ASCAP Foundation
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| Pictured: ASCAP Foundation board member and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz visits fifth grade students and Principal Beverly N. Lewis at PS 123, Mahalia Jackson School. |
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| Letters of Appreciation |
Here are some letters of appreciation from "Children Will Listen" participants at PS 123…
Dear ASCAP Foundation, "I thank you for the tickets, and I think you all are so wicked awesome." — Marthariel Bacott
"I also thank Stephen Schwartz and ASCAP's Michael Kerker for coming to our school to give us a sneak preview of the play." — Astou Diouf
"It was fun because of the music."
— Daniel Ramirez
"I liked the part when we questioned the actors and actresses." — Georgie Exinord
"When I grow up, I want to be just like Elphaba because she is just like me (not with the kissing and singing or dying)." — Fatima Grant
"I really loved Glinda's pink dress. I want it."
— Barbara Maisonet
"I wish I could see another play."
— Sharkiem Williams
"I realize how hard you worked to ensure that our youngsters had the opportunity to attend a Broadway Production. The future depends on our youth, and it is through the caring efforts of organizations like yours that a strong foundation is created to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st Century. Thank you for your patience, wisdom and desire to unlock the treasures waiting within our youngsters."
— Beverly N. Lewis, Ed.D, Principal, PS 123 Mahalia Jackson School New York, NY
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"Children Will Listen" and Learn
An educational ASCAP Foundation program provides a musical theatre experience to a new generation
One hundred fifth graders from Harlem's PS 123, Mahalia Jackson School, learned how to be Wicked (in a good way) when composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz visited them in preparation for a Broadway matinee performance of his Tony Award-winning musical, Wicked. Free orchestra level tickets and transportation were provided for the students and their teachers. Afterwards, the fifth graders conversed with the cast, Stephen Schwartz and other members of the show's creative team.
This event inaugurated "Children Will Listen," an educational ASCAP Foundation program in honor of Stephen Sondheim that provides a musical theatre experience to a generation of students who might not otherwise have this opportunity. The program expanded to the West Coast on February 7 when 500 11th grade students from various Los Angeles inner city schools saw the Reprise! Broadway's Best production of Stephen Sondheim's Sunday in the Park with George. Following this performance, director Jason Alexander and Stephen Schwartz met with the students for an interactive discussion.
"There is nothing more important to the future of the musical theatre than bringing children in to experience for themselves the music, singers, dancers, costumes and staging," commented Marilyn Bergman, President of The ASCAP Foundation. "Every succeeding generation of creators and audience brings a fresh new perspective to the American musical, and we are proud to be doing our part to encourage that continuity."
"Children Will Listen" is funded by the many donors who chose to honor Stephen Sondheim's 75th birthday through gifts to The ASCAP Foundation in support of this program.
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