A Place in the Choir: Finding Harmony in a World of Many Voices

There's enough unhappiness and struggle in our lives. This series of little vignettes tell of one music teacher's efforts to find a place where every voice, especially every small child's voice can fit in to a choir, help make beautiful music, and improve their feelings of self-confidence, self-esteem, and well-being. There will be plenty of time later for the child to understand that he has limits. I'm thinking of the choir in the 10th aniversary performance of Les Mez. There was a large choir there, but I suspect the least of these singers was in an entirely different class than the children Mr. Jacobson is teaching. The world weans out the less competent as you progress upward. But meanwhile you have a child. Get him in the choir. Or if not the choir, the school play, the basketball team, get him involved. All in all a delightful, fun book to read with a lesson behind it.

A PLACE IN THE CHOIR: FINDING HARMONY IN A WORLD OF MANY VOICES provides essays and inspirational stories which offer would-be singers and harmonizers direction on living in a world which holds differences. From sample poems and songs to reflections on things which can't be taught in music class, and how to find acceptance of life through music, A PLACE IN THE CHOIR is an exuberant piece which could've been featured in another section, but which deserves a place here for any would-be musician. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

I appreciate educators who understand the whole community of learners, not just the stars, not just the standouts, the whole community. Keep writing, John! Let's work hard to make all educators, music, phy. ed., language, math, etc. realize that there is a place for everyone!

What a wonderful book. John "nails it on the head" when talking about giving every child a chance to be involved and to feel useful. A very uplifting, many times emotional book, one filled with wonderful stories of family, friends, professionals and the very hardworking music teachers in our world. Thanks, John!

So says John Jacobsen. And he's right. Marian Wright Edelman (president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund) introduces the book by pointing out the need for all children (and people in general) to feel included. Each member in a choir has something to contribute, regardless of race, appearance, etc. John takes this theme and uses his experiences around the world to bring it home. He's traveled the globe, leading choirs and education children in the hopes that they will continue to make music for others. A series of short articles interspersed with lyrics from composers like Mac Huff, Emily Crocker, Moses Hogan, and others make this an interesting read. It's not a 'self-help' book - but a book to inspire you to help others. And there are some fun photos of John's world travels :)