The Kids for Coltrane with Ms. Passarella on set filming the John Coltrane documentary directed by John Scheinfeld
The Kids for Coltrane will be highlighted in an extraordinary new film coming out in 2016 about the brilliant John Coltrane. Filming our part was a wonderful experience. We want to thank acclaimed writer-director John Scheinfeld and his wonderful team!
Photo of Dr. Cornel West and Christine Passarella
A note from one of my students…a brilliant young poet. “Thank you Husna for your kind and generous statement.” Husna recited her poetry during the Art of Protest and Celebration of Peace event at Adelphi University. She was part of the special presentation on September 4th with me and Dr. Cornel West in Garden City, New York. Special thank you goes out to Professor Devin Thornburg for inviting us to speak.
“I began writing poetry and songs about two years ago, along with performing arts such as sketching, painting, sculpting and what not. But at one point my fire had nothing else to feed on, so it slowly burnt out into society’s darkness. All that was left of my work remained in the ashes. But then she walked into my life Christine Passarella, a beautiful, inspiring, and absolutely stunning woman who earned my respect with an hour’s worth of teaching. She collected the ashes, the burnt memories, the unfinished work and she ignited the newly split fuel. She is one of the inspirations behind my work, my actions, and my words. Ms. Passarella was the one who introduced me to the past heroes who live in today’s future. Because of this respected woman, I was able to meet a genius who later stood as another inspiration, Dr. Cornel West. Because of this wonderful woman, I am indeed A KID FOR COLTRANE. And because of this beloved woman, I am where I stand today with fire in my eyes.”
Husna Mirza (Middle School Student)
Congratulations to Husna for recently being elected Student Body President at PS/IS 178🙂
Take a look at our photo page…Oh The Places You’ll Go
Kids for Coltrane Awards
Posted on: October 29, 2014
Dora Pappalardo receives The Kids for Coltrane Nat Hentoff Humanitarian Award, Zina Aminov receives The Kids for Coltrane Reach for the Stars Award
Congratulations to our award winners! During the My Favorite Things Concert the Kids for Coltrane presented two very important awards. Parent ambassador, Dora Pappalardo won The Kids for Coltrane Nat Hentoff Humanitarian Award for her dedication to the children. Fourth grade student, Zina Aminov received The Kids for Coltrane Reach for the Stars Award for her dedication to our mission and vision. We are all inspired by musician John Coltrane who was a force for good. Our program focuses on creativity, curiosity, caring and courage. Dora and Zina are two fine examples of our team! — This event took place in New York City, June 2014 at The Holliswood School
Kids for Coltrane Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of A Love Supreme at the Smithsonian
Posted on: April 5, 2014
A BLUESMAN IN THE LIFE OF THE MIND, AND A JAZZMAN IN THE WORLD OF IDEAS
Posted on: May 11, 2013
What a joy it was to meet Dr. Cornel West on April 16, 2013 at New York University. The topic was moral courage. Cornel West and Irshad Manji are cultural entrepreneurs who both spoke that evening. Dr. West is someone I admire for his moral courage and brilliant intellect, but until that evening I did not know he also was greatly inspired by the life and music of John Coltrane. The audience was illuminated by a discussion about power, democracy, innovation — and our individual role in all three. After the seminar, I spoke to Dr. West about the Kids for Coltrane Project in Education. The following week, I found myself dining with Dr. West discussing the importance of my the Kids for Coltrane Project, and related topics of illumination. Breathing rarefied air I will treasure the conversation and look forward to sharing more of my project with Dr. Cornel West in the future. “You can’t lead the people if you don’t love the people. You can’t save the people if you don’t serve the people.” ~ Dr. Cornel West
On June 22nd, members of the Kids for Coltrane Project in Education received awards for participating in the Kids for Coltrane After School Program at the Holliswood school. The program is under the direction of Ms. Christine Termini Passarella, founder and educator. Pictured here are Seth and Sarina who proudly display their certificates. They received their awards for participating in the 2011 – 2012 program along with 24 other happy children. Seth and Sarina also received the Kids for Coltrane, Reaching for the Stars Award which is given each year to people who go above and beyond. Seth and Sarina wrote Ms. Passarella a very persuasive letter when she was thinking about creating the after school program. The program welcomes children from different grades in a relaxing after school setting. They would all like to send a special thank you to the principal of the Holliswood School, Mrs. Ambert, for seeing the value in this precious program and giving them the space to continue. Ms. Passarella and the children look forward to continuing this work when the new school year begins. Kids for Coltrane are… Kids for Creativity, Curiosity and Caring.
