As we move through difficult days with the hope that tomorrow will be brighter, we must find our own way and also help others navigate a safe and healthy path forward. Though my students are not able to present their original music compositions this year as a collective group, they have found a vehicle to deliver their powerful messages to the public, providing the perfect antidote to the anger, aggression and harmful attitudes we encounter in these moments.

“No more bullies. No more haters. No apathy. Please choose compassion, empathetic action. This is what we need.”

In order to study an art museum setting for our original opera, we went on an excursion to The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. To visit this beautiful, vast space filled with paintings and sculptures from all over the world was a once in a lifetime experience for many. With eyes wide open, we meandered from the east building to the west building, sketching art of intrigue and noting particular artists that captured our attention. Alexander Calder, Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, John Singleton Copley, Thomas Cole, Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet were among those masters featured on our self-guided tour. Each company member was moved in unique ways that were delightful to witness. In reflecting on the field trip, Anthony wrote, “I want to know who inspired these artists because they started a fire.” Indeed they did, Anthony- as will you.

When you see our opera set, hopefully it will inspire YOU as it brings to life a story of profound lessons about releasing what’s inside of us.

In order to study an art museum setting for our original opera, we went on an excursion to The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. To visit this beautiful, vast space filled with paintings and sculptures from all over the world was a once in a lifetime experience for many. With eyes wide open, we meandered from the east building to the west building, sketching art of intrigue and noting particular artists that captured our attention. Alexander Calder, Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, John Singleton Copley, Thomas Cole, Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet were among those masters featured on our self-guided tour. Each company member was moved in unique ways that were delightful to witness. In reflecting on the field trip, Anthony wrote, “I want to know who inspired these artists because they started a fire.” Indeed they did, Anthony- as will you.

When you see our opera set, hopefully it will inspire YOU as it brings to life a story of profound lessons about releasing what’s inside of us.

How many eight and nine year olds can claim that they have been hired to work in an opera company as an electrician, set designer, performer, writer, costume and makeup artist, public relations officer, composer, stage manager or production manager?

When the work we do in school is authentic and meaningful, students tune in, turn on and become intrinsically motivated to learn. After studying all of the jobs in the opera company and their correlating responsibilities, students were eager to get to work.

All company members completed job applications for the three jobs they most wanted. Their objective . . . to convince the director that they would indeed be well suited for these particular professions. They were also asked to solicit a former teacher to serve as a reference for the application process.

After careful consideration and observation in and out of the classroom, all students were hired and signed contracts to signify their commitment. Now we are ready to bring our story to life by taking it to the stage.

Learning how to lead and how to follow are difficult concepts, even for adults. But these eight-year-olds must understand the importance of both as they begin working in collaborative job groups to create and produce their original opera.

What does it mean to trust?

How do I let go of my fears and allow someone else to guide me through the darkness?

With blindfolds on, walking two by two through the halls of the school, and up and down stairs, company members experienced a myriad of emotions while surrendering to their “seeing” partners.

How do we show appreciation for all that our building service workers do for us? For starters, we become aware of our surroundings. Then, and only then, we see our part in contributing to the overall “dirtiness” of our school. As we observe carefully, we become witness to the extraordinary tasks and duties that building service workers perform on a daily basis. The responsibilities at any given time of day are overwhelming and demand a special kind of attention and patience that deserve recognition. Our hope is to do just that, to let these fine human beings know how much we care about what they do for us.

So, every day, two opera company members shadow building service worker Alicia Manriquez as she goes about her daily routine. What we learn through this experience will change how we see our immediate environment, the people who labor tirelessly to maintain it and ourselves. Thank you, Building Service.

So, every day, two opera company members shadow building service worker Alicia Manriquez as she goes about her daily routine. What we learn through this experience will change how we see our immediate environment, the people who labor tirelessly to maintain it and ourselves. Thank you, Building Service.

Though lining up in birthday order may seem like a fairly straightforward assignment, with twenty-six third graders and no adult intervention, it becomes quite the challenge. A host of emotions surface as company members attempt to collaborate to achieve their common goal. With limited time, minimal direction and students tuning in and out of the task at any given moment, success feels unattainable.

But . . . the company will return for a second attempt. By writing and sharing genuine thoughts and feelings immediately following the experience, students gain insight into the hard work of collaboration. They ask themselves, “Did I do my part?” The next time . . . they will begin with a new perspective and lessons learned.

The next time . . . they will begin with a new perspective and lessons learned.