Praise for Ellis Island

Amarillo Globe-News
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Opinion

Letter: Ellis Island performance was music to the ears

"Ellis Island: The Dream of America," is this year's contribution, from our Amarillo Symphony Orchestra, to the broader education of area fourth- and fifth-graders.
Generously sponsored by the Joseph H. and Arlene Pool Education Series, this uplifting, often touching program featured our ASO as well as five actors from WTAMU who favored the audience with personal stories of immigrants from different countries who passed through Ellis Island.

Also featured was a presentation of scenes from and pictures of people who came to Ellis Island, often with nothing more than the dream of a better life and a willingness to do whatever it might take to make that dream come true.

Whether in person, or by Internet simulcast, many hundreds of the area's fourth and fifth graders were able to view this fabulous production.

One might wonder if the import of such a program would be lost on those so young. It was not lost on at least one young man, whom I overheard comment exuberantly "that was awesome."

If he was moved by the program such that he would comment out loud, even though surrounded by his peers, one might be assured that it reached others as well.

Kudos to the ASO staff and musicians, WTAMU students and the Joseph H. and Arlene Pool Education Series for bringing this program to our area youth and for expanding their education beyond the Three Rs. Well done!

Ken McMillan
Amarillo
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Couldn't have said it better myself. Ken, thanks for recognizing the success of this concert experience.