Second grade kids moved to action by the music of Coltrane.

A recent Wall Street Journal article by Nat Hentoff "These Little Kids Think Coltrane is Cool" shares the story of a second grade class from Holliswood School, P.S. 178 in Jamaica Estates, Queens given an education in music and are moved by the music of jazz great John Coltrane. In fact they were inspired so much by his music that they decided to take action and raise money to help restore his his home in Dixie Hills. According to the article "I hear in John's music a direct message to me as a teacher, and that is to go on teaching children in a way that respects their individuality. His music tells children to be who they want to be, that it is OK to be different, it is OK to feel, and that we all need to be able to express who we are in our own way to find what writer and philosopher Joseph Campbell called 'following your bliss.'" It's refreshing to be reminded of the powerful, positive impact and influence music and an excellent teacher can truly have.

(via Metafilter)

Link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121928401672659037.html?mod=...