OPERA IN THE CLASSROOM
Grades 3-6
Cinderella by Gioacchino Rossini
Lyric's Opera in the Classroom for 2007-2008
Lyric opera's longest running and arguably most successful outreach program is now in its 20th year of making opera a household word for elementary school children. This intimate and extremely popular program focuses on a single class (or in some cases — with lecturer approval — two classes to a maximum of 45 students) and consists of a series of four visits by a specially trained member of the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps, our organization of energetic and dedicated Education Department docents. The content and activities of the first visits lead to a class performance of an opera from the standard repertoire with costumes, make up, props, conductor, orchestra — all the trappings of a real production — lip synched to recorded excerpts with a narrator illuminating the plot and the action.
The performance is a natural (not to mention enjoyable) way to learn about opera. But it is the docent's preparatory lessons coupled with the enthusiastic commitment and participation of the classroom teacher(s) that hold the key to Opera in the Classroom's (OIC) success as an educational program. During the lecturer's visits preceding the performance and through supplementary sessions led by the teacher (using additional materials supplied by Lyric Opera), third through sixth grade students gain a background knowledge of opera that rivals or even exceeds that of most adults. In fact, OIC kids often go home and teach their parents more about opera than they ever knew themselves!
The first two visits, usually lasting 45 minutes each, include:
- story telling and identification of character names and relationships
- information on how an opera gets created and the people who produce it, both with visual reinforcement
- playing and discussing familiar opera music
- exercises on how music creates and reinforces drama, movement, mood, etc.
- introduction of vocal ranges, ensemble singing, and orchestral function through audio tapes
- necessary terminology for working with and understanding opera
The third visit, usually a minimum of 45 minutes, is a rehearsal of the pantomimed performance of the actual selected opera, working on blocking, stage gestures and characterization, and keying in the musical selections to be mimed.
The fourth visit is the performance of the opera, which takes about 50 minutes to an hour. Usually it is staged in the school auditorium or large-group activity room so that other classes and parents may attend.
In reality, about two hours need to be set aside for the fourth visit to allow time for the lecturer to set up, costume and make up the performers, stage the performance, and clean up. Some lecturers come with their own assistants to help with these and other tasks such as hauling in equipment from the car; others may ask the school to help by providing student and/or parent volunteers on this day.
OIC can be scheduled at any time throughout the school year and is an ideal program to combine with other Lyric activities such as Opera in the Neighborhoods (both programs involve the same opera) or Student Backstage Tours.
How to apply for Opera in the Classroom:
Information about all our programs is sent to Chicago area schools and individual teachers on our education mailing list in mid August. Opera in the Classroom requires an application form which can be requested by calling the Lyric Education Department at 312-827-5912. Applications are accepted through December 1.Though more than 10,000 students were touched by OIC last season, we receive far more applications than can possibly be accommodated by our limited number of volunteer docents. Applications are considered based on the order in which they are received and on schools' willingness to partner with our lecturers by giving teacher support during the unit. An application must be submitted to Lyric even if you have already been in contact with a lecturer!
There is no charge or required payment for this program. However, if it is possible for your school to do so, donations are gratefully accepted. (Suggested donation: $100 per classroom.) Your school's ability to make a donation does not in any way affect the selection process. Please do not send donations until after your school has competed the program.
OPERA-LOVING, KID-FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED
Join the award-winning Lyric Opera Lecture Corps to work with students, grades three to six, in Chicago and suburban schools through its OPERA IN THE CLASSROOM program. No musical background is necessary, just an enthusiasm for opera and good presentation skills. Lyric's specialized training sessions and mentoring programs will take care of the rest. A car and availability during daytime hours are required.
This popular program has volunteers working directly with elementary school students in a four-session program which culminates in an abbreviated student-pantomimed performance of a selected opera. Materials, costumes, and special workshops are provided by the Lyric Opera's Education Department.
If interested, please calll 312-827-5912 for more information and an application to join the Lyric Opera Lecture Corps.
Join the Education Department Mailing List
Opera in the Classroom is generously sponsored by the Polk Bros. Foundation.
