A year ago, Harmoney was lost, forgotten, and spiraling downward. She’d never seen a musical or a stage. Moved from place to place, she never experienced childhood joys. Caring relatives stepped in and became Harmony’s legal guardians. But what would Donna and Daryl—two middle-aged farmers with no kids—do with a twelve-year-old? How could they help Harmoney leave her past behind and make friends? Enter MoCo Arts.
Donna took Harmoney to see MoCo’s SpongeBob Musical and she lit up! Enrolled in Creative Arts at Keene (C.A.K.E.) summer camp, Harmoney connected with Captain Louis JR.—a musical about feeling left out in a new place. Much to her delight, Harmoney quickly made friends at MoCo. Watching her sing and dance on stage, Donna marveled that this was the same child. She and Daryl decided that MoCo Arts would be an important part of Harmoney’s new life.
Harmoney’s confidence grew. She earned a lead part in Disney’s Descendants portraying Evie, the banished Evil Queen’s daughter, another character she related to. The class examined what happens when we label and judge people. On opening night, Donna felt overcome with emotion watching Harmoney’s moving depiction of her character’s quest to find her true inner self.
Through MoCo, Harmoney found her voice. And what a powerful voice it is. In addition to wowing audiences on stage, Harmoney speaks up for herself and sets boundaries when needed. She’s healing through the characters she portrays on our stage.
MoCo Arts’ impact on children who experience arts education through our camps and classes is
life-changing. Will you help us continue our mission of transforming lives through movement and creative expression? There has never been a greater need for the kind of nurturing stability that MoCo successfully combines with respect, inclusiveness, rigor, and professionalism. Our students are encouraged to take risks, make mistakes, and grow. They take that confidence into the classroom, on stage, into the community and their futures.
As we enter our third year with COVID-19, MoCo’s ability to continue serving kids and families will be directly dependent upon operational support from caring people like you. With your sustained support we will ensure that arts education remains available to EVERY child—kids like Harmoney need MoCo.
Please join me today in giving to MoCo’s Annual Fund to help ensure that the next generation gets to experience their own transformation through MoCo Magic. It’s real.
With gratitude,
Reagan Messer
Executive Director | Artistic Director of Dance
