During an emotional discussion following a challenge attempted three times by Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company, Rayn stated, “We didn’t fail, we just didn’t finish.” If we could all adopt this philosophy concerning failure and making mistakes, our world would be different.

In determining the theme for the opera, we must ascertain what students care about deeply, what really matters to them. What worries you? What makes you angry? What frustrates you? What makes you sad? What scares you? What brings you great joy? By asking these questions, we got a closer look into the deep thoughts and feelings of individual children. As students shared their personal stories, a common theme emerged. Failure.

“Failing a test makes me angry.”
“I’m worried that we won’t accomplish the opera.”
“My work frustrates me and I say, I QUIT!”
“The challenges in life worry me.”
“Failing frustrates me.”
“What really frustrates me is when I make a mistake and I complain about it.”
“I get angry when someone makes fun of me when I make a mistake.”
“I get sad when I keep doing something wrong, over and over again.”
“Hard work frustrates me.”

Since day one of school, when Parker presented his powerful metaphor of life not being easy, of life being “no digital clock”, this idea of making mistakes and falling short has echoed throughout our days, making us aware that if we wish to achieve our hopes and dreams, we must embrace setbacks and obstacles as learning experiences.

The way we begin every day . . . in song, of course.  With profound lyrics and melody, You’ve Gotta Want It by Roberta Gold, is a hit with Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company.  In fact, it inspired our company name.  At 9:20 a.m., if you happen to walk down the hall, you’ll hear us preparing ourselves to meet the challenges of a new day.Flame is the fire that fuels the dream
That powers the engine that turns the world.
Passion is lightning that creates a spark
That lives in the heart of a boy and girl.

Everyone tries in his own way
Everyone lives for a dream.
The stars in the heavens can tell you
To believe is a powerful thing.

You’ve gotta want it from the bottom of your heart
You’ve gotta give it everything you’ve got.
You’ve gotta live it and never let it go
Live it so completely, body, mind and soul.

Faith is the candle that burns inside
It stands all alone in the face of the wind.
Love has the power to harness the stars
And take us to places we’ve never been.

Everyone walks through the fire
Everyone lives for a dream.
When all that you’ve got is desir
To believe is a powerful thing.

You’ve got to believe in yourself
Faith is the fire in my soul.