I feel inspired to share some enlightenment that has occurred teaching these Zoom classes.

As I’d already expressed at the beginning of our classes, we were feeling deflated, defeated & depressed about the small classes and the obvious technical problems that are part and parcel with the Zoom teaching process.

We are now feeling a major turn around. As we listen to to all the news about the issues that stem from Zoom learning, isolation, loneliness and the lack of human contact that these children are suffering, we realize what a huge difference we are making.

As seasoned teaching artists over the years we were used to massive classes, extra curricular activities (presentations, MLK walk, holiday parade) serving at the very least 50/60 students on up to well over 100 a week (Billy actually had 60 in a class way back in the day and even had 77 one day).

So now serving about 13 regular students a week seemed pathetic etc. Not anymore, I can’t call or email anymore parents then I have already and we’re actually glad to have a more intimate relationship with these precious kids who need this like air, food & water.

They sign on early, do the fun “homework” and talk, really talk to us.

All of our students have developed a “character”, they have drawn them, written character traits and are creating costumes for them. We do all the theater exercises with these characters.

Right now, as well as working on their “alter egos”, doing physical exercise, making art, singing and playing along with our instruments with the few students who have their own, they are creating holiday gifts for their families.

We ARE SO EXTREMELY grateful for this opportunity during these incredible times to be of help to these families through social/emotional learning. It is so terribly important and I know we and the other teachers are making an important difference.

So, as always we thank Rachel for her heart, brain and love that created this incredible organization and to David and Andrea for all the hard work in keeping it going.

One hundred, fifty, thirteen children effected, it’s all good.