Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company experienced a musical awakening. Pianist, Henry Dehlinger, opera singer, Danielle Talamantes and US Army Chorus member, Kerry Wilkerson opened our ears, eyes and souls to the power of music. Playing and singing songs from the operas, The Magic Flute and Porgy and Bess, they collaborated beautifully to share their craft and expertise as professional artists. Henry’s interpretation of a Spanish composition left us wanting more. When you wish to achieve a goal, you practice, practice, practice to make it happen. This was evident in the performance. Now we take what we have learned from this trio and use it not only to inform all aspects of creating our original opera, but also to empower us to realize our own hopes and dreams through practice and perseverance. [Read more…] about Perfection, In Hands and Voices (VIDEO)

In order to create a realistic story and bring it to life, it is imperative that we research the setting of our opera . . . a bowling alley.  Thanks to Bowl America in Germantown, Maryland, we were able to do just that.  Half of the company had never been bowling.  What we learned from the experience far exceeded our expectations.  From bowling techniques to historical facts and anecdotes about the sport, we listened as Jackie and Mr. Robinson led us through the technical aspects of the game.  As Jackie explained how to select the proper shoes, Nii asked, “Can old people bowl?”  Without saying a word, Jackie quickly escorted us to lanes at the opposite end of the alley where a league of senior bowlers gathers weekly.  Just as the company made its way to acknowledge their elders, Jim, a ninety-eight year old member of the league, bowled a strike.  Everyone cheered.  The kids looked on in disbelief.  From that moment on, Jim became our inspiration.  On his next frame, he bowled yet another strike.  The other members of the league asked that we stay, for we had brought them luck.  As we made our way to the lanes to try our own luck with the pins, we were inspired to give this game our all.  Thank you, Jim.

As we write our opera story and continue to explore the many sides of failure, we realize that we must find a way to break through the thoughts and feelings that hold us back and keep us from reaching our goals and being who we truly are.

Writing poetry gives us an outlet for releasing our deepest emotions. Oftentimes, when young children compose poetry, like all else, they look to models and examples of the genre for ideas in technique and style. The poems they read and hear recited are all they know. A rhyming element almost always finds its way into children’s verses. Unfortunately, when rhyming is at the center of composing for kids, it is often forced and superficial. When we are free to write words, phrases and verses without concern for specific technique, we get the real, raw expression of self.

(Insert writing here.) [Read more…] about Failure: A Poet’s Perspective

How many of us love the work we do, are inspired daily to get up and go to work and are energized by our work? To be passionate about what we do for a living is rare and that is unfortunate. Our children need to discover their talents, abilities and interests early in life and learn through exploration and play the many possibilities and opportunities for meaningful work when they leave school. Some will design their own jobs in the future, but first they must be able to imagine, create and put their innovative ideas into practice.

On Wednesday after opera class, Gershon, Perry and Divyanshu, our three electricians, begged to stay in for recess to explore their newly acquired voltmeters. As they spread out to work at a table in the back of the classroom, I simply observed and recorded the independent work session.
The intrigue and inquiry that accompanied measuring the voltage between two points in an electrical circuit was astonishing. The questions, comments and general curiosity for the work affirmed all belief that education must go beyond a textbook and traditional learning to open doors of discovery. And we, as educators, must offer opportunities and provide experiences for our students to find what they love to do. [Read more…] about Enlightened by the Job

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. [Read more…] about We Didn’t Fail, We Just Didn’t Finish

The sign Help Wanted . . . Apply Within hung on the classroom door the day students made their final selections for opera jobs. Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company labored through the arduous application and interview process. Now, each company member has been hired in a job for which he or she is well suited. Upon signing a contract stating terms and conditions for the jobs, students made their commitment to company and self with this binding agreement.

In preparation for our student led conferences, I asked my 3^rd graders to respond to the following question.

“What are you learning in class with your company that is not reflected on the report card?”

The responses were overwhelming and indeed gratifying.

Share our emotions

Be resilient

Work through things

Include others

Stand up and speak out

Defend my thoughts

Yield to others [Read more…] about Not on the Report Card

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. [Read more…] about You’ve Gotta Want It From the Bottom of Your Heart