Tag Archives: Opera Education

Hawaii Opera Theatre Music in our Schools Month

#HOTSpeaks: Music Connects Us

March is officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as Music In Our Schools Month.  NAfME has challenged educational organizations to share how “Music Connects” them to their students and communities. In this month’s #HOTSpeaks, we’re sharing how the HOT Education team connects us to communities throughout the state.

Last week, Waikele Elementary School sixth graders performed an opera they created  through a HOT School Residency Program. Residency programs are the most immersive program that HOT Education offers. The program brings HOT’s education staff into a school to lead students and teachers through the process of producing and performing an opera. In Waikele Elementary’s case, the students produced the opera from scratch.

“The students create the script, the students create the props, the students create the costumes, and we work directly with the artists in residency through Hawaii Opera Theatre to create the music,” Waikele Principal Sheldon Oshio said. Waikele Elementary School has partnered with HOT for 12 years, and Sheldon has been Principal for seven of those years.

Each year’s production is different. This year, the school integrated the students’ history lessons with the opera. With the title The Keepers, the original opera takes the students on a journey from the Great Wall of China to meetings with various key historical figures, such as Confucius and Socrates, to learn more about different civilizations.

Hawaii Opera Theatre Residency Program

Waikele Elementary School second and third grade students performed “The Keepers” on March 16, 2018, culminating their HOT Education Residency Program.

Sheldon said the teachers have noticed a greater interest in regular curriculum studies when the students are engaged through the opera production. He also noticed that the music education program could improve performance and achievement in core academic activities for nontraditional students, such as those with learning disabilities. But most of all, the school makes the choice to bring the program back year after year, Sheldon said, because it brings the school or grade level together.

“Through the program, the students gain a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration,” he said. “All of the students’ voices are all being heard. Everyone is on an equal playing field in putting this production together.”

In past years the school has created various operas with different curricular concepts. A couple years ago, they wrote a D.A.R.E. opera along with the Honolulu Police Department to help teach decision-making and drug resistance. And before that, the school wrote an opera that HOT has adapted and taken on for this year’s annual Opera Express touring show, which is performed at schools throughout the state.

“We feel that it was very complimentary to the students and the grade level for Hawaii Opera Theatre to come back and ask to use the production No More Mr. Bad Wolf for the road show,” Sheldon said. “That was really touching for the kids and the staff.”

Participants in HOT’s Residency Programs also have the opportunity to experience a backstage tour and a professional grand opera at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall, plus a visit from HOT Opera Express.

HOT Backstage Tour

Waikele Elementary Students learn more about props from HOT Prop Master Rick Romer during their backstage tour of Donizetti’s The Daughter of the Regiment. Backstage Tours are a part of each HOT Residency Program.

After years of watching students produce operas with HOT, Waikele Elementary School administration approved funding for the construction of a new fine arts stage in the school. Construction for the stage begins this summer, and HOT Education staff are serving on the project’s advisory committee.

Through the experience of HOT’s residency productions, HOT is connected with schools and students throughout Hawaii. And, in turn, the schools and students connect with their own community through each production.

“The experience is something inspiring, I think,” Sheldon said. “Our students should feel proud that they reach a larger community.”

View more photos from the Waikele Elementary School Residency Production here.

For more information on HOT’s Education programs, click here. To book a program for your students, contact HOT Director of Education Erik Haines by phone at 808-596-7372 or email e_haines@hawaiiopera.org.

To make a donation in support of HOT’s Education programs, click here. 

Photos – HOT Opera Express: No More Mr. Bad Wolf

Enjoy these images from HOT’s Opera Express production of No More Mr. Bad Wolf at the historic Hawaii Theatre! Toi, toi, toi to our performers, audience volunteers, and the HOT Education Team for making us laugh and teaching us that we can always make the choice to be good!

Each year, Opera Express takes a condensed family-friend opera to schools and venues throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The 2017/2018 touring show is No More Mr. Bad Wolf, which follows the Big Bad Wolf through story book land as he discovers he can be a hero rather than a villain. The show includes talented singers, live piano accompaniment, a set, costumes, props, audience participation, and more!

Bring Opera to your school! Please call or e-mail for availability. E-mail e_haines@hawaiiopera.org to join the Education Mail List.

Macbeth at Niu Valley Middle School

Gallery: Niu Valley Middle Summer Residency

Students in HOT Education’s Residency Productions do it all! They build props, design sets, put together costumes, dance, act, and (of course) sing!

Niu Valley Middle school students wowed audiences when they performed Macbeth on July 28, 2017.

 

HOT Education’s Opera Residencies transform a school, grade level or participating classrooms into an Opera Production Company. The Opera Residency has become an annual learning program for the schools, and its success shows. The program is a great interactive tool for integrating arts into your curriculum through the art of opera. In addition to its foundation in literature, opera offers multiple opportunities for tie-ins to math and other core subjects. The program can be a great complement to Core Curriculum goals.

Video: Niu Valley Middle School Residency Trailer

HOT Education is making music with students at Niu Valley Middle School this summer. Incoming 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are producing the beloved opera Verdi’s Macbeth, which will be performed at Niu Valley Middle School on Wednesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. Enjoy this trailer for the upcoming production!

Happy #MakeMusicDay from Hawaii Opera Theatre! from Hawaii Opera Theatre on Vimeo.

The production is an extension of HOT’s Residency Program, which turns a school, grade level or participating classrooms into an Opera Production Company.  Students sing, create props and sets, and produce other elements of the opera before performing it before a live audience. The Opera Residency has become an annual learning program for the schools, and its success shows.

HOT Education’s Summer Opera Residency at Niu Valley Middle School

HOT’s Education Team led an energetic group of keiki this past June through an intensive Opera Residency program!

The Students were guided in all aspects of creating an opera, from costuming, set design, staging, & performing Aida for a live audience!

HOT Education Residency: Aida from Hawaii Opera Theatre on Vimeo.

Learn more about all of our HOT Education programs online today.

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Now Casting for the Opera Express

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ALL ABOARD THE HOT OPERA EXPRESS!!!

We are now casting for the HOT Education Opera Express touring show for the 2015-2016 season. The program, which runs intermittently throughout the school year, takes a keiki-friendly opera to schools & groups around the state.

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Singers will need to be available during schools hours (M-F, 7:15am-3:00) and are paid per performance. If interested, please contact Blythe Kelsey at b_kelsey@hawaiiopera.org for more information.

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Hawaii Opera Theatre’s ‘Opera for Everyone’ Returns For The Flying Dutchman

Honolulu, HI Hawaii Opera Theatre’s (HOT) Education Program will once more bring Opera for Everyone (OFE) to the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall for the Final Dress Rehearsal of The Flying Dutchman on February 11, 2015 at 7:00pm. 

Since 1991, HOT’s Opera for Everyone Program has offered students from elementary through high school and college classes (24 and under) the opportunity to enjoy the live opera experience for $7 at the Final Dress Rehearsal of each production. Teachers and others working with Hawaii’s youth may reserve seating for the final full orchestra dress rehearsal. HOT also extends this offer to families interested in attending OFE.

The Flying Dutchman has captivated audiences for over a century and has been the inspiration in countless popular culture references including the cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants, the best-selling Twilight Series, and the film franchise, The Pirates of the Caribbean. This classica Wagner opera tells the tale of a legendary ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, captained by a man simply known as the Dutchman, who is cursed to wander the sea.  His only chance at redemption comes once every seven years. If the Dutchman can find a wife that will be true to him, then he shall be set free of his curse.

Imported from the Glimmerglass Festival in New York, HOT’s production of The Flying Dutchman features the same star-studded cast as the original, including Bass-Baritone Ryan McKinny (The Dutchman), Soprano Melody Moore (Senta), and Hawaii’s second son, Tenor Jay Hunter Morris (Erik), who was last seen here during the 2013-14 Opera Season’s production of Turandot. This production will be sung in German, with English translations projected above the stage.

To learn more about Opera for Everyone and to download the Student Group and Family Brochures, visit http://www.hawaiiopera.org/education-outreach/student-dress-rehearsals/

For more information about HOT’s Education & Outreach Program, please contact Erik D. Haines, Director of Education, at e_haines@hawaiiopera.org. For Tickets to Opera for Everyone, please contact Blythe Kelsey, Education Coordinator, at b_kelsey@hawaiiopera.org or by calling (808) 596-7372. The deadline to register is Feb. 9, 2015.

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Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Through 3 productions annually in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, HOT offers opera to over 14,000 residents and visitors each season, thereby increasing the public’s awareness and exposure to opera s a multi-media art form.

Directed by Artistic Director, Henry G. Akina, and Executive Director, Simon Crookall, HOT partners with the Hawaii Symphony to provide the orchestra. Auditions to cast principal roles are generally held in NY, and attract singers from the mainland, Europe, and Asia. The Opera Chorus is a local volunteer organization.

Hawaii Opera Theatre presents “It’s a Grand Night for Singing”

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Honolulu, Hawaii Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT) presents “It’s a Grand Night for Singing,” a Concert featuring Soprano Jill Gardner and Baritone Jake Gardner on August 20 & 21 at 700p in the HOT Rehearsal Hall.

