Young students enjoy free educational performances before
the Opera's big show at PAC. 

[view:node_ad=5]As part of the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center's
(PAC) ongoing K-12 arts education outreach program, fourth- and fifth-grade
students at Tesoro del Valle Elementary School were treated to a pair of
educational assemblies featuring performances from members of the Los Angeles
Opera.

 

Designed to help instill an appreciation for opera in the
students, the assemblies – which featured performances by two LA Opera members
and an accompanist, musical themed instruction and a variety of on-stage
activities incorporating students- kept the young audiences interested and
involved.

 

"Teachers, students and parents were all thoroughly engaged
and entertained with operatic stories," said Monique Loving, vice president of
programs for the Tesoro del Valle Elementary PTA.
"The performers were fantastic! We were thrilled to be able to bring such a
wonderful assembly to our school. I commend the LA Opera for designing such a
remarkable assembly program to spark young children's interest in opera."

 

The PAC's K-12 arts education outreach program seeks to use
the college's vast cultural and community resources to expose students to the
visual and performing arts, while also collaborating with teachers and
administrators in school districts throughout the area to develop an enhanced
arts education curriculum, and a variety of unique educational opportunities
for all students.

 

Shortly after the Tesoro del Valle performances, the LA
Opera members visited Newhall and Helmers
Elementary Schools to perform six
additional outreach assemblies for students on those campuses. The LA Opera
outreach performances are funded in part by grants from the California Arts
Council and the Found Penny Foundation, and through partnership with the Tesoro
del Valle Elementary PTA.

 

The series of special performances is being held in
conjunction with LA Opera's upcoming performance of "Figaro's American
Adventure," 2 p.m., Saturday, January
31, on the PAC main stage. For tickets please call the PAC box office at (661)
362-5304 or visit www.canyonspac.com.

 

"We're thrilled to be able to help provide these special
performances and outreach activities to schools across the Santa Clarita
Valley," said Adam Philipson, PAC managing director. "Exposing students to a
range of professional artists and performances is an all important part of the
PAC's arts education outreach program."