Opera Interactive (and a surprise connection!)

This morning a Pittsburgh Opera ensemble joined North Hills Campus students for an adventure exploring opera.  This is an annual presentation that mixes improvisation, opera, world languages, and story telling.  The actors come prepared with a trunk full of props and a bucket full of topic ideas.  The children choose a story plot randomly and then choose two arias for each singer to perform.  The students pick the arias based on the emotions they think will fit best with the story. At the end, the new show is put together and performed for the students.

And now for the topic for today’s show….

(drum roll, please)

The Family Pet

No, really. I swear I didn’t put that piece of paper in their jar of choices.  It gets even better. The actors (without any coaching from me or the class) began referring to the “setting” as a Pet Shop.  Now, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but the Pre-K built a pet shop in our classroom two days ago.  Our children were so completely connected with the opera ensemble! I wonder if we’ll see any singing in our class pet store?

Shopping in the Pet Store
Shopping in the Pet Store

One thought on “Opera Interactive (and a surprise connection!)

  1. Marie, this is wonderful! Just when I introduce classical music, I read your post. We are always on the same page. I’m planning on using my iPad to show the children the cello, and a performance. They were fascinated by the instrument this week. I also want them to hear parts of La Boheme, since we’re learning about Italy. What a great experience for your children to hear opera! I’m contacting Pittsburgh Opera to see if they have a connection up here. Keep up all your fabulous work!

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