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

A Place in the Choir: Finding Harmony in a World of Many Voices, by John Jacobson. Foreword by Marian Wright Edelman. Hal Leonard Corporation (7777 W Bluemound Rd., P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213), 2006. 184pp. $22.95.

This book is a collection of short, inspirational essays by John Jacobson. Choral music educators are the target audience for A Place in the Choir. Short essays are organized into four sections: "I. Celebrate Music"; "II. A Day in the Life"; "III. Seasons; and "IV. Heroes and Saints." The essays are somewhat loosely collected, and lend themselves to brief, unconnected reading sessions. Original song lyrics from Jacobson's projects are presented between essays, unfortunately without the music.

The author's main theme is that music, among all human enterprises, is uniquely suited to awaken and develop the potential of every child. The music teacher's mission is to unlock music for every child and to ensure that in the music classroom, everyone has a place in the choir. "What we learn through music we don't forget." Not only does information gain meaning through music, but the experience of creating music strongly reinforces many types of learning, and marks life events vividly.

Because of music's power in the formation of a child, it can be used to shape a child's respect for others, responsibility, understanding of his role within the larger community, motivation, focus and sense of self-worth. Jacobson concentrates on the usual and ordinary miracles that are wrought through the ordinary dedication of the music teacher. She is uniquely positioned to touch many lives and serves as a beacon of hope to all.

The music classroom needs to allow students to risk doing new things within a safe and friendly environment. A good music teacher is often involved in his work even longer each day than other teachers, and constantly inspires others with enthusiasm for the possibilities of music in our world. Every child, even the most disruptive rascal, deserves a place in the choir, with the possibility of being transformed by it.

The final essays describe heroes such as Jesse Owens, Helen Keller, George Washington Carver, Margaret Knight and others. Jacobson draws parallels between remarkable qualities in each person's life and the work of the music teacher. The goal of every music educator should be the development of each child into a "well-adjusted, healthy, happy and educated person." He believes that "music is not an 'extra.' Music is THE difference." The vocation of music teaching transforms lives, including that of the teacher.

If you need a cheerleader to remind you of the daily rewards of your profession, choose this book. It makes the case for music education with an enthusiasm we may have forgotten along the way. Reviewed by Margaret Kennedy-Dygas, Holland, Michigan