Boston Public Schools
Roger F. Harris, Principal

"Your program utilizing Jazz/American Classical Music as a motivational tool to inspire young people, adds a unique twist and a perfect balance to traditional curricula. Students and staff were motivated and educated by your lectures."

Drewicz School, Lynn Massachusetts
6th Grade Student

"I really learned a lot and I think I will take your advice and start thinking about what I want to be."

Lawrence Public Schools
Norah McCarthy, Principal

"Mr. Carrington also emphasized the dangers of using drugs and how drugs destroyed some of the greatest talent in the history of Jazz.  He also talked about the importance of self-esteem and education, using Jazz As A Motivational Tool for the process of development."

Lexington Public Schools
Cheryl C. Prescott, METCO Director:

"Your easy manner of relating to the students and your messages regarding issues of motivation, goal setting and attainable success were well received my students and faculty alike."

Springfield College
Roland E. Holstead, Ph.D., Director

"I am writing to express my gratitude, admiration and sincere thanks to you for one of the most informative and highly motivational presentations I have witnessed.  Your ability to establish rapport with a group of children of diverse age, cultural, and socio-economic background is phenomenal.   The children listened attentively to your inspiring message of hope and achievement through discipline and determination.  Yours is a message that every young person should hear."

The following article is from the April 1997 edition of NEA Today (the National Education Association)

Innovator:
Matt Carrington

Job:
Carrington is a Massachusetts musician who lectures on jazz history.

Bright Idea:
Carrington created "Jazz as a Motivational Tool," a series of clinics and workshops he takes to schools around the country.

Using elements of jazz, Carrington teaches kids about goal-setting, planning, and self-esteem.

"As kids play music, we discuss improvisation of notes and chords," he says. "This leads to talk about the importance of change in life."

Impact:
Carrington has taken his message to hundreds of kids in school districts across the country.

"I created these workshops to reach out to as many kids as possible and inspire them to know they can be anything they want to be," he says.

"When I come into the school as an outsider and take an interest in students as individuals, it gives them a sense of worth."

NEA member George Perrone, who hosted Carrington in his music class at Framingham High School recently, agrees.

"The jazz workshop is incredibly effective with my kids," Perrone says   "I've had students tell me they think more about their future after listening to Carrington.  The messages about goal-setting and positive behaviors really hit home."

For More:
Contact Carrington Enterprises at P.O. Box 24, Medford, MA  02156.   617.488.5742.

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