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'Creativity matters': Louisville students perform with rock star Jim James

'We just want to do whatever we can to let kids know that creativity matters, their voice matters, and they feel empowered,' My Morning Jacket's Jim James said.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A group of of students turned into rock stars Thursday. 

Olmsted Academy South students performed original songs with the help of lead singer of rock band, My Morning Jacket, Jim James.

James joined the Young Authors Greenhouse to bring students' visions to life. The organization partners with different Louisville schools to bring creative writing and music to students. 

"We just want to do whatever we can to let kids know that creativity matters, their voice matters, and they  feel empowered to know that whatever they dream of, they can do. They just have to do it," James said.  

Creative writing teacher Jennifer Wave-Hesse said each student wrote a poem. Then the girls paired up and created band names. After, James and other performers showed students how to turn their poems into song lyrics.

"We have come a long way. First, it was like eh, but now it sounds really good," student Amari Martin said. 

Though My Morning Jacket was a new band for many students, they said it was cool to rock alongside the frontman.

"I never thought I would work with someone famous," student Greidis Martinez said. 

Martin said she is grateful for the opportunity.

"Because a lot of children don't, or a lot of people don't, have the opportunity that I have," Martin said. 

Olmsted Academy South has partnered with Young Authors Greenhouse for the last five years.

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