Described by Opera News as having an “effortlessly produced, rich voice,” Soprano Jill Gardner returns to Hawaii, where she was last seen on stage with Hawaii Opera Theatre in the 2012-2013 Season Finale of Tosca, her signature role. Known in performances around the world, Baritone Jake Gardner is sought after for his singing and acting ability.  Mr. Gardner starred in HOT’s 2011 production of La Traviata.

The Gardners are here in Hawaii to work with members of the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, a program offered through HOT’s Education & Outreach.  Select singers from the Orvis Opera Studio have been chosen to participate.  The singers receive coaching and will take part in the concerts featuring performances by the Gardners.

Founded in 1998 by HOT’s Artistic Director, Henry Akina, the Mae S. Orvis Opera Studio provides training and performance experiences, which include classes and seminars in movement, musical style, language, repertoire coaching and vocal master classes.  In the past year, HOT has brought to Hawaii Grammy Award-Winning Soprano Sylvia McNair, San Francisco Opera’s Mark Morash, and Conductor Tim Shaindlin for master classes and vocal & performance coaching.

Members of the studio have gone on to be cast in HOT performances and productions with companies around the world.  Of note, Quinn Kelsey, a Native Hawaiian Baritone and former Orvis Opera Studio participant has received rave reviews for his performance in the title role of the English National Opera’s new presentation of Verdi’s classic, Rigoletto.

“It’s a Gand Night for Singing” is a free event offered by HOT and will be held August 20 & 21, 2014, starting at 7pm in the Hawaii Opera Theatre Rehearsal Hall, located at 780 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI  96813.

Both on street and limited parking are available at Hawaii Opera Plaza (848 S. Beretania Street).  Seating is limited.  Please call 808-596-7372 to RSVP.

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Since 1961, Hawaii Opera Theatre (HOT), formerly a division of the Honolulu Symphony Society and incorporated in 1980, has served to enhance the quality of life in Hawaii by presenting opera performances of the highest standards, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.  Through four productions annually in the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, HOT offers opera to almost 18,000 residents and visitors each season thereby increasing the public’s awareness and exposure to opera as a multi-media art form.   

HOT’s educational programs for youth serve as both catalyst and active participant in the artistic education of Hawaii’s youth.  Opera for Everyone provides a special performance of each opera for a large and enthusiastic audience of students.  Resident Ensemble takes operas specially adapted operas, into elementary and middle schools with special tours to all neighbor islands.  HOT’s Mini Residency program takes our education and production staff members into an elementary school to work with students and teachers to compose an opera production centered around curriculum components.   Adult education is offered with Opera Highlights, a non-credit course at the University of Hawaii; Opera Previews, at the Honolulu Academy of Arts; pre-performance Lanai Lectures on the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall lanai; and other presentations at stores or shopping centers.

Led by Artistic Director, Henry Akina, and Executive Director Simon Crookall, HOT partners with the Hawaii Symphony.  Auditions are held, generally in NY, to cast principal roles from mainland, European, Asian and local singers.  The Opera Chorus is a local volunteer organization.

Media Contact:  Jason M.A. Walter | 808-596-7372 ext. 211 | j_walter@hawaiiopera.org

OPERAtunities with HYOC

Screen shot 2014-02-14 at 11.13.30 AMThe Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus is holding open auditions for OPERAtunities, a high -level summer theatre program, for boys and girls grades 4-12. Unique among theatre programs, OPERAtunities give students an appreciation of Hawaii’s history, culture and music through the production of a youth opera.

During this three week intensive workshop, participants perform with a live orchestra, develop proper vocal techniques and dramatic acting skills, and learn about costuming, stage make-up, and prop construction.

Eligibility

  • Students who are entering grades 4-12 during the Fall 2014 semester are eligible for this program.

Tuition

  • Tuition is $600.00 which includes all workshops, rehearsals, performances, costuming and makeup.

Auditions

  • March 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2014. Call 521-2982 for auditioin times.

Rehearsals Performances

  • June 9 – June 28, 2014, June 27 and 28, 2014 / Monday – Friday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm / University of Manoa, Music Department / Show times and location TBA

For more information call 521-2982 or visit www.hyoc.org.

Highlights of The Mikado Tour on Kauai

The HOT Education & Outreach Team works hard year-round to share our award-winning Opera Education Programs to people across the islands!  This past week the Team took The Mikado Tour to the island of Kauai as a part of the Opera Express.

All of this is made possible through HOT’s fundraising efforts that includes generous supports from our HOT Members, Foundations, and Grants awarded to the organization.

Check out these wonderful highlights of the cast, made of up Members of the Mae Z. Orvis Opera Studio, as they get ready Behind-the-Scenes and awed Kauai students on stage!