My evening at the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet in Peekskill, NY was simply amazing. It felt really good to be there and performing the 8 original songs written with the students. After our performance, the students all presented my producer, Tommy Faragher, and I with a card and gift. Below is what my card said:
“You are so cool!!” Cecelia 
“Thank you for singing my songs” Larisa
“You are a great singer! Thanks” Kiersten
“Good Singing” Alex
“Thanks for everything! Thanks for singing my song! You are a great
singer!!!” Serena
“Good luck on your new album” Tatiana
“Thanks! I learned so much from working with you” Charlotte
“Jenny, You are an amazing singer and sing my songs better than I
imagined” Brianna
I have to say these statements by the students are the biggest complement I have ever received for my singing and songwriting. And, working with the students was really wonderful. I’ve never had children of my own. So, what I felt is what I imagined it might feel like to try to teach a young person something. It’s an interesting hands off, objective kind of approach. Feeling like I was trying to impart some sort of wisdom or something..but it was much more than that and not that easily identifiable. I think what I gave them was a sense of professionalism and I took them seriously. And, that seemed to make an impact. Ken Ludden, the Artistic Director at the Academy, said as much and there is some sort of special spirit that has lived on after that magical evening. Someone close to the Academy is going to try to get the CD of the recorded songs to some kid friendly music related organizations. We will see!
Tommy and I have already been asked back for next year and I’m busy helping the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet find some sponsors to cover the cost of the My Song program. Tommy Faragher and I are both ASCAP members so you can imagine ASCAP Foundation is on our list!
On a personal note, I was so taken by this music program and the students that I pledged a small donation to the Academy from my album sales. I can’t wait to write that check!
Jennie Walker
www.jenniewalker.com
