Look what came in the mail for Noah, along with a pair of socks!
It reads, “Dear Noah, You knocked our socks off by taking your love of music and turning it into a music program for preschool kids! Awesome work!”
He did just that, in my class. Well, also his class many years ago, as a preschooler. Noah was shy, and he talks about that to this day. He cried at school… a lot. I tried everything I knew to help this timid little boy, but without success. One day I pulled out the autoharp, strummed a few chords, and ta-dah, Noah was immediately captivated. His tears disappeared, and his love of music began to develop.
I love music, too. More importantly, I believe it is absolutely fundamental for preschoolers, on many different levels. Noah is just one example. Over the years he continued with music; drumming being his passion. Last year he asked if he could come into my class every few weeks and bring music to the children. That question was music to my ears (pun intended).
And then, I got to stand back and watch magic happen. His visits quickly became called, ‘Noah Days’ by the children. All I had to say was, “It’s a Noah Day”, and immediately children were eager for not only his music, but for him. He understood children. He had the touch.
Little did I know that Noah’s college essay would include his music in the Aqua Room!
The theme of the essay was based on Muriel Barbery’s 2004 novel, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, finding beauty in life, and the importance of capturing moments of “always within never”. Here is an excerpt from his essay:
I wanted to be able to spread my “always” to others and I was able to achieve this by reaching out to a local preschool and organizing a program where I brought instruments into a class for the children. I played the instrument, let all of them try it, and then talked to them about how it worked. At first, I was skeptical of the idea and was worried that I would be turned down, or that the children would not take interest in me, but I remembered how I felt in their shoes, and how I would have loved having hands on music to get involved with at such a young age. Music was the reason that I came out of my shell, and I wanted to be able to give that to someone. Even if it was one child, I would feel like I succeeded. I could always spot the shy children, the ones who may not have the courage to get involved, clinging to the teacher. Sure enough, I was able to get every kid involved and smiling. To me that was a moment of always within never. In all, I am happy I got to share my talent in the sense that, not only did I get the chance to share music with the children, but I also made lasting connections and served as a mentor for these kids.
One of my goals in college is to continue working with children to provide this support system for them, and help them to come out of their shells. Music shaped my life and I hope to give someone else that opportunity because to me, experiencing new things is the only way to find an “always within never, beauty in this world.”
I am so proud of you, Noah! Thank you for making a difference.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Wonderful story of how one person with a passion for music can make a difference!
Thank you, Peter!
Fabulous! We need more talented people like that to help our children develop and grow.
Thank you, Opher. We do, indeed.
How wonderful!!!!
Thanks so much, Ritu!
😊
That’s really beautiful, Jennie. You must be so proud of him!
Thank you, Sue. I am!
This is great Jennie! Noah is really a star.
Thank you, Dehan. I think so, too. 🙂
I never cease to be overwhelmed by how your children return to your class as adults. That is indeed the best testament to the effect you had on them. Well done Noah, and well done to you too, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
I am constantly surprised as well as overwhelmed. It is certainly the greatest testament. Thank you so much, Pete. Best to you.
Well done to you, Jennie, for setting thing young child on the road to a love of music and development of a talent. Music is such a wonderful thing.
Thank you, Robbie. I am so proud of him. Music really is a wonderful thing!
What an amazing story! It is so wonderful when young people are willing to give back. It gives one faith in human nature and hope for a positive tomorrow. And it all started with you, Jennie!
I think this is amazing, too. Thanks so much, Darlene. Good people like Noah are out there. It is inspiring and reminds us that we should never loose faith in others. Best to you!
So true!!
🙂
I sooooo relate to your post. This young man is on the true path of being a ‘working musician’…the real movers and shakers in the arts.
And how precious to learn of your influence on him – teachers don’t always get that type of ‘full circle’ experience.
Kudos to you both!
