Chicago Opera Theater's (COT) Opera For All education initiative begins its 12th year in early October at Lionel Hampton Fine and Performing Arts School, DeWitt Clinton Elementary School, and Reilly Elementary School.
Since it's creation in 2000, Brian Dickie's first full season at Chicago Opera Theater, Opera for All has been bringing opera to select CPS elementary schools, which have scaled-down or cut arts programs. Throughout the course of the school year, COT's Teaching Artists offer their guidance and knowledge by teaching the students about the opera art form and then help them create and produce their own original opera production. The goal of the program is to inspire the student's interest and awareness in the performing arts - more specifically opera - as well as create self-confidence.
"When one sees the excitement in the eyes of these children as they sing or play the violin, is an amazing moment as you see the beginning of what might be a life-long passion," said COT General Director Brian Dickie. "To open young people's eyes to music and theater is one of the most fulfilling moments of my time here at Chicago Opera Theater."
After 12 years with the company, this season is Brian Dickie's last with Chicago Opera Theater, and Opera for All is a great legacy that he leaves with the company.
What is unique about Opera For All is that it continues throughout the entire academic year. The constant presence of the COT Teaching Artists allows the students to become completely immersed in the knowledge and creation of operas. This program was inspired by Brian's own experience with music - his passion stemmed from actively participating in it, and he wished to give the same opportunity to others. It also fits in with COT's niche to create Opera "Less" Ordinary, keeping opera fresh and making it available to a wider audience.
What started in one school 11 years ago has developed into a program that has educated hundreds of students. COT Teaching Artists Linden Christ, Kimberly Chin, Mandy Compton, and Lisa Golda work with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders once a week for forty-five minutes, teaching the students how to sing and act. The students will also learn how to create their own opera scripts, lyrics and how to compose melodies for their unique operas. This allows the students to learn the entire process of creating an opera, from start to finish. Along with the Teaching Artists, the students will work with Guest Composer Adam Busch, Choreographer Devery McCoy, and Scenic Designer Sonja Henderson in constructing their opera.
This season, the theme has been taken from COT's upcoming mainstage performance of Handel's Teseo (at the Harris Theater on April 21, 27, 29, and May 2, 2012). This mythological opera deals with the personal journeys and discoveries of the protagonists as they experience war, love, happiness, the agony of separation, heartbreak, and jealousy. Accordingly, Opera For All's theme is quests, discoveries, and adventures. For the first time since Opera For All's beginning, each school will have a one-of-a-kind production specific to the students' design.
"When one sees the excitement in the eyes of these children as they sing, or play the violin, there is an amazing moment of truth, that this is the beginning of what could become a life-long passion," said COT General Director Brian Dickie. "Opening young people's ears and eyes to music and theater has been an extremely fulfilling part of my time here at Chicago Opera Theater."
The long-lasting effects of this program are easy to see, especially when looking at the documented evidence from the students throughout the course of the program. Students have not only enjoyed what they have learned, but have utilized those skills in outlets beyond the program's borders. One student's reflection shows how her goals in life have been positively influenced.
"I liked everything that was in the program," she said. "Next year, I would like to learn more about singing... one day I could be really famous..."
The Violin Program at Reilly Elementary School is in its 3rd year and is another step COT has taken to further develop Opera For All. After year-long violin lessons with Teaching Artists Iris Wei and Amanda Grimm, students are able to play in the orchestra for Reilly's final opera performances. This helps create a more well-rounded opera education program that benefits the whole school.
Adding to the program and continually learning from the experiences each year allow all those involved in Opera For All to ensure the program stays relevant, continues to bring the best possible education, and maintains its goal of inspiring within the students an interest in music and opera.
"I feel that Opera For All has been a great success. I am saddened that this is my last year with the program, but I know that it will only continue to thrive," concluded General Director Brian Dickie.
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