Praise for CenTUNEial Celebration

I finally got around to compiling some of the comments I received from librarians and others about my "Oklahoma CenTUNEial Celebration" program this summer. This was a fun job!

A few of these were in my recent MontyNews letter. Here is the whole shebang.

Oh yes, and if you're interested in the program for your school, more information is on my website at MontyHarper.com.

Now I'm off to bed, if I can just get my head through the door...

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"The original Oklahoma songs were the best part about the program. The children were learning about Oklahoma history as they sang their hearts out. Many parents thanked me for booking such a great performer."
- Patty Young, Youth Services Librarian, Mustang Public Library

"The best thing about the program? It's hard to pick one best thing. I loved EVERYTHING including your rapport with the variety of age groups we had attend. LOVED LOVED LOVED IT!!!"
- Darbie LaFontain, Youth Services Director, Duncan Public Library

"I thought the program was fantastic! I liked how your songs had good fun child-friendly information for Oklahoma's Centennial. Thank you for all the research you put into your program."
- Marge Davis, Children's Library Associate, Tulsa City County Library System

"The songs were delightful. The kids were engaged and entertained. The centennial theme was right on! It's clear Monty has had lots of experience...the program flowed smoothly and he was able to adapt to our small program room. Children of all ages had good things to say and talked about their favorite songs, and about Monty's sneakers. You can't go wrong booking Monty Harper for the elementary school age group!"
- Rhonda Turley, Librarian, Piedmont Public Library

"Monty has great rapport with children. We received very positive feedback. It was fun!"
- Chris Buller, Library Director, Hesston Public Library

"Monty had the kids and their parents in the palm of his hand! They were totally engaged.
He does a fantastic interactive program with songs about books, reading & libraries and it's a crowd favorite. Folks left the program happy & enthusiastic and pleased that we brought him to El Dorado. I definitely want to have him back again."
- Karen Kolavalli, Youth Services Director, Bradford Memorial Library, El Dorado, KS

"Monty has a real gift for writing songs that grip kids imagination. They always love it when he comes to our library. I think his program is as near perfect as any we schedule. Monty has a real love of children and it shows in his songs and his performances. They always, always give us positive feedback. That's why we've been having him every year for 17 years. You can't beat him for a program that appeals, especially for 6- to 10 year-olds. They love to participate and I hear them singing his songs when they leave. Monty and Lisa are super easy to work with, very professional - I can't say enough nice things about them!"
- Sue Busch, Lib II/Children's Services, Stillwater Public Library

"Oklahoma Summer Reading theme was well incorporated. New songs are appreciated.
A safe bet."
- Terri Crawford, Library Director, Watonga Public Library

"Monty is always a wonderful show for us and we get a great response from the community."
- Robin Mooney, Youth Services Coordinator, Tahlequah Public Library

"It was fun and the kids enjoyed being involved. Monty is enthusiastic and gets the kids enthused. He is talented and fun. I enjoyed him too."
- Mary E. Parker Mem. Library, Sulphur, OK

"Even with a room full of kids they participated and listened. Always a great show! The kids, especially the younger ones, love Monty!"
- Kathy Buzzard, Children's Librarian, Shawnee Library/Pioneer Lib. System

"Parents were very pleased with the show. The kids (especially the little ones) loved singing and dancing with you. Some of the kids that were very involved were the same ones that had trouble sitting for more than 15 minutes last week. Monty is worth the money and adults and children enjoy him."
- Sharon Bastel, Children's Librarian, Sapulpa Public Library

"Everyone loved having Monty - we are looking forward to him in 2008. Good music - good interacting with the kids and adults."
- Love County Library- Branch of CRLS, Marietta, OK

"The songs were so much fun. They fit the theme perfectly. The children also enjoyed the part that Monty's daughter played. They were all very attentive while she was singing. Everyone enjoyed and had fun!!! Monty is very professional and put on a great show."
- Alice Withrow, Branch Manager, Atoka County Library

"Monty's programs are always fun. I think the best thing is that he appeals to the child in all of us. The kids all loved it and are still singing the Oklahoma Kids song. They liked having Evalyn perform. I could hear some of them singing to themselves later on. He may have inspired some future performers! Expect a great program with lots of audience participation."
- Beth Sherrill, Children's Librarian, Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library

"Educational and fun. The audience were all very impressed with Monty. Great entertainer, never a dull moment."
- Shirley Bambeck, Librarian/Branch Manager, Latimer County Public Library

"The kids knew Monty liked to write, sing and perform. The teachers and I were so impressed with his ability to change up songs as the kids questions arose. They are still trying to sing the songs. Parents commented that Monty was all they talked about that night. Monty is an engaging and highly participatory performer. His songs are about things kids wonder about and talk about."
- Lesa Ross, Media Specialist, Jenks Public Schools

"Monty's program incorporated Oklahoma facts and songs to go along with our centennial. Very positive, and enjoyable."
- Luetta White, elementary teacher, Dale School

"We had lots of interaction with the audience including moms and dads, and Monty allowed the children to request their favorites. Some of the parents that I saw the next week made a point of telling me how much they enjoyed the program. Monty is talented, very professional, and a library favorite."
- Janet Lee, Children's Librarian, Ada Public Library