Mamaroneck Avenue Students Compose a Symphony of Hopes and Wishes for America

(November 12, 2002 )At Mamaroneck Avenue School, students have composed their hopes and wishes for their community and America in musical notes that are woven together on the auditorium’s walls into a “Symphony of Hope.”

This activity was done in each classroom as a prelude to the upcoming school production of "The Music Man Jr.” on November 22 and 23. This year’s school musical involves about 180 students in the cast, chorus, and junior company.

Each musical note contains a handwritten message with a child’s wish for the community. Each message, one from every student in grades K through 5, is posted in “harmony” with the others on huge musical staffs.

“When you read their simple words of hope, it reminds you what really is important,” said principal Peter Berendt.

“I wish there was world peace,” said Michael, a fifth grader. “I wish the hungry, food; the homeless, shelter; the sick, health; the sad, love and the poor, money,” said fifth grader Olivia. “I wish for everyone to have enough to eat,” said kindergartener Hanna. “I wish that everyone will be nice to each other,” said Brianna, a third grader.

The impact of 9/11 can still be seen in some of their words. “I wish the Twin Towers never fell,” said Stephanie, a second grader. “I wish the terrorists would stop bombing us,” said Anthony, a first grader. “I wish the World Trade Center could be built again for the community,” said Dennis, a third grader. “It would make people happy. It would help us remember the firemen who risked their lives for us,” Dennis added.

Other children were impacted by current world events. “I wish I could talk to the people in Afghanistan so they could stop bothering us,” said third grader Leonardo. “I wish the Israelis and Palestinians would stop fighting... we need peace in the world...,” said Charles, also a third grader.

Many children had words about protecting the environment. “I wish there was no pollution and no one littered,” said Sarah, a fifth grader. Fifth grader Tracey discussed Mamaroneck Harbor pollution: “ I wish for a better harbor; like it was when my parents were my age. The water was so clean and the beach wasn’t dirty.”

A fifth grader named Christina obviously understands life in Westchester, as she said, “My wish is to lower house prices so people can live in their house or be able to afford a house.”

“Music Man has an underlying theme about a community coming together,” said Barbara Henkind, PTA play coordinator. “We are uniting our students as a community as they think about the world around them,” she added.

“While this has not created an actual musical piece which anyone would play,” principal Berendt said, “everyone should come to take time to read the beautiful music that is made by the children’s thoughtful words.”

“The Music Man Jr.” is being shown at Mamaroneck Avenue School in Mamaroneck on Friday, November 22 at 7 p.m. and on Saturday, November 23 at 2 p.m. (Matinee) and 7 p.m. Tickets for general admission are five dollars, and are available at the door. The musical notes are currently on display and will remain up through the production.

Carolyn Pomeranz is a parent volunteer at Mamaroneck Avenue School.

Send this page to a friend

Discuss this topic in our forums, or send a letter to the editors.