North Kansas City HS Orchestra Performs Piece Inspired by 5-Year-Old’s Book

NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Five-year-old Quincy was diagnosed with leukemia when she was three years old. She and her older sister, Josie, worked together to create a book which was later turned into a performance.

In August, the Sing Me A Story Foundation contacted the North Kansas City High School Orchestra. The group creates music inspired by the stories of children in need and found the perfect story to share with 5-year-old Quincy.

Students at North Kansas City High School had to take their homework out of the classroom and put it center stage.

Jeremy Litster, a music composition student at Snow College, composed the piece performed by the orchestra.

“The first time I read it and every time after, I was grinning from ear to ear the whole time,” Litster said.

He was offered a composer’s dream. Take a book and turn it into music.

“Expect to see a whole bunch of amazed kids,” Litster said.

Its inspiration, “The Adventures of the Fitzgerald Family”. The author, a 5 year old girl named Quincy and her sister Josie.

Mom, Katie Fitzgerald says there’s more to the book than you’d think to find in a young girl’s mind.

“Our family has a lot of adventures, like trampoline parks, eating pizza,” Fitzgerald said. “I think it obviously takes a lot of imagination and wishful thinking about the things we can do.”

When Quincy was 3 years old, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Now Quincy’s mind, filled with adventure and superheroes, has a melody.

“Happiness comes not from what happens to us but from how we respond to it,” Litster said. “You can have the worst day of your life and still choose to be a happy person based on your focus.”

“Instead of so much sadness, it’s a moment of happiness,” Fitzgerald said.

The family also says they are grateful to the high school that organized this show. They also want this to send a message to people to do more research about pediatric cancer, the need for funding resources, and how they can help children after Quincy have the chance to have a long and healthy life.