
Opera Introduction & Creation Residency
Grades 3–5
Sample 3-Day Opera Residency (can be spread through 1 or multiple weeks)
Day 1: Introductory Performance and Teaching session
4–5 teaching artists introduce students to the 'menu' of opera arias as well as operatic vocabulary and parts of sentences needed for 45 minutes total
Day 2: (same week) Creation of Opera Librettos (lyrics)
Each class is invited to a 20 minute session with the teaching artists to create their own words to the 'menu' of arias presented on Day 1. Using a fill-in-the-blanks worksheet and creating character based on the musical mood of the aria, students will finish the lyrics in class with their classroom teacher and deliver back to MOO at least 2 days before Day 3 is scheduled.
2–4 20-minute sessions with 10-minute breaks for class turn-over; 50–110 minutes total
Day 3: (can be same week, or 1-2 weeks later) Performance of Student Work and Q&A - Teaching artists return to present the student versions of opera arias as well as revealing the original opera story/character/aria and comparing student interpretation to the original. 10 minute Q&A included, along with student sing-along.
45 minutes total
Opera Creation Residency (Short)
Grades 7–12
Designed with older students in mind, this 60–90 minute residency gives students the opportunity to write an opera libretto, design sets and costumes, direct, and perform in the chorus.
Opera Introduction 101
Grades K–12
45-minute performance by our teaching artists during the school day. Includes a Q&A session.
