OPERAtion Imagination
OPERAtion Imagination is a Festival educational outreach program that introduces schoolchildren, primarily K-8, to the world of opera. A small group of trained singers and a pianist prepare several opera scenes, explain the content to the students before each scene and perform them in the original language with minimal props and simple costuming. Scenes are selected from the standard opera repertoire and are chosen for age appropriateness, students' interests, curiosities and attention spans. The 35-45 minute presentation includes scenes in which students participate, either as "opera chorus" or in other roles on stage. OPERAtion Imagination is offered to area schools at no charge.
In conjunction with the school presentations, the Festival offers a follow-up Saturday workshop designed for a much smaller group (maximum 15 students in grades 2-8), who will see an opera scene presented live and create their own new ending to it. The students decide the story line for the new ending, write the new libretto, compose the melodies, learn the arias, stage the new scene and perform it for their parents. Minimal costumes and props are provided. The emphasis is on the creative process as it applies to opera, not on a polished performance.
Pine Mountain Music Festival feels that music education is important in a student's academic development. Classical music - in general, and opera - in particular, is not listened to in many homes. Michigan and national educational benchmarks require that children be exposed to classical music and have some guidance in the appreciation of it. The board and staff of Pine Mountain Music Festival are happy to bring OPERAtion Imagination to area students to introduce them to the vibrant world of opera.