Taconic
Opera is dedicated to the next generation. Arts
education for children has been shown to be
instrumental in the development of many cognitive
skills. IQ scores rise exponentially, math and
language development skyrocket, and creative
problem solving abilities increase among all
children exposed to arts education. In other words,
the arts are necessary to a functioning and growing
society.
Because of
this, Taconic Opera has a number of school outreach
programs dedicated to arts education. Opera, by
nature, does a better job at exposing children to
the arts than any other art form. This is because
it is a synthesis of so many art forms. In
incorporates music, graphic arts, language arts,
dance, acting, and literature. Visual, aural, and
kinetic skills are included.
School
Outreach
Our School
Programs
1. Mainstage Opera Performances
These performances are the same, fully staged, fully orchestrated performances seen by the general public at Yorktown Stage. These performances are presently FREE to schools on a first come, first serve basis. They are held on Thursday mornings, the week of our performances at 10am to approximately 1pm (depending on the length of the opera). These are all at Yorktown Stage. Schools are responsible for their own transportation. Schools who need extra assistance with the funding of the buses to the event can apply to Target Grants by clicking on the target below. Space is limited to 600 students for each opera, so reserve your time early!
1. Mainstage Opera Performances
These performances are the same, fully staged, fully orchestrated performances seen by the general public at Yorktown Stage. These performances are presently FREE to schools on a first come, first serve basis. They are held on Thursday mornings, the week of our performances at 10am to approximately 1pm (depending on the length of the opera). These are all at Yorktown Stage. Schools are responsible for their own transportation. Schools who need extra assistance with the funding of the buses to the event can apply to Target Grants by clicking on the target below. Space is limited to 600 students for each opera, so reserve your time early!
2. In school Outreach Performances
(Financial Aid Available--see below)
a. What is Opera
Adapted for all ages, Kindergarten through College. Singers are sent (number depends on budget) with an accompanist, in costume, and an overview of opera is given. Each singer will sing famous arias in various languages. Discussions of languages, acting, sets, conductors, directors, and the evolution of opera are included. Time is given for questions and answers from the audience are included. Piano must be available at the facility. $300-$800 (depending on number of singers desired)
b. Many Moons
Based on the famous story, this opera by Celius Dougherty is appropriate for younger ages K-6. It features 4 singers, a soprano, mezzo, tenor, and baritone and tells the story of a young princess who wanted the moon. Accompanist provided. Piano must be available at the facility. $800
c. The Impressario
This short opera written by Mozart makes fun of opera singers. It features two sopranos and a tenor (the Impressario) who hires opera singers as they compete for his attentions. Accompanist provided. Piano must be available at the facility. $600
If your school has trouble funding these performances, contact Boces by clicking on the Boces logo below.
a. What is Opera
Adapted for all ages, Kindergarten through College. Singers are sent (number depends on budget) with an accompanist, in costume, and an overview of opera is given. Each singer will sing famous arias in various languages. Discussions of languages, acting, sets, conductors, directors, and the evolution of opera are included. Time is given for questions and answers from the audience are included. Piano must be available at the facility. $300-$800 (depending on number of singers desired)
b. Many Moons
Based on the famous story, this opera by Celius Dougherty is appropriate for younger ages K-6. It features 4 singers, a soprano, mezzo, tenor, and baritone and tells the story of a young princess who wanted the moon. Accompanist provided. Piano must be available at the facility. $800
c. The Impressario
This short opera written by Mozart makes fun of opera singers. It features two sopranos and a tenor (the Impressario) who hires opera singers as they compete for his attentions. Accompanist provided. Piano must be available at the facility. $600
If your school has trouble funding these performances, contact Boces by clicking on the Boces logo below.
If you would like your school to participate in
the mainstage performances, please call mainstage
school performance coordinator, Angela Usobiaga at
(914) 747-2408.
If you would like your school to participate in
any of the in-school programs, please call our
in-school outreach coordinator, Susan Grunthal at
(914) 244-1159 and set up a date.
Pictures by
some of our mainstage attendees:
Musetta
in La
Bohème
Lindoro
sings to Rosina in Barber of
Seville
Click to
play video about Taconic Opera's performance of
Many Moons in Bedford
