The Lesson of the Lark - by Laura Knight Cobb

THE LESSON OF THE LARK is a moving one-sit, historical fiction picture book for children and teens. It celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment of the United States constitution. Richly written in prose, this story teaches the importance of equality and tolerance through the eyes of a girl, a lark, and a gardener. It inspires readers to let their conscience be their guide by following the golden rule. It challenges readers to stand up, and take action for what they believe in. It offers words of wisdom about the tragedy of discrimination. Through symbolism and metaphor, this story speaks of integrity and perseverance. This beautifully crafted book serves as a testament to liberty, and the dire need for compassion and balance for humanity.

 

See the Audio-Visual Book Version of "The Lesson of the Lark"

 

This book was the inspiration for the new concert work "The Lesson of the Lark." This multi-movement work is a powerful call for gender equity, and is composed for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, chorus, and jazz orchestra. This uplifting work takes its inspiration from the language of Jazz - including elements of Swing, Blues, Bossa Nova, Gospel, Salsa, and improvisation.

 

Available for narrator, soprano and mezzo-soprano soloists, and SATB or SSA chorus; or, for narrator, soprano, mezzo-soprano, and tenor soloists. (The SATB and SSA versions may be combined for a collaborative performance.) Each vocal setting may be performed with the original jazz orchestra accompaniment (Full Version), the reduced jazz combo accompaniment (Combo Version), the jazz quartet accompaniment (Quartet Version), or the piano-only accompaniment.