Podcasts to give you a bit of background!

This podcast is an introduction to the genre of Opera.
click here to listen to the Introduction to Opera podcast

This podcast introduces the ideas behind writing a libretto
click here to listen to The Libretto Writing Podcast

This podcast focuses on The Chorus and different theatre techniques.
Listen to The Directors Podcast by clicking here!

This podcast focuses on the elements of design within opera.
Listen to The Design Podcast by clicking here!

Off we go!

So Great to be at the school today. Cathy and I could not stop marveling at the school itself but moreover, Michael and his fab class. We are excited and very much looking forward to January!
Deann

ps. Hey look at me just a bloggin' away! See Zoe? whew!

Things to think about

QUESTIONS FOR CLASS:

What's really important to you?

What do you want your opera about?

what do you like most/least about opera?

What do you want to accomplish in doing this project?

We love the focus of your class! Brilliant!

Do you read music? what skill level?

Grade 8 male choir!!!??

After 8 weeks you will have:

• 10 min opera
• you will write the libretto
• collaboratively write the music
• take on choral and character positions
• perform music
• create and design your own props and set and costume

A the end who would you like to perform for? where would you like to perform?

Schedule

Jan. 15 - both
Jan. 22 - Cathy
Jan 29 - Deann -this date needs to be changed - Michael and Deann can figure out what will work best for them.
Feb 5 - both
Feb 12 - both
Feb 19 - design with Andrew W.
Feb 26 - both
Mar 5 - both

Goals and Themes

95% from the neighbourhood of St. James Town

interested in gangs, living,

grade 7/8 split division

pay check to pay check

New Canadians making a better life

Please create name tags for your kids! and please send a class list in advance. (send this via email)

Mr. Ryan will need to keep track of 'who goes where' like a Stage Manager

Hello I'm Michael

I'm learning.

Map to School

View Larger Map

Michael Ryan grade 7/8
444 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X 1K2
416-393-5221 (Phone) 416-393-5806 (Fax)

The Preliminary Meeting

Welcome to your Create-an-Opera blog. Using this blog, the team will be able to remain in contact and stay in tune with what is happening in your program.

Please take some time to read the instructions for using the blog. They are posted in the File Sharing section on the right side bar. Their are instructions for signing in to the blog, an opera glossary, computer lingo and a photo release form for your students. It is important to familiarize yourself with these tools to ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible. If you require any help with these digital elements - do not hesitate to get in touch with me and I will walk you through whatever you need!

Labeling your post is very important as it allows your reader to search your posts by topic. Use limited keywords that will help someone find information. (for example a name or descriptor of the message: Cathy, libretto, assignment) Posts that involve computer resources or training will be under the label 'Digital Ed'

Also in the File Sharing is a document called Create-an-Opera Teacher Resource. Please have a look through this before our preliminary meeting. We'll see you on Dec 16th, at 9am for the first meeting!

Thanks,
z