OVERVIEW

For the last 15 years, thousands of students along the eastern seaboard have enjoyed an innovative musical program, SO THIS IS OPERA. Lyric soprano and music educator Yvette Lewis has developed this unique, multifaceted program to introduce young audiences to the world of opera. Each component of SO THIS IS OPERA has been carefully crafted to enhance the operatic learning experience of your students.

The program features operatic arias, storytelling and audience participation. It is accompanied by a teacher guide that includes interdisciplinary and interrelated teaching strategies designed to enhance your student's appreciation and understanding of opera. Students learn the technical and artistic elements of opera.

A residency program is also available to individual classes. Students take an in-depth look at several operas with the help of videotapes and recordings. Students also have an opportunity to learn and perform an operatic ensemble or mini scene. The length of residency determines this activity.

About the Artist

Yvette Lewis is a lyric soprano who has performed extensively throughout the eastern seaboard including appearances with the Washington Opera, the Baltimore Opera, the Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia, the Baltimore Symphony and the Spoleto Festival in Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Lewis has been a finalist in both the Metropolitan Opera Mid-Atlantic Region and the Opera Company of Philadelphia/Luciano Pavarotti competitions.

Students in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and North and South Carolina have increased their appreciation for this music through SO THIS IS OPERA. Ms. Lewis has taught elementary general music in the Montgomery County, Maryland and the Baltimore City, Maryland Public Schools. In addition, Ms. Lewis has written curriculum for the Montgomery County elementary general music guide and conducted teacher workshops in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland.

Advisory Board

Peggy Siebecker Executive Director Project Impact, Arts in Education Resource and Non-Profit Organization Bergen Community College Paramus, New Jersey Mildred Wright Principal Thomasboro Elementary School and former Director of Magnet Schools Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Charlotte, North Carolina Linda Horn Associate Director Concerts in Schools The Washington Performing Arts Society Washington, D.C.

Claudia Ollivierre Parent Involvement Coordinator Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Charlotte, North Carolina Chris Armstrong Music Teacher Hammond Elementary School Howard County Laurel, Maryland Marian Clayton Former Editor NEA Now National Education Association Free Lance Writer/Editor