids respond so well, thank you!
Thank you so much and we will contact you in the fall I definitely want him at both of our schools.
Tiffany Bartholomew
Rehoboth PTA
I love that Brett coaches young people into understanding that they are remarkable and have the ability to do great things! Brett provides a unique show... where he is capable of entertaining, inspiring, and leaving a lasting impression.
Jen Pinto - Director
Plymouth Youth Development Collaborative (PYDC)
I wanted to take a minute to tell you about our End of the Year Party. Brett walked into the school and then the cafeteria where children were finishing lunch and all you could hear, I mean all you could hear, was screaming and clapping. I think it was a standing ovation! From there, it only got better :)
Brett began setting up and the children could barely contain themselves. We had to place those orange cones around him to create a barrier. Then, of course, the music, the line dancing, the singing, the smiling... And that was just the PTO. No, I'm kidding, the kids, teachers, support staff, we were all having a great time.
Brett played "Jai Ho" and made a fuss over the fifth graders who had been learning to perform the dance. He invited the fifth graders to the front of the audience and they all danced for the rest of the school. Then, he asked the fifth grade students to stay for more music after the younger students had returned to their classrooms... He really made them feel special.
I was sure to thank Brett, but, also wanted to let everyone know how great everything was.
Lisa DeMaria - Co-President
West Kingston Elementary School PTO
Brett Outchcunis is a wealth of talent and an untapped resource for children's programs. He has a superlative ability to communicate with children and people that draws them into a performance. Brett taught at my school for two years and I have students who, at the time were only four years old, still asking when he will be coming back. He lights up a room and keeps children glued to the show with his effervescent personality, which is matched only by his technical ability.
Nicole Guinard - Artistic Director
En L'air Dance Theatre - Westport, MA
The incredible positive energy and enthusiasm that Brett brings to his teaching of dance is highly motivating and infectious! Each week he not only gets the kids on their feet and moving but has them coming into the studio with palpable energy that seems to lift them off the dance floor. He has a rare charm and skill that keeps his young students highly energized yet focused so that they work hard, laugh a lot and strive to meet the challenges he puts before them. My daughter couldn't wait to show anyone and everyone who would watch the new steps she learned with Brett. What started as a desire to win Brett's approval quickly turned into her deep sense of pride and confidence in her own accomplishments!
In a time when our pop culture provides many role models with questionable behaviors and traits, Brett is a bright and refreshing example of what parents want for their children. He is able to be "way cool" in the kids' eyes while always demonstrating his sincere respect, kindness and consideration towards all. Brett is a gem that we regret having to share with the West Coast!! We all hope he comes back soon!
Cindi Zembo - Dance Mom
Westport, MA
Students love Brett (Ooch) Outchcunis! His warmth and great sense of humor create a rapport with kids of all ages. He is my students' favorite classroom guest, hands down. His yo-yo skills are top notch and having him visit is always a special treat!
Wandra Harmsen - 5th Grade Teacher
Morse Pond School - Falmouth, MA
Brett Outchcunis worked for The Wareham Recreation Department for approximately 9 months. During Brett's employment, he taught a variety of classes. Classes that he instructed were: Ballroom Dancing for Adults, Hip Hop Dance for Teens, Yo-Yo Workshop/Lessons for Youths, and about a half dozen Preschool Classes. Brett's strongest talents are adaptability, honesty, and enthusiasm.
There were several times that Brett made spontaneous decisions and was able to "pitch-in" and assist in a moments notice; he is a real team player. Brett always seemed like he had hidden lesson plans ready to go!
As a Recreation Director, I was very impressed with Brett's teaching style, repore with children, and enthusiasm. Every Director would love to have a "Brett" on their staff full time.
Candice Hemenway - Director of Wareham Recreation
Wareham Recreation Department - Wareham, MA
Camp Ice is a full day camp offered at 8 locations throughout the state of Massachusetts. We do not take our campers off site so each week we schedule a special guest to offer a fun activity for our campers. We have had clowns, live animals, science projects, singers, balloon artists, caricatures artists, etc.
Brett Outchcunis has been visiting our camps for the past three years and without a doubt he is our most popular special guest. Each year when it's time to schedule our performers the first call I make is to Brett. The kids love his enthusiasm, high energy, and interactive performance with yoyos. As the director of the camps I find Brett dependable, reliable, and a pleasure to work with.
Kim Sylvester - Director of Programs
Camp Ice and Facility Management Corporation - Rockland, MA
Brett mesmorizes kids and adults alike with his unique yo-yo talent. He has a way of coming through to whoever's in front of him!
Marilyn Ravech - Co-Chair of Family Day
Children's Hospital League - Boston, MA
Our family has known Brett for many years. We first saw him perform at Children's Hospital where he volunteered his time (and talent) to make the children smile. We then hired him to entertain at our son's birthday party. It was sensational !!! Brett is responsible, caring and genuine. We love him so much that we recently hired him to entertain at our youngest son's Bar-Mitzvah party; once again "Outch" outdid himself !!! We would highly recommend Brett for any occasion.
Susan and Neal Karelitz
Boston, MA
Brett is a unique talent upon whom Yomega relied to do promotions with our high performance yo-yos. Our confidence in him was well-placed as he continually represented our products while performing at trade, incentive, and corporate events, birthday and Bar Mitzvah parties, and similar events where entertainment with the yo-yo was appropriate. Brett and his message of self esteem, the importance of staying in school, and motivation while using his talents with the yo-yo to convey these inspirational messages were applauded by school authorities and teachers and delighted children of elementary school age. A graduate of University of Massachusetts with a major in communications, Brett has the ability to relate to children and adults alike.
Alan A. Amaral - President & CEO
Yomega Corporation - Fall River, MA
Brett Outchcunis is the BEST! His incredible command of the yo-yo amazes audiences of all ages. He is the perfect addition to any party, or corporate event that needs a WOW factor! Hire him now!
Steven Siagel - President & CEO
Siagel Productions - Boston, MA
I wanted to thank Brett for your many years of participation in the JPMorgan Chase Holiday Festival. He is so great with these kids and his ability to maintain the high energy during this two day festival is truly remarkable. The Yo-Yo workshop continues to be one of the favorite activities. We credit Brett with that success and look forward to working with him on many future events.
Thank you again for bringing your talent, enthusiasm, and overall cheerful attitude to our event. Best of luck in the future.
Brooksie Hughes - Producer
Karin Bacon Events - New York, NY
Brett is doing what he set out to do, inform and educate our kids. I can't thank him enough for that. As my 7 year old son put it, "he was amazing"..... awwww yeah."
Jeryl Williams
Bancroft Elementary School - Andover, MA