Meredith Mooney

“Opera Alive: Song, Story, Art” is designed to help fifth grade students connect with true stories from American history by using the stories to compose original one-act operas. Incorporating visual arts, each class will write a libretto, make staging decisions, and finally orchestrate the opera using Orff instruments. During the process, students will conduct research by conducting a virtual interview with local music professionals as well as historical research. By doing so, the students will find the true stories they want to bring to life. Technology will be used to notate and “test” music during the creative process as well as record video of the completed projects. This innovative project will bring history to life for the students, helping them make deep connections with the material. The project will also teach several different Texas curriculum standards in social studies, English/language arts, music, and art.