Small Wonders

Small Wonders is an inspiring 1995 documentary film that brings to light the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit through the relentless perseverance of one woman, Roberta Guaspari. The film, directed by Allan Miller, features Arnold Steinhardt and Isaac Stern and was produced by Susan Kaplan and Walter Scheuer.

The captivating documentary chronicles the story of an indomitable music teacher, Roberta Guaspari, who has devoted her life to teaching inner-city schoolchildren in East Harlem, New York, how to play the violin. What sets Roberta's teaching approach apart is that she does not have any formal training in music, rather, she taught herself the violin and created her own unique teaching method. The film showcases her extraordinary bond with her students, their passion for music, and her ongoing fight to maintain funding for her invaluable music program.

Over time, Guaspari’s music program, known as the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, has had a dramatic impact on the lives of her students and their families. The program provides musical training to children who otherwise would not have had the opportunity, enhancing their personal growth and evoking passion for the arts from an early age. This dedication has earned Guaspari recognition not only in her community but also on a national level.

The story takes a turn when her program is reduced due to budgetary cuts. The dramatic equivalent of a climax in this documentary is when Roberta, in a bid to save her program, organizes a concert at the prestigious Carnegie Hall to raise funds and showcase the talents of her students. Some very notable friends, including Arnold Steinhardt and Isaac Stern, offer mentoring for her protégés and performances to attract sponsors.

The power of music is a prevalent theme throughout this film. It is not a story of starry-eyed children dreaming of becoming professional musicians but instead of students who find comfort, escape, discipline, and confidence through their violin lessons. Guaspari’s determination to nurture her students and the importance she places on maintaining the program, despite numerous challenges, is testament to her resilience and belief in the transformative power of music. The film is an emotionally charged journey that traces Roberta’s strength, the personal growth of countless children, and the community’s unyielding support.

Small Wonders is an intimate portrait of the soft-spoken yet formidable Guaspari. The documentary camera captures a slice of her life, her interactions with students, their families, the school's administration, the East Harlem community, and her preparation for the impending Carnegie Hall performance. The film benefits from an observational style that captures the compelling reality of socio-economic struggles, the necessity of arts programs in underprivileged communities, and the power of community action.

Equally fascinating are the intimate profiles of Guaspari’s students. We see the children grow from stumbling beginners who have never held a violin, into confident performers able to hold their own on the Carnegie Hall stage. The evolution in their discipline, creativity, and confidence is an added achievement of Roberta’s work and the power of her music program.

The film also receives a distinguishing touch by featuring the accomplished violinists Arnold Steinhardt and Isaac Stern. Their interactions with the students and their performances at the concert give the film a unique angle showing the fusion of grassroots community efforts with high-profile advocacy.

Small Wonders is a compelling film about determination, grit, the transcendent power of music, and the vital importance of arts education in schools. The narrative strikes a chord as it tackles societal issues and educational politics, but ever so quietly, through the gentle strains of Bach and Vivaldi as played on the violins by school children. This potent documentary film leaves viewers with a sense of hope, reminding us that even in challenging circumstances, small efforts can invoke significant change.

In closing, Small Wonders is indeed a small wonder itself, a testament to one woman's dedication to her students, their music and the hope for a better future. As much as it is a tribute to Roberta Guaspari, it is also a call to action, emphasizing the necessity of music and arts education, inspiring viewers to believe in the power of the arts to uplift and change lives.