The Billy Goats Gruff (Grades K-5) This opera tells the story of three young goats - Lucy, Ernesto, and Dandini – on their way home from school. They attempt to cross a bridge blocked by the mean bully Osmin. The goats attempt to outsmart Osmin. Ernesto and Dandini begin to give up, but Lucy finally figures out a way to soften the bully’s heart. Adapted by John Davies, this opera uses the music of Mozart, Donizetti, and Rossini to help students understand and break the terrible cycle bullying can create. Each performance is followed by a question and answer session with the cast.
(Your) Opera in a Trunk (Grades 6-12) An original work commissioned by Pensacola Opera, this highly interactive performance is an improvised opera created in front of the students using their suggestions and items in our opera trunk. Students will learn about the operatic form while experiencing it, directing the action of the plot from what they have learned. This opera is guaranteed to make a believer out of any opera cynic.
Both performances conclude with a Q & A session between the students and performers. Teacher packets including information on opera production and history as well as interdisciplinary activities for use in the classroom are provided prior to the performance. In-class visits by opera staff before the performance may also be scheduled. Opera 101 Presented by the Director of Education, this workshop is perfect for primary and secondary classes as well as community organizations wanting to know more about opera. The presentation uses video and audio examples with an interactive dis¬cussion about opera history and production. This workshop is adaptable to any group’s needs. From Words to Music Pensacola Opera’s unique long-term classroom program, From Words to Music brings arts teachers and classroom teachers together to help their students write and produce an opera using a book they’re studying in class. Over the course of a year, classes are visited by our Education Director, Teaching Artists, and Artists in Residence as they learn about operatic structure, improvisation, and creative thinking. The program culminates in a performance of their very own opera for their classmates, friends and family. Students involved in From Words to Music show a marked increase in the reading comprehension, creative thinking, and social skills after the project. To learn more about the schools involved in From Words to Music, or about having your school involved in future years, contact Chandra McKern at (850) 433-6737 or chandra@pensacolaopera.com. Student Dress Rehearsals Pensacola Opera is able to offer admission to the final dress rehearsal of each mainstage opera of the season to area high school students at a low cost through generous sponsorships. For more information contact Chandra McKern at (850) 433-6737 or chandra@pensacolaopera.com. |