Doesn’t this just knock YOUR socks off, Jennie? To know that one has made a difference in the world is the greatest honor. Wishing you a New Year filled with joy, love, peace, and laughter, my friend ❤
Yes it does, Tina. Big WOW! I really think this goes to show that each little thing we do for others is really a big thing. One never knows that their words or actions might make a tremendous difference. I had NO idea that Noah wrote about my classroom in his college essay. Big wow, indeed. Wishing you a terrific New Year, my friend. 😍
This is just wonderful, Jennie. Your stories warm my heart with each one I read. Such a testimony to your teaching is Noah’s return to pay it forward, ripples spreading ever outwards. We may never know the effect of our actions, but when we do, it’s magic. It’s helping each individual find the key that unlocks their potential.
That is so nice, Norah. Thank you! Yes, we may never know how our actions effect others, but when we DO find out, it truly is magic.
What a wonderful story of helping others and helping yourself. This is how life is supposed to work!
Yes, life is supposed to work this way. Thank you, Dan!
What a fabulous example of paying it forward:)). If everyone did the same, the world would be a far better place.
Thanks so much! Yes, the world would be better with more Noah’s paying it forward.
Yikes, Jennie. I wasn’t expecting a tear-jerker. What a beautiful story about the power of music and a wonderful heartfelt letter. So touching. Changing the life of even just one child is a treasure. ❤
Thank you, Diana. It was quite a wonderful surprise. We should never stop reaching out to others, because it just might matter. ❤️
I think it always matters, even when we don’t see it. I have no doubt that every child in your classroom has benefited from the experience. ❤
I think you are right on that, Diana. It does matter. Always. Thank you for your very kind words. 😊
I loved reading how your influence trickled down to influence so many more children. That is a young man with great heart. You have obviously touched his heart.
Thank you, Marlene! It was definitely a trickle down effect. Noah is a wonderful young man. I feel blessed.
I tested up reading this! Such a wonderful experience. Congratulations Jennie! And to Noah, of course!
Thank you so much, Lisa! 😊
You started the musical “ball rolling!” You lifted the sad and nervous right out of Noah. 🎶🎼
The power of music! 🙂
Lovely! Congrats to Noah and all who benefit from his experience and love for music.
Thank you so much, Cynthia!
This is such great news! Well done to all who are gaining the love now 🙂 ❤
Thank you, Christy!
Congratulations to Noah on his well-deserved acceptance. Such a fun touch for them to throw in a pair of socks!
I thought the socks were the best touch. Really cool!
Very special! I do not understand the socks?
The letter from Ithaca College to Noah said “You knocked our socks off… etc.”. Nice touch to include a pair of socks. 🙂
Oh My! Unreal! Why did I not connect those dots? Thanx for explaining!
😀
Sigh… the joy you spread, Jennie! Purely wonderful. The combination of your introduction describing Noah and what he did, and then the essay. Well done. Hugs!
Thanks so much, my friend! 😍
Such a beautiful story to stumble upon this morning! Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Reblogged this on You are becoming more each day and commented:
Angels come in all different ways 💖💖💖
Thank you!
With shy ones, and I was incredibly quiet, a caring adult such as yourself is essential in a child’s development. Where were you when I could have used you? Of course, that would be impossible as I’m sure my ancient self is much older than you. 🙂
That’s so nice. Thank you! Hey, this old gal is close to 68!!
This one is about to turn 70. YIKES! Never believed I would make it this far.
Same here. Ha! 🙂
What a terrific story! I found your blog by entering “music” into the search field on WordPress. Three mornings each week I lead Music Together classes in Arlington, MA, and everything you and Noah observed, experienced, acted upon, and then wrote about sounds sweetly familiar. Interacting with other human beings — from tiny babies to folks on their death bed — using music can be a very profound experience for everyone involved… Hurrah for you and your classroom and your autoharp and your open heart — and for Noah, too!
Thank you so much! And, thank you for leading a Music Together class. Music is so important. Children need it every day. Adults do, too. Music (and reading books aloud) is how I really connect with children. My first blog post was about music, and it keeps going. Noah, and of course the autoharp are the best. 🙂
Music and children.. just go together.
Yes, they do. 🙂