‘The Violin of Destiny’ — County Honors Students, Hamilton Wings, for Creating 15th Opera
The Kane County Board on Tuesday recognized the “extraordinary efforts” of Hamilton Wings SCORE!, which has helped area students create an original opera, titled “The Violin of Destiny.”
SCORE! stands for Students Creating Opera to Reinforce Education, and the organization provides young people ages 10 to 13 with the opportunity to create, develop and produce their own original opera production over the course of a year.
This is no less than the 15th original opera created by the Elgin-based 501(c)3 whose purpose is to promote the leadership development and academic readiness of socially and/or economically challenged children ages 2 to 18 through the use of and access to the artist.
Dr. Risé Jones, executive director of Hamilton Wings, sung the opening invocation at Tuesday’s meeting, showcasing an operatic voice that literally drew tears and applause from the audience and County Board members.
“We are so proud to be part of Kane County,” Jones said, after accepting a plaque commemorating the resolution from County Board members Kurt Kojzarek and Cristina Castro. “The students are mounting their production. Now it’s coming to life. I thank all of you, and I hope you can join us.”
The group will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015, at Elgin Community College’s Arts Center/Blizzard Theater. To be a part of Hamilton Wings’ SCORE! history, call 847/622-0300 for your tickets in support of the 10- to 13-year-old students’ hard work.
Resolution No. 15 – 182
RECOGNIZING HAMILTON WINGS’ SCORE! PROGRAM (STUDENTS CREATING OPERA TO REINFORCE EDUCATION)
WHEREAS, the County of Kane recognizes extraordinary efforts taken upon by local volunteers to promote education within our community; and
WHEREAS, Hamilton Wings is an Elgin-based 501(c)3 that promotes the leadership development and academic readiness of socially and/or economically challenged children ages 2 – 18 through the use of and access to the artist; and
WHEREAS, Hamilton Wings has provided service to over 2,000 students and families from over 14 Elgin School District U-46 schools and over 10,000 community members since 1996; and
WHEREAS, Hamilton Wings and its programming were honored with 2001 Elgin Image Award for its work in promoting a positive image of Elgin and a 2002 Elgin Image Award as a part of the City of Elgin’s All American City Committee; and
WHEREAS, Hamilton Wings’ SCORE! (Students Creating Opera to Reinforce Education) provides young people ages 10-13 with the opportunity to create, develop, and produce their own original opera production over the course of a year; and
WHEREAS, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities (PCAH) and its partner agencies, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts, and National Endowment for the Humanities, has acknowledged Hamilton Wings’ SCORE! as a 2003, 2005, & 2006 and 2007 Coming Up Taller Semifinalist, identifying the SCORE! Program as one of the top after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities-based programs in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Hamilton Wings’ SCORE! will be celebrating the milestone premiere of the 15th original opera, entitled “The Violin of Destiny,” developed entirely by their students ages 10 – 13 on Saturday, July 18, 2015.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County of Kane recognizes and honors the volunteers and students participating in the Hamilton Wings’ SCORE! Program for their dedication and commitment to education in our community.
Passed by the Kane County Board on July 14, 2015.
