Right now my family is living in a shelter. Many of my classmates and their families live there too. We don’t have much. A lot of the time I am hungry. When I go to school I am tired and I feel angry. Sometimes in music class, we beat on drums and I feel like I can let out my anger. Other times we just breathe together.

-Child in Alice’s Class

My parents and teachers used to talk a lot about my ADD and being on the spectrum. At the beginning of seventh grade I was really struggling. Then I began to sing in the chorus. I feel like those classmates and my music teacher really trust and respect me. Instead of anger, I feel joyful and silly now.

-Reese, Abigail’s Student

I’ve been in Mr. W’s band for most of high school and I feel like I know him pretty well. I actually have a pretty good impression of him; his voice and mannerisms. When he took us on a field trip, I showed him the impression on the bus. Everyone was laughing so hard, even Mr. W and his fiance. He wasn’t mad, he thought it was funny. I feel like we get each other. We have a good relationship.

-Bob’s Student

After the concert, I saw my mom in tears. She wasn't sad; she seemed so happy and proud. She kept saying, “My son played on the stage at Carnegie Hall!”. We hugged and talked a lot about this. I’m a 15 year old black kid playing rock music on the biggest stage in the world. I can’t believe I get this opportunity.

-Bennett’s Student

Sometimes I sneak out of class and find my way into the music classroom. I’m not even taking music, but I like to hang out there and fool around on the piano. I can tell the music teacher sees me and knows I’m not in her class, but she always lets me stay. I feel comfortable there.

-Cassidy’s Student

I don’t really like my school. It’s not a safe place. There are a lot of gangs and I don’t want to be in one. I like to escape to Mr. S’s music room and play the bass. I feel safe there.

-Gene’s Student

I have never been able to hear. I was born deaf. I love to sing and I love the way music feels. Miss J took out something called a resonator bell. She played it and I could feel it in my whole body. It felt so good, like I could feel the music. It made me so happy.

-Julia’s Student