Music! Words! Opera!

Students at Irwin Park Elementary School, in West Vancouver, perform their opera Momotaro.

An Integrated Curriculum-based Program

Research has shown that students learn more effectively when subjects are presented in an integrated format. M!W!O! inspires teachers to blend learning in multiple disciplines, establishing links among language arts, literature, social studies and fine arts.

How the program works:

Inspired and prepared by Vancouver Opera’s workshop, teachers guide the M!W!O! process as their students learn about the structure of the art form by studying a great work of opera (Madama Butterfly, Hansel and Gretel, The Barber of Seville) in its various academic, artistic and musical contexts. Students then work to create and produce their own opera (5-45 minutes long). In a step-by-step program they generate ideas for plots, write the libretto and the music, make staging decisions, design and create sets, and ultimately perform their work. Working with professional artist mentors, students participate in a success-oriented project that builds self-esteem through teamwork, creativity, problem solving, and risk-taking.

Vancouver Opera’s Role:

Vancouver Opera provides an intensive, no-cost, 3-day summer training workshop for teachers. During the school year, participating schools receive classroom visits from professional composers, artists, stage directors and set designers. Students are invited to attend dress rehearsals for a mainstage production. Professional development opportunities for teachers continue throughout the year.

Be as ambitious as you like:

You choose your own level of involvement. Vancouver Opera will support you whether your goals are small or big, one classroom or the whole school, a five minute opera performed in a classroom workshop or a 45-minute epic performed in a theatre with lights, sets, costumes and makeup. It’s all about the process and what students learn along the way.

What it costs:

Except for a nominal fee for curriculum materials, this program is provided at no cost to schools through the generous support of Odlum Brown Limited.

2009 M!W!O! Workshop Brochure
2009 M!W!O! Workshop Registration Form
2009-10 M!W!O! Partnership Plan

Sponsored By: