Creating a Musical Bridge to Reading Through Phonemic Awareness © Reading By Ear 2011 “Were are committed to helping children learn to read at an early age and develop a life long love affair with; the printed word, the inspiration of music and  the glorious creation God has entrusted to us all.” Jim Post is a well-known folk singer.  He presently performs Mark Twain and the Laughing River, for which he wrote not only the script, but also all of the music.  The music from the show won the 1997 American Library Notable Children's Recording.  He also won the Parent's Choice Gold Award.  The National Fire Protection Association commissioned Jim to write and sing songs for preschool children to instruct them about fire safety.  The music is required listening in schools in several states.  Interestingly, Jim is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for writing and singing "Reach Out in the Darkness" a #1 hit from the 60's.  Jim's "Mark Twain" show premiered in Chicago and has been performed across America, including the Smithsonian Institute and the English Speaking Theatre in Vienna, Austria.  Jim has produced over 20 albums.  He is lead vocalist on the Breaking the Sounds' Barrier CD collection. (visit Jim's website)    Janet Smith Post earned her masters of Arts in English.  She taught Literature and English Composition at the college level, as well as having taught elementary music in kindergarten through sixth grade.  She currently works as a freelance writer and editor.  In addition, Janet plays keyboard and cello for Jim's "Mark Twain" show.  Janet wrote all of the lyrics for the songs on the Breaking the Sounds' Barrier CD collection, and she wrote the Preprimers and Primers for the Reading by Ear series.