Opera gives arts education an ‘encore’

The Arts Commission recently received handwritten and colorfully-drawn thank you notes from children who had the opportunity to be enchanted and delighted by the talents and goodwill of the Nashville Opera. View more photos.

The Nashville Opera hosts an annual ‘education tour’ that travels throughout Middle Tennessee to bring performances to schools and communities. The 2015 tour ran February through March and showed Jack and the Beanstalk and Opera OUT LOUD, performed by members of the Mary Ragland Young Artist Program.

The tour consisted of 69 performances between 45 schools and 13 community venues. Nearly 23,000 audience members enjoyed the shows, including students and seniors. Over half of the student audience served was considered to be of an underserved population, being minority, economically disadvantaged or disabled.

The performances themselves were geared towards their audiences. Child-friendly, Jack and the Bean Stalk was John Davies’ 40-minute adaptation, sung in English and featured music from operas by Gilbert and Sullivan. Students were encouraged to participate with cheers and singing and learn a lesson on ‘the golden rule’ of treating others well.

Alternatively, Opera OUT LOUD was designed to reach older students and community organizations. This performance was a compilation of scenes from different operas; the variety introduced key elements and vocabulary related to opera while also entertained audiences.

The Opera also provided schools with curriculum guides including preparatory and post-performances learning tools for both productions.

Overall, the Nashville Opera gives students an avenue to learn through enjoyment and creativity. Arts education has proved its effectiveness time and again, and this is no exception.