February 25, 1999 THANKS Stan Wolfson, Richard Estes, Bernadette Anderson, Sister Rosemary Sara Miele's 1-2-3 Class Alison Srnec & Kelly Alexander's 1-2-3 Class Michele Lehmbecker's 4-5-6 Class Phil Persons' 4-5-6 Class Joy Blanchard Principal Beth Lasley PTA and all the faculty, staff, students, and families of Park View Montessori School Theodore Worth Park PERFORMERS Piano: Cynthia Brown Vocals: Lynette Harvey, Sharon Bell, Sammie Raines Dance: Tap Twistas' SPONORS University of Minnesota Extension Service, College of Education & Human Development, Center for School Change, Hubert H Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, School of Social Work, College of Human Ecology VIDEO DMcD Productions MUSIC "I'd Love To Ride With You" inspired by Stan Wolfson Words: Larry Long with Sara Miele's 1-2-3 Class of Park View Montessori School Music: Larry Long ©Larry Long Publishing 1999 / BMI "God Has Been Good To Me" inspired by Richard Estes Words: Larry Long with Michele Lehmbecker's 4-5-6 Class of Park View Montessori School Music: Larry Long ©Larry Long Publishing 1999 / BMI "Lift Yourself Up High" inspired by Bernadette Anderson Words: Larry Long with Phil Persons' 4-5-6 Class of Park View Montessori School Music: Larry Long ©Larry Long Publishing 1999 / BMI "Wonderful You" inspired by Sister Rosemary Words: Larry Long with Alison Srnec & Kelly Alexander's 1-2-3 Class of Park View Montessori School Music: Larry Long ©Larry Long Publishing 1999 / BMI BACKGROUND Elders' Wisdom, Children's Song™ is an intergenerational program created by Smithsonian Folkways recording artist and social justice advocate Larry Long, director of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Community Celebration of Place. Working with young people in schools throughout the nation Larry has generated an unparalleled collection of life stories of American elders in both song and narrative. Maintained in print as well as audio and video recordings, this richly diverse collection chronicles several generations of American life through the recollections of over 500 elders from 65 communities in 25 states. Collected over 20 years, the stories span the nation's cultures from elders both long established and newly arrived. Larry Long's collection uniquely documents how Americans pursue honest and honorable ways of living that affirm hope in what the country aspires to at its best. The songs and stories affirm values and provide models that are core to American life. They also personalize the tragedies and triumphs of our country by revealing the grit and determination of people to lead good lives - often against injustice and terrible odds - while contributing to the wellbeing of their communities and the nation. Residencies Larry Long and EWCS™ artists are currently working with students throughout Minnesota and the Midwest, bringing elders' stories and experiences into the schools. They spend a week in the classroom, facilitating the interviews and the songwriting process. At the end of each residence, the students help put together a community celebration.