Rare Bird's Ode

Rare Bird's Ode (RareBirdsOde.com) is an organization dedicated to creating "Pop Opera Morality Tales" and educational experiences aimed at children, and fun for the whole family. E. A. Messenger, storyteller, started QARAB in Rochester, New York, February 22, 1993. He created stories and melodies with the connective theme, “Life is an Attitude.” E. A. Messenger is the pen name for the creator of A SIMPLE ODE, a collection of pop opera morality tales designed to bring classic Biblical stories to a 21st Century audience through art, music and creative storytelling. During his 25 year tenure as a 5th grade Religious Ed teacher, Mr. E., as he was called, realized that many of his pre-teen students had very little knowledge of the Bible and its teachings. He remembers being influenced at that age, and was determined to make a difference in these children’s lives. So he began creating colorful stories set to music that could both teach the children and entertain their parents, grandparents, and family. When he met Jim Schmitt, an experienced pianist, composer, and musical theater director, Mr. E. was re-energized and inspired to further develop his musicals for the stage. Messenger and Schmitt have collaborated to create the six phases of A SIMPLE ODE, including award-winning musical projects, THE GARDEN, WHELMED!, THE ARK, GOOD SHEPHERDS, THE FOUR HORSEMEN, and REUNION.