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Suggested lesson plan for “Also student written, Carr
Lane VPA students perform at Opera Theatre”
Readability: Above 6th
Possible hard words: Proper names: Loretto-Hilton Theater,
Elayne Bruner, Diane McCullough, Jessie James, Calvin Miller, Ashley Clemon,
Allison Felter, Vernell Warlick, Phillip Hamer, Sam Fick, Tiffany Piel
Other words: mythical, mermaid, accompaniment, percussion, audience,
professional
BEFORE READING: Because of the numerous proper names in
this article, the adult might consider reading it aloud and then discussing
it with the young reader.
DURING READING: Model fluent and expressive reading. The
learner should follow along, especially noting the proper names as they
are read aloud.
AFTER READING: The learner could be asked to read the names under
the pictures and describe what part these persons had in the article.
Another option would be to use questions such as the following to promote
a discussion of the article.
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What was different about this production of the opera when compared to
the earlier production?
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How does Vernell Warlick deal with performing before an audience?
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How does Phillip Hamer deal with his nervousness?
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What is a narrator? What do you think “stage presence” is?
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Have you ever performed on stage? If so, describe the experience.
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Opera Theatre offers 12 education programs
Opera Theatre of St. Louis has a full-time educational director helping
to bring musical programming back into St. Louis area schools.
Opera Theatre is the local professional organization that is promoting
a national educational curriculum. Fifty public and private schools in
metro St. Louis area taking part in the program, which is entitled Music!
Word! Opera!
In past years, many school systems have cutback on musical programming.
However, there are a number of efforts to bring music for kids back into
the schools as a part of a well-balanced educational program.
Opera Theatre helps to training teachers in how to use the curriculum
in the classrooms.
Allison Felter, Opera Theatre’s director of education, said the local
opera group also will provide assistance to “help get the creative process
started” when the kids start to write their own operas.
“We might have a story teller come into the class to explain the elements
of a good story and explore story themes the kids have suggested,” she
said.
Later, “we might send in a composer to help set the words to music,”
Felter said.
However, the main focus is always on the students doing the work. If
an opera is created, it should be the students’ work, Felter said.
Anyone interested in learning more about the Opera Theatre’s educational
program can contact Ms. Felter at (314) 961-0171. You can also go to Opera
Theatre’s website at www.opera-stl.org.
The website talks about all 12 educational programs available as well
as giving history of Opera Theatre along with programming and ticket information.
Also, the website has e-mail addresses for Opera Theatre. |
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