To the Editor:

The Cranston CCAP’s Head Start children and teachers would like to heartily thank three volunteers who recently performed in our pre-kindergarten classrooms, enriching and promoting the children’s knowledge of the arts.

Lori Istok of Lori’s Music Together in Cranston (lori@lorimusictogether.com) delighted the children by playing her guitar, leading them in singing and dancing, and teaching the students and teachers new songs. Then, she encouraged the youngsters to choose from a wide array of instruments and create their own music. Who knew we had so many budding musicians in the class?

Carolyn Dellinger, the founder and artistic director of the American Ballet Academy in Cranston (americanballetacademyri.com), taught the students about dancing and costuming – the pancake tutu was a hit – and amazed the class with a beautiful, on-point performance. Then, she instructed the group as they tippy-toed to Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty.”

Local musician Karen Isenberg of Providence (meukulelle.weebly.com) led the children in a widely roaming musical exploration. She played her ukulele and sang for the schoolchildren, leading them in song and dance, and then, brought out a barrel of instruments for the youngsters to form their own band. What a joyous sound they all made.

The children’s teachers were very impressed with the volunteers’ demeanor – each was generous, kind, effective, fun and knowledgeable. The young students enjoyed these enriching learning experiences.

Thank you!

Jan Sargent-Tracy

Head Start volunteer