The true story of a young teacher who fights against the board of education in her bid to teach underprivileged kids in a Harlem school the beauty of music through the violin. In her struggle she loses everything as the system comes down on her with all their might but her determination for the kids happiness helps her to battle back with wonderfully inspirational results.

Many of the children featured in this film are actual students of Ms. Tvaraz and were actually with her during the events (including the Carnegie Hall Extravaganza) that led to the establishment of the Opus 118 East Harlem Violin Program that helped to support Roberta in the public school system.

Isabel Vasquez:
[approaching Roberta who is sitting on a bench by herself at lunch after being shunned by other teachers] What's the matter? You got cooties or somethin'?


Roberta Guaspari:
Oh, apparently.


Isabel Vasquez:
Well, I'll take my chances. Isabel Vasquez, second grade.


Roberta Guaspari:
Roberta Guaspari, I'm ...


Isabel Vasquez:
The violin teacher. I know.


Roberta Guaspari:
So is it my imagination, or does *everybody* here hate me?


Isabel Vasquez:
Look, it's hard to fit in when you're doing a special program. People figure you're not gonna be here very long, so they don't make the effort. It may take a while for folks to warm up to you, but they don't hate you.


Roberta Guaspari:
What about Alice?


Isabel Vasquez:
A - She thinks the violin is a waste of time. B - She's a bitch!


Roberta Guaspari:
[laughs] So, why are you being so nice to me?


Isabel Vasquez:
Ulterior motives. I want my daughter in your class next year!


Roberta Guaspari:
If I'm here next year...


Isabel Vasquez:
You will be.

Continuity: At the end of Roberta's first week of teaching, Brian visits her apartment to celebrate. When he enters the room, Roberta has just finished putting three large curlers in her hair on the left side. They disappear after the two of them kiss.

Performed by Aaliyah
Written by Guy Roche and Shelly Peiken
Produced and Arranged by Guy Roche
Mixed by Mick Guzauski
Aaliyah appears courtesy of Blackground Entertainment, Inc.
By Arrangement with Sony Music Licensing