Opera enchants elementary pupils
Briana Burnett always thought opera was kind of blah.
She changed her mind after four members of the Augusta Opera performed a child-friendly educational opera sample at Martinez Elementary School on Friday afternoon. changed her mind about opera
"It is exciting!" Briana said after playing a small role in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro with the performers.
For the past week, Kay Lovingood, the school's music teacher, had been teaching the children about opera. They learned it uses music and singing to tell a story. Opera is only one of the many musical and artistic styles the school's pupils experience throughout the year.
"We wanted them to get a chance at it before they get old and set in their ways," Lovingood said. "They think they won't like it. But it is like vegetables, we tell them, you never know until you try it."
Most of the pupils liked the group's portrayal of scenes from the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta HMS Pinafore, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro and others.
Most were snapping their fingers to the music as the performers entered singing, "Music is magic. We came to share some magic with you."
Russell Joel Brown described opera and musical theater as exciting, mystical and exotic.
The children agreed. They were riveted to the performance.
"We try to offer lots of cultural opportunities for the kids," said Michele Sherman, principal.