Eighth graders take operatic cue at RHMS
submitted by Amy Shanahan
Generation OC was a pilot cooperative effort between Rocky Heights Middle School (RHMS) and Opera Colorado (OC). The program combined one passionate teacher, 150 8th graders from RHMS, video cameras, computers with the latest design programs, and OC’s education, development, and marketing staff. The goal of the program was to introduce students to real-world experiences and knowledge through opera.
Eighth grade Language Arts teacher Colleen Holub spear-headed the program for RHMS and worked closely with Emilie Elmore of OC to develop the program during the past summer. In a series of 12 sessions this school year, the students learned about opera, and marketing and finance, with the end assignment to create an original advertisement to market the opera, LaBoheme to their peers. Said Holub, “The students’ world exploded by realizing all of the career opportunities!”
During each week of the program the students were treated to sessions by guest teaching artists who worked with them on writing poetry, acting out scenes from La Boheme, creating sample budgets, and writing “grant” applications. The kids also had the opportunity to participate in a backstage workshop at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House where they met the costume designers, the conductor, makeup artists, stage-hands and stage-fighting choreographers.
The marketing materials that they created included television and radio spots, magazine ads, e-blasts, and postcards. Holub was thrilled with the end results, “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done. I gave them their parameters, and said, ‘go learn it!’ It was discovering from the inside out. I just loved it!”
The entire project culminated with a reception at RHMS which was attended by opera donors and board members, actors, parents and students. The kids showed their videos, posters and other creative marketing materials and were treated to performances by the opera singers. Holub summed up her feelings about the whole experience by saying, “I am absolutely amazed at what the kids did given some guidance and enough time and space to create!”
