Montgomery Community Media

In order to create a realistic story and bring it to life, it is imperative that we research the setting of our opera . . . a bowling alley.  Thanks to Bowl America in Germantown, Maryland, we were able to do just that.  Half of the company had never been bowling.  What we learned from […]

As we write our opera story and continue to explore the many sides of failure, we realize that we must find a way to break through the thoughts and feelings that hold us back and keep us from reaching our goals and being who we truly are. Writing poetry gives us an outlet for releasing […]

How many of us love the work we do, are inspired daily to get up and go to work and are energized by our work? To be passionate about what we do for a living is rare and that is unfortunate. Our children need to discover their talents, abilities and interests early in life and […]

During an emotional discussion following a challenge attempted three times by Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company, Rayn stated, “We didn’t fail, we just didn’t finish.” If we could all adopt this philosophy concerning failure and making mistakes, our world would be different. In determining the theme for the opera, we must ascertain what students […]

The sign Help Wanted . . . Apply Within hung on the classroom door the day students made their final selections for opera jobs.  Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company labored through the arduous application and interview process.   Now, each company member has been hired in a job for which he or she is well […]

In preparation for our student led conferences, I asked my 3rd graders to respond to the following question. “What are you learning in class with your company that is not reflected on the report card?” The responses were overwhelming and indeed gratifying. Share our emotions Be resilient Work through things Include others Stand up and […]

The way we begin every day . . . in song, of course.  With profound lyrics and melody, You’ve Gotta Want It by Roberta Gold, is a hit with Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company.  In fact, it inspired our company name.  At 9:20 a.m., if you happen to walk down the hall, you’ll hear […]

Understanding the difference between character traits and emotions can be confusing for students. Being aware that emotions constantly change is helpful. Throughout a story, emotions change between characters and within individuals and situations. In class, reading groups had the task of identifying and charting the specific emotions displayed in their books. Each student drew a […]

When one falls, we all fall. When one stands, we stand. Twenty-seven dominoes represent the members of Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company. When lined up strategically on the floor, what do we see? How do these dominoes represent who we are and what we do? How can the action of one so profoundly affect […]

We are Harness the Stars Kids Opera Company. Our name and logo represent who we are and what we do as members of a unified group working collaboratively to create an original opera.