Here is a nice Wikipedia definition of Surtitles: Surtitles, also known as supertitles, are translated or transcribed lyrics projected above a stage or displayed on a screen, commonly used in opera or other musical performances…Surtitles are used either to translate the meaning of the lyrics into the audience’s language, or to transcribe lyrics that may…
Month: September 2008
Making Plans for Art Day
Hello Teachers, My name is MarLyn McKinley. I am your Visual Arts Mentor. If I have been assigned to come to your class this year, we will start with a first visit – the objective of which will be to plan your scenery, make assignments for paint day, and talk about supplies. I will need…
Kindergarten Blessings
Susan,I want to share with you a brief window of our class today. I have a student who is displaying what the social worker calls “trauma play”. Her mother is in rehab and her father, recently released from jail, is doing his best to put a life together for this girl and her two siblings….
Performance Dates and Program Covers
When you know your performance date, please be certain to send that information to us so that Nellie may have your program covers to you on time! Also, if you would like to have it listed here or on our Opera by Children website – http://www.operabychildren.org/ let us know. We will create a calendar so…
State Office and University Credit
Don’t forget to sign up for either University OR Utah State Office of Education credit for the opera you are writing this year. You may earn Two Workshop credits that will help you towards lane change! E-mail me for clarification. Susan AmesEducation Director, Utah Festival Operahttp://www.operabychildren.orgames@ufoc.org
Music, Drama and Visual Arts Mentors
If you are new to the program this year (and are in the state of Utah), you have been assigned a drama, music AND visual arts mentor. If you are not clear who they are, please e-mail me. You should have been contacted and be well on your way with the story at this point….
Costume Fun
A word to the wise! Right now is an excellent time for your students to be planning their costumes, because as you know, they are everywhere. And I don’t mean the pre-packaged ones. I learned a few years ago that the local thrift stores will set lots of interesting items back and bring them out…
Two New "Rules" to Avoid Unacceptable Story Themes
It has come to my attention that many students are beginning to want to write their operas around themes of a violent, sexual or off-color nature due, I am sure, to their exposure to those topics on television, in video games, and movies, and even, sadly, in the news. Those themes are absolutely not appropriate…
12 Tips For Opera by Children Writing
1. Always begin with a group activity singing or acting. This encourages the class to work together and allows creativity to flow! It lets the students know right away that working on an opera is fun! It establishes a relationship with all participants quickly and effectively. 2. There will always be a few who could…
Integrating Opera into the Curriculum
Howdy all, I thought I’d leave a few tips on how to integrate opera into the curriculum! Just imagine a classroom whose culture is creatively honed to look forward to performing an opera! So many things that this classroom does reminds them of their opera work, and even re-energizes the learners every day. Here are…
The Adventure Begins!…
I have visited two classrooms so far, and what great kids! Super teachers, too. It’s so great to work with these great folks. The stories are tight and simple, and I think they’ll have fun all year long. Keep up the good work everybody! What fun to work with you all.
Opera by Children 