The Power of Story
This time of year, I am often reminded of the power of story and of sharing our stories with one another. Whether through a mealtime conversation, reading a special book, or catching up at special events and gatherings, I hope you will take the time to intentionally share your stories with your loved ones this year.
In this month's Inspiring Hope newsletter, we're beginning a new feature -- sharing the stories of some of our "graduates," the children, who are now grown, whose music and generosity helped create the Tacy Foundation. This month, you will get to hear from Claire McCormack in our Graduate Spotlight. You'll also get the latest news on the Reading Express, and I am delighted to share a new book with you, Little Charlotte and the Piano. So, read on and thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Tacy Holliday
President and Co-Founder
Reading Express Rolls Into Town
Master teacher, Claudia Scott, is coming to town from her home on the Navajo Reservation to host the Reading Express at the Gaithersburg Library. This year, children will experience the magic of The Polar Express, the classic children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs the Library for a journey through the dark and quiet wilderness for a special visit to the "North Pole." The train leaves at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2016. The line forms at 1:45 p.m. Free tickets at the door.
Reading Express is our signature story program, created by Ms. Scott for the Tacy Foundation, designed to help children develop a love of reading through interactive storytelling and bringing the book to life through play and imagination.
Here is an excerpt of the first Reading Express event offered in 2011 at the Germantown Library: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MteC75C3wIQ&t=17m32s
Graduate Spotlight: Claire M.
Claire is a senior at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She is double majoring in Political Science and History. She also works part time for the Food and Drug Administration. Claire was involved with the Tacy Foundation from its inception in 2007 -- she was instrumental in its founding -- until 2013, when she graduated from high school.
She returned in 2016 to volunteer as a Piano Pals mentor.
What motivated you to study music and to share music with others?
My older sister and I are three years apart, and I remember watching her start piano lessons from a young age. She was my first motivation to study music, as I wanted to be just like her! I remember eagerly waiting until I started elementary school so that I too could take lessons and learn to play the piano.
What motivated you to study music and to share music with others?
My older sister and I are three years apart, and I remember watching her start piano lessons from a young age. She was my first motivation to study music, as I wanted to be just like her! I remember eagerly waiting until I started elementary school so that I too could take lessons and learn to play the piano.
As I grew up, my sister continued to be my inspiration. However, I also found motivation from within the Holliday Studio and participating in the Tacy Foundation. I absolutely adored performing at monthly Asbury recitals. The connections I made with the Asbury residents were invaluable, and I looked forward to working hard on new pieces so that I could continue to share music with them.
When I got to high school, I realized how truly lucky I was to be given the gift of music, and I felt eager to share that gift with others. My piano students motivated me to continue to develop my skills, so that I could share my knowledge and cultivate their love for music as well.
What motivated you to study music and to share music with others?
My older sister and I are three years apart, and I remember watching her start piano lessons from a young age. She was my first motivation to study music, as I wanted to be just like her! I remember eagerly waiting until I started elementary school so that I too could take lessons and learn to play the piano.
As I grew up, my sister continued to be my inspiration. However, I also found motivation from within the Holliday Studio and participating in the Tacy Foundation. I absolutely adored performing at monthly Asbury recitals. The connections I made with the Asbury residents were invaluable, and I looked forward to working hard on new pieces so that I could continue to share music with them.
When I got to high school, I realized how truly lucky I was to be given the gift of music, and I felt eager to share that gift with others. My piano students motivated me to continue to develop my skills, so that I could share my knowledge and cultivate their love for music as well.
What motivated you to study music and to share music with others?
My older sister and I are three years apart, and I remember watching her start piano lessons from a young age. She was my first motivation to study music, as I wanted to be just like her! I remember eagerly waiting until I started elementary school so that I too could take lessons and learn to play the piano.
As I grew up, my sister continued to be my inspiration. However, I also found motivation from within the Holliday Studio and participating in the Tacy Foundation. I absolutely adored performing at monthly Asbury recitals. The connections I made with the Asbury residents were invaluable, and I looked forward to working hard on new pieces so that I could continue to share music with them.
When I got to high school, I realized how truly lucky I was to be given the gift of music, and I felt eager to share that gift with others. My piano students motivated me to continue to develop my skills, so that I could share my knowledge and cultivate their love for music as well.
And finally, my parents have always been the ultimate source of motivation for studying and sharing music. They have encouraged and supported me, even when I played the same measure over and over... and over again for days at a time. They impressed upon me the value of being thankful for the lessons I attended, and for the ability the use the gift of music to reach out to others- whether at Asbury, through a CD sent overseas, or working with Piano Pals.
What was it like to participate in the Tacy Foundation?
It was always fun, and in the end, very rewarding! The community of students and parents involved in the foundation were all dedicated, compassionate, and excited.
Do you think sharing music made an impact on others?
Absolutely. In 2007, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and I witnessed first hand the healing powers of music. It was meditative and powerful, and she (as well as the rest of my family) relied on it during her surgeries, treatment, and recovery. When going through something traumatic, I believe it is just as important to heal mentally or spiritually as it is to heal physically, and music helped aid the healing process for us.
How do you think your experience has made a difference in your life?
My experience with the Tacy Foundation truly taught me the importance of giving back. I realized that we all have different strengths, and it is invaluable to use these strengths to help others. It taught me to look outside of my own life and challenges, and to make the needs of others a priority. Through this, I realized that one of the easiest ways to feel happy and fulfilled in life is by giving back to your community. To this day, I still make it a goal in my life to give regularly to others in whatever way I can.
Little Charlotte and the Piano
Keeping with the theme of story, I (Charlotte) have been writing this year about my experiences as a young child learning music. I had the privilege of collaborating with Izzy Bean, a wonderful graphic artist and illustrator from across the Atlantic Ocean.
My purpose in writing the book is to encourage young musicians to continue in their studies. Often, practicing music becomes a battle of will. When learning is challenging (as music usually is), a child’s interest lags. It is so difficult for children to know the longterm benefit of their efforts. Sometimes it is helpful to know that others face similar challenges in learning. I had quite a time of it!
I would love to give you a copy as a thank you gift for your financial support of the young musicians and programs of the Tacy Foundation. For your convenience, a safe and secure online donation button is below. Alternatively, you can mail a check to The Tacy Foundation P.O. Box 2334 Germantown, MD 20875. Your support makes all the difference.
As an all-volunteer organization, we are so grateful for your support of the mentoring and educational programs and performance opportunities that benefit children, families, seniors, veterans and hospital patients through our three-part mission:
- Educational Mission: Foster youth development through music, story and mentoring
- Philanthropic Mission: Empower youth to discover and use their gifts in service to others
- Social Mission: Build community partnerships, create intergenerational connections
Little Charlotte and the Piano