Rare Bird's Ode | Kids Out and About Rochester

Rare Bird's Ode

Address: 
P. O. Box 222
Rush , NY , 14543-0222
Phone: 585-454-4761
42° 59' 54.1968" N, 77° 39' 54.2376" W
Contact name: 
Deborah Schmitt
Seasons / holidays: 
Ages for which our activities are most appropriate: 
Rare Bird's Ode and the Qarab Artistic Group were formed to develop a series of stories that promote peace through music, art, books, and stage musicals. We’ve titled the series A SIMPLE ODE, an educational, inspiring, amusing and engaging collection of ‘Pop’ Opera Morality Tales that are ideally suited for families, churches, school groups, and homeschoolers. Our Award-Winning Multi-media presentations include cds, dvds, books with lesson planners, and feature original artwork by R. J. Ketchum. Written by E. A. Messenger and Jim Schmitt.

Rare Bird's Ode (RareBirdsOde.com) is an organization dedicated to creating "Pop Opera Morality Tales" and educational experiences aimed at children, and fun for the whole family. E. A. Messenger, storyteller, started QARAB in Rochester, New York, February 22, 1993. He created stories and melodies with the connective theme, “Life is an Attitude.” E. A. Messenger is the pen name for the creator of A SIMPLE ODE, a collection of pop opera morality tales designed to bring classic Biblical stories to a 21st Century audience through art, music and creative storytelling. During his 25 year tenure as a 5th grade Religious Ed teacher, Mr. E., as he was called, realized that many of his pre-teen students had very little knowledge of the Bible and its teachings. He remembers being influenced at that age, and was determined to make a difference in these children’s lives. So he began creating colorful stories set to music that could both teach the children and entertain their parents, grandparents, and family. When he met Jim Schmitt, an experienced pianist, composer, and musical theater director, Mr. E. was re-energized and inspired to further develop his musicals for the stage. Messenger and Schmitt have collaborated to create the six phases of A SIMPLE ODE, including award-winning musical projects, THE GARDEN, WHELMED!, THE ARK, GOOD SHEPHERDS, THE FOUR HORSEMEN, and REUNION